pvtguy

He would have panicked as well if he misplaced $500, though perhaps not as much as $3000! But I get your point!

Am I seeing a potential crack in the relationship between Devin and Mac? It seems Devin wants to play around whereas Mac doesn't want to. I think this simply points out their youth and level of maturity. This is not a negative criticism, just an observation. They are 19 - not 29! As for the cash, I, too, think it is foolish to carry such an amount with one. If he was limiting himself to $500 for clothes, Devin should have placed the rest in his suitcase (if he wasn't going to deposit into an account and use a debit or credit card). It is irresponsible to carry that amount of cash in any case. Having lived in St. Louis for a year while in graduate school, I visited the Arch several times. It never ceased to amaze me! And sitting in the park at the Arch for the 4th of July festivities with friends and having a picnic was very memorable! It truly is a remarkable engineering achievement! The film truly shows the suspense that surrounded the placement of the last section. Friends that I made were there on the day that was accomplished.

Dr. Cal is definitely both Dr.Dreamy and Dr. Steamy! The length of this chapter perhaps mirrored the length of what he was wagging at Megan... All worth it! Seriously, this was a very comprehensive chapter bringing the characters to greater depth!

I believe Maria is looking for an excuse other than herself for any problems she is facing with her current life situation. Keith, fortunately, has gotten beyond the guilt trap she tries to put on him. It was good to see the comradery among Greg, Bart, Thomas and Keith at the end - good friends just enjoying time together!

He may not necessarily be a homophobe (but may well be) but an angry son who believes he was abandoned by his father. His image of his father was created by his mother who was the one who took him away from his father and had her own issues of anger and disillusion.

I like @Flip-Flop's community plan for the house, but not sure it is totally feasible: Colin and Jason deserve some space to themselves. I do hope the lawyer is able to untangle any potential difficulties if there are any. And it might be still possible for Roger and Phil to talk.

So many new terms that I had to define in context. This was definitely a different voice! The easy talk between Dan and Brandon was great - it gave insight into the business. Brandon was a hoot!

Totally understood and shared experiences! Beautifully phrased!

The relationship among the four of them is growing closer. Thomas and Keith have found true supporters in Nate and Caroline. Caroline is a true voice of reason with empathy. Thomas learns that Nate was the reason he wasn't sent to the conversion therapy camp, about which he didn't even know until now. Another wonderful chapter!

I took some friends to look at two different assisted living communities about 25 miles north of Orlando, FL, and the rates started at $4000/month for a very small space. And these were not anything as what were described in this story! Nursing homes cost even more. We are seeing a rise in homelessness among senior citizens with even the Supreme Court saying communities can regulate where the homeless can sleep at night! As a country, we have lost a lot of compassion and respect for the elderly as well as each other!

Thank you for the kind words and most of all, Congratulations on what I consider a wonderful job: retirement!

Keith is realizing more and more what was lacking in the relationship he had with Maria: “I allowed myself to be sort of bounced into a relationship. Maria liked the idea of a boyfriend in a job with prospects, and well I wanted a girlfriend. We found we had nowt in common. We were supposed to be saving up for a house, but she liked going out and, well”, he shrugged, “I didn’t. Not like that.” And now, just being together and experiencing things through each other's eyes is bringing them closer. The and re is laughter and exploring together. And they discovered something, they could share a kitchen, even Keith’s small one, without getting into too much of an argument. Wow - a simple yet profound statement of togetherness!

We learn a lot more about Phil in this chapter. He really opens up to Colin, releasing 30 years of pent-up secrets. That Dwight smiles in the end, I believe, both portends a possibility and support of Phil's movement in this chapter! Love the whole situation with Colin and Jason caused me to both smile and say "YES!!!"! Your stories about teens are so rich and insightful, but I am really enjoying dealing with mature individuals in this story! And you do it so well!

The writing certainly allowed me to feel as though I were the proverbial fly on the wall observing the whole scene. It evoked all the feelings described and also leaves me, as a reader, thirsting for more of this excellent writing.

Very well-written! I, too, am eager to see where this goes. Is Kai not in touch with his siblings? Do they even know he was hurt?

I am still of the opinion that Ercole is the one being used for purposes as yet not known. Perhaps the threesome was actually a setup by dear mother to be used as some sort of blackmail, though perhaps for other purposes. I do like that Dan and Vaughn do get to enjoy time together to explore their own interests. And now, so long to Italy for a bit and back to London...

You have missed a lot of interesting experiences, lol!

Your wordsmithery is once again evident in describing so eloquently the surroundings, the atmosphere, and the anxiety of Keith. I found a wonderful mixture of nerves and humor throughout! For me, it was a wonderful way to start the day reading about Keith and Thomas!

I appreciate your very detailed description and history of the artwork! I, too, am a philistine when it comes to a lot of art: I am either captured by it at first glance or not! However, I would love to see and explore the architecture of these wonderful buildings! I'm still suspicious of Ercole's attention and motives. I feel there may be more to the Heyward connection.

Doesn't necessarily mean the brother of her husband -- it could be the husband of her sister.

It was first known as "GRID" - gay related infectious disease. Angels in America is still a very powerful film to demonstrate what was going on in that period of time ( you know - the good old days that many idiots would like to return to!)..

I get the sad emotion, but I also see the opportunity for hope. Perhaps Colin can be a catalyst to get Phil to speak with Roger. Colin is going to have his hands filled in any case! But he is certainly up to it!! I love the growing relationship of Colin and Jason! I do believe that we all might have reached the conclusion that @weinerdog has suggested about Phil's resolution to Susan's problem. If she has to sell her current home and split the cost, $175,000 can go a long way to help her if she "inherits" Phil's house! When one has seen someone die of AIDS in the 90's, I can totally empathize with Phil's recollection of Dwight. My neighbor's partner died in this manner and I did see the ravages it took on his body. Another powerful chapter, @Ronyx.

Great and succinct portrayal of the importance of communication and the courage it takes to do so! Keith has lived in his head for so long that it's taking time and effort to get out of it. Thomas is certainly the person he needs in his life, and vice versa!

Was his legs-wide-apart stance when sitting just the normal straight-boy stance or was he showing of a neat package. He noticed me noticing, and he smiled, a smile that did reach his eyes. Hmmm....was Ercole being chastised by his father? I'm surprised Dan did not pick up on any of the conversation, but maybe all they heard was raised voices but not actual verbage. I'm wondering what the subcontext of their vacation arrangements might be?

Thomas and Keith are different enough to keep the relationship fresh and developing. They are learning from each one's expertise and temperament. Keith is getting better known for his knowledge and Thomas is helping to enhance and organize his presentations. Love these guys!