Robert Rex

This ad, from 2012 perhaps, is kinda fun...featuring rugby players....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNmGmfLdcr8 (Sorry...don't know how to embed the video! So just copy/paste.)

You're absolutely right, Tim. Bubba's approach of "just asking questions" was spot on--allowing Ryan to work through things himself. And you're right again--they're in a great place...Ryan moving in is a major milestone in the relationship. THANK YOU for the comments, and for sticking with the story--I appreciate you!

Damn...you're fast with the reading/review! Yup, it's a major milestone for both our heroes...finally common sense prevailed for both of 'em! I think Bubba calling Ryan was just happenstance. If Clayton had called, certain Bubba would have told Ryan--think of the mess if Clayton HAD called and Bubba didn't say anything! Remarkably, Bubba has the habit of riding in to the rescue--give that man a white hat! THANK YOU for reading along, and the always constant support!

Drive around aimlessly for an hour or so, finally ending up at what’s left of the old Twin Span bridge. Destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, the city took it over, and made what remained a fishing pier. This time of night, it’s pretty much deserted, just minutes before its 10pm closing. Does he really know me? Always been a “stand up” kinda guy. Always lived by the rule of “what you see is what you get.” Always thought that I was an easy read, that everyone who knew me saw the “real” me. Couldn

Gonna be fun to see where you take this tale...you've already built an interesting lead character, and his cousin who convinced him to do the insurance policy thing. Quite the setup already. Good job with the prologue--more, more!

Fun chapter! Lots going on here...and great that they got the first "date" out of the way! Plus, since they're all out to their parents, that should lessen any drama. Now...more! More!

Love that Luke was able to so shake Jackson that he was "forced" to retreat with his friends--only to have his mom initiate contact with Luke and his parents. Jackson's conflicts aren't over; perhaps in the next chapter, he'll face his issues with Luke head on (and perhaps Luke will be the one to help him sort through those feelings!). Nicely done on a chapter filled with all sorts of emotional complexities! Can't wait for the next.

Fun lies ahead for you, Gray...considering all the site offers (forums, chat rooms, plenty of genres of stories, the chance to make your opinion heard via likes and comments), the site is easy enough to navigate. You're gonna love it here! Welcome!

Just now discovering this tale, and enjoying it immensely! You've created some good characters, and I'm loving the way you mix flashbacks to the past with the present day--each flashback ties well into the story. Looking forward to more!

Ezra has proven to be quite the fighter! Henrik is stuck between a rock and a hard place, between public perception and his team/coach/owners. I can understand his confusion, but he needs to shake it off, and figure out--quickly--what happens next. Actually, I believe the answer is gonna come from Ezra, and the NBC interview. If Ezra, and perhaps Henrik too, will do the interview quickly, there's a chance they can use that as a lever to force some degree of normalcy into their lives--and force the hockey team/owners into behaving. I'm actually hoping the interview goes through; once the press sees that our heroes are proactive in working with the press, the fervor to "get the scoop" will die down. GREAT chapter! You picked up on the tight rope both guys are walking, threw a curve ball into the suspected plot line, and (perhaps) introduced a new romantic interest (Henrik's teammate/Ezra's sister). Now, about that next chapter....tomorrow, right? <grin>

Action packed chapter! And nice to have the student body join in. Remarkably, no one (at this point) has asked what the students wanted--it's all been parental involvement. You did well with this--and gonna be interesting to see what happens with the preacher--and I suspect there's a meeting ahead with preacher and son. Nicely done!

Stephen is right--absolutely brutal courtroom scene. You conveyed the intensity of it well!

Zach is certainly proving--to everyone--what a jerk he really is. And it's making it easier for Corey to recognize the good qualities Jason brings to the table. It will be interesting to see both Corey and Jason clearly define what they want for each of their lives and from each other. (That lack of clear definition of what's needed to make a relationship work is what soured their current relationship.) Nicely done chapter--there's a real sense of hope and optimism that comes through. Can't wait for mre!

Gonna be interesting to see what's going on with Trey...one of the unfortunate side effects of some head injuries is personality changes. Hope that's not the case! At this point, Mark should be proud of all the prep work he's done to get ready for Trey. He seems to have thought through everything well. And still waiting for more details on Mark's sister. There's even more to that story than just sheer greed. Nicely done chapter--looking forward to more!

Albert, you captured the struggle going on between our two heroes perfectly; Clayton's "conditioning" to be ultra-wary of anyone, and Ryan pissed that he's been "tested", perhaps not trusted. (BTW, I'm not at all certain that Clayton actually set Ryan up to be tested; more that Clayton noticed how Ryan behaved when in certain situations. Clayton's maybe hyper-aware of money/status situations. And Ryan's loathe to do anything that would require help from someone else; he's bought into the "I did it myself" theme wholeheartedly.) Glad you liked the chapter, and glad the secret identity didn't disappoint! And, THANK YOU for hanging with the tale and your ongoing encouragement--it means a LOT!

Welcome, Amanda! You're gonna find too much fun here--fun from loafing through the different story genres, fun in the ability to leave your comments and make your mark with authors, plus fun in the chat and forums (LOTS of great folks here!). Get ready to plan for more hours online...yup, there's that much to do here. Glad you're here!

Thank you for the kind words! It was truly a bizzare time, one that we tend to like to forget--and yet its impact is lasting, and affected those who lived through it. It's a part of who Clayton is, and part of the key to understanding his depth is knowing what he lived through. And even though he views himself as one of the "old lions", I'm absolutely certain his modesty prevents him from saying much about his involvement. On another note--the "secret" chapter is up, and I know you've been like a lot of folks waiting for it...so keep reading. THANK YOU for your kind words, and your support--you mean a lot to me, buddy!

Aw, Mike...you make me blush! I'm so very glad you enjoy this tale and the characters here. What a nice compliment! Like all couples, communication is critical--and most couples don't have to deal with secret identities and incredible wealth; it's gonna be a challenge, I'm sure, for our heroes to work past all of this. But, hang on, there's hope ahead, and another of your favorite characters comes into play. (If I can get my nubby fingers going, I'm hoping to have the next chapter out on Friday.) THANK YOU for the glowing comments--I really appreciate you and your always consistent support, especially on a tough chapter to write like this one!

Skinny, isn't it remarkable that Clayton "knew" Ryan's reaction, and worried over it, even if he couldn't identify exactly why Ryan would react the way he did? And, perhaps, didn't it become a self-fulfilling prophecy for him? Chapter 20 is on it's way....and THANK YOU for sticking with the tale, and your always interesting comments!

I'm just discovering this intriguing, delightful story--and already looking forward to more! You've painted some great characters, and set up plenty of options for plot development. And better yet (at least for me), you aren't relying on technology as the focus of the tale: you're telling a story with real human and 'thrals' interests. Bravo! And as I said earlier, more!

Jtpawlik, I'm so very glad you're enjoying this tale! F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, "Let me tell you about the rich. They are different from you and me." (This was done in a short story, "Rich Boy", and was actually somewhat fawning over the rich.) And having been involved with someone with money, you know first hand it can be true. I'll give Clayton credit, though--because of the family's money (or in spite of it!), he has tried to assume as normal an existence as possible by the use of his secret identity. What an effort that must have taken; not only to have a "normal" life, but to accept the money as a given, and yet not yield to its casual use. THANK YOU for your comments--and keep reading (and commenting!). There's more to this tale....

Jeff, I think your analysis is spot on...Clayton DID finally learn enough to trust Ryan--and in his eagerness to go further with the relationship, dropped it all on him at once. Should he have "spoon fed" the details to Ryan? Perhaps--but that genie is out of the bottle now, and the question becomes how they manage it all. As for Clayton's history, well...I'd heard the story of the people you Googled, and found it intriguing; combining various personalities makes for an interesting backstory--it's almost like a medieval story of an arranged marriage between the daughter of a manufacturing icon with the manufacturer who needs those goods; both come out stronger. THANK YOU for the kind words about these characters. I'm glad you're enjoying the guys and the tale! And yes, my stubby fingers are on the keyboard, banging out the new chapter ahead--and there's more fun ahead! I appreciate your comments and your support!

Gee, I appreciate your thoughtful comments! From my perspective, Clayton's continued reference to his secret isn't about the money--he's had it all along, grown up with it, is used to it, and has dealt with the issues of how others have treated him. The issue he's been dealing with is how he's maintained a secret identity, how he's not been true with those around him--and done that for years! (After all, only Alex knew, and he'd told Alex 30-plus years ago.) And now that he trusts Ryan enough to reveal the truth about himself, it really didn't go the way he'd hoped. Just because we get insights into the characters lives by hearing their side of a story doesn't necessarily mean we get ALL the insights, or get them well in advance of turning-point events. Clayton's public false identity isn't something that'd be easily discerned, unlike Ryan's wheelchair or legs or his desire to be his own man. And Ryan's been open about sharing his dreams with Clayton, so that's already "on the table". Clayton's issues go to the very perception of who he is (publicly) as a man, and it's an image he's worked to define--and after all this time, it's second nature to him, so he can talk about "his secret" to himself without doing full references to it. As for Ben, you'll note his character is the only other character who's had his own voice in this tale--and that was deliberate. I don't believe I could have conveyed how easily, and perhaps quickly, Benoit swept him up and gained control over him with just dialogue among the other characters. It was (I believe) important to get those insights directly from him. All in all you've given me lots to think about. I'm just sorry that you're not finding the story interesting or fun; perhaps my next story will be better for you (I hope I do better with each story!). Again, your insights count for a lot--THANK YOU for sharing them!

It's remarkable what people will do to get access to the famous/powerful/wealthy, isn't it, Daddy? Far too often, that kind of drive hurts everyone around them. Clayton has certainly been scarred. Ryan is certainly a solid guy, and I don't believe Clayton's trust has been misplaced--perhaps a lot for Ryan to deal with at once, but here's hoping he won't let his self-pride get in the way of his love for Clayton. THANK YOU so much for reading and commenting--I appreciate it!

I've been away, played catchup with the last 3 chapters...what fun writing--that makes a solid point. The scene has been absolute mahem (LOVE Mrs. Oliver, willing to use her cane on any and all!), Colton's dad gets a solid A for his actions, and the students standing up for Tiffany is heartwarming. You've made an interesting tale here, that (although you'd written it a little while back) reads like something from today's headlines. Even better, you've got real characters that we care about, and a plot line that leaves us wanting more with every chapter. Damn fine writing here!