travlbug

I agree with @drpaladin: I like the flashbacks, and I particularly like that you position them at the end of each chapter. This way, while the flashback reflects on an aspect of the story (and I appreciate the additional background material), it remains it's own little story, and you are not interrupting the narrative flow to deliver it.

"Ciao, Toto." "Ciao, trouble." I love it! "'I’d like to be able to heal people,' Daniele replied, 'and make sure no-one is poor or lonely.' As an afterthought, he added, 'And stand up to bullies.'" Dani may be only 12, but his caring for others gives him a maturity beyond his years. The day at the beach is fun for Toto, but Claudia brings up the future: Michele will probably leave Ravello, so what will Toto do--especially if Michele goes on without him? Actually, despite Toto's confusion, the matching Swift pendant gives me hope that Michele is coming to terms with his feelings for Toto: The urgency with which Michele wishes to meet suggests strong emotion; and though they are not exchanging rings, I feel that Michele is, symbolically, performing the same ritual. (The urgency may even suggest that he wants to do it before he changes his mind.) I don't think it an accident that the scene with Toto and Michele, each now wearing the other's pendant, is followed by a vignette of Gianni and Angelo exchanging their love. 😊❤

Heather and Riley prove to be more mature than Davey's whole family (Bev excepted), so the group is not instantly outed at school. (Whew!) Sandy actually lies to get Davey committed. (Thank goodness that Pete is honest and that Mary Lou Hacker is not an idiot.) I don't consider a simple apology plus family counseling sufficient redress, but Sandy is otherwise unpunished...again. (May we at least slap her around a little?! Please!!!) The gang is going en masse to ASU (like a mini brain trust) so they can accomplish the time travel mission together. Their classes are suggestive, and I wonder what exactly they have in mind.

Poor Sebastian: Beatrice does not make our world easier for him to understand. (Actually, I think Edible Insanity would be something like eating Play-Doh! ) He has been invited to a gig and thinks it's a funeral. Instead, I expect the noise will WAKE the dead! I love that Pepin's weapon of choice is a feather duster, at least according to Kai. (I can imagine him wielding it in the bedroom!) And Pepin says he loves you, Kai, so what are you going to do about it?

Yes, Jett, you have informed Kyle that your family won't bite. Excellent misdirection. (Have you told him what they will do? Bwahaha! ) “You may call me Mr. Anderson.” Jett raised an eyebrow at his dad as Kyle didn’t miss a beat and responded, “It’s good to meet you too, Chris.” Vets know they have to show who's in control right away! (Down, boy!) Titan the Chihuahua--I love it! (Yoda says that "size matters not!") A lovely, boisterous dinner party, and Kyle is well received by the Andersons. (As with @pvtguy, I immediately thought of Father Knows Best, but this Anderson family is nothing like the one on radio and television: It's much more fun! [Jim Anderson (Robert Young) was an autocratic stuffed shirt. ]) Ah, another clue: Kim's "friend" is a woman and "seeing each other rips open wounds that are better off being left in the past." Shared trauma can be a basis for getting together (think of WW II vets), but in Kim's case, I think that something more is going on. (Well, duh!) Kim's rant about kids as loose canons is also as revealing as it is obscure: "In a heartbeat, one little moment that changes the course of their lives forever. There’s no running, they’re prisoners put on earth to do someone else’s bidding." So is Kim talking about her friend? Herself? Both? She returns distraught from her weekend reunion, and she may now be in a place where she is willing to reveal a bit of her secret. By the way, I love how the happiness and joie de vivre at the beginning of the chapter contrast with Kim's anguish at the end of it. Beautifully done!

After pretending to be straight for two months, Davey runs into Brian making a delivery at his home. While acknowledging that he still loves Davey, Brian tells him, "...If you want to live your life as a slave to [your family's] expectations, their goals, and their desires, that’s your prerogative. Just don’t expect me to go along for the ride." He goes further--reminds Davey that he's on a time-travel mission and has chosen Todd to assist him in the face of Davey's abandonment. He then leaves for home; and wasting another opportunity, Davey lets him. Ah, Selfish Sandy strikes again: Rather than asking Davey in private regarding his issues with Brian, she confronts him in front of his friends. (Yes, Sandy, your need for instant gratification clearly trumps your son's need for privacy in a personal matter.) Her "harping" causes him to lose his temper, and he tells the truth. (Sorry, Davey, but it's better this way.) After everything her son has done for her--after all his sacrifice--she reacts in perfect Selfish-Sandy form: As Davey notes, "...She has no problem believing I’m a ‘fucking pervert’, but she says I seduced Brian, turned him into a pervert and she’s going to warn Brenda to keep me away from him. Then she kicked me out...." Davey travels to the Breckinridge home (physically close but mentally on the other side of the galaxy) and receives Brian's forgiveness, a place to stay, and a piece of Brenda's mind for leading on the girls he's dated. I love that Pete shows up to play Bible verse ping pong with Brenda (call it a draw) but at least he leaves with respect for how Davey chooses to lead his life. While the chapter doesn't end with a typical cliffhanger, the upcoming school day may reveal additional consequences to Davey's coming out. As Todd says, "This is going to be fun."

Toto helps the widowed Marina home from church, again demonstrating that he has a good heart. Wonderful to see that, despite her religion, Marina has accepted her grandson and his partner, at least as best she can. (Love and family trump meaningless dogma.) "'Make sure you take the time to talk to his parents,' Davide put in. 'I know if two older boys turned up wanting to take my twelve-year-old son out for the day, I’d want to at least speak with them first.'" Father does know best. On the one hand, we see the love of parent and child in Davide's words. Then, we see Enzo being arrested, presumably for beating up his father. The contrast is both stark and sad. (That said, Enzo's backstory is heartbreaking, and the beating given to the father may actually have been in self defense. ) If the theme of family and relationships were not already abundantly clear, Toto and Michele then talk about playing Dad, Big Brother, or Uncle to Dani, a boy whose face could "melt hearts." When Toto asks Dani about Milan, the boy says that the shops are "brilliant" but doesn't even mention missing a friend. "Daniele turned his eyes on Toto and asked, innocently, 'How long have you liked Michele? ...I think it’s sad that the two of you aren’t together.'" Is Dani unusually sensitive? Does he have gaydar, with its implications? Or is Toto indiscreet? Regardless, the boy is sympathetic to Toto's plight. It may be too early to say that Dani is gay, but the pink and lavender shirts he favors may also be a clue. (Yes, I'm stereotyping! ) Horrors! Michele is seen in the presence of a girl! Yet, on parting, there is no hug or kiss, merely a wave. (Toto, don't jump to conclusions, at least not yet....)

While I agree that Sean is still screwed up (who wouldn't be after his experiences?), he admits that he hates his parents and will leave home when he reaches 18. Further, he and Brandon are bonding as a couple and "playing around": He remains true to himself (though asking for forgiveness later [something Brandon may help him to cure! 😊]). Davey is almost the opposite of Sean: Through love of his mother (however misplaced), he decides to hide his true nature, with devastating results. (One hates his parents and remains true to himself, where the other loves his parents and denies his true nature. [I love the contrast!]) While both characters have a ways to go, Sean is getting there much faster.

After seeming to come out, Davey diverts the conversation and avoids confessing his sexual orientation. In fact, he wins a concession, with Sandy agreeing that Sean can visit. Yet, how does Davey decide to build on this victory? He doesn't! Rather, he backpedals and tells Brian, "We can be friends, but nothing more. She can’t have any reason to suspect us." (Actually, Davey, she doesn't suspect you now, so doing what you've been doing should be fine: Demoting Brian to "friend" status is not only unnecessary but certain to build a barrier between you.) Why does Davey feel compelled to sever romantic links with Brian? "It’d kill my mother...if she knew." Brian, of course, provides the appropriate counterargument, saying "...It’s wrong for you to put your life on hold for your mother and sister.” Unfortunately, Davey is once again in full doormat mode (I really dislike this nonsensical attitude) and makes even more grandiose plans to date women as a shield. On hearing of Davey's craziness, Mrs. B. asks Brian, "Did you tell him how messed up that was and how much heartache it could cause?" Todd is less tactful: "You should be over there telling him he’s being an idiot!" (The jury is in: The only one who agrees with Davey's approach is Davey.) Davey has, in truth, dumped Brian as a lover but hopes that--maybe in a few years--he can reclaim Brian romantically. When Todd points out the reality (admittedly using inflammatory language), Davey becomes so angry that he hits Todd (showing how emotional the issue remains for him): He denies that he has dumped Brian ("that's not what I did"), presumably thinking that, if he intends to get back together, it's not really dumping. The chapter leaves their relationship in shambles, and Davey remains intransigent. (How did our Davey become so stupid?)

"It’s about damn time you took responsibility for your mistakes." While Pete says this about David, Sr., I couldn't help but think of how it applies to "Selfish Sandy," the woman who almost destroys Davey's life for her own comfort's sake. (When David, Sr. says that she "put the needs of the kids first…," I had to laugh.) That said, David, Sr. provides an apology that lays the groundwork for a possible reconciliation. Sean's back! I thought he would prove much harder to win over, but considering how starved for friendship he must be, he is readily drawn into Brian and Davey's circle. (I love how the story construction goes from the apology given to Sandy to the apologies given to Sean.) Sandy, now it's your turn to owe an apology, after showing your blatant prejudice against gays and insulting both Sean and Brenda, not to mention your own son (who has just inadvertently outed himself)! You have a lot to lose, so be careful indeed with the next few words that come out of your mouth!

Toto is filling the role of a champion: First, he comes to Daniele's rescue, and second, he helps Michele to address his fear of heights. (He is also able to act as a sounding board for when Michele reveals Anthony's unwanted advances.) Michele may not be gay, but he certainly feels comfortable touching Toto, despite knowing that Toto is gay. (At a minimum, he trusts Toto, but it's too early to know if his touch means more than friendship.) The blond-haired boy turns out to be 12, so he is not, after all, a possible boyfriend. (Of course, if the boy is gay and falls for his champion, then Toto will need to be careful--let him down easy--in a way which will preserve a more brotherly friendship.) Still, the interactions between Daniele and Toto may remind Michele of how nice a young man Toto really is. So who is Michele meeting on Wednesday? One thing I'm sure of, Toto: It's not what you think! 😊

A trip back to Ravello! So glad to meet up with old friends and, once again, enjoy the slow pace of life and natural beauty of the Italian countryside. Sad to see that Toto's love remains unrequited. Perhaps it will take a "younger blond boy" to make Michele realize what he stands to lose.... (Just a wild guess. If Michele is truly straight, Toto would never ask more of him than friendship--and maybe to take off his shirt once in a while. ) Another reason why Toto should have good karma: He likes anchovies! (Save some for me!)

"Jett was used to the annoying high pitched squeal of the toy, but a few of his fellow co-workers shot him a dirty look, especially when Bruce bit down rapidly, increasing the annoyance factor tenfold." Actually, Bruce knows what he's doing. 😂 "You would think that a person would look forward to seeing an old friend." Another clue! Kim's "friend" may not be a friend at all; but why else meet with someone year after year? Further, her refusal to bring Tater Tot may suggest that the visit could be dangerous for him. Oooh! Altered birth certificate, secret adoptions. Everyone Jett knows is enmired in some sort of mystery! (Bruce, come clean. 😁) Kyle's orgasm gives new meaning to "Jett propulsion." 😆😂😏 At least, Jett and Kyle's relationship is clear and unambiguous; and I love that Kyle has been invited to meet Jett's parents. (No matter how old you are, some rights of passage remain the same!) 😊

Is it possible to be a hypocrite if you make money gambling in one timeline and then, in another, accuse someone who does the same thing of being "wrong?" (It must be maddening for Brian to know that Davey is being hypocritical without being able to call him on it! ) "Things would have worked out, you know. I had that job at the cannery and now Mom won’t even let me think about working. She wants me to study and do sports and all that stuff. That’s what you wanted, wasn’t it?" Yes, Davey, Brian wants you to have a normal childhood and a happy life: He must be a monster. For the present Davey, issues are more black and white than in prior timelines (possibly as a consequence of fundamentalist overdosing), and he views the lottery win as cheating. Despite Brian explaining that "with it [lottery winnings], we’re going to change the world, make it a better place," Davey responds, "But how does that justify it?" (Really?) While Brian ultimately makes Davey understand the need for huge sums to exert influence, it is not clear that Davey accepts the reasoning. (Understanding and acceptance are two different things). Though Davey feels that the lottery win is a cheat, he has no difficulty in defending it against his father. "Dad, you don’t deserve half the money": Davey may not be happy with how his mother obtains her millions, but he's going to make sure that she retains them! (After all, she comes by the cheat honestly! 😂)

A clue! Perhaps she's on the run from something. Or maybe she's being blackmailed! (I can hear @kbois cackling in the background at my meager attempts to figure it out! )

Hmmm. Both Kim and Kyle seem to know each other, but Kyle's low-grade reaction suggests that a.) their association took place in the long past (as he seems to recognize her only vaguely), b.) he's a better actor than Kim is (and underplays his recognition of her), and/or c.) he is not the person Kim recognizes (rather, he reminds her of one of his relatives). Of course, I could be completely wrong, but it's fun to try to guess ahead!

Dog slobber vs little girl snot: The jury's still out! 😂😂😂 "...My most complicated patient was a cat that got into a jar of jalapenos. Cats don’t normally eat them. ...Butterbutt didn’t get the memo." Oh, the humanity...or not…. 😏 (Here in So Cal, one of my favorite snacks is jalapeno poppers--jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and then deep fried. So good!!!) Kim is a troubled soul, but it's unclear if her troubles are old, continuous, or imminent. Unfortunately, people in mystery novels who do not reveal their issues tend to expire, leaving the detective in the dark. Hopefully, Kim's fate will be less grim.

Yay, Sean is coming back! Brian will have to do some major groveling! (Hopefully, Sean has yet to be sent to a "conversion" camp; but in the last timeline, his parents made their move in 1985, and it is presently 1986. While this Sean may merely have an inferiority complex [being thrown into the garbage will do that to you], he might, by this point, have been tortured and brainwashed into an altered personality.) Davey's life-sucking family once again rears its ugly head, and all his plans come crashing down. (Of course, Davey refuses to help himself by finding alternative solutions: For unclear reasons, he feels that he's doing his best by his [selfish] mom and sister whenever he allows them to use him as a doormat.) Even Pete sees what his "idiot" daughter is costing Davey, but neither he nor the Breckinridge parents can think of a reasonable plan to stop the trainwreck. "'I don’t understand it.' Davey admitted softly. 'How two men can love each other the way you obviously love me, or him, or both of us, I don’t understand.'" After seeming to accept his relationship with Brian, Davey shows that he hasn't lost his internalized homophobia after all. So what does this mean for Brian and Davey's relationship going forward, especially if Davey thinks he's going to hell if he doesn't repent? (Further, his concern for what his family members might think again confirms his lack of emotional maturity. I hate to say this, Davey, but if your family tosses you out on the streets, such that you have to stay with the Breckinridges, it would be the best thing that ever happened to you!) Ah, while Pete and the Breckinridge parents could not provide a true plan to save Davey, Brian pursues another tact; and suddenly, Sandy's a multimillionaire! Now for the big question: Can money actually fix Davey's issues?

If you ever need to recount your time travel experiences, remember to do it over Chinese food! 😋 Davey's family has burdened him with homophobia, internalized to the point where he is unsure if he can be part of an ongoing gay relationship. (He can't help but feel it's "wrong.") Some folk take decades to deal with this kind of mental abuse, so we shouldn't be surprised at Davey's difficulty in accepting gay love (as opposed to gay sex). That said, with the passage of time, he seems to become more comfortable with Brian and their relationship, though I'm concerned that this comfort is superficial-- hasn't reached his core quite yet. (Earlier in the chapter, the author takes pains to demonstrate how difficult a gay relationship would be for Davey but then uses the rest of the chapter to show how easy it's been for him. I can't help but suspect that we're being set up!)

Humor is an important part of a healthy relationship, and it's no surprise that Jett and Kyle--cop and vet--share a taste for the evil humor promoted by their professions. (Sickos, but compatable sickos! 😂) So far, our hopeful romantics have eaten at the local restaurants but have yet to go home for "dessert." (Yes, Kyle, are your ears burning? 😉) So, Jett, here's the deal: Invite Kyle for a home-cooked meal, and he'll already be there for some after-dinner dalliance. Bwahaha!

Beware those honey-hazel eyes! 😂 We know that Jett is 28, but a vet can be almost any age: So how old is Kyle?

"Don’t get me wrong, we’ll always love you, but you have to know we’re disappointed in you over this whole mess, and you’ve hurt Davey." I agree that Mr. B. phrases his statement poorly: On the surface, despite hearing what Brian has said to the Ellsworths, he appears to be blaming Brian for the crisis that Marcie precipitates. Of course, Dad has yet to realize that this Brian is a time traveler who has nothing to do with the situation, and I think he is trying to use the "mess" as a teaching moment: He is chiding the earlier Brian (who no longer exists) for being irresponsible enough that Marcie could put him into this position and hurt Davey in the process. Stated another way, he is trying to make his son act more responsibly but ends up with a size 13 foot in his mouth.

On hearing about Marcie's supposed pregnancy, Davey bolts: Does he put his belief in Brian (as opposed to the mastermind behind his slit tires, egged car, and address fiasco)? Rather than support his boyfriend, he acts as if Brian is truly the father: "Davey had left...as soon as he could leave. He hadn’t spoken to me at all, and I saw the hurt look on his face, like he’d been betrayed…." Davey is lacking in emotional maturity; and sadly, he proves it here by running away. In contrast, when Brian tells Trevor and Brandon about "...what was going on with Marcie...both of them were outraged, and promised to support me if I needed their help." I love Brian's description of Marcie's sexual liaisons: It's clear that she's had the slut-brand assortment pack. "Brian, just marry me and we won’t have to worry about any of this…." Right, Marcie, why worry about little things like paternity testing? (Do you honestly think Brian is that stupid? Oh, wait, he was in the original timeline.) Ah, Katie explains that Brian can't possibly be the father and that the whole family is in on the deception. (For the Ellsworths, fraud is a bonding exercise. The Dad is even a better actor than Marcie. ) The chapter becomes pivotal as the boys' relationship becomes known to the Breckinridges (well, they already knew) and as Brian reveals to his parents and Davey that he is a time traveler. Stopping the Dhu Ghal nuke may be the primary reason for the Do Over, but it's not the only reason; and I love Davey's comment that "...we’re like star-crossed lovers who chase each other across time.” He isn't wrong.

Yes! He has to be strong enough to accept the consequences of his love, and he is nowhere near ready!

To egg Davey's car, Marcie and Mark would have to be driving around with eggs. They are, in truth, little hoodlums who are looking for trouble. Speaking of hoodlums, I wonder what punishment, if any, Marcie received for her involvement in "The Pink Paint Plot?" Supposedly, she was facing charges of her own, but I don't recall any mention of how her case was finally handled.