Parker Owens

I like that idea, too. 🙂

Magda was probably going to call building security, but I can totally relate to your original paranoid inner shout. She and Zoltan consider Gus their star client, perhaps in the way that the old movie studios kept their stars on very tight contracts. As for the police, they could try to claim Rick kidnapped Gus, but perhaps they'll realize how that won't work if Gus says otherwise. Maybe they'd say Gus has gone missing, or possibly they'll just wait and sue Gus for violating his contract in some way. Thanks so much for reading, and for your thoughts!

Zoltan seems to feel that obligation is an ongoing and continuing quality. He certainly seems to have taken advantage of Gus for a while now. Ernst and Sons may indeed be a shell of its former incarnation. However, as you say, Rick is very likely to be able to rebuild, as it is he, not Heinrich, who has been doing the real business of helping people out with all kinds of plumbing issues. Your suggestion for Rick and Gus might have something there. And Zoltan? Let's say there will some day be a renegotiation of his contract with Gus. I'm sure you can suggest a couple of NY or LA lawyers if Debbie Beck needs reinforcement. Thanks so much for all your help and commentary. One more chapter to go...

You have set me a very ambitious task of composition, if this is just the first movement. You have certainly hit upon threads to explore. Of the ones you mention, I remain fascinated with Rita's character, and whether there is any way in which she can be redeemed. As for Willy, I see his story as being far more tragic in its end. However, your chuckle at the warning made me grin. Thanks very much for reading, and for your comments.

I think Rick is counting on getting Gus into a canoe again - though maybe with a life-vest on the next time. Alternatively, maybe Rick and Gus will sign up for time in the community swimming pool for lessons. It was a wonderfully satisfying chapter to write, indeed. Thanks very much for reading, and for your responses.

Helene is seeing her plans, her future and her career crumbling. Gus' expertise makes her sound better on stage; he adds depth and polish to her performances. Perhaps unconsciously, she recognizes that Gus having his own life and career will diminish hers. Anger and frustration are one way these anxieties might manifest themselves. It is indeed a good thing Gus is getting away from her, and from Zoltan and Magda. Those two have the unenviable task of finding her a new performance partner, and of dealing with her issues. Thanks for your responses and for reading!

Thank you! It is indeed a ray of sunshine for them both, to be feel comfortable - and able - to make their own choices, and to choose one another.

I like your quote from Fiddler on the Roof. Gus' first instinct is to settle in Eagle Lake, and Rick isn't about to deny him that. They will have friends waiting for them, and the thing Gus has wanted for a long time: community. Eventually, I see Rick and Gus finding their way together. There is but one chapter left in this story, but perhaps a snapshot or two of their future will be in order. Thank you very much for your comments and for reading!

You are most welcome. It was a wonderful, sunlit chapter to write. Thanks for reading!

Rick and Gus may seem unlike, yet they remain in one another's gravitational pull. Their songs were meant to be sung together. I have never used a plunger as a weapon myself, but Zoltan seemed to feel it was deadly enough. It was enough to send the impresario reeling. I'm glad you enjoyed that bit, as I had fun writing it. Thank you very much for reading Rick's story, and for your comments.

I am glad that you had to break out the tissue box at least once during this chapter. Rick and Gus have definitely fallen for one another. It now remains for them to stay together. Flying to Austin will help, as they can bond over a road trip. Thanks very much for reading, and for your responses to this story.

Zoltan will be hard put to make some kind of lawsuit stick. It has always been the threat of legal action, rather than the actual lawsuits, which have deterred other men from pursuing Gus before. Thanks very much for your response, and for reading!

Zoltan ineffectually wheezing from the floor was one of my favorite lines to write. Kind of a come-down for the imperious impresario, I think. Gus' thinking was brilliant, though not really explained. Zoltan will be frantic, searching for Gus at his apartment (but they're strolling the lakeshore), and then on the roads back to Eagle Lake. Once Gus gets Rick back to the apartment, the focus will have shifted elsewhere. By the time Gus contacts Zoltan again, he'll be ready with his own lawyer, and a boyfriend to back him up. The gossip grapevine in Eagle Lake must be alive with speculation. But we all know the vast majority of people want him to come home. Mrs. Lee will be delighted to see both Rick and Gus. You are very kind in your remarks and thoughts. I appreciate your reading Rick's story and for sharing your reactions.

Indeed, watch out for Rick and his drain-clearing weaponry. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. I appreciate your reading and commenting on this story.

Helene may have formed an attachment to Gus all on her own, though Zoltan and Magda's throwing them together on stage so often may have contributed to that. Zoltan may have to eat humble pie once Debbie Beck gets through with him. Heinrich, Willy, Rita and Zoltan all get stuck on a desert island? Whew. Sounds like the intro to a joke or maybe a reality TV series. Of these four, Zoltan is likely to retain some kind of connection to Gus and Rick, but one in which the power relationship has radically altered. Thank you so very much for all your reading and commentary!

Gus' plan is one of simple misdirection. Zoltan is convinced he knows what Gus is going to do, and the only part he will get right is that he will be with Rick. After visiting with Gus' mom, the plan is to return to Eagle Lake together, ready to face whatever Zoltan may have cooked up. Rick may never be on time to breakfast at Jahnke's again. Thanks so much for reading, and for your comments.

Gus sat at the keyboard of a well-used studio grand piano wedged into a narrow practice room. His expression of wonder transformed into a broad grin. Rick felt his heart leap. Then things became more complex, as several people in the room tried to talk at once. “You! What are you doing here?” Zoltan Takács was the first to recover his power of speech. “Get out! This is a private meeting!” “You’re here.” Gus said simply. Magda Takács muttered some dark phrase in Hu

I will, after an extensive testing regimen...

You’re very kind. I’m very fond of most berries I can find hereabouts. There’s a use for so many of them. I’m planning on making a raspberry liqueur this summer.

A very engaging chapter. So much going on while the tension slowly builds that you release at the end... well done.

@AC Benus Thank you for posting this. When I finally had long enough to listen to the song, I had to listen several times. It's incredible, what this music does to Dickinson's voice, to her words.

I got just a handful or two of berries last summer. I’m going to work on better netting, I hope. Study halls are the very fabric of tedium. I had to try and write about the experience before I proctor the next one. I find that gratefulness for the new day helps. Not an idol, perhaps, but a habit. Thanks very much for reading!

Thanks very much for reading these. I’m glad you enjoyed them, and their take on the prompts. And I’m working on better netting for next summer!

April 19th Blueberries burnished bright and swollen, ripened under the midsummer sun, hang heavy and sweet in luxuriant clusters, teasing with promises of harvest only to be stolen by blue jays. April 20th Eternal is the study hall where minutes stumble, creep and crawl and seconds only retrogress across the clock upon the wall. No stratagem can long address the somnolence and heaviness

Making a feast of it, as it were. Just two chapters left, I fear.