Laura S. Fox

This chapter takes place during the third day of their vacation! I know, I know...

I do admit he deserves it... And yes, he's not shallow, and he's not self-absorbed, but his fatal flaw... oh, man, how his fatal flaw works against him.

I'm glad someone does notice Lyn's evolution! Yes, he is thinking of Alexander, even with the man by his side, and his thoughts are, ahem... quite self-explanatory. Your reading of Luke's character is chef's kiss, Maestro. He's the kid in this group. He's had Brad to himself, and we know Brad is able of not acting his age, because of his love of 'fun' and all that entails. And here comes Lyn, and Luke understands - with unconcealed shock - that things aren't like he imagines them. I think it's a trait that applies to plenty of young people. It's not judgement on my part, I promise. I was young once, I know it happened to me, too. When you're young, you think you hold all the truths, that you somehow have everything figured out, and all these grownups are... well, insert what term you want, I don't want to make Luke sound too insulting. If you're faced with reality, it can shock you. Sometimes to the core. I don't say that it's that life-changing for Luke here, but his convictions get shaken a little, mostly about himself. He's young, rich, attractive. Who could compete with him, really? And I think it's safe to say that it's Lyn's concern that destabilizes him. I bet he'd love to call Lyn 'daddy' That's his juvenile way of practically telling Lyn he could feel drawn to someone who actually cares enough to give him a life lesson or two. And yes, there can be consequences to being people's anchor... Lyn does see himself in Luke, and I think it's how empathy works. Alexander is strong in his eyes; Lyn doesn't feel the need to protect him. The fact that Alexander is doing the protection - in the past and now - goes against Lyn's self-perceived role he established for himself. We do care about our self image, we do, I'll fight whoever says otherwise... Talking of perceiving things... yes, what Lyn confesses about having kept Alexander's gift is essential. And his declaration - 'as I continued to hate you' - is related to the thing that broke them eight years ago. They're still not addressing it; I know. Lyn will surprise you at some point with other confessions related to it. Alexander hopes/knows what Lyn is truly thinking, and he will call him out on it. About Alexander having been forgotten by Lyn... oh, this story is to date the hardest thing I've ever tried to pull. The succession of the memory chapters matters. It's all I can give you right now, since there's such a long way to go still. And did I mention I'm so glad you noticed signs of change in Lyn? Let's see next time how he fares at his 'test' - the next present chapter and the next might give you more about 'present' Lyn than you might hope for

There is oh, such a reason for Alexander's marriage...

My notes - which I keep very untidy, not gonna lie - say this: 'it is still the third day up to chapter 25 included' I feel like my longer stories should come with a warning from now on: bound to cause frustration. This one is particularly long, and if it gets too tough... all I can recommend is to return to it once it's finished.

Since it's not meant to be a mystery on its own, I can safely say Alexander's spouse was a woman. The last year of college with its memory scenes... will push your understanding of the story in different directions, me dares to think.

Although I like replying to such insightful comments point by point, starting from the top, I'll make an exception this time and start with the last paragraph. I find your interpretation quite interesting, and it is, indeed, a consequence of getting to know Alexander better and better. He is part upset at Lyn, but he also prefers to give Lyn space. We already know he's taking things slowly and carefully as the grownup he has become. And now, back to the top. Aggressiveness is a way to hide vulnerabilities, hence the back and forth between the characters, with Lyn being the target, more or less. As for Lyn's own pep talk, let's recall how much he doesn't want to be a problem or an issue for anyone. I adjusted the succession of the chapters with the alternating memory scenes so that readers can pick up clues on Lyn's past and overall behavior. At the honors mixer, he knew he was as good as invisible if he didn't open his mouth. That's part of him. He doesn't want to cause problems. Oh, what did Luke want to say? That was sneaky, even for me! The wildest guess on this topic I ever got from a reader was this: Can I... kiss Alexander? Big lol, I loved it. Not it, though. The three-hour meeting might come with its fair share of surprises! From both sides - Lyn's and Brad's.

Yes, great catch - it's the right now that does the whole sentence in, doesn't it? Brad is simply not used to Lyn pressing him for being honest or pressing him, period. Lyn did change, even if it doesn't appear so.

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.