pvtguy

Hindsight: Harry's actions toward Tony were more paternalistic rather than anything else. He really has belief in Tony and wants to see him succeed! It was good to bring Luke into the picture. Once Tony shares the details of the contract with him, I am sure he and the rest of the gang are all going to be very supportive of future endeavors.

Is this a setup or a true surprise? Hmmm......

Interesting going back and forth in time to understand the characters. Brad is definitely the glue that holds the group together. He appears to be the lovable oaf, but I truly think he's just a very positive and outgoing character, either dumb as a fox or naive as hell!

Leon is very mature for his age! His innate goodness is drawing quality people to him as friends. His love for his brother is totally admirable.

I loved working with teens teaching and counseling from the time I started in 1968. I knew that if it were known that I was gay, I could, and most probably would, have lost my job and been banned from working with children ever again! This attitude stayed with me throughout my career, even though by the time I retired, there were several out gay teachers and counselors, some flamboyant, others not. I must admit that Peter is quite correct: Peter laughed, “Things take time to change. You inherit attitudes from your parents and often people don’t change, don’t think things through. You’re brought up with the idea that being gay is somehow immoral, that gay men are unreliable, arty types and hairdressers, and don’t question it.” I still find it difficult to shed what was deeply implanted through my upbringing. It is much easier to be accepting and encouraging of others than myself, it seems! Wonderful chapter!

Hmmm…is Arthur trying to get Jamie on the proverbial couch? Will Bunny find the dark secret his brother has supposedly discovered and provided LiveFeed? Lots to duscover.

There always seems to be a catch somewhere in a contract: Harry's stammering when Tony mentioned Luke as the witness is concerning to me. What isn't being said?

A little maturity has gone a long way with Wes! How far is he going to go on this first time?

You are correct....I did mean Lyn!

The contrast in the behaviors of Leon, Jeff, Stephen, Michael, Gavin, and now Tevin is truly a microcosm of every place I've ever lived and at the schools where I worked! It will be interesting to see how the parents deal with these events and what type of people they are (especially the ones we haven't met yet).

Denise is full of surprises! Her suggestion about the living arrangements is spot on! It makes sense all around! Still, a mother with a strong personality will always be that way. She does truly have Brian's welfare foremost in her concern which she has extended to Gordon, Toby, and now, Russ! She is concerned about Jasper (as are all of us readers!) and worries he might still be a major threat to Toby. A wonderful chapter, @Robert Hugill.

Aaron is being the gatekeeper so far and allowing the relationship to deepen before taking it further physically, which is a very smart move. They have to deal with all the questions and issues before that consummation. And now...the meeting with Harry! Lots to cover there!

Oh, he's learned quite well, believe me!

Reminds me of when my son was 5 years old. I was in our family room in the basement of the home and heard my son's mother bringing him downstairs after he had awakened from his nap. She was saying, "You'll need to ask your father about that." He progressed to ask me why his pee pee was always up after he woke up. I simply said, "Just be thankful...there'll be a day that you pray for that!" He still reminds me of that years later!

Brad may not need to masturbate in the shower - or only this once. Methinks Alexander's mask is hiding his attraction to Brad! His ability to cut to the core is also a way to deflect attention on his true nature. It's funny how reunions bring out old insecurities and feelings! I do have the feeling that we are going to be led on a twisty path with @Laura S. Fox, and it will be exciting!

Vince is thawing more and more with each chapter! I do hope he can help Kjell to advance beyond Neanderthal emotionally/morally.

Aaron does need to be fully open to Tony, not that it was Tony's fault for how he reacted. Still, the Aaron that Tony sees now is, hopefully, a much stronger version due to having gone through that rough patch. The dinner sounds absolutely scrumptious! The shrimp I just age were not king prawns done on the barbie, but would love to taste some! I also enjoyed the lesson on how to write a story!

Leon's response to the bullies were actually in equal measure to what could have happened to Stephen. I do agree that Leon, Sr, needs to meet with the police and alert them to what's happening. Forewarned is indeed forearmed!

Wes still has a control over Noah - thus, Noah shows up at his room. Let's see if they become equals....

I do understand Toby's reluctance to discuss even more personal things with B&G: even though I never limited discussions about anything with my son as he was growing up, and he did discuss more things with me than his friends did with their parents - their observation, not mine - it wasn't until he was into adulthood that he finally felt comfortable to discuss the more personal activities in which he was engaged. Toby said it best: there were some things about his Dad and Gordon that he was happy not knowing. I really enjoyed the whole tenor of this chapter: we get to see Toby and Noah through their eyes.

I am really enjoying this line of stories! It certainly answers the age-old query about if walls or furniture could talk!

It sounds very plausible that Wen has had personal experience with Jamie, but that might be too neat. I believe that there is something more nefarious regarding Wen (or at least, I hope so!). You are definitely keeping our attention, @Laura S. Fox!!

All can't go totally smoothly for Tony: however, that doesn't mean he can't overcome whatever challenges are bound to arise. Dinner sounds delicious. Methinks the gang will be pleasantly surprised! I like the workings of the author brain: living with the characters and the plots while having other sets of eyes reviewing the work make for wonderful stories!

Jeff is fortunate that his father is a lawyer and has connections which befitted him. How many youth don't have that same break? The parents are very progressive and accepting in their attitudes, but Michael's mother is a great "teacher"/advocate for other parents.

Absolutely delightful and so relatable!