pvtguy

Rick's self-perception has developed from many years of his interpreting what others might think, and probably reinforced by what he might have been told by those close to him (family). May he find someone who can help him see himself through a different lens! I, too, want his number - his price is just right!

I'm a bit late in starting this series, but this volume has kept me reading at every spare minute and hour! So well written, so engaging, romance, drama, humor, and palpable love emanate from the well crafted story.

And so begins, legally, a new chapter in Toby's lives Having worked as a school counselor for 36 years, I can relate to gathering homework assignments for students who had missed school for a variety of reasons. Good chapter!!

Robbie is definitely maturing and becoming more considerate. The confidence he is gaining will need to be there to face the challenges ahead with Don. Great chapter, Dodger!

What is left out here is that the court sets parental payment after a review of the income in the family. As this focuses on Jeff and Toby, I'm sure the details of the court system are streamlined so as to maintain the focus without adding extraneous drama at this point...or at least, that is what I deduce. The actual process of becoming a guardian is much more complicated (or could be) if there are objections by the parents. It would involve Children and Family Services (or whatever that is called where Jeff lives). I do have to agree - as much as I loved Alan and the boys, I really like this one even more!

No fair giving away the plot of the next chapter, lol! Now I'm eager to see exactly the nature of the family dynamic (toxic, I'm sure!) and the battle to be had. May they not find out about the trust fund til much later! Enjoying it all!

The story is wonderful: A man has been successful in his employment and is very well-off. He moves from NYC to Clarion, PA, and life really begins for him in meeting a younger partner. He becomes an integral part of the community as they also become an integral part of his life. His generosity, compassion, and energy provide for many others. This is a quick and very satisfying read.

As a retired counselor, and having dealt with adolescents and young adults for many years - over those years, I had two commit suicide - I can say from my own experience, that it is NOT an easy way out except in the judgement of the living. When one's hope in life and the vision of the future is so dark - something that unless experienced, no one should judge - this appears the only logical choice in their own personal belief system. It leaves the rest of us living with the questions which are never answered. The shock of hearing that these two took their own lives have haunted me for many years. I can present it in an analytical way, but the emotional impact is where the mystery lies. I am loving this story from the start. You answer questions which seem to be assumed in your answers - wish they would have been included in the body of the story (example: his age). Still...I will be following this story to conclusion.

And so this chapter in the life of Alan, Cody, et. al, ends...but I do hope for future "check-ins" as Clarion has become a part of my daily routine! Thanks for a very heart-warming story!

Let's see...A salary of $3000 a month minus $800 for "rent to own" - it's going to take a lot of memberships to meet the costs of the gym maintenance and upkeep in addition to covering his salary. Of course, Alan built the gym on a whim...good business would dictate a needs assessment, etc., but not needed to make this a wonderful story. I simply love that Alan is so giving - even if he forgets to tell Cody that the gym is his "Christmas present"...

At last, some forward movement in the mystery of Toby's death and the fuller picture...Great chapter!

I guess my age is talking to me: my butt would hurt like crazy driving around for three months! But what a wonderful experience for all of them as a family as well as individuals.

Hmmm...I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. Things are too rosy at the present (ok...just call me an old curmudgeon!). Still, a great story.

Thanks for letting us know this, Joh. Warm thoughts to Rob and all surrounding him. Tony F

I am eager to see the development of the relationship between Nels and Alan!

I'm so glad that the attitudes have changed about gays adopting and fostering. You certainly have demonstrated the tension that was present in the not so distant past. Still, even now, the waiting for approval for and placement of a child is fraught with nerves!

Well...I guess you'd know best, lol!

How fortunate for Andy and Rich to have a safe place to just be themselves - not "gay" focused - but "gay normal"! No bullying or having to prove themselves to anyone! Somehow, I keep getting a feeling that something is not just right with Alan...his being so tired is worrisome.

I actually walked across that Bridge on the day it was dedicated and opened!

I love your characters, perfect or not! Your stories are so well written and so compelling. You are correct about smaller towns; however, though I live in a large city (Orlando), I find each neighborhood unique. I do know my closest neighbors and we do look out for one another. For that, I am thankful. Growing up, however, in a small town in West Virginia, it is true - there were neighbors who knew more about our business than we did! At the same time, there was a genuine community where we, as children, were safe and welcome in all our neighbors' homes.

The level of vitriol in Colt's words with Sam do not indicate to me that Sam's actions are resolved and in the past. Yes, he has been able to live authentically in the big city, but he did carry a rather large suitcase of feelings for a long time. I agree that it could have been handled differently which might have actually had a different outcome at least for Sam. How does Colt know that Sam still feels the same way? A bit judgmental on his part, I believe. His outburst does say more about him than the town. Small towns do not always have small attitudes. Big cities just offer more choices, but those attitudes are still present wherever there are people. Geography can help for one to find a more inclusive community, for sure; I am afraid Colt's outburst - while he doesn't care - does nothing to show his otherwise fine character.

Wow...that anger certainly fermented over time and really boiled over! I hope it was truly cathartic. I trust his mother did adjust to her new reality.

I daresay, I don't think it would be that easy to get reservations and a place to stand so near the police barricade on New Year's Eve in Times Square. However, what an experience Alan provided for all!

It is most difficult to remain objective when one is so intimately involved - at least where the object of that intimacy is concerned. Still, Mason seems to be able to reflect and analyze at this moment. I'm eager to see the progression of this story! Come on, Tuesday!!! Great job with this chapter.

Ah yes...another Carlos story that has me hooked from the first paragraph! Great beginning - and now awaiting the next posting! Tony F