Headstall

No doubt about it. Lucas lost control of his emotions, and the strongest one was jealousy. Drinking was prevalent back then, but yeah, it was easier to get drunk than face himself. Taking Wyatt in such a way, we can rest assured that anger displayed was tied to self-hate. I think Virgil was right... Lucas had love for Wyatt. That in itself is a sad truth about gay men through the ages, who could never find a way to be happy with who they were. If he had been able to stay away from Wyatt, he never would have given himself away. Now the 'mob' has him, and the awful truth is out there. Glad you found this little plot interesting, W_L. I need cohesion in my stories so that everything makes sense. Thanks very much for this. Cheers!

I agree with that, W_L. I am pleased with how the bath scene turned out. I find the connection sexy as hell, and that initial attraction being skirted around is powerful, in my opinion. Wyatt needs to be treated with kid gloves, and knowing Virgil so far, he understands that. A bad first experience can really screw with a psyche. Virgil, given the chance, would ensure every aspect was pleasurable, and all decisions made by Wyatt. He needs that feeling of control back, because without it, it is very hard to trust. Thanks and cheers!

Ah! Sweet Sherye! I've wondered where you've been. Hope life is treating you well. Yep, we've got another western, and that makes me happy. Nice to know you've missed them. Hope you enjoy what's coming, my friend. Thanks for reading and commenting. Cheers! Gary.

Thanks for the offer, W_L, and I might just take you up on that if I ever get to that point. I've always felt the same thing. There was so much upheaval during those times, and there is something universally touching about just trying to survive the physical and emotional devastation wrought by the ACW. There are certainly stories that can be told. I think if I continued this story, it would take place in Larkspur, a fictional place around which two of my western stories are centered, but who knows? The Red Cloud War sounds like it would make for a fascinating story. Wouldn't it be nice if we writers had unlimited time? Again, thanks for the offer, buddy. Much appreciated.

Thanks, Bft! You are not alone in your hope, and I am considering it. It would be fun to revisit Larkspur, wouldn't it? Appreciate you reading and commenting. Cheers! G.

There is a consensus... Insta-love is tricky indeed, and it's more difficult to pull off in a shorter story, but it helps when you believe love at first sight can happen, which I absolutely do. I'm a sucker for romance, period. I live for it and that probably shows in most of my stories, but it isn't always easy. Attraction is important, but communication is key. Some roads can be really rocky. This story works because Virgil is ready, first of all, and Wyatt is strong enough to open up to him. The connection is allowed to build steadily as they reach common ground. And, I agree, sex isn't necessary, and I never write it unless it is an important part of the story. I found that bath scene more than sexy.... Thanks for the great comments and the support, W_L. This has been a satisfying experience for me. Cheers! Gary.

Thank you, W-L! I'm so pleased this first chapter has you engaged. I find this time period fascinating, and yes, the ACW is close at hand, and the country is approaching a crossroads. I actually have a Civil War story semi-outlined in my head, but it is a long way from fruition. I loved writing the initial saloon scene. It was a great opportunity to show what this town was going through, and how the people were responding. It is not a good situation, and Virgil has walked right into the middle of it. Virgil and Wyatt actually make a connection before they even meet, but in the scene where they do, I think the most revealing part was when Virgil asked why he stayed in that town, and Wyatt's answer was basically 'where else would I go?' It tells us he is trapped, and that is something Virgil has to think about. Appreciate the great comment, buddy. Hope you enjoy what's coming. Cheers... Gary....

Hey, Neal! All stories for the anthology have to be marked complete. That said, I have been considering what it would look like to continue this story. At least these two are headed to Larkspur... I don't know yet if we will. Thanks for reading, buddy. Appreciate the comment... please leave a story like and review if you can. They help bring in new readers, which makes me happy. Cheers!

I barely remember them now that I'm in my "Suck It!' sixties.

Obviously it was a mistake with the reaction button. You know me, right? So you know I would never laugh at that, don't you? Sometimes we think we're clicking one reaction and it ends up another. I'm sure I'm not the only one it happens too, but I do try to be careful.

Aloha, Albert.

Howdy, drewdy.

He didn't show up, so I read the riot act to my provider... the person my son talked to the night before wrote up a 'ticket' for the repair, but he sent it to the wrong department! Anyway, this woman I talked to said let her try to fix it from there because the guy who tried the night before was one of the newly hired ones, and they hadn't been fully trained yet. Voila... she fixed it, and is sending me a new, upgraded modem which should arrive in two days. So no... no hanky panky was attempted.

Finished! I read, commented on, liked, and recommended every single submission so far. Not only that, but I left Reviews for every single story or poetry submission, in the spirit of supporting my fellow authors. It is the very least I could do on this very special twentieth anniversary celebration Anthology of GA. I, for one, appreciated the hard work shown and entertainment given in this collection so far. Cheers!

Pure unadulterated fun, completely insane, entertaining, and creative. Outlandish too, but all tied up with a nice bow in the end. Kudos for the imagination you showed, Drsawsall! I recommend everyone give this a read. Cheers!

What delicious fun this was, Doc! You had my head spinning a few times, but I was completely engaged as the characters and situation got wilder (until my internet went out). I don't think I like dust bunnies. What a strange and wonderful mind you must have. I thought you were very clever in how you pieced this story together... so many elements outside the box. Non-monogamous coconut palm trees? Outlandishly entertaining. And now for something completely different... Monty Python would be impressed, as would the writers of the "Dallas" finale. I thoroughly enjoyed this, buddy. Cheers!

That is wonderful to hear, northie. I guess I'm becoming 'that western writer' now. That's okay, because I have a real fondness for those times. The dialect was something that evolved for me as I researched. The folks were clever in those times, but schooling, if any, was minimal, and things like grammar and tenses were constantly played with, near as I could tell. I did a lot of going back and forth, but I'm pretty comfortable with it now. Queering the past? I like that. I would like to queer the past, the present and the future, given enough time and will. Thank you for reading and commenting, my friend. I'm happy to hear you might possibly be converted. Mat be I need to write a few more westerns. Cheers!

I don't drink coffee anymore, but I'm sitting with a cup of chamomile tea at the moment. I'm pleased I could contribute to your perfect Sunday. Mine is pretty good too... it's raining buckets but I have my internet back, and I put a new window in my daughter's house yesterday. It was a job well done, and thanks to readers like you, I feel like this story was also a job well done. Thanks for your support, Adi. My confidence is coming back. Cheers!

Of course there was an appaloosa. Mine is in her thirtieth year, being treated for an eye infection from a bad corneal scratch, and is on bute to relieve her arthritis, but is still going strong. At the moment she is fat, which is a blessing. As you know, I put a lot into this, but wasn't sure if it was good enough. I kept editing right up to the last minute, and I have reached the conclusion, with the help of the readers, that it is good enough. My usual flair? Golly... I appreciate that. Thanks for commenting, Val. Cheers!

Thanks, Brian. This is some very nice validation for me. Another personal one, it speaks of a love that still, and will always, reside in the corners of my heart. Yes, it is definitely sad, but acceptance has allowed me to keep the memories sweet. There are moments I lose myself in them, and as it says in the poem, there is no rancor. Those were tough, unfair times, but I was able to find my periods of happiness. Thank you for the kind words... they mean a lot to someone who had lost their confidence. Cheers!

I believe love means different things to different people, and yes, some are incapable of love because they can only put themselves first. Selfishness is the antithesis of love. This poem was definitely personal. Mine usually are to some degree. "Write what you know," right? Happy to hear this packed a punch for you, Brian. This was the first thing I wrote in months, and helped get me back on track, and pushed me to write two other anthology submissions/stories. Thanks for taking the time to read and support. it is appreciated. Cheers! G.

Lucas is in for a rough ride after letting his jealousy get the best of him. As he sobers p he's going to realize Virgil got the best of him in more ways than one. I have no doubt he will hang for what he did. As to what happens now, . Thanks for the support... cheers!

Lol. What can I say, Adi? Cliffies happen. Glad you liked the chapter. Cheers!

One to go, half read before I lost my internet. My eyes are too tired to keep going.