Carlos Hazday

I want to be adopted into the family. I really wanted to give a flavor of California and the life someone like Brett could lead. There's a lot more play dates in coming chapters. Keep track of what they eat and drink, there's a whole little story there.

Damn you! Let's see how much I can say without spoilers. You do remember CJ wins a couple of elections in the future, right? One of the reasons I stuck the political stuff in this chapter is because they'll influence some stuff I have planned for CJ. Even if that's 6 books in the future. Yeah, I plan ahead. LOL The dads aren't perfect and I try to show a slip here and there. I wanted their comments not to be well-reasoned arguments but the kind of bullshit friends would spout during a discussion. Best I can describe it is high-brow locker room banter. For Cesar, I went with the gut reaction someone with Cuban ancestry would have to Bernie's praise of Castro. It was a big deal down here with even the younger, progressive, Cuban Democrats pissed off. For Brett, since I've tried to portray him as a college student on spring break, I wanted him to diss Warren because of her disdain of wealth and her voice. I tried to evoke a spoiled, rich, surfing Marine. Stop laughing! Back to the future, I have ideas for exploring Federalism, state rights, government programs, and a few similar issues. Hopefully, if I do it right, we can have a few more spirited comment sections. European Socialism works as long as there's a growing economy. Haven't France and Germany both faced issues with over generous worker benefits? I admit I'm not well informed. The EU complicates things.

Blame Brett for the yellow. Surprising since both his bike and truck are HD colors. Rosebud's red but Hunter, Sparky, Lightning, and the Escalade are all black. Let's see who can put the names to the vehicles. LOL I have a feeling their one week in California will become two. And you're correct, this was meant to be a relaxed chapter and much like the one named "Miles" it was a chance to do a little exploring of Brett's background. We'll have drama in the next one again. Edit: BTW, Defiant's color was inspired by a yellow Jeep someone 2 blocks from my place owns. The yellow Lambo was inspired by two yellow Ferraris that stopped at a red light on either side of me while I was plotting out the story.

I usually dispose of idiots in one chapter (see next one) but I definitely needed Nalbo. There may be a comment or two about him in the future, but I'm pretty sure I'm done with him otherwise. Malibu, Ranger, and Singer have given me a chance to explore some of the secondary characters, and I'm enjoying it. I need to start writing faster, I have nothing to post once this story's done.

Thanks, AR.

When you put it like that, I'm jealous. LOL

You have no idea how hard it's been not to write about politics. I'll be dealing with the Black Lives Matter protests in a future story. Mann wanted me to delete the entire conversation about Bernie and Warren, he claimed it was only in there so I could take my shots. LOL I explained the reasons behind it, and he dropped it. One of those reasons is my belief Cesar and Brett may be liberal as hell, but they're diehard capitalists. Democratic or not, socialism wouldn't be the way they would lean. This chapter and previous stories tell us Brett's a Republican but not one of the MAGA idiots. There are a couple other reasons, but I don't like to post spoilers. For the record, both my nieces were rabid Bernie supporters. My two brothers and I all supported Mayor Pete.

Okay, I'm putting you on the spot since I think you can handle it. What have you liked so far? And what hasn't worked for you?

Thanks, Tor!

Another example of recycling. That was probably the same hot tub CJ and Ozzie were in during their honeymoon.

You and me both, brother. Most of my enjoyment of luxuries comes from my characters.

Brett's feeling feisty and I think liberated. He can afford the toys so he's going to play.

Wrong city and province, but I thought of all my Canadian peeps when I saw this. Good going! https://montrealgazette.com/business/local-business/an-iga-in-montreal-is-growing-its-own-vegetables-on-the-roof\

Thank you! As soon as I get my ass off the couch, I'll be back to writing part two of the story. Look for it in the fall.

Thanks, Def. Welcome back!

“What do you think?” Brett was happy with César’s obvious shock. “The fuck, Jarhead?” César tossed his backpack in the rear and slammed the door shut. “You rent a Jeep in L.A. and now you get a Lamborghini? You’re taking this mid-life crisis shit too far.” “Isn’t it gorgeous?” The men stood on either side of the bright yellow car, admiring its curves. Brett had memorized the specs for the Italian SUV and rattled them off as he stroked the vehicle’s surface. “Twin-turbocharged V8, 650 h

Is Fergus one of those Republican politician Said? You know, homophobic closet cases?

Actually, @Rob Colton, @Sasha Distan, and @WolfM have written my favorite GA shifter stories.

@KayDeeMac Thank you. I tried to show one man's ghastly death without getting gory. We all react differently to challenges and disappointments and for Henk losing his garden may have been the last straw. I hurt for veterans like him.

Thank you! It's great to hear that, even though I never served, I got some things right.

Thanks, Mac. I'm always experimenting with formats and length With Ranger, word count's longer than with Singer, but I flipped between times. Not sure I want to do it again, it was a pain trying to remember what month and year the action took place and what I'd already covered.

I wouldn't be a Carlos' story without a little politics and some Trump bashing! Honestly, I hope come November I can start picking on Biden. But I doubt he'll do anything as stupidly outrageous as the orange clown.

Thank you, Mac. Most anyone who's read my stories has to know I like to mix in reality with fiction. Not everything may be 100% accurate, but I like to take an issue and spin a fictional web around it. This is one more instance.

With police brutality being exposed and condemned these days, I've been wondering if part of the problem is militaristic training at police academies. Or the large number of service people who end up in law enforcement. (Hell, I've written about that.) While in a combat zone a quick triggrer might save lives, the same reaction on the streets of our country can lead to trouble.

We have to remember these people are trained to kill and showing emotions could be considered a weakness. Some of that I'm certain bleeds into their post-service lives.