My first-ever boyfriend

His name was Rickey, spelled like that.

Rickey R. lived just down on Pine St., and in that small-town-America way, our families were intertwined. My eldest brother was friends with Rickey’s stepbrother. My cousin was Rickey’s best friend. He had such a cute giggle and a shy smile, and I knew we were meant to be.

I’m pretty sure we never discussed the arrangement, but in my heart, I Knew.