Laura S. Fox

I know most people hate my cliffies, but now I have @J.El on my side, who likes cliffhangers, too!

And you are right on both accounts! As for the surprise... the new chapter is already posted, so you'll know what I mean...

And the more people fall for Rusty, the happier I get!

It's always a pleasure to write them together!

Finally, someone who loves cliffhangers! Kindred spirits unite, lol!

Chapter Thirty-Six – What’s That Word… Context? “Are you worried about something?” Jonathan felt the need to ask, while taking in Maddox’s slightly drawn face. His pretty features were tinged with a new kind of sadness and made him look more mature, but that didn’t mean Jonathan enjoyed seeing his boyfriend suffer. Yes, he was thinking of Maddox as pretty, despite what he had told Rusty about guys not liking to be called that. As long as he was thinking it, not saying it out loud, there wou

Glad you're enjoying the story! And yes, Ray just found his better half in Hannah!

I'm afraid that working on those problems will take a while... many chapters, in fact. But I hope the ride will be worth it!

I like how you think about Rusty... he might even feel flattered to hear that! But, intentional or not, his actions do help the two protagonists to take their time, for sure.

I love how Rusty gets suspected at every turn...

Kane might not believe it true... since he doesn't know Maddox to be a... gentlemen's man? you know, instead of a ladies' man?

Yeah, but they might have to work 'hard' to synchronize to perfection!

Jonathan did realize that Connor is very superficial. As for Maddox, he seems to be like a match that gets fired only when 'touching' a certain someone...

As some people say... the best conversations I have are with myself!

O. M. G., pole-aligning... I'm not yet convinced that I have that strong of a sense of humor, but a lot of people can confirm that I am wicked!

Ray, watch out, some people want to cuddle with you! I totally get it, he's just that kind of character!

Somehow, I missed this comment... and I know my reply comes late, but here it is. JJ's past will be revealed over many chapters, of course. Dex will have some role, as well, as for Ray... hey, he is the self-proclaimed bestie!

I totally love this comment. Yes, the love between parents and children is not a one-way street. As grownups, kids must begin to understand their parents, too.

Hmm, I was half-afraid, half-expecting such reactions to appear... but it's completely normal and I understand why. However, I need to say that a big family like Maddox's cannot have been held together without a certain degree of authority, something that parents might find a hard time to relinquish as the time passes, and kids turn into grownups. I also want to point out that even the most loving parents can - and will - say things they might come to regret later. I've seen it happening a hundred times and more. When Maddox's mom says 'you can't be gay', it sounds like she's not allowing it, but the meaning would be 'it's not possible because I've known you to be someone different than what you're telling me right now'. Vern, as the oldest, has the most experience with the parents, hence his advice to Maddox.

The new chapter is here, so you will be able to express your thoughts on the parents' reaction the next day!

Ha-ha, no worries, my friend... I would never do that to Maddox! Or you!

That's good to hear, and I'm glad that it worked out for you!

Yes, they were very surprised and, well, time is one thing that allows people more time to think. I like to believe that I have lived a bit and even enough to know this to be the truth. Even with parents who love us and whom we love, things like these can happen. From the multitude of reactions given to the situation described in these chapters, it is one like yours that I happen to find the closest to what I meant to convey. I know for a fact that it's not an easy thing to present correctly, and readers' reactions are proof of how things can be seen one way or another (not in terms of right or wrong). So, thank you for this comment!

Thank you, Joie! I would never want Rusty and Jonathan to succumb to their flaws... and they're good people at heart!

The sin of omission... well said!