I may have already mentioned some of it, but Brett and Cesar weren't saints as teenagers. CJ's exhibiting similar behavior and he's willing to call them out on their hypocrisy. You're entirely correct, those two are amateur parents still and will make mistakes too.
“Cops? What the fuck’s going on over there?” Rod’s text made CJ shake his head.
He handed Owen the phone. “It’s our nosy neighbors. Go ahead and reply. Tell Rod and T to come over and bring Liebe.”
Owen grinned and returned the phone. “I’ll go get them.”
The dinner party was over, the Secret Service had spirited the Obamas away through the carriage house, and the D.C. police cruisers out front had left with them.
CJ turned his attention to Dave and René. “Here you go, gentlem
That argument was part of my continuing effort at showing a family with strong-minded and strong-willed individuals. There are bound to be disagreements and shouting, but in the end, they come together. I was tempted to have a family member buy the grandparents' place, but decided they already owned plenty of homes.
I've been to pride celebrations in a couple of cities but never in NYC either. I've heard plenty about them from friends, though. Stonewall was a seminal event in the history of the gay community. I hope someone reminds politicians currently attacking drag queens they're messing around with the wrong people.
At this point in the series, I've created a large cast around CJ and Owen that provide opportunities to cover plenty of places and events. I'm still doing it.
I try not to judge how people live their lives, but someone ignoring a responsibility they voluntarily accepted irks me to no end. And I won't tell anyone what, when, or how to use any substance, but when such use imperils someone they supposedly care for, maybe abstinence might be in order.
Brett and Cesar are younger than I am, and I've tried to show their attitude about raising children is colored by their age and circumstances. Someone in their 60s or 70s might disagree with their parental approach, but that doesn't mean their way is wrong. Dealing with an intelligent, head-strong teen can't be easy, and there will be plenty of disagreements between them. You're correct, we won't hear or see all of them, but I do try to provide a glimpse.
The ability to spend days on the motorcycle may be restricted when their kid's born. At least until the child's old enough to ride in the back of one. LOL
From CJ's point of view, the trip to Chicago was outstanding. However, his parents may not feel the same way when he returns to D.C. We'll see how they deal with his adventures. LOL
Thank you, sir. I was telling someone about visualizing scenes and some dialogue before I sit down to write. For this one, I had the scene in mind for months, but the dialogue I struggled with. A group like the Squad's easy to deal with since they are all smart asses, but here I had to account for a very diverse group and it required some finesse. I was happy with the final version and I'm glad it worked for readers.
Okay, maybe three. LOL
I think Pam's name stands for Pain in the Ass Mother-in-law. Aren't those mandatory? I know I had two of them.
As for Owen letting CJ deal with Pam, I counsel patience. Otherwise
I was glad to be done with CJ's high school year. I'm not big on stories starring teens since they tend to be repetitive. I tried hard not to have CJ be the typical bullied gay boy so many authors write about. As he aged, I reduced the screen time for the older folks, and although they all continue to make appearances, from now on the focus will be in college men. Oh, and CJ may spend a little time working on a political campaign. LOL
My paternal grandparents were Sephardic Jews from Turkey. My ancestors had been evicted from Spain in 1492 along with the Moors, and the sultan invited Jews to settle in Turkey.
I have hopes one day that type of relationship will resurface.
Once again, Harley proves his loyalty. This part of his attitude was inspired by real straight bikers I've met. Many don't give a shit about who you sleep with. You ride? You're a brother.