Robert Rex

Here's another thing to consider, Daddy.....was if landfall is all about... DAVE? Hm......

Tough chapter...and losses at every level. Landfall is never pretty....

Trust me, this was a tough chapter for me to write! The boys' situation is heartbreaking.....and Barry's last thought is of them.....

GRRRR! Dad still makes my skin crawl...and still convinced Avery will be a part of the deal dear old dad has cut. Matt's interest is becoming more obvious, at least to his sister. Not at all certain that Avery sees it. Give Avery a little happiness--let him go to the mall, have some "teenage" time, just hanging out with friends!

Thanks for the comments, Lit!Think part of the boys' acceptance is just the fact that so much is happening so fast--they're as shell-shocked as anyone! Their dad was always been open and accepting with them so perhaps that "I don't understand, but I'll accept" attitude is what's carrying 'em though it all. Did he love his wife? In his own way, yup. It wasn't passion-filled, but still genuine, like many long-term marriages that become deep friends. Although, I don't think for a minute that Barry every cared for her only because she was good for his image; just that their relationship changed over time. And we've seen Barry's ability to compartmentalize his feelings, so he was apparently able to keep his cheating in a separate box--and not a threat--to his marriage. Thanks for the thought-provoking response!

DID Dave and Barry have bulletproof vests?And do all critical wounds kill instantly? Yup, it's a tough chapter.....

Winds are always the highest at the eye of the storm's edge.....there are always damages....

Storm's landfall is never easy....

Brent's story is going to be interesting to say the least. And I'm wondering if all this comes down to money--Jackie thinking there's something big within the estate that'll be hers. Good job on this chapter--looking forward to the next!

I wake at 6:30 am to Dave's cell phone alarm, hearing the sound of driving rain on the balcony doors. It's flooding outside, lightning flashing; long rolling kettle drums of thunder. As nasty as the night Jackie died. Not a good sign. Dave snuggles next to my back, chin on my shoulder. “I'll order breakfast, have it delivered to Jonathan and Greg's next door. We can eat before we head out. Court starts at 10, need to leave by 9:15 or so. I'll have 'em deliver at 7:30 ok?” Dave is fully alert;

Thanks for the comments--and I'm glad you're enjoying the story!Dave and Barry's relationship is just starting...it's still an "exploratory" thing for Barry, and Dave's been enough of a gentlemen he's not pushing--something kind of remarkable for a gay man not to push for sex! Think they both get the concept of "intimacy", and its impact. The boys are great guys. Barry's focus on his kids during their upbringing has paid off bigtime. Glad you're enjoying--and a new chapter will be out tomorrow!

Glad Matt is picking up on the emotional turmoil/ill fitting emotions Avery has, especially when his dad "hugs" him. Even though he can't identify what's wrong, the alarm bells are going off. Avery's dad better not be pimping him out to close the deal....special place in hell for a man like him.....

Great job in filling in the back story on CJ, Caesar, and Brett! Knowing CJ is going into a solid consistent home environment is a good thing! Looking forward to this story developing along--enjoying it very much so far!

Nicely done. You didn't make me cry this chapter! At last, maybe the boy will get the help he so desperately needs. The room, the lube...all seem to set up "warning flags" for Matt. Looking forward to seeing this through.

Nice start to what can be an interesting story! I'll be watching for the next chapter.

Just kept thinking, "Avery, grab the skillet and slam your dad with it!"....but that can't happen, not when you're beaten down as much as he is now. All I can do now to keep from crying before I'm half way through the chapter! Bring on the calvary! NOW!

Great job of capturing the energy of the rodeo! They're always fun, and the crowd always picks up on the primal interplay between rider and horse. Really good riders make it all appear magical--in the same way Cirque du Solei performers make us marvel and ask "how'd they do that?". Like Dughlas, we knew Nate would re-appear, and the "big showdown" is coming between Clem, Ashlee, and Nate. I'm still pulling for Ashlee to manage that situation, and put Nate in his place--and when it's all done, Clem is gonna be crazier about Ashlee than before. Despite Clems buddies' presence, his strength and interest in Ashlee is enough that he's not even aware of the effect of his makeout session/lap sitting marathon with Ashlee may be doing to his buddies or those around him...and good for him! Really looking forward to the next chapter! Great job!

Thanks for the congrats, Mann, Valkyrie! I look forward to your input on "Joe", and if you do get a chance to read "Landfall" (in progress now), you input will make a difference there, too! Carlos, Irritable, and Timothy are already doing "Landfall", and they've been gracious to provide comments and encouragement. I really don't know who else of this august group has read "Joe". And as for Headstall--well, Gary has been invaluable in keeping me on track as well as providing kind words that motivate me to write more and better. "Landfall" is a different story, far more complex than "Joe", and Gary not only reads/edits it critically, but manages to motive me to keep writing! He's done a great job, and become a good friend. I look foward to not only chatting with you on the 26th, but all along through chat!

Finally! Relief may be in sight!

Glad you're now (formally) here! Dive in, enjoy the wide variety of genres, and chat with everyone--you'll find a great group of folks here! Welcome!

I'm liking the way you're developing the characters. Zane and Jarrod's friendship comes across as the solid bond, and Chance is seemingly trying hard to not only fit in, but become Jarrod's friend, too. Hoping that Zane will work past his (probably) basically shy nature and let that friendship grow, too. You've got lots of story lines you can explore here, and solid writing. Looking forward to the next chapter!

To use a line from one of my current characters: "Wow! Just...wow!" I'm honored and humbled beyond belief to discover the first story I've written here as CSR. As a newbie writer...well, it doesn't get better than this! I wrote "Joe" targeting the audience at another more erotic website, and was initially afraid to publish it here simply because it is a very graphic story--far more than most stories here. But I felt the storyline was compelling enough to overrule concerns about lots of sex. (And yes, we live in a time when sex is used to explore personality and behavior, and the story reflects that.) And thanks to the encouragement of Carlos, a buddy in Oklahoma, and others, I ported the story here. Full disclosure: this is a self-edited story, so I'm hoping everyone looks past that enough to enjoy the story. (Hey, it was my first story; I was an idiot not to ask for help!) I look forward to the reviews/comments the story receives as a part of this discussion. That input will help make me a better writer. This made my month. With this kind of attention, I'm feeling I've been nominated for an Academy Award. For once in my life, I'm speechless. Thank you doesn't say enough!

Nice start! Already an interesting set of characters/locale, and can see you've got several options on developing the plot! Looking forward to more!

Damn HOT chapter! And love the building feelings between Raeden and Kim! But I'm convinced Raeden totally misunderstood why Kim didn't recriprocate the sexual intimacy. Kim has other things that are stopping him there, Raeden just doesn't know it. You've got a great tale underway--don't even THINK of stopping! "Every tale in it's own time." Good job!

Loved the relaxed, fun interplay of Cesar, CJ, and Brett at the start of the chapter. You nailed the dialogue, and the feelings there perfectly! The overwhelming feeling I have is that CJ's mom is a real piece of work, making no effort to support her son. And most stepdads would have beaten the crap out of the courier, but instead, he basically waived him away, and then took his wrath out on CJ. (Kinda sounds like he wanted CJ gone all along, doesn't it? And CJ's mom knew his feelings and easily went with CJ's banishment.) You did a great job on this chapter, intermixing both the fun and serious. I'll be looking forward to the next chapters.