MacGreg

Another great chapter. You've revealed just enough to keep us intrigued without spelling everything out yet, and I appreciate that style. Keep it going. Amanda is a good ice-breaker character. And the scene in the Hungarian coffee shop added another dimension to both the story line and the main characters - there is depth here, not just porn industry fun. I look forward to learning more about Ryan and Erik as we go along. Cheers - Mac

Time flies when you're having fun. Or dealing with your innermost secrets. Lol. In a way, Ben lived more honestly in those 48 hours than ever before. Your comment about he Horse and Hound magazine made me effing laugh, droughtquake. I could totally picture Travis at the press conference: "Uh, Mr. Mansfield, Mr. Mansfield. In the beginning scene in 'Roustabout', when Toby is riding his horse on his family's ranch... What brand of tack was used?" :-) Ha!

Thanks for the edit tip, Val! You're awesome. Glad you liked how this chapter played out - for what didn't happen as well as for what did. Ben's trying to hold himself together, and Audra doesn't listen well. There will be some patching up to do. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, as always. Cheers

Ben determined there had to have been some passive-aggressive cruelty in Melanie's decision to print the entire screenplay out on single-sided paper before wrapping it up nice and neat and sending it via overnight service to The Little Nell. When he retrieved the package from the front desk, it was stupidly enormous. "Seriously, Mel...?" he mumbled, annoyed, hoisting the carry-on bag back over his shoulder while struggling to position the cumbersome package under one arm and his snowboard under

I know that feeling of traversing diminishing circles well. But the point is to continue the journey. You are FAR from tiring, in my opinion. Everything you share is valuable. Including this poem!

We will learn more about Travis. He's guarded for reasons yet to be revealed. At this point, everyone wishes things could be different - Travis, Ben, Katy, even Audra and Bryan. It's how they all come to terms with reality that matters. Cheers for adding your comments, Lisa. - Mac

Hey Lisa, thanks so much for taking a moment to add your comments on this. Given the chance, Ben and Travis could probably enjoy a lot more relaxed/fun bantering together, but their time is strained and short and filled with obstacles, both emotional and psychological (not to mention familial). The timing of this story takes place a decade ago (hence no smart phones or other devices yet, no wi-fi, no advanced technology anywhere on the ranch, just Ben's Blackberry, which was revolutionary then but completely antiquated now), so although coming out in Hollywood wasn't completely unheard of at that time, it wasn't as "mainstream" as it may seem now (although, in my opinion, still not mainstream). You are right about Ben's fears. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on it.

Whew, wow, I don't know how I managed to skip over this chapter but I'm very glad you pointed that out to me, Gary. I would have hated to miss it! You've got me all kinds of riled up here now. Jared and Craig are so hot together, and the deep emotions they share for one another clearly add to the passion of their lovemaking, which is deliciously intense. Thank you for all of the arousing details, and for, literally, holding nothing back. I need to go cool off now...

First chapter in, and I'm already hooked. Excellent writing. You don't mince words, you provide just enough description to bring the scenes and the characters to life and leave the rest to the reader's imagination. I like that. And I look forward to learning about Ryan and Erik and this little movie they're putting together. Cheers - Mac

Well, that chapter was deeply satisfying. You portrayed their intimacy with great descriptive detail - and, as with everything you write, I felt like I was right there in the bed. Too bad I really wasn't. I could feel all that you described. I really love these two together, they naturally have great chemistry, which is probably due to the fact that they've actually been in love with each other for years. When I first began reading this story, I had an impression that, due to Jared really being gay, he'd slept with a few men once he and Carly were separated, and that was one reason she'd been so disgusted with him. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Craig was Jared's first. Good on him for watching porn to brush up on his skills, but it sounds like was a natural lover for Craig, anyway. ;-) Awesome chapter, Gary. And your portrayal of little Bailey was spot-on cute.

That diner scene had me wanting to applaud right along with the other patrons there. I felt like I was present in the room, looking on at the conversation and the kiss and Jared embracing Craig in the middle of floor. The fact that he did that, without reservation, speaks volumes about his love and commitment. Very sweet, and very convincing. I'm glad; they both deserve this chance. I do hope their rush into moving in together does not backfire in any way. I really do want to see this work out for them. And for little Bailey, too. But with Carly still around, it feels sketchy. I have a feeling there will be more conflict before a happy ending. I look forward to seeing how that all pans out. Great chapter, again, Gary.

Gary, you voice it perfectly. Have you been in my head while I write...? Separation is certainly weighing heavy on their minds, but they both have different reasons for it, and Ben hasn't fully gotten past feeling guilt and shame. Thanks again for sharing your views on all of this. I appreciate your feedback a lot.

'Tis true, Ben doesn't know how he feels. But he appreciated that Travis seemed to have an intuition about how to handle him in that moment. It connected them more, even if no such sentiments were verbally expressed. I really appreciate you following along and providing your comments, Jeff. It means a lot. Cheers - Mac

Gary, it's interesting that you said Ben's life in California isn't real but this experience in Colorado is. Because there's a lot of truth in that statement! Having the freedom to finally deal with some of his conflicting feelings about who he is and what he truly desires (and WHO he truly desires) has come to a head (no pun intended) while on this trip. Most likely, nothing will ever be the same for him again, so, yeah, Colorado is life-changing for him. But where Travis is with all of that... we can only wait and see. Thanks, as always, for reading and offering your insights.

Defiance, somehow I failed to respond to your comment earlier, I apologize! Let's just say that mysteries won't remain total mysteries forever. The unfolding will continue, and with that, some clarity, both for Ben and for Travis. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! Always appreciated.

I caught myself smiling more than once during this chapter. Tenderness, desire, intelligent conversation, laughter, pragmatism, optimism. It was all here. Even the discussion about renovating the old farmhouse was gratifying to me. The connection between Craig and Jared is already present and remarkably strong, but they are wise to know that it will take time to make a relationship solid. Again, I will say that your character development and conversational dialogue are phenomenal. Really great writing, Gary.

Well that was similar to watching a TV drama with an all-out bitch of a woman trying to defend her conniving actions and being drug under the carpet by her astute brother. Good job to Craig for bringing it all out onto the table and leaving Carly with little choice but to acquiesce to his demands! Great chapter again, Gary. Sorry that my reading and responses have been intermittent. I'm still loving it! Cheers, Mac

Both Ben and Travis have a propensity to say things they don't mean. Because of stubbornness. And fear. And stubbornness... But there may be opportunity for them to face each other with honesty in the near future... We shall see. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it, Defiance. And Happy New Year!

"Resolutions begin a chance to fail"... Great line and so very true. Being happy with who you are is the key to happiness - especially on New Year's Day. Setting yourself up for disappointment is not the way to go. Thanks for the poem and Happy New Year, Gary. - Mac

Knocking heads together never helps anyone. Afterwards, both Travis and Ben realized the stupidity of it. But - they also both have wounds to now remind them of it, at least for a time. Emotional wounds, too. Who's to say if they can ever break down their walls...? Thanks so much for your comments, tim. I hope you and Mike have a very Happy New Year. - Mac

Hi Jeff, thanks so much for reading and offering your comments. I'm so glad that you're following along. There are numerous possibilities here, but I will leave that up to rumination for you. :-) I hope you have a Happy New Year! - Mac

Thanks for your comments, Larry. If I can bring you, as the reader, into the scene, then I have accomplished something. How the upcoming departure from the ranch pans out remains to be seen. With Ben and Travis, there are any number of possible outcomes... Cheers and Happy New Year... Mac

There are, indeed, countless obstacles in their way. And, as you pointed out, neither seem like they would be willing to capitulate on where and when and how things take place. We'll see how events continue to unfold. Happy New Year to you, droughtquake - Mac

Steamboat is beautiful. I don't get there nearly enough. Glad that Ben and Travis' ride stirred up a nice memory for you. :-) They are both stubborn characters with walls built up and past and present circumstances that prevent them from being able to fully connect with each other. But you're right, there's passion between them, and with that comes connection, regardless. Cheers, Val, and Happy New Year!... Mac

The path they traversed extended approximately a mile and a half across open meadow consisting of short grass and scrub oak and the occasional Ponderosa pine. By late morning, the ceiling of low cirrus clouds had begun to dissipate. Patches of blue sky and sunlight filtered through, bringing warmth and quietude to the valley where brown and white Hererfords nudged their noses to the ground, searching for breakfast in the half-melted snow. Travis sat atop Red Cloud, guiding the chestnut stal