Actually, his friend Titcomb is called “Bobby.” That can be a clue. I know personally that gays all use diminutives when talking about each other. It’s never “Bob,” its “Bobby,” it’s never “John,” it’s “Johnny.” Probably their obsession with youth and youths. One day, someone will tell me why they are obsessed with beagle dogs. I shudder thinking about it...
Yes, you are absolutely right. It is “Bobby”, not “Bob. Slip of my memory.