Dodger

If you ask nicely, you might be able to get an upgrade.

He was Canadian, from Winnipeg, I believe, but he worked for the British during WW2 and was a close friend and advisor to Churchill and Roosevelt. He lived a fascinating life, which is well worth reading. A self-made millionaire businessman, WW1 fighter ace, and the spy who many believe to be the inspiration behind Ian Fleming’s James Bond character. Fleming was trained in espionage techniques by Stephenson at Camp X, now called Intrepid Park, close to my first school, which was named after him.

Thank you @mg777 for your comment. I can understand your frustration over the continuing saga with Robbie and Rory. We can all see how compatible they are and how well they complement each other. Rory is the steadying influence Robbie needs in his life to counter his insecurities and irrational behaviour that often get him into trouble. This will be particularly important when Robbie is finally able to access this trust fund and finds himself overwhelmed by friends he never knew he had. The boys work well together and are relaxed in each other's company, in Rory's case, sometimes a little too relaxed, but maybe there's more to this than meets the eye. Whatever happens, I think Rory has already proved that he's not totally straight. Whether that's enough, I can't reveal until the end.👿 I know your comment is tongue-in-cheek, but it's worth pointing out that although the early chapters are loosely based on my own experiences as a teenager and some of the characters are real, I'm definitely not Robbie, and The Cockney Canuck is a work of fiction.❤️

Thank you @Ggg

You make a very good point. Robbie knows Nathan is using him, but his insecurities make him stay. It was a mistake for them to get back together; even Rory can see this. He has been trying to tell Robbie this for some time.

Rory has never had a problem exposing himself and flirting with Robbie, but in this chapter, he was smart enough to recognise how his friend could misinterpret these actions. We'll see if Robbie can finally make use of his lifesaving skills.

Thank you for your kind words @zakynthos. Robbie has his faults, which he recognises. He's immature, short-tempered, and often makes the wrong decision, but he also has a lot of compassion and love in his heart. He probably deserves better than Nathan, but Rory may prove to be out of reach.

Robbie is not a team player, but of all the North American sports he has had to participate in at school, baseball is the only one he has shown any interest in. That's unsurprising considering the severe head injury he sustained. The Canadian version of American football, baseball, basketball, and, of course, ice hockey are the most popular sports among high school kids. So, if you're not seven feet tall, then baseball is by far the safest option. Oh, I forgot to mention Lacrosse 🤣 (Canada's official national sport in the summer). Despite a recent surge in popularity, Robbie's version of football (soccer) is still considered a girl's sport, and in many high schools, it's not even an option for boys. I'm not going to comment on the Rory and Robbie saga as there are still so many ways this can play out. We only know what Robbie knows, and that changes with every chapter. The thing to remember is that Rory is generally quite moral. Alas, when the curtain finally comes down on this story, there will inevitably be some avenues that are left unexplored and open to the reader's interpretation, but most of the important loose ends will be neatly tied.

Buffy was lodged headfirst in the top of the downpipe leading from the gutter over the garage with its giant fake testicles in the air. Without a ladder, it looked irretrievable, but Nathan was in panic mode, so I borrowed a pair of slacks and a hoodie from his wardrobe and went outside to assess the situation. I figured the bathroom window was our best option, and my boyfriend was just about thin enough to squeeze through the narrow opening. “I’m not climbing onto the roof. It’s too danger

The next chapter is almost ready to post.

Happy Thanksgiving, Steve. It's not snowing in Ontario. I only just put away my shorts.

Some of it is close to home. I moved to Canada at the age of fifteen, like Robbie and in similar circumstances, but I didn't have a Tom to complicate things.

Four high schools in five years. That's not easy.

Thank you @MastaMak for reading and commenting.

I'm generally late to the party, but congratulations on your promotion.

If only it were that easy.

When a guy says he likes you more than a lot, it's safe to make your move, Brandon.

This beautiful and thought-provoking short story is set in one location but covers three generations. It is a very enjoyable read.

Wild horses wouldn't have made me part with Billy's number, especially not to Bobby Jinette.

So Brandon met Ollie and Greg from the music store and made a best friend with Stevie.

You're right to be concerned. Jeff is a product of his time.

Jeff is in a downward spiral. Alcohol is no longer a luxury but something that is absolutely necessary for him to continue.

Congratulations @Ianstarlight on reading 173 chapters, and thank you for your beautifully written, insightful, and entertaining comments . They are always a joy to read.

Maybe it was wrong for Robbie to go back to Nathan. He should have learned his lesson and moved on, instead of believing in something that wasn't there.

You're right to be wary of Ginny. She's a complex character and a big influence on Nathan.