Anton_Cloche

Oops Calvin? @CLJobe In addition to chapter 4 repeating itself, 'Revised' edited chapters with changes and corrections do not appear? Interesting, but...

In my own defense, I was not questioning the legality of: "...all 50 states allow corporal punishment by parents." What I said was: "...parents inappropriately hitting children". Just because something is "legal" doesn't necessarily make it right or appropriate. In fact, any jurist will state that laws are sufficiently vague for any number of reasons, being "subjective" is just one. Now, let's get back to the story.

Most of this chapter is very good, with lots of character development among Brendan's three children (not his quite yet but fingers crossed). However, one thing that sets me off is parents inappropriately hitting children. Discipline if required (like a spanking with a hand but NO belt, shoe or other implement), or losing privileges, is okay. Brendan appropriately scolded Andrew for almost calling him a "fa..." by explaining why "gay" is better. Jack's slapping Andrew when he hears about it: "Nothing painful. A slap across the face, barely hard enough to notice, but hard enough that he got the message." BTW, if CPS heard of this and saw the mark on Andrew's face? Police would be involved. Brendan's response to Jack:"Your kid, your methods," shows Brendan's lack of parenting or even 'family' skills. The same applies to Lenny poor excuse of a 'mother'. And her tirade against Brendan means Lanny's life just got worse, in so many ways. Skylar and Brendan? As much as I want to say "Hmm, let's see how that develops", it's too risky for Jill, Steve and Nick. One stupid slip up or in this case an intentional PDA in front of a waitress (aka she who blabs A LOT) , risks anyone at CPS finding out. Skylar could lose his career, and Brendan risks loosing his niece and nephews to different foster homes. It's NOT time to just keep everything on the QT or DL. Brendan must keep it in his pants until after he adopts the children!

@Lee Wilson another good chapter, but ... Brendan and Jack, siting in a tree, K-I-S-S NOT. Fa, I mean gay men like Brendan don't try to flip (don't go there) straight men like Jack, with a deceased wife and mother of their only child Andrew. (Good ones like Brendan are keepers, if you can find one). Jill is mature beyond her years, with a wry sense of humor, evidenced in her reply to Brendan questioning her age: "You sure you're only fifteen?" "Nope, I was held back six times, I'm really twenty-one." But she still has more to reveal to UB 🤞 Steve is also a work in progress, and the delayed complete medical exam with brain MRI, will reveal a fixable problem if someone gets on with this. (ahem!). Nick? With one simple and timely "ewww" has proven he is truly "a keeper". If not for Nick showing up on Brendan's porch, Jill and Steve's very futures were, IMHO, in peril. 💞 👧 👦 🧒 + 👨‍💼 = 💓

@Mikiesboy 💓 🫂 seems not enough of a "Thank You". I am reminded of a comment you made to @Geron Kees three years ago, which encompasses what I feel: "These days i don't think we can have enough happy endings. There is too much sadness and painful things we need to face and to fix without adding more negative feelings." As much as I dreaded what this chapter might have been, (after Andy left Atlantic City for Scotland with his hopes seemingly dashed), Mattie made a decision, buying a one-way ticket (with Gwen's surprising support) to go back to Andy on Windy Island (across a storm tossed sea, no less), welcomed in from the cold driving rain by Maeve. Then, taking all the threads at your disposal, you wove a lovely tapestry of an Epilogue, with a glimpse into a future, 7 years down the road. Mattie and Andy, happily married, live alone on Windy Island since Maeve retired. Seeking less isolation, Andy sells the island and they decide to move closer to Maeve, on the Isle of Skye. Andy is still writing,and Matt has turned his artwork into a career. They decide to visit Egypt to research and get inspiration for Andy's next mystery novel, illustrated by Matt. Working title: "Sold Into Freedom"? Ps: Must be something special in the 'Golden Horseshoe', (in addition to your hubby), that imbues you to create such wonderful stories. I look forward to your next story.

@Summerabbacat comment about the "fanny" pack having a different meaning 'down under' is certainly different. I've seen them on people at the F1 in Albert Park, Melbourne but they're called "bum bags". 🍑 I'm concerned, (oh hell just plain worried) about what's going to happen at the custody hearing. Will there be sudden appearances, disclosures, less than favourable judge, homophobic CAS supervisor, or (heaven forbid) all of the above? Jill, Steven and Nick's truths need to be heard. 🫂

No matter how much I wish, sadly I don't believe (unsure) a HEA, (even if @Mikiesboy writes a "Tens years later Epilogue"), will come for this story. Will there be no magic resolution for Mattie and Andy? Is the gulf between Mattie and Andy far greater than the 3,264 miles distance from Windy Isle to Atlantic City? Our author (Andy, ?) knows that there will always be a memory that can escape from a locked box in the mind. Not even hypnosis can prevent that. (However it may help how Mattie, and those like him, cope; along with "time, good support and therapy"). 🫂 ... Ps: I reread this chapter and softened my response. I do look forward to the next chapter @Mikiesboy

Another wonderful chapter @Bill W. Devin and Mac off to a good start this year, more organized than ever. I'm guessing the only App on Louella De Vile's cell is to alert her when the HOT NOW light is on at: When that happens:

Allegedly Louella spent so much time at Waffle House she developed WHS (Waddle Home Syndrome). But she couldn't help herself, because the food was so sooweet.

More like a pita, and not the gyro type. Devin & Mac to the rescue! As for @drpaladin suggestion that the twister pick up this particularly pimpled plump peevish person, Loserella, and carries her back to Oz? Because she has the mass of a black hole, the tornado couldn't get her even a foot off the ground with dropping her, with enough force to leave a crater.

@chris191070 weaves a remarkable tapestry of one young man - Enrique - and his journey through life to find a place where he longs to be, just Another Ordinary Guy. Along the way 'Ricky' finds fame and fortune, both good and not so good. First as a singer, then as a broadway actor/singer and later as a writer/ actor/producer. But he longs for more. Ricky misses his childhood best friend and neighbor Joey. He longs for what might have been, and what still might be. Will Ricky find a peaceful life, and a loving relationship as "just Another Ordinary Guy"? 🤔

Most definately another wonderful chapter by @chris191070 with Joey and Ricky consoling Joe Carleton after the death of his wife tragically in Toronto. Joey offering some assistance and support to Joe when he becomes a new lawyer in NYC. And with Ricky, offering some comforting 'hands on' support in Joe's time of need. (Tongue in cheek 😀.) Joe Carleton has a new client dropped in his lap when Joe fills in for his boss. Tim Burrows, a 50-ish man saw his 30 year younger partner walk out the door and quickly drain their bank accounts to the tune of $72K (but only $50K was exclusively Tim's), and a demand for $50K more in Palimony plus $1,000 a month. Taking nothing for Granted (ooh a pun ) but unless the $50K Palimony demand was in writing (txt, email etc) or in front of witnesses (cops?) it is strictly 'hearsay' not actionable in court. What IS actionable is taking $3,000 to $50,000 of Tim's assets, which becomes 3rd degree Grand Larceny in NY. Your hope that Grant gets the maximum punishment and "goes away forever"? Sorry. A Class D Felony in NY (§155.35), Grand Larceny 3 only has penalties from probation (with restitution) to 7 years maximum in prison. However, there is no mandatory prison sentence for first time offenders. Granted (again?) a good lawyer could see Grant walk.

@Mikiesboy I should have read your reply to @weinerdog before I commented to him. Oh well, between the two of us he's likely panting like Pavlov's dog 😉. BTW, my rolled steak cooks faster because once tied, I sear it over high heat on the sides and ends, then deglaze the pan with 1 (generous) cup of 🍷 red wine before sliding it, covered, into a hot oven). This is another great chapter! The editor in me cries out for a handful more chapters rather than the two remaining, to give more time than 1 week for Andy and Matt to sort through feelings, yearnings and desires and decide on next steps. Maeve, like my departed Scots Aunt, would simply say "Afore ye go, sort it." And while I thought perhaps a quick session with Matt's psychologist for both of them might provide some direct suggestions, experience tells us 'shrinks' never offer anything that easy. Gwen is a wild card. Matt leaving for Windy Isle, might push her over the edge, blaming Matt for leaving her like his father did, possibly harming herself or Matt. Is there an outside possibility of this being Book 1 of ? (Why not throw that spanner into the works )? "Thank You" seems not enough, but it will have to suffice.

Finding Stuffed Steak would depend on where you're located. This part of the story set in Atlantic City, it could be a 'chain' steakhouse, something unique to the casino, or a recipe Gwen had growing up. If the latter, it could be flank steak stuffed, rolled up and baked. (350° 35 mins) to med rare. Topped with reduced glazed beef gravy and mushrooms.

Aubergenius. Or a more edible version served with prairie oysters? 😋

Is this cheating lawyer (oxymoron?) from Trana (local pronunciation) dipping his unprotected wick in more holes than a golf course? Is his office on Carleton St (notorious cruising area)? As for his wife: the Inuit, (incorrectly called Eskimo), indigenous peoples from Alaska, northern Canada, parts of Siberia, Greenland and Scandinavia do share some traditional religious practices including animism (belief in a supernatural power that organizes and animates the universe, but not a 'god' per se), and shamanism, in which spiritual healers mediate with spirits. But they don't believe in curses etc. However exposing his weiner in -40° Artic weather may see it fall off. While Billy and Teddy's relationship sees a 50th Anniversary 😘, I suspect while Joey and Rick stay together, a lasting marriage and bambinos to turn Madre into a happy Abuela, is not in the cards. 😒

A terrific chapter by @Mikiesboy, perhaps setting the stage for some changes, clearing the air or resolving issues. As for Gwen, her too quick mood swings makes me wonder if she's perhaps a bit bipolar. Thank heavens for Maeve and her Scottish forthrightness. Cutting through the clutter and fog in Andrew's mind: "She’s right. Like always". Pachelbel's Canon in D Major (for piano) is a perfect ringtone for Matt, one that wakes him gently. In this case heralding Andrew's call, it brings Matt's dream into clarity and full colour. Hopefully his week with Andrew will advance their relationship from captive and saviour, to friends and ...? They both need to take one step at a time.

Another great chapter @chris191070. Bill meets Blake and Sven for a dinner "blind date" with 'Hotlanta' Teddy. After returning to Blake and Sven's apartment, the two couples split off to separate bedrooms for the night. Although Teddy at 5'7" was 6 inches shorter the Bill, the blue-eyed 'ginger' made up those 6" when he undressed 😉. Despite being a little unsure about meeting Teddy, and their first gay sex together, once they got 'nekkid' (as they say in the south), Bill and Teddy's excellent adventure began. Bill's dream of them celebrating a 50th Anniversary in NYC, seems to foreshadow a long life together with a HEA, even though this story isn't over yet. Meanwhile Ricky and Joey's own adventure continues with them getting together in South America during Ricky"s current tour. Looking forward to the coming chapters Chris. Thank you.

Just an FYI. Stutters can occur after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), whether a single incident (involving a fall or a significant head strike that may include a loss of consciousness of any length), or any repetitive blow to the head that jostles the brain. Doctors refer to this type of speech impediment as neurogenic stuttering. Another type of stuttering after head injury is known as psychogenic stuttering, which is linked to emotional stress or trauma invoked PTSD. Either or both could be affecting Steven as a result of his POS dad. A complete medical exam (+MRI) and interviewing patient, (Steven), are all diagnostic tools that can aid in treatment and recovery. 🤞

Patience @Lee Wilson? My late Mom said my problem with that started with me being in a hurry to be born (sorry Mom. 😘.) I have a hard time with that when I go to vote, pull back voting booth curtain, only to find... Kidding aside, I may chillax 😉 on the deck with "Dog Days of Summer" remedy ... But this guy's cut off if he can't say or spell Cointreau! 😀

Just up to her neck, but the hole should be a fire ant mound (usually 5ft or 1.5m deep). @Lee Wilson, I'm not an angry or vengeful person, but sometimes perhaps punishment needs to fit the crime? POS-rents didn't kill any of the children, but life-long damage demands appropriate punishment. The physical, emotional and horrific sexual abuse / assault to all three children definately requires full medical evaluation, a brain MRI (TBI and/or Repetitive Injury) for Steven as we learn more about the "big ring" his father wore while hitting the back of his head, and psychological assistance. (If "Court Ordered", Brendan won't have to pay, and would continue until "psychologists reports satisfy court requirements for full recovery"). I wonder about the story behind the seller's: "... listing agreement has some, let’s say unusual, conditions. For example, the buyers must have at least one child in school. They also want it to go to someone who really needs it". Brendan and the children more than meet those stated requirements, but why are the sellers so specific? Let me guess, more details in the next chapter?

Well, I'm 14 years late in finding this single chapter story, but if you read it carefully, and commit the characters (Trevor, Lisa, Joel most of all) to memory, it's an entree into a fascinating story called CircumnavigationYou won't be disappointed. Maybe a little (perhaps a lot) annoyed by Lisa, who despite a heart of gold, sometimes comes across as a meddling nag. 😉 Nb: My only wish is that the author, @C James had more recent stories, which would give me (us) hope that he's still around. 😒, or that web hosts, on this and other sites would endeavour to let readers know when we lose authors to the mists of time. As an editor (and occasional 'ghost'), I understand some of the reasons authors choose to remain anonymous, using a Nom de Plume; and can only guess how they left. Hopefully they knew how much we enjoyed their stories. 💙

Wow for the last two chapters @chris191070. By rejecting black inmates, Randy set himself up be targeted, it was only a matter of when and how many showed him the 'train'. But hiding his body behind machinery guaranteed he could not get medical help. Prison is unforgiving. This chapter starts off hot and heavy. And after Bill's "Introduction to Gay Sex 101", he and Joey still found time to get into their "legal briefs". 🤔 😉 With evidence mounting.

And the solution is? Or are there too MANy variables? 😉

Speaking ONLY about this image, does it fall into "Sick Puppy" category? 😉