Clancy59

I saw that comment, also, and wondered about it. Could it be jealousy because Bobby is popular and Mark wasn’t? Some people just seem to have the knack of doing things easily. I was always able to ‘do’ things easier than my brother, but he was more popular than me, but he was always jealous of me for some unknown reason that has carried into adulthood. As far as the 2 weeks Bobby spent with him, that was 2 years ago. Bobby was 16, at the height of the ‘idiot’ teen years. 16-year-olds lack the maturity that 18-year-olds have. (I am not saying they are mature, just that they have more.) Much of this is simply getting older and having more responsibility whether around the home or from outside employment. Also, the end of schooling is in sight. I taught n high schools. I saw this happen time and time again. The difference between Freshmen and Seniors is vast. Freshmen only see years of school ahead. Intellectually, they know college is just a couple of years away, but internally, they aren’t there. Seniors, like Bobby, now see college as the next step and realize they need to take serious control of their lives and everything around them. Mark, and maybe his sister, haven’t realized that Bobby has matured to this point. They still see Little Baby Bobby. I think Chaz will be instrumental in opening Mark’s eyes. Hopefully, the mother will wake up to reality, also.

I agree with the interest issue. That seems to be a bit excessive for a loan between family members. I can see Bobby repaying a loan with a small amount of interest, as a part of growing up with fiscal responsibility, but I’m talking 0.5% or 1% here, not 5%. Regarding the rest, like the beer, I stand by my statement in the previous chapter. It’s too early to write Mark off. I’m not saying it can’t happen. I’m just asking for people to give him a chance. He hasn’t explained his reasoning yet. He needs to be educated and given a chance to change his attitude about Bobby.

I think people are being a bit harsh with Mark. How many of you would discuss serious, personal family business with someone who is, in reality, a total stranger? I don’t think he’s hiding anything. He’s just thinking, it’s none of his business, no matter what kind of relationship Chaz has with Bobby. Like others have stated, information will have to come from Bobby for now. He is also looking at Bobby as his young ‘kid’ nephew, not the young adult he has become. It can be difficult for some people to accept, unconsciously, that the little kid who was running around just yesterday is now the able almost-adult standing in front of them, especially if they don’t see the process on a daily/monthly/yearly basis. I know I watched my nieces and nephews grow up from infancy to college and beyond. It is still hard for me at times to realize that they now have their own lives with careers and are beginning families of their own. I can still see one of the girls hiding under the table when she was introduced to me. I am now getting ready for her baby’s first birthday party! (Auntie makes handmade gifts.). Mark just has to acclimate regarding this.

Even if Bobby had been allowed to continue with the party, Kent would have been a problem because I doubt he would have truly left. If the others were still there, Kent would keep returning. Chaz really didn’t have any other choice but to stop everything dead and send them on their way. He didn’t need to chastise Kent. His peers did a much more thorough job! Just a comment on the coffee shop. Chaz said they did almost as good a job as Starbucks. In my experience, and granted it’s a bit biased as I really don’t like coffee, I would wager the coffee shop was far superior. I do drink teas, chais and hot chocolate. Every Starbucks I ever encountered seemed to have had burned the beans, there was such a malodorous scent coming from the place. Coffee shops put a high value on the quality of their product, whether it be coffee, tea, hot chocolate, pastries or sandwiches/soups. I willingly go to coffee shops and avoid Starbucks at every chance.

This was a lovely, loving chapter. ❤️❤️❤️

Sounds like you may have found that story I told you about! 😉

That was definitely my impression.

PBR and Schlitz don’t really exist anymore. Miller does brew some of their product for the nostalgic die-hards. I’ve toured the Miller brewery and seen the brewhouse. As extensive as the facilities are, I just don’t know how they can brew enough beer to satisfy the demand! I grew up about 5 miles from the brewery, and on days when the wind was blowing just right, boy! You could just stand there and sniff the yeast in the air! And I don’t drink beer!

I read a story on another site (I am currently reading it for the 4th time, I love this story so much!) where the central characters are a rock star and his entertainment lawyer rep. They are introduced by the star’s brother and (of course) rockets go off! I think I actually may have found it from a side comment from @Carlos Hazday. One of the things I like about the story is the detailed explanation of the background of the entertainment industry. Not only does the lawyer explain their personal relationship, but he explains how the industry works, contracts work and even what it can be like on tour! The author is quite detailed and really opened my eyes to some of the garbage that can go on from the recording companies’ side. You can just know that whatever is in the story, it’s actually much worse in reality. In the story, like the Beatles, when he finally was able to get out of all the contracts, the singer actually started recording on his own label (to his great advantage)! The only thing he lost from that were the platinum records when his sales set records (his partner solved this by making their own!).

I’m a Milwaukee girl. Miller all the way!

How long has it been since Kelly passed? Seamus already admitted to feeling guilty about having asked for a divorce and then inheriting everything. Also, despite his seemingly natural ability to successfully establish and run a variety of businesses, Seamus doesn’t really have any background in business. The two combined could easily have lead him to trust way too much in someone Kelly had. The mere fact that Mike is the only accountant doing the books should have had the red flags waving, the alarms sounding and the lights flashing. Thankfully, he has the good sense to become suspicious. Well, now Matt is there. He is at least aware of what should/could be done. He is aware that he cannot do it, since he doesn’t have enough training or experience yet, but he knows where to go for help. He can look at things to get an idea if there may be something ‘hinky’ going on, but that would be just enough to talk with the professor. No matter what, in order to follow up legally, they’ll need a certified, licensed, professional forensic CPA

@Kev, I hope things go well for your son. It’s amazing what modern medicine can do. Prayers and warm thoughts are heading your way. 🙏🏻🤞🏻

Finally! And Matt did it the right way by talking to Brad first, as I suggested, to get his thoughts in order before talking to Seamus. When Matt got to Seamus, he really didn’t waste any time before they got down to brass tacks, as the saying goes.. After the things that happened earlier that summer, and with their histories, it’s not surprising they both were under the misconception that the other one wanted to call it quits. This was because they didn’t talk! At least now, even if it takes Matt a while to say the actual words, Seamus knows how he feels. Yes, Seamus. You need to get an auditor in there while Mike is out of the office without letting him know. He most definitely embezzling on behalf of Kelly’s family, especially since you have been so much more successful than he ever was. Matt, maybe spend a morning on the books, then get Seamus to find a certified accountant to backtrack everything. He’s going to need it!

(I see you had a birthday. Happy Birthday! 🎂🎁 Hope it was enjoyable!) I was just wondering if the Rampart Lodge is the hotel located on the base. If so, nice. My husband and I have stayed at a couple of Navy Lodges while traveling (he’s retired Army National Guard) and the accommodations are top-notch! What’s really nice is that room prices are based on rank. So the higher your rank, the higher your rate. You help subsidize the lower ranks who have to utilize the facilities.

Is today her birthday? Happy Birthday! You share it with one of my favorite people—my Daddy (although he was born in 1930). He would have been 91 today.

❤️🌎

Yes! Finally! Now get that new stock person in there and there will be some real relief for the guys. It didn’t surprise me when Tony put Jim on the account. When you are a couple, you share things. When we got married, it was one of the first things we did—get the other as a signatory on our various accounts. It was a cute reaction, but Tony needs to be careful. Luckily, everyone knows him there. But playfully grabbing and kissing that girl, even though her mother was there and knew what happened, could have gone terribly wrong if the wrong person saw it. Unfortunately, there are PLENTY of those idiots who want to see evil where there isn’t any.

Part-time/Schmart-time. He needs to hire at least 2 full-time equivalents! Our guys are working 6 days a week for 12+ hours a day! Yeah, they’re raking in the overtime, but they are exhausting themselves. It’s a story. Mr. Thomas has a busy, successful store. GET MORE EMPLOYEES!

PUPPY! 🐶 Yay! I didn’t like that Matilda when she was first introduced and even less now. I can hardly wait to find out what she sniffing around for.

I agree with this whole-heartedly. Yes, they would probably have wound up together, but things were greatly accelerated because of Aiden and Seamus took full advantage of that. They need to sit down and TALK! Brad needs to take Aiden for the weekend to allow them total freedom to discuss EVERYTHING. This not a hop-into-bed-and-have-fun weekend. They need to have a serious talk about where their heads and hearts are. Matt needs to come clean about his fears, wants and needs. Not necessarily in that order. So does Seamus. Being in his own apartment is probably one of the smartest moves Matt has made, no matter how upset Seamus is about it. They might want to think about going someplace neutral, not one of their apartments, but maybe a hotel or cabin or resort or something. Someplace where they don’t have reminders around them. Talking with Brad first is a good idea. Matt can’t go to Seamus without having his arguments in order and his emotions under control. He’ll only do that with Brad. His friends helped a bit, but this is when a boy needs his dad. OK. Enough soapbox. I have to go do dishes and do some grocery shopping! Looking forward to the next chapter to see how the guys deal with their latest dilemma!

I hate to see this end, but I look forward to having the complete book to reread in full! This has been a REAL good story!

Their work hours are horrendous! 12-15 hours a day sometimes? I certainly hope they get paid overtime. Mr. Thomas NEEDS to hire more help!

Wow! Two in one day! We are thrilled! Keep them coming, especially when things are getting so exciting!

Sorry it took me a bit to get to read this. Lots going on! I feel I also have to agree with @JeffreyL and @Serelec. I felt very confused trying to figure out who was who and what was what. You did a great job with the prologue, so I was really looking forward to reading the subsequent chapters. However, I think you are trying to get into the story too quickly. It sounds like you have a complex story coming. Take your time and develop each line a little slower and spend a bit more time explaining who people are and how they fit together. Perhaps now that you have Michael in place you can do this. It took me several paragraphs to realize I was reading a job interview! Is Elena the Queen’s sister or is it the Duchess? See what I mean? Right now, I just have names and don’t know how they fit. You asked for a critique. I’m a Librarian. You ask and you shall receive! 😉

Unfortunately, Mom passed in 2012. I think I’ve spoken or had something to do with him less than 2 dozen times since than, maybe. We have sent Christmas gifts each year and birthday gifts to the girls until their mid-20s. I do send the babies things throughout the year and each girl got her own handmade blankie at birth. Rarely got a thank you. Never got a gift. I think he acknowledged my birthday maybe 3-4 times in 25 years. I was in shock when he allowed the girls to participate in my wedding (ages 11, junior bridesmaid, and 4, twin flower girls) in 2000. Am I sad about it? You bet. I wish I could have a relationship like I see in my husband’s family. However, I am most fortunate, because they have adopted me as fully into the family as if I had been born into it. That’s the way Mom taught me. We (Mom, Daddy and I) have never understood where he came from with his attitude.