Parker Owens

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.

Rick’s departure for Chicago was hasty and without forethought. All he wanted was to get back to Gus, as quickly as possible. As to city driving, I imagine any city would have frustrated Rick, regardless of the side of the road driven on. He’s much more comfortable on back roads, navigating his way to fishing spots. Helene apparently harbors an attachment to Gus, one which Magda and Zoltan may have encouraged for their own reasons. Rick’s appearance will surely surprise them all. Thanks again for reading and for your comments! Willy will get no sympathy from the bankruptcy court either.

I enjoyed this poem. Its dramatic and vivid images along with its firm and structure made me read and then re-read.

Oh, my! Murphy has a lot to answer for! What a cascade of calamities!

These words gave me a window on what you see. I’m sorry that you hurt. My hand and heart go out to you.

I enjoyed this initial chapter. I’m intrigued.

I enjoyed this chapter! Ritch may just want to fly, but he soars in the political realm as easily as he’ll ever pilot a jet. It was wonderful to see Chipper again. I would have loved to hear his rendition of the national anthem.

It was a long drive from Eagle Lake to Chicago; it was probably as eternal for Gus as for Rick; the Takács kids were probably at war in the back seat. Though Rick must have driven much faster than Zoltan, the atmosphere in the Takács car was probably just as tense. Thank you for your thoughts, and for reading!

Rick made the white knuckle drive, and was very fortunate to find Gus. Zoltan will get a shock! He underestimated the wrath and ingenuity of his daughter. I’m glad you enjoyed this chapter, and thank you for your response to it.

May I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this comment? You have made the time spent in research and distilling that into essential description all worthwhile. I only wish you could have gone to Symphony Center to hear Gus play. I hope you will enjoy what remains of the story. Many thanks for your comments, and for reading!