Carlos Hazday

At some point in the story I have CJ order Hendrick's on the rocks. A beta reader mentioned that was proof CJ consorted with the preppy crowd while at Georgetown. Golf is about the same, something that crowd enjoys because it can help in business and politics. Considering his parents and husband play, it's about time CJ joins them. Now I gotta find him a decent set of clubs and get him a membership at a 'good' country club. I'm sure he'll run into one or two of your former students at the Washington Golf and Country Club.

@Howzat Because both you and I quoted a comment deemed too over the top, even for my stories, they have been hidden. I did read yours before it was removed. If writing is like cooking, where we toss in all sort of ingredients, political events and commentary are recurring ones with me. Anyone surprised by anything CJ says hasn't been paying attention. I've been take to task by some for CJ's gun ownership and support of the right to own one. I was trashed by someone as being one sided when he expresses support for some limits. A beta reader did not like CJ not being progressive enough and having too much of a wealthy man's attitude, and now I'm dissed for him taking our previous president to task. As someone once told me, I must be doing something right if I can manage to piss everyone off.

@Anton_Cloche Thank you. Because of the type of stories I write, GA management has graciously given me and readers a lot of leeway in the comments. It's something I try not to abuse. The initial comment and my response are currently hidden and will probably be permanently removed. I concurred wit the decision since the initial comment was over the top and my reply may have included a slight personal attack. My bad. The one constant in CJ's politcal beliefs is the importance of defending the US constitution as the basis for American democracy. I keep hoping we find a few CJ's to help straighten a lot of the wrongs we see these days.

Did you notice the word count. It keeps creeping upwards. LOL

And in return I thank you for reading and reacting. Glad you're enjoying the story.

Maybe I'll tackle it one of these days.

Maybe we can introduce the German to the Russian? Even if a bit prissy, I'm sure Jurgen's a nice guy and there's someone out there for him. Not Calum, though.

Oh, yes! We get more of him. And that's exactly what I was aiming for. CJ's dealing with older individuals now, and some will follow him and provide guidance in the future.

Not that I doubted you, but I looked. LOL Maybe it's like that (along with the other massive chapters) because it was posted so long ago at the beginning of GA's existence? Reading something that long on paper would be easier thanks to bookmarks, not really handy reading on the internet. I'd lose my place too often and end up giving up.

What are the three subjects one's not supposed to discuss at gatherings? Did I include religion? I touched on sex when they discuss CJ's dancing on his 21st. Whereas in the past most group gatherings involving CJ and Aussie involved underage drinking and pot, their social status and additional years means this type of dinner and cocktail parties will become staples. Regardless of what Northman told him, the cocktail party circle is alive and well in Washington and in diplomatic circles.

Reminds me of an old saying about people coming into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

Thanks, Tor.

I can turn him into a marrano? LOL I think we'll keep his Aryan makeup. Bosque would be a cool name for a character. maybe a Hispanic-American named Forest Bosque... We can call him Woody. (I had a fraternity brother named Forest who had that nickname!)

If Northman was gay he might have been a good match for the German. Spoiler: Mr. George returns in future chapters; Mr. Bosch won't.

I decided not to clutter the chapter with another name since I was already introducing new characters. His acquaintance at GU will remain a mistery forever. Unless I need him for something or other in a future story. Yeah, I've always written CJ as one of those individuals who makes friends easily. It's a gift some people have and he makes the most out of it.

LMAO Could you imagine one chapter at 100K words? That's two thirds of the entire novel!

Poor man, he set his eyes on CJ only to find out he was unavailable. Better luck next time because Calum's definitely not a good match.

Calum's introduction, when he told Austin he would say yes to a date, was not well received by beta reader. I guess he was too cocky. But that was the personality I was aiming for. It embodies what I've seen/heard/read about many Aussie men. I'm not sure what possessed Natalie to think he and her coworker would connect. AS matchmakers, CJ and Owen are better.

Excellent observation! During his last high school year and his initial one in college, CJ accumulated quite a group of influential individuals. I'm trying to rekindle his collecting. This time around with an international flavor. He's good at keeping in touch with people as proven by Felicia Barrosa helping him with the move to Mexico and hosting his and Owen's initial foray into Mexican society. I think the Brit's advice about picking up golf is the first move in that mentoring you allude to.

“After last weekend, I was scared to serve wine tonight.” Shrugging, the woman handed CJ and Owen stemless glasses. “Since I couldn’t sample our options, I had to rely on the hubby. He swore this one and the red we’ll have with dinner were good.” Six days after the wine tasting at their apartment, CJ and Owen were at Elijah and Natalie Sinclair’s home for dinner. “I’ll assume it’s from New Zealand.” Owen gently twirled the glass, brought it to his nose, and inhaled. “Passion fruit and

This is what came to mind when I tried to imagine using all those together A half-dozen, intelligent, well-hung, twenty-something, built, tan, Cuban studs walk into a bar... Cia needs to check my comma usage.

Here's something @Mann Ramblings shared as part of his effort to educate while editing my scribbles. Some of you may find it interesting. If I ever string that many together, somebody please shoot me.

It must include ham AND bacon!

LMAO The same could be said about many a novice author. I was guilty of trying to enhance every noun with at least one and often more.

I stopped at a large liquor store this morning searching for wines to sample and maybe include in the series. @JACC Los cabrones had a couple of Vega Sicilia bottles in the locked cabinets behind glass. I sure as hell did not pay the current price when some 30 years ago, I bought those cases I mentioned. I mean, inflation's a fact of life, but $550.00 a bottle? You bet Owen and CJ will be drinking the stuff. I won't. Way above my price point. Still can't find Hunter Valley Verdelhos anywhere.