Canuk

Must be the hardest thing in the world to give up your children. Mine are mid 30s and it still seems weird they are not around all the time. So to be separated as teenagers.... hideous. I don't get the motive of the grandparents... trying to regain lost time with the daughter? Some sense of familial obligation? Or a religious mania? I can't believe it's for the betterment of the child...

Two peas from a pod fighting over semen stains. If JJ had wanted to come out of this looking the mature togther one, he did not send that email.to that distribution group. That makes him no better than Steph. Great writing to get us debating the feelings reactions and responses of fictional characters. Thanks. So looking forward to more!

The actions of kings and leaders with supreme power ( and wannabe sole supremos) are truly whimsical. It's as if there is no plan, just the latest thought that guides their actions. It's amazing so many of these countries achieved/ maintained greatness. Our hero did manage to negotiate his way through the court, not easy to do with such a leader seemingly without plan or purpose. Daventry's skills are better used when he's trying to out smart his enemy with facts and figures and an understanding of the rules of the game as it has historically played, however with this wannabe autocrat, it's harder, as there is no plan except, seemingly, stay in power. Great to read re our friend Mr Grainger. Many thanks.

History? Jealousy? Something more nefarious? Something has certainly upset him.... Thanks

"A little"... nope, dearest author, a lot!, a bloody lot!😁 Just when things were moving beautifully.... The promotion sounded somewhat halfhearted, tho knowing nothing of the industry, "junior copy boy" may be a good thing! Looking forward for best ever make up sex inn the very near future! Thanks

Beautiful memory of times past with a hint of sadness at what could have been....

Speaking from experience, it neither saves time nor money to " do it yourself" after a fire. Get the professionals in and in 48 hours the place will be gutted and cleaned ready for the rebuild. A business cannot be out of commission for long otherwise even loyal customers change their habits. While bloody disaster for his business, it may be the focus that brings them together. Great writing, except for the "the end" prank; that sent my blood pressure up just a tad!

The story feels like it's coming to a resolution. The characters are more about each other than themselves. Great story, thanks.

This concept that "blood" relations have priority is quite weird when you think about it. Given the grandparents didn't even know their daughter was pregnant and consequently through possibly no fault of their own they have had no contact of any sort with the child. And yet they get priority over the people who have looked after him since his mother died. Just seems weird and some how medieval.

Juggler; fate worse that death! Looks like he's find ways to overcome his Aspergers. Not completely, just chipping away at the edges...

The description of the house was great "Perhaps they're colorblind"! And I do think he was being a little unfair in his potted description of Steph!

Having /suffering from Aspergers and then having every test thrown at you.... well written characters. Thanks

Interesting lead character. He knows he's different, but doesn't know how to change or how to read people. Complex. Thanks.

Some great lines here. I like your characters, too!

Hes playing wiyh Bobby like a cat with a mouse. His interactions with Rick raise questions too....

Steph is a riot of a character! Amazing creation. Looking forward to seeing where this goes!

Hadn't seen this story until now. Loòks interesting!

Very complicated relationship, but while Aiden grows into it, and the problems grow worse, their ability and options to solve those problems also grows. Well written and v interesting! Thanks

I concede: your toys, your bed; my toys, my bed. Your toys, my bed needs invitation and careful negotiation. Reasonable request.

Just to play a bit of devil's advocacy ( some one has to among all the angels on this site) 1, apart from FFS, why? ( I don't mean defending JJ -aka the indefensible, I mean the "need for maturity") 2. Perhaps it's not trying to be 25, perhaps it's trying to live 50 (plus, ish) to the max? 3. Agree...JJ is maintenance personified.

Hmmmm, I am going to get into trouble here with a counter view: If Steph and Grand have agreed that Steph can play with who he chooses and Steph decided to have a party in a family house, JJ has two courses of action, put up with it, or move into the biggest and best hotel and sulk until he feels better. The solution of running an alarm (probably illegal) calling out the police and fire departments ( probably v sexy, but not their true line of duty) and disabling the off switch, is that act of someone who needs to grow up. Anyway. That's MPOV.... Great writing, as ever. Thanks!

Great, well written characters moving along a well constructed path to a beautiful conclusion. A great read. Thanks

That would be the "right" answer, but how these story tellers like stringing us along with all sorts of drama, I can almost guarantee it will not be smooth sailing!

"One homophobic judge"... what a telling line. Where the rule of law fails because of a person in powers irrational beliefs. And this one very small, very personal blip can destroy a person's life and future happiness. No wonder you have made your characters rract with anger and frustration. They are no longer fighting a battle that is fought with facts, but one that is emotional and based on brainwashed "gut" feelings. That his mother left when she got pregnant cutting herself off from her parents says so much about how she felt about her parents. ie that they were not suitable, so to prove that they be suitable now would require demonstrated change of heart. The interaction so far would seem that they are the same fundamentalist bigots they were 14 years ago. Thanks for writing so well! Hope you manage to create judge that doesn't believe in some mystical blood tie!

At last your characters seem to have arrived at the same place! Their conversations are quite beautiful. Thanks