JeffreyL

As others have stated, this seems to be out of character for Gres. Not just the long trip on a whim when there are things needing doing at home and a boy to look after, but to me the getting drunk was also out of character. I forget what happens next, so I will just hope everything turns out alright. Thank you.

I like how Artie's and Adam's bond keeps growing stronger. You have created some interesting, enjoyable characters. Thanks.

Thank you, Sam. Good characters, interesting plot, and a happy ending. What more could you ask for? I really enjoyed this story.

That was a rotten place to stop! 😄 Just as things were getting good, they get bears? I'm still really enjoying the story, and the back and forth between the present and the past. Thanks.

I am still really enjoying this story! I think Diego has won a piece of my heart. He is the type of character I often root for. I hope he can sort out his feelings, figure out what he wants, and go after it. I enjoyed his conversation with Audrey. She seems to know him better than he knows himself. It was good he and Rachel cleared the air. And it was interesting they shared the blame instead of blaming each other. I think Diego is too confused to have a real, honest conversation with Lance. I hope it happens some time. Thanks for more good story.

I would imagine most of us have been under the spell of old photographs. Your poem vividly brought that to life. Not to compare apples and oranges, but I think my photo album journeys tend to make me happier than the journey expressed in your poem. If it wasn't so late here, I would get out the album I inherited. Thanks for sharing your poem. There is a lot of food for thought here.

This is the first time I've read your poetry. I really enjoyed this, and the message of love it conveyed. Thanks for sharing your poem. I intend to read more.

I really like Josh, and the answer to your question is "take off!" Notice the exclamation point. I am still not certain what's up with Kells. To quote a line from Jessica Rabbit, "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." Maybe that is Kells. He's all studly and hot on the outside, and a big flirt. But maybe there is more to him inside. I hope so. I don't know what has possessed Josh to get a little wild and crazy, but I am glad! I think he is due some excitement and romance in his life. Just don't let him get hurt. Thanks for sharing this story.

Hooray for Connor and Alex, especially Alex! I felt so bad for Josh. Having such a conservative family and knowing that what you are and what you want doesn't fit would be agonising. The good news is having friends in his corner. That will help. The part about the Pride coffee cup was a tender moment, and a great use of the prompt. Beautifully written! And although it can stand alone as a terrific short story, to me it is begging to be expanded. Or maybe it's me that's begging. Thank you for sharing this story.

Dammit now I'm crying. Your writing immediately put me in the farmhouse and at the pond. I could really sense everything, like I'd been there before. What a love they must have had, but I am glad Derek made the choice he did and then called his son. The sadness and tenderness got to me. Thank you for sharing.

The end was a perfect good friends moment! And I enjoyed the rest of the story, too! I googled Kevin Pillar assuming, but not knowing, if he was real. Nice job using the prompt/headline. And feel free to write about when Pete and Geoff have a second date. Thanks!

Great short! And sometimes that moment comes that changes everything. I enjoyed Tracey and Ellis. You gave us a lot of information quickly and easily without it feeling like a laundry list. Buy the way, there are several good GA stories about athletes being out of coming out. Thank you for sharing this one! And feel free to expand it if the mood should strike you. 😉

"Got a whale of a tale to tell you lad, a whale of a tale or two!" I enjoyed your story, the clever use of the prompt/idiom, and the little twist at the end! Thank you. The quote is a song lyric from Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It has no bearing except your story made me think of it. Thanks again.

A chance meeting leads to an enjoyable day, and a great short story! We got to know a lot about your characters in a short time. Dialogue is always an important part of why I do or don't like a story. Yours was believable and appropriate to the characters and setting. Although this could be considered complete, I would enjoy reading more about these characters. Thank you.

Nicely written! And a clever ending I didn't see coming. I was curious to know if this is a smaller town. I assume since the baker knew several people in the crowd it is. I'm with comicfan, I would enjoy reading more about the cop and the baker. Thanks.

This well written short story takes a look at discrimination in the workplace. The characters feel real, and the dialogue does too. Jeff is up for a promotion at work. His interview doesn't seem to go well, in spite of the fact he took some time to prepare for it. After his initial anger subsides, he begins to wonder what went wrong. Disjecta Membra has written an interesting look at office politics and discrimination. It is well worth reading.

I enjoyed this story, although the topic of discrimination in the workplace can sadden and anger me at the same time. You did a good job portraying all of Jeff's emotions, from his nervousness before the interview to his anger after he hiring was announced. I think in this day and age, the ending is more likely to happen. HR departments seem to have a lot of influence. Not so much when I was in the workforce. Thank you for sharing this interesting tale.

It is fascination to see how this business plan evolves and grows. I am certain, as in real life, you can try to plan for every contingency, but sometimes things come up. Gres is lucky he has the funds to quickly solve these "emergencies" like the kayaks and the bbq packs. Thanks.

This is a second reading for me, and I am enjoying it so much! I find details I missed or have forgotten from the first time. I don't understand Gres' need for secrecy about his marvelous new home. I can understand the general public, but not, for example, Paul and Margie. It seems some of your other stories had characters really concerned about privacy to the point of anonymity. After reading your comment about eco-camping in Australia, I googled Swell Lodge. Wow! When I win the lottery I will book a reservation! 😄 Thanks for sharing this story.

Thanks for another chapter about Artie! I hope the summer job goes well, and don't stress about how many chapters you publish each week. As long as you keep publish I will be happy.

The honeymoon was as enjoyable as the wedding! Enjoy your "time off" and recharge. I look forward to reconnecting with CJ and Owen in 2019. Maybe while we are all waiting for the next installment of CJ and Owen, you might consider writing a short story about Carlos, Brett, and the Elite Eight or whatever the "old guys" call themselves these days. As much as I enjoy reading about CJ's exploits, I miss hearing what the Dad's and friends are up to. I hope you know that whatever you write will be read and enjoyed. I hope you never feel the need to stop altogether. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I think late summer will be a perfect time to re-read "Summer" and continue on with the rest of the CJ stories. That might have me ready of the 2019 reappearance of our favorite guys! 😄

I'm not certain where Josh intends to buy confidence, but I can't wait to find out! This was a most enjoyable first chapter! I really like Josh, and I sympathize with his lack of confidence. Like Josh, I kinda wonder what Officer Goodbody sees in him (no offense, Josh). I'm looking forward to chapter two. Thanks.

It makes me glad to Eric start to venture outside his comfort zone. And hooray for Brian! It would be great if he and Eric could become friends, even if it just casually.

I liked Ember's introspection. I do think that most of the problem was Brady being an awful bully in high school. But I also think we are responsible for our own happiness. Ember got on with his life after high school, and became a successful businessman with friends and family. But he did let the past get in the way of romance. I hope that is all about to change. Still really loving Ember and this story! Thanks.

So, apparently you have added wedding planner to traveI agent, author, and mad biker on your job description? 😄 The reception was as fun as the wedding! My day has been pretty good, but reading about CJ and company always makes the day a little better! Is there any chance Christina will dump Damien before it's too late? And please don't let Brad slip off the wagon. Thanks, as always, for sharing more of CJ's life.