Vinnie flashed her an encouraging smile; that's what he wanted to hear.

"Attagirl. Look, the secret to bein' brave doesn't hafta do with how well you show faces. It's standin' up for what you think is right - and that includes your feelings.

"Don't smile cuz people say you should. Smile cuz you're happy. Do it for youself, t'hell what everyone else thinks. Doesn't matter if other people're stronger than you, cuz once you've got the self-confidence, you'll get stronger too."

That was his bold nature talking, but that's what Vinnie lived by. He was only vaguely aware of how odd it was to be giving food advice.