Laura S. Fox

Is it a trap, though? Lyn might feel tempted to think the same, yet... he is not the same college kid from eight years ago. I know how it feels, reading the story in this format, but he'll speak for himself. Alexander puts the bar high when it comes to Lyn, and he's also more vulnerable than he shows to the outside world.

I have a feeling - a tiny one, but still - that the aftermath of this meeting will surprise you. I don't want to get ahead, but Lyn, as the main character, will prove himself in different ways... Alexander shows his vulnerability here... Lyn might seem like he's not paying attention to that, but he feels it.

I can't reply directly, of course. But keep this in mind (I know you will). Context matters.

Or maybe the same bit... I just couldn't help it!

He-he, there may be a start for everything... eye-rolling, I mean.

I know it's not going to be the last time you'll feel like this...

Yes, it does He could have said it any other way but chose the word 'home'.

Some wounds are forever. And everyone changes, even if it may not be as evident as in others' case.

Chapter Twenty-Six – [Memory, Junior Year in High School] – Less Than Perfect Sixteen had to be the most annoying age known to humankind, Lyn decided as he stared at the ceiling, examining his inner feelings carefully. He hadn’t been raised under a rock, so he knew what was going on. It made him feel dreadful excitement rising like dough inside him, sticky like it, too, and it annoyed him. If he wanted to become wealthy in this life – the real wealthy, not the wealthy his mom liked to proje

Chapter Two – The Lone Wolf Vince was barely off the phone with Jack, when it started ringing again. What Jack was telling him about Pembroke dumbfounded him. As much as Jack was plenty quirky in his ways, he didn’t seem to be someone in the habit of being a liar. He’d have to mull over all this new information later. His best friend – and unknowing protégé – was calling, and Vince knew why he was doing that. “Are we really letting Ryder do this by himself?” Danny asked directly.

I believe you are right about Alexander's longing... He's our tragic hero in love, after all Also, I don't know if you guys noticed, but Alexander is quite jealous by nature... in his case, I believe it's a nice flaw to have. We can't have him be too perfect, after all!

Thank you for saying this... That friendship took Lyn through college

I really strive to make each line of what I write really matter, and I'm so happy when readers notice them! Yes, the 'hand-holding' holds different meanings here! And something did happen... not only between Lyn and Brad - between the three of them.

I really do love all your commentaries, guys... It's so hard not to give spoilers, lol! But I am strong, I assure you!

Yep, yep, yep, Brad is a bit of a macho, not acknowledging 'real feelings' without making them into a funny line... And oh, Alexander savors that little truth about Lyn like it's dessert. In the library, Alexander loves playing that role. He makes it into a theatrical performance to some degree, knowing Lyn will appreciate it. Because Lyn does... As for Lyn protecting his friends, that's a solid part of who he is. He's the guy who cares. He's used to taking care of others - and you guys astutely noticed that in other scenes. Protecting Brad from Alexander's sharp tongue comes from knowing Brad is not on their level of... I could say 'sophistication'. It's something Alexander was born into; for Lyn, it was a learned experience, but one associated with not so pleasant situations. Hence, his need to protect Brad. And Brad, oh Brad, he does spell the truth! He sees the dynamic between his friends and says it like he sees it. It won't be the only time. (And I know you will keep a close eye on Brad).

I'm surely glad that someone circles back to the first chapters to get the whole picture... It was my intention from the start to portray Lyn's POV only so readers begin actively hunting for clues to debunk his presumed feelings. Well... I will let you speculate on Lyn's 'animosity' toward Alexander without saying a thing. It's a complex feeling - when isn't one when Lyn is concerned? - and related to certain trauma and issues. I love how you noticed the way Alexander saw through the façade during the first chapters. Brad is happy to notice the changes - he's openly praising Lyn for them. On the other hand, Alexander reminds him in a single line that he knows him, and that, in some ways, nothing changed. And Lyn did hide, I guess... very deep within himself.

Academic compatibility - yes, I can't stress this enough. Lyn might crush on Brad, but Alexander is the friend who challenges him and makes him want to improve himself. That's a whole thing on its own, and it matters in their friendship - even if they seem to be quarrelling to the outside world. They are two similar minds. And Brad... well, he does lay his claim, of course.

Thank you for this comment! Yes, Lyn prefers what he knows, since that equals safety. He doesn't even look outside the lines. There will be things about Lyn's past that will be revealed to some extent. Oh, Lyn is possessive... Alexander is HIS friend, and he lets the world know it. I'm so glad you perceived the scene in this manner. I won't say a thing about experiencing lack of loyalty... but his upbringing makes him who he is.

Maybe they could have been, but under different circumstances. Each of them brings something to the friendship, imho. Brad is the one with the outgoing personality who takes his friends on adventures. Lyn is the caring one, and Alexander is the protector, even if from the shadows.

I love this, not gonna lie...

Hmm... maybe because guys sometimes do the whole 'competition thing' even without real stakes? I've seen it before... I mean, quite often. Lyn isn't looking closely, that's true, but he can easily chalk it all up to this kind of behavior.

Some of my stories tend to be loaded with hardships... but they're needed. I always want the end to be hard-earned.

Too true! Brad represents the competition, after all...

Definitely! It's Lyn taking his side, after all...

Or a very complicated game... only because of Lyn