Mark Arbour - Stories

World War I is coming to an end, but for two men, both former soldiers, peace means a return to their separate homes and their separate lives.

When Travis Buck becomes famous for playing golden boy Jackson Pryce in the TV hit Palisades, the role begins to consume him. Off screen, he hides trauma, addiction, and a secret relationship with his best friend, Will Schluter — while his co-star Ken “Kendo” Dolan lures him deeper into self-destruction. As Travis’s real life mirrors Jackson’s unraveling, fame, love, and control collide. Forced into isolation to survive, he must decide whether to keep performing the perfect life everyone expects — or risk everything to be real.

Travisty is a story about identity, survival, and the cost of being seen.

Tim, an honor student from Los Gatos, grapples with heartbreak and self-reflection after being ghosted by Thet, a closeted blue-collar guy from South St. Louis. As Tim wrestles with anger and confusion, a dinner with his grandmother leads to a powerful coming-out moment. Their heartfelt exchange helps Tim process past trauma with his father and recognize the secrecy and pain others around him carry. When he later spots Thet out with a girl, he sees through the act—and instead of lashing out, reaches out with unexpected compassion, hoping Thet will one day accept who he is.

Two daddies and two twinks go on a cruise. Devon and his boyfriend Roger plan a cruise to get away and enjoy some time together. While boarding they meet Keller, who is traveling with his estranged boyfriend Jason. While on board they discover the true strengths and weaknesses of their relationships.

The second installment of the Bridgemont Series starts in 1793. George Granger has been promoted to Lieutenant.

The story continues (from "Chronicles of an Academic Predator" and "1968") with a new narrator, Stefan, and a new era. This story is set in 1973-74, a period of history that is noted for events such as the Yom Kippur War, the Arab Oil Embargo, and Watergate. More than in past stories, economics are a big issue here, due to increasing inflation and an extended bear stock market.

This is the story of George Granger, a young aristocrat who joins the Royal Navy during the French Revolution/Napoleonic Wars. This is the first book, and tracks George as he joins his first ship in 1791

It is August of 2004, the month that the Olympics were held in Athens. Will Schluter will be there, then he'll start his freshman year at Harvard with his cousin Marie. It's a bittersweet event because the man he loves, Travis Buck, has to remain in Hollywood to work on his acting career, and they'll have to deal with being separated by thousands of miles.

Meanwhile, Will's brother JJ is firmly established in New York City, trying to deal with the inevitable challenges life throws at him, while his father Brad will face a crisis that could ruin his marriage.

The ninth story in the CAP Saga, an old box is found in the attic, and it contains some interesting information. This story is set in 1999 and in the 1940s.

The CAP saga continues...J
J and Zach: Two competitive sports, two athletes, both locked in the closet.
Wade: Rebuilding his life with Matt
Brad: Learning to be a single guy.
Will: Being Will.