Parker Owens

A teensy bit jealous? Who, Rick? One can hardly blame him. After such a wonderful, unforgettable day with Gus, he probably wouldn't want to share. For once, Rick isn't taking the back seat to anyone. I very much liked your thought that every member of the expedition is learning something - Jared is discovering music, Marta is discovering that her brother isn't completely horrible, Joey that going to a music festival doesn't have to be a dull affair, while Rick and Gus learn about each other. I only hope that this chapter wasn't too didactic. It is sometimes difficult to restrain oneself in writing. Many thanks for reading!

It's not entirely unheard of for deeply talented musicians to begin their training and performing very, very early in life. Mozart was playing and composing by age six; Glenn Gould entered the Conservatory at age ten; Martha Argerich played in concert at 8 years old and Van Cliburn had a debut at Carnegie Hall at 14. Zoltan and Magda have probably been training, shaping and molding Gus since they took him under their wings. Undoubtedly, Gus must feel at least some kind of obligation. After all, he's doing child supervision and teaching for them during his convalescence. Your comments about his relationship to Helene are very perceptive. As for Rick, he is floating like a melody on the air just now, and you're right, he'll never regret it. He's certainly not thinking anything of Heinrich or Rita at this moment. Thank you very much for reading, and for your insights.

I'm glad that you found the chapter had good things to discover - I just hope it wasn't too didactic. Sometimes it's hard to sort out every new thing one wants readers to experience. You're quite right - everyone is having a grand day out; there really seems to be something for everyone. The bagpipers appear to be a hardy bunch, used to being a tribe of their own. Who knows? Perhaps Joey could grow up to be a talented piper, if his parents let him follow that interest. Thanks very much for reading!

There's a little box of pine on the Seven-twenty-nine, Bringing back a lost sheep to the fold; A strong tenor voice, inflected with a distinct mountain twang, sang out over the green grass. In the valley there are tears as the train of sorrow nears, The sun is gone, the world seems dark and cold. Underneath the solo, a fiddle and a guitar played low, at a leisurely tempo, unwinding the sorrowful tale. There his lonely mother wait

Fergus is doing what he knows, but what he knows continues to fracture his pack. Doris, Shayna, the general dispersion, are all symptom, not causes. But like a terrible disease, there will be no getting over Fergus.

Fun to see Ritch growing into his family responsibilities. And Malibu... Ritch will have plenty of places to fly to when he gets his wings. Thanks for another great chapter.

Your eye color conundrum resonates with me. Heaven knows I’ve screwed up some aspect of character continuity often enough only to be gently corrected by a kind beta reader. As for the oceans, well, cartography is changeable. I learned the oceans differently to those you named, so I must be showing my age.

Welcome! You’ve come to the right place to binge read. I’m glad you joined!

I must say, this is a beautiful scene you paint. Boone and Coy joined as naturally as they were meant to be: let no one put them asunder.

How can we not follow each character with avid attention? Lee has a compelling story buried within; Avery is a joyful catalyst, who may yet teach Lee about love. Orson and Joseph engaged: I cheer for them. Thank you for the light in this chapter that illuminates the dark January days.

Thank you for sharing what is partly your own story here. Rejection from one’s lover can be devastating. You describe some of that emotional hurt, and it cannot have been easy.

@pvtguy Rick has been under Heinrich’s thumb for too long. He went toe to toe with the old man in this chapter and got away with it, just so he could spend time with Gus. Perhaps this will give him the moxie to fight his corner more vigorously and more often. Senior won’t like that version of his son much, I’ll wager. His blood pressure must be through the roof already. Thanks very much for reading, and for your thoughts!

I loved that Ritch found a long lost Aunt who reconnected him to his family. She seems way cool. I loved the father’s reaction to learning there was an Obama voter or three in his house.

Heinrich Senior is fixated on ensuring a line of succession for his business, no less so than any keen monarchist. It seems as if the old man takes anything his son does well for granted, while hounding him about any minor hiccups. I hope you will enjoy the time Rick spends with Gus; he’s been looking forward to it, also.

That's magnificent. Amazing.

As you envisioned Rick getting drawn back into a company on the brink, I was reminded of Jimmy Stewart and It's a Wonderful Life. That happened to his character over and over again in that movie. Old Heinrich might have had apoplexy right here on the page, but Rick managed to keep his cool and left his dad fuming, but still alive. Writing it made me wonder if his father were on blood pressure meds; if he wasn't, he probably needs them now. Thank you very much for reading , and for your comments.

You and I share an affinity for road trips. It was irresistible to include this one in the story. The best part of Rick's encounter with Heinrich to me was that Rick kept his cool and stayed in control of his temper - something his father couldn't seem to do manage. Rick does indeed have someone worth fighting for; he gets to spend the day with Gus. I'm glad you found Jared and Marta to be cute. I enjoyed writing them in this chapter. Thank you so much for reading this chapter, and for setting down your thoughts here.

I love this. I couldn't help laughing! I have to agree that Rita would be very likely to do whatever she felt necessary to see her project to fruition. Thank you!

Rick has had enough from Heinrich. He kept his self control, barely - but the old man didn't. The son may have the upper hand over the father at this point. I think your observations about Heinrich as a prospective grandfather are spot on. It would be very hard for him to butt out of parenting matters. I'm glad you enjoyed the car trip; I smiled at your thoughts concerning Rick's calm and laid-back approach during the journey. Thanks very much for your comments - and for reading this chapter.

I'm glad you were able to overcome distraction and the urge to go out for chocolate doughnuts. Rick is very glad to have Jared along on this trip to neutralize the tension between the siblings. It appears he's very happy to be going, too, and to have the middle seat. Who knows where Heinrich got his arrogance? I suspect it's a case of being deferred to, and of having his own way most of the time. Rita seems as deep into her own affairs as Heinrich is into his - and equally oblivious. But if she did notice Rick's secret, it seems more than plausible that she'd use that fact to her own advantage. Your observations are most interesting; thank you for reading!

Rick must already think the time he has to spend with Gus is worth confrontation with his father. Heinrich, spluttering and pop-eyed, must now be reckoning whether it's worth his blood pressure to renew the battle. Sliced bread? I love that expression - it's one my dad used to employ. I think it definitely applies in Heinrich's attitude toward Rita. He does know about her unpaid bills, but doesn't seem to care. Thanks very much for your comments, and for reading the story thus far.

I'm sorry to have switched on your chocolate doughnut craving. Still, I'm happy the scene was painted sufficiently well that you could enjoy Rick's treat, too. Rick remained in control during his encounter with his father, but it was a real struggle to do so. One can only hope that the old man thinks twice before restarting that confrontation. I cannot imagine you being twitterpated! I hope your experience of a music festival was as much anticipated as Rick's has been. Thank you very much for reading this chapter, and for your thoughts!

Heinrich can’t even imagine having a gay son; the idea hasn’t even occurred to him. I had fun writing Joey, though it was harder than I first anticipated. I’m so glad you enjoyed sharing Rick’s pleasure in a day with Gus. Such a fun change in him, isn’t it?

Rick backed Caroline Lee’s Subaru out of her driveway under a bright early morning sky. A few cottony wisps of clouds trailed off to the east. The air felt fresh and new, with none of the sultry humidity that sometimes blew in from the south. He did not need an app to forecast a beautiful day. Really, the weather was just the final touch to Rick’s happiness. He grinned wide. I get to spend the day with Gus. Not much else mattered: not his father’s intense annoyance, not Rita Mc

Lee may have begun a journey into a newer, different life. He’s still wondering if it’s not too late to change roads, not too late to go back to the old, well worn path. I hope he stays on the better path.