[Some of those statements surprise Rethe a little. He had always seen Josh as somebody who was used to being in the spotlight, and carried himself around other people with ridiculous ease.]

Well, I don't know, but...

[Should he? Yeah, okay. Reaching out to put a hand on Josh's arm. A reassuring gesture, he hopes.]

I think you kind of deserve it? I mean, you're a really nice guy. It's only natural that people would want to get to know you, or even pay attention to you.