tesao

I feel like I need a lap bar and a five-point racing harness to survive this emotional roller coaster. Actually found myself tearing up at the first mention of Hayden, and I’m heartbroken for Hunter. You’ve done a nice job, though, balancing the tragedy (current and impending) with humor and fun. An 18-year-old pool boy, huh? Vic’s and Perry’s meeting seems fortuitous for both. This reminds me of a line from “Angels in America”: “there is good news before there is bad“.

Bem feito! Abraços.

Heartbreaking and deeply moving. Lindo, Carlitos. Você me fez chorar. ❤️

It’s rare, maybe even unprecedented, to enjoy a gay love story and receive a cultural/historical education at the same time! Reading CJ’s response to the Holocaust Memorial reminded me of my own emotional reactions to a concentration camp in Germany and the Holocaust Museum in DC. Sobering, life-changing experiences. The critical history lesson that CJ verbalized about the pernicious rise of the Third Reich was entirely appropriate. I feel so badly for Ozzie; I’ve been in his shoes. Really well done, Carlos.

Very hot, sweet chapter. Call me a perv (OK, I didn’t mean for you to actually call me that!) but I don’t find this amount of sex embarrassing in the least. In some gay stories, I admit that sex scenes can become repetitive and dull - and can actually stall the plot. That wasn’t the case here, however; this needed to happen between Vic and Andy. I’m not sure that I find their love declarations entirely credible within such a short period of time (they could “love” but not be “in love”), but I do believe they have strong feelings for one another. I’m looking forward to Hayden as well, but also steeling myself for the inevitable heartbreak.. I believe that Mr. Seismic Seco and I are similar in age. As a late teen, I agree that I would have hated to be called boy. Nowadays, though, it’s almost a term of affection rather than derision (as in “I kissed a cute boy”) and, at my age, I’d pay money to be referred to as a boy! ;-)

A fun story comes back to life! So glad to see its resuscitation. ;-) Actually, I used it as an excuse to binge re-read “Wolf Like Me” and “Wild Card” so that I could fully appreciate all of the character dynamics in this new chapter. Thanks!

Can I try it again and still not be gay?” What a great line! So sweetly funny...and really summarizes the tone of this delightful chapter. As a musician and theater geek, I greatly appreciate how you interject Broadway shows into your books. Vic’s wake-up alarm inspired me to listen to the Broadway soundtrack to “Newsies” as I read. Besides, Jeremy Jordan is a celeb crush. ;-) I know you write musical theater (book AND music!). How cool is that!

I’ve enjoyed your story for some time and, while I have not previously commented, I feel compelled to do so now after reading your comments regarding some readers’ reactions to this excellent, intelligent, and thought-provoking chapter. I’m dismayed that readers in this forum, of all places, seem threatened by diverse views on religion. They may have meant well, but offering to “pray for you“ seems presumptuous and insulting in this context. Aside from the obvious proposition that an author must be free to express whatever viewpoint he wishes through his characters, it also bears repeating that we live in a diverse, pluralistic society in which many of the (U.S.’s) founders were wary of the role of religion. While the establishment clause of the First Amendment applies to government, rather than private, action, it does set an important framework for our society at large - and completely belies the popular evangelical/FOXNews/“alternative facts” falsehood that this is a “Christian nation“. Reagan used to like to glibly state that the Constitution guarantees “freedom of religion, not freedom from religion“. He was wrong: it actually guarantees both, if one so chooses. Those who elect to believe in a religious tradition deserve respect, but they must in turn respect those who don’t. The reluctance - or even refusal - to engage in thoughtful discussion and introspection regarding those beliefs does a disservice to them and betrays a lack of confidence in them. To me, an unexamined life is superficial and vacuous. Sorry for the soapbox; this really hit a nerve.

This is a classic case of a parent’s “be careful what you wish for...” conflict. César and Brett raised CJ to be independent and strong-minded and, to their credit, that’s exactly what they got. Even though a prenup is generally a good idea, I am with Brett on this one. There are two galling elements to César´s machinations: he and Brett met in secret with Ozzie’s parents to discuss what was best “for the kids“; and then César failed to see his own hypocrisy as he and Brett never signed a prenup (and it could be argued that the wealth disparity between Cesar and Brett is greater than that between CJ and Ozzie). While César was simply trying to do what he thought was best, he insulted CJ and Ozzie in the process. Had he approached this sensitive issue openly and respectfully, the outcome may or may not have changed but at least he wouldn’t have created this rift. Now he has some repair work to do. Yeah, this hit a nerve. ;-/ Excellent chapter, Carlos. Such a terric story.

To quote the adorable Troye Sivan, “My My My!” Geoff, there you go creating yet another intriguing, yummy character! ;-). What a great setup for future chapters. I can just picture Andy. He sounds like a lovable, walking wet dream. I worry for him, though. My husband is Asian and Polynesian, and his parents can’t handle a gay son either - even though we’ve been together 22 years. Traditional Asian culture can be especially harsh to its gay kids. BTW, reading about food makes me hungry.

The tentative day-after interaction between Peter and Nick rings so true. Nice chapter, Luiz. Pastel de atum, né? I remember those. Just FYI, it’s hard to translate that into English - because there really isn’t a good equivalent. A closer match might be savory tuna pastry.

Such a sexy, hot scene! Loved it; it was Peter’s dream coming true. Now I’m wondering if there’s a complicated “morning after”.

I know I’m late to the party, but I just discovered this sweet, entertaining love story. The awkward, budding relationship between these two boys is charming and seems entirely authentic. Don’t worry about your English; I admire you for doing this and think you’re doing very well. The story is sufficiently captivating that it’s little effort to mentally alter a phrase or two while reading. I know it’s hard, having written college papers in other languages while studying abroad - including in your beautiful country. I can’t imagine the challenges of creative fiction in a second language! Thanks for sharing your talent! Abraços

Terrific chapter! It hurt to see the guys injured, and witnessing the malignant dynamic of Hunter’s parents was painful. I’m amazed that Hunter is so emotionally generous and seemingly well-adjusted, given his background. What a pleasure to be introduced to Jaime! Thank goddess he and his family are there to care for Hunter, who may as well be orphaned. While it’s sad to see the guys split up by Hunter’s injuries, this near tragedy may save Vic’s heart. And then there’s the hot, shy new roommate! The plot just gets better. I also vote for more books. You’re too talented to stop any time soon.

Amen. I first saw a drive-through liquor store in Arizona on a trip to a friend’s wedding. I’m hardly a teetotaler, but I thought it was the sickest, most moronically ironic expression of public policy that I'd ever seen! Seemed like an invitation to drink and drive.

...And here I was about to tell you how much I’m loving the story and how, as good as ‘Stitcher” is, the offshoots may even be better. Cliffhangers… ggrrrrrrrr. ;-) Seriously though, you don’t need to worry about capturing and holding our attention. These stories have such heart and such lovable characters that I can hardly wait for the next installment. I think Vic is smart to pull back a bit from Hunter; it would be easy to develop feelings for the cowboy, which would likely lead to heartache. The last time I was in Austin in business, I spent time in it’s fun downtown and then drove around UT Austin ... for the yummy scenery. I can just picture these two in that environment.

Great chapter, Dodger! You very deftly handled all the moving parts and potentially conflicting emotions. Others have expressed very well my own observations and feelings on the Robbie/Nathan/Tom dynamic. Things are not as Robbie expected; I just hope that the status quo doesn’t blow up. I’ve always adored Nathan, and want him and Robbie to succeed. To paraphrase our own hometown author, Armistead Maupin, LGTBQ folks are born into a biological family, but must then form our own “logical” family. Sadly, all too often the two do not intersect. I’m still queasy about the adoption and fear that Robbie - true to past form - is making another bad choice and going with an “illogical“ family option.

Yikes! What an amazing set up for the upcoming firestorm. Don’s machiavellian douchebaggery seems to know no bounds. Poor Robbie is going to need a Xanax and a quick drink. Nathan should join him.

Lovely, touching chapter. I admit I’m one of those who needed several tissues. Beautifully done. This final chapter made my day. Sometimes one just needs a sweet escape.

I remember. I lived there 10 years during the 80s during which time they built Horton Plaza, and began transforming the Gaslamp. The sanitization wasn’t complete, however; a few “dens” still existed and one could find sailors and other cute boys roaming around looking for “entertainment“. Good old sniveling Pete Wilson, who probably did more than any other single person to turn California blue with his mean-spirited Prop 187 fiasco. (In a perverse way, I suppose we owe him thanks.) I digress... ; D

Sounds like we’re close in age, and you’re right. I was investigated by the dean of students in HS on the mere suspicion that I was gay - all because my best friend seemed gay and I was up for the Fine arts award. And that was in the Bay Area! Yep - scary times for gay kids. By the time I lived in San Diego, things was better and opportunities were everywhere. I know the local Chamber likes to call it “America’s Finest City”; but they might have added sluttiest city, as well! <he, he> (To my delight.)

Sweet and terrific, with just enough plot twist to ensure it wasn’t easy and predictable. I loved it!

Utterly charming and endearing. Such an uplift for every gay boy of a certain age who wishes that his school experience could have offered that chance! Logan has courage , for sure. He just might be a keeper.

I completely agree with Droughtquake Quijote. The adoption is Robbie’s last strategic strength, and I fear that his capitulation will leave him even more vulnerable to Don’s control-freak bigotry. Running a quick cost/benefit analysis, I just don’t see any overriding advantage to the adoption for Robbie. His need to “belong” to a family is understandable, but at what cost to his mental health? Besides, once adopted, Robbie’s ability to resist Don’s edicts will be substantially diminished.

Poor kid is still grieving; not only that, but emotional withdrawal and frequent crying are also classic symptoms of clinical depression. He needs help. Problem is, the parents are grieving themselves, which may not allow them to fully recognize the newer warning signs in Liam. Losing a brother or sister, let alone several, at young ages is a uniquely excruciating experience for a kid. Without proper psychological counseling, he could will find himself in serious long-term trouble. I’ve always hated the expression “time heals everything“. It doesn’t. With the passage of time, one simply (hopefully, with help) learns to live with the pain, perhaps compartmentalize it to an appropriate extent, and move on.