Carlos Hazday

I'm sure you've noticed I like using different settings and NYC provides me with a plethora of them. I think it's the location I use most in the series after DC

Among other things I wanted to show how protective those guys are of each other. Ritchie's a little thing compared to Ethan, but it won't stop him from coming to his brother's defense. Brett and Cesar show similar feelings when they discuss the kid even though technically they have no responsibility for him.

I do mention diving the Meso-American Barrier Reef off Belize in two future stories. I've never been there but it sounds and looks impressive.

That hippie commune would be a great place to visit and/or set a story in. Depending on how long ago that was, it could be a period piece if no longer in existence.

BTW The chef's a real person who did two tours of duty at the Ukrainian border during the summer of 2022. I read an article about him that sent me searching for details. Typical me following the rabbit hole. That's how I discovered his tattoos, his love of motorcycles, and of extreme sports.

So glad you like that line; it made me smile when I wrote it since it's such a Brett line. Not sure if you're aware President Obama has a liking for dirty martinis; it's why I mentioned CJ mixing three different batches. And for the record, he likes them stirred, not shaken. Shaking helps met the ice which dilutes the booze. The liquid nitrogen cartridges exist and based on cocktails I had at a restaurant in Miami, they're used to chill glasses and drinks. The ones I had were a glass filled with whatever mixers were used and a frozen vodka lollipop used for stirring it. The vodka chilled the mixture as it melted. A gimmick so they could charge 25+ for a drink.

After two individuals I trust expressed reservations about me 'killing' someone who's still alive, I removed the name of the justice and replaced it with a fictitious one. The shooting will serve as the catalyst for something I first mentioned in Hail to the Chief. LMAO - When have you known me to answer everything right away? However, I think a lot of the confusion will be cleared up in the next chapter. The twins are due in about six months. In Everhope, we got a chance to hear from the surrogate and her husband during another dinner party. During that meal, Brad mentioned an artist who could paint something for Liebe's new room and the surrogate's husband promised to draw something he could make for her bed. In this chapter, Liebe announced the bedroom her grandparents were using would be hers and that she would be getting a new bed. Although not yet written, The District will introduce the artist and his creation for Liebe's new room. We'll also get more details on rearranging the current nursery to house the boys. Patience my friend, patience.

Some 25% of registered voters are Republicans. We've known Brett was one forever and that his father was a big shot Rep in California before he died. Phil's a product of Cuban Miami and Riley hails from a small town in Georgia; both areas are full of conservatives. Although important to some people, party registration's not a great indicator of how most will vote. Trump won in 2016 even though Democrats outnumber Republicans. There will always be a segment of the population who'll never consider voting for a candidate from one or another party, but part of my goal's been to show CJ trying to walk a fine line between liberals and conservatives. Hell, even after trashing Marco Rubio in the previous chapter, he admitted there were areas he and the senator agreed on. I suspect one would be Senator Rubio's recent takedown of Ron Desantis over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, since that takes place in 2023, I can't highlight it in a story set in 2022.

But, but, but... I did mention the names of two of the victims. How's that a cliffie? Oh, you want to know if they survived and how the shooting came about? How about I share those details next week?

LMAO There's a cliffhanger there? I must have missed that.

One of my goals with the nine stories covering the summer of 2022, aside from advancing CJ and Owen's story, was to recycle old characters and provide updates on their lives. I did it in Newport with Paul Parker and here I brought back Riley and Phil. They do live in the hood so they'll be around frequently. The events in CDMX and the time in Key West forced them to modify their timetable, so I've been trying to show them embracing a larger circle of acquaintances.

On Friday, Owen took his parents and Liebe to CityCenterDC. The mixed-use development in downtown Washington housed a public park, condominium buildings, rental apartments, offices, a luxury hotel, upscale dining, and high-end retail. The last time they had gone clothes shopping for Liebe had been during a brief visit to New York City earlier in the year; the girl needed a wardrobe refresh. It was an ongoing endeavor since she outgrew most things quickly. It allowed Pam and Geoff time alone

I'm still writing new adventures LOL Currently I'm working on a Caribbean trip with plenty of sightseeing and a couple of dives. Scuba dives, not raunchy bars. LOL

You're reading @WolfM's current story, right? He has a more detailed and better description of San Diego's trendy section in it. CJ's an explorer and although he'll sometimes venture out without specific plans, it's rare. I mix it up. My first trip to Milwaukee I knew I wanted to do Harley-Davidson stuff and had all that planned out. Then I discovered the Art Museum's building and it was a highlight of the trip. Getting lost on a motorcycle trip has usually led me to interesting discoveries.

It'll take time, but a kid Ritchie's age is resilient. Having CJ as a brother will provide plenty of support. I think most readers were glad I killed Rich and Lourdes. I think I was in a feisty mood when I wrote this story, plenty of fights and a couple of deaths. LOL

As I'm sure you've figured out by now, CJ finds himself at the center of a lot of events. To this day, even in a more open and accepting society, many a gay man feels the need to marry a woman. Family, religion, and society can be powerful influences.

By now you've read the next chapter, so you know what happens.

I'm getting the impression you like it when I write sappy scenes. LOL

Glad I could cheer your day, Albert.

Brad took a cue from CJ and stood up to a bully. My first time in Boston was as a sophomore in college when a bunch of us went to the Head of the Charles Regatta. I din't get to do half the things CJ did. LOL

Mr. Rupple's inaction was discussed in previous comments; the consensus was he was there as an advisor encouraging students to learn on their own. He only steps in when absolutely necessary. Although I write happy stuff, I also try to be realistic. There's no way all those stories showing couples always in agreement track with real life. It's not the first time and show Brett and Cesar arguing, and it won't be the last.

Thanks. I try to include a little education in my stories and the annual physical gave me a chance to discuss HIV a bit more.

Thanks, Albert. I may have written a few more speeches by CJ. LOL Just wait until he gets involved in politics for real.

You and Brett. He might be 30, but the Marine's still a teenager at heart. You can take the surfer boy out of Southern California, but...