Robert Rex

Been away, and playing catch up (again!)--and loving the damn fine storytelling you're doing here. Bryce is almost like a kid at Christmas, enthusiasm for the relationship blinding him to the nuances that Devin needs and has specifically spelled out. Not at all certain their budding relationship is gonna make it past this major faux pas of Bryce's. Vincente's actions show not only the beginnings of friendship, but of respect for Devin; I suspect that theirs will be a long-lasting friendship staying on long after college. And, especially considering that Devin's attackers specifically mentioned the other men they'd assaulted, I fully expect the wheels of justice to (eventually) run over 'em. All in all, a fine chapter, emotionally diverse, with solid characters and situations. You've done well!

I've no doubt of your "Spidey-sense"; your writing here is definitely above and beyond the normal of the rest of us mortals! Thanks for the kind words--and the ongoing support!

After being away for a while, I'm finally caught up (6 chapters at once!) --and it's definitely been a worthwhile read! In a sense, it's Jason who's waking up as much as Shane. The move away from Denise is a good one for him, but that's certainly not a closed chapter of his life yet; she'll definitely have more input in the days ahead. At least Dad's support will help with both that, and Mom. And Viktor is definitely an ally to have ... in New Orleans, it's very much a case of not only what you know but who you know as well! Loving this tale, and can't wait for more!

Tim, so glad you "get it" and that we share in the respect for our men and women in service! Too often, the word "hero" is bandied about, but our service people, (along with police, fire, EMS, nurses/doctors) are daily heroes around us--and deserve that title. Our service people go the extra mile, all on behalf of US. THANK YOU for the comments and sticking with the story! (And, Happy (Belated) Canada Day!)

Yup,Dughlas, it IS an honor and a half for Ryan. And think you're absolutely right--it'll make no difference in terms of how he sees himself, and interacts with others. I've seen plenty of interviews with those awarded the Medal of Honor, and every last one of 'em sees themselves as "the guy next door" who just happened to be in extraordinary circumstances, but who simply did what they needed to do, just like anyone else would do. The level of modesty they show is every bit as remarkable as their bravery! Knowing Ryan, his shy discomfort at dealing with the recognition is certain to continue. THANK YOU for the kind words and the comments!

Thanks, Daddy!\ Trust me, the link is something else--I took maybe 10 minutes or so, reading a few of the stories there of the heroism and bravery...and it was tough reading, with the tears in my eyes! Totally got me! I appreciate your comments and following the tale!

Thanks, Avid--I appreciate your kind words!

It’s really just a smaller than normal envelope, with a crisp feel—almost like a fresh piece of currency. Off white, actually almost a cream color. Handwritten address to me in a masculine cursive, at my old address, but with a label attached showing this address. What got my attention was the return address. “The White House, Washington”. Engraved, with gold foil imprinted over it. All capitals in a block print. My hands are shaking. On the back is the shield of the President, also in gold

Tim, thanks for noticing the thing with the mail! Is this part of Clayton getting his own "Spidey Sense"? Like Rex and Bulldog have? Actually, I've had this "instant mail change" happen to me after making an address change online. When I asked my postman about it, he explained there are interoffice runs between the post offices around noon. And, in my area, there are two "mail deliveries" to residences--morning, up until noon; then reloaded for the afternoon. (I'm on afternoon, with mail normally not to me until 5pm or so daily.) In my case, the change went in before the "interoffice run", my old mail was scooped up, shipped to the new post office, then put on my afternoon delivery route. Thus, for me, it was a same-day change! Don't know if that's still the procedure though. I don't know that Joe or Ryan were particularly happy about being in the spotlight, though. Both seemed to be a little embarrassed by the attention, not really knowing how to handle it all. But, gotta admit, it was great of Bulldog to give the public recognition of their good deeds. And, obviously, Bubba's been under the gun with it all, but seems to handle the pressure well! THANK YOU for the close read--and for following the tale! (And, btw, hope to have the next chapter out tomorrow morning--so you'll find out the contents of the letter then!)

Thanks, Zenith! Think the reason it was as emotional is because of the community being built within/around the bar. Truly a remarkable group of friendships going on here! THANK YOU for the comments!

You're absolutely right to join in on the fun here--and to add your voice to the comments and chat rooms! It IS a good group here, friendly, support--and better yet, some absolutely phenomenal writing! Glad you're here! Enjoy!

Rndmrunner, so glad you found this tale, and are following it so closely--and better yet, enjoying it! You're absolutely correct--Frank/Barry loves his boys too much to leave 'em high and dry. Early on, right after Jackie's death and his deal with the FBI, he made provisions for 'em to receive funds from banking accounts he had elsewhere from his old bank (offshore?), as well as stock/bond investments he'd done. They'd also end up with the proceeds from the sale of his home. So, they're pretty well fixed. (Maybe chapter 2? Chapter 3? I don't remember clearly.) So very glad you're enjoying the story--there's more ahead, and you'll actually see Barry and Dave again in the new story underway, "Lion's Lair". THANK YOU for reading along and the comments! Keep 'em coming!

After being out, I had to do a bit of catch-up (4 worthy chapters!). Remarkable how the chemistry you're portraying in our heroes is developing from a "just friends" into a "slow burn"--and I suspect flames are going to erupt shortly. (Fingers crossed.) The ex- is a concern, however; it'd be easy to see how he'd be problematic. You've done so well here: interesting characters, great dialogue, consistent and believeable situations that only emphasize the human-ness of Corey and Jason. I'm looking forward to seeing where this tale leads! More, more!

Be ready to lust after more hours in the day--lots of great reading that'll take you away, and friendly folks. Plus, this is one of the few sites that allows you to both "like" and comment on the stories you read ... and both of those are important because your voice matters! Glad you're here! Enjoy!

Thanks for the kind words, Solar! Remarkably, in every place I've been, there's always a little "hole in the wall" place that's superb for fostering solid friendships--and if nothing else--finding incredibly interesting people. Really glad you're enjoying the story/characters. THANK YOU for your support and encouragement!

Defiance, you're absolutely right--the fact that Clayton is so very comfortable with his money is making things easier for Ryan. With Ryan's conservative upbringing, were Clayton more obvious/flashy, Ryan would have pulled away initially--and the relationship would have never developed. As for the bar, it's interesting to see how strong bonds can develop from a casual event such as grabbing a couple of drinks. I'm honored that you find the descriptions I'm using here to be that realistic and involving! THANK YOU for hanging with this story and your comments--and the new chapter is on its way!

Fae, I like Annie's version of the song, too--but, it's a little more "on the edge" than Norah's version. Her voice adds its own dimension, but I felt that Norah's version would more fit the torch style that a drag queen would use. (I.E., far more chance for a queen to be dramatic! ) The cliffe will be resolved in the next chapter, and it's on its way. THANK YOU for reading/following/commenting!

Tim, trust me, hated to make the break there--but if I hadn't, the chapter would have been more than double it's current length! And don't think anyone would have been happy having a novella as a stand-alone chapter. Obviously, being kept is something Ryan simply can't wrap his head around at this point...having been raised to be independent as much as possible, it's a foreign concept to just let go of that and enjoy the benefits of a guy with money. THANK YOU for sticking with the story, and your always insightful comments--I appreciate you!

Daddy, glad you liked the chapter! And, it's nice that Ryan and Joe got the bar's love. And, despite the cliffhanger (yeah, the next chapter is on its way!), there are still a few interesting surprises ahead. THANK YOU for the kind words and for sticking with the tale!

Glad you enjoyed the chapter--it's really gratifying to think that the text could put you in the "middle of the action" with the crowd! THANK YOU for your kind words and good wishes--they mean a lot to me! (BTW, GREAT job with your current story--I'm behind on my reading, but love it!)

LOL! Aw, Onim--would I lead us into a rocky spot? You know me better than that! Glad you liked the chapter; THANK YOU for your comments and your friendship!

Jeff, isn't it remarkable how the friendships here have grown into something spectacular? Remarkable to think that a casual bar full of folks can turn into a community like this--and yet, it happens all the time in real life within our tribe. Thanks for the kind words for the chapter,and your comments--as well as the well-wishes! I appreciate you!

Thanks for the kind words, Dughlas, both for the chapter and for me! It's remarkable that your view matches that of both of our heroes--"it's just money, not an issue" (Clayton) and "still getting used to the idea of money" (Ryan)--and it appears they ARE moving towards that common view. I appreciate your sticking with the story, and your words of encouragement/support!

Mike, I appreciate the kind words and well wishes...and I'm doing much better, thank you. Glad you liked the chapter, and it started your day off well. And, think you're gonna enjoy the next chapter even more! Only a couple or 3 days away. THANK YOU for your comments and your friendship--I appreciate you, buddy!

Skinny, glad you liked the chapter...means a lot! And, promise you won't have long to wait on that cliff's edge--new chapter is in final edit now. THANK YOU for your comments, and for sticking with the story!