IAN'S POV

　　"I didn't say that," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

　　"But if you meet someone who catches your eye, I wouldn't discourage it," he continued. "After all, you can't keep pining for someone who's not available. It'll only make you feel worse."

　　"You're right," I said, knowing he was making sense, even if I didn't want to admit it. "But it's easier said than done."

　　"I know it's not easy," he said, "but I think it's ...