Danners

Yeah, their last confrontation definitely had a lasting effect on Hank. It seems like he came to a couple uncomfortable realizations since then, and he ran out of anger. The sadness left behind looks like it’s taking its toll. He’s lost and alone, more so now that he doesn’t have a distraction in Cave-In. (S’my nickname for Kevin, since he’s a mess and his presence only served to trap and isolate Hank. That, and when you remove the obstruction, all he is is a gaping hole. Heh.) Charles is as insightful as he is supportive. I didn’t notice that Chase could’ve considered Dawson his backup plan, but Charles pointing it out connected all the dots. I’m glad he’s back and is both able and willing to offer Chase advice. His comes from a different place than Dawson’s or even Cindy’s, and it’ll do a lot of good. I hope Charles reaches out to Hank, since the reverse isn’t likely after how Hank behaved before his return. Not only does Hank need a father’s advice, I think he needs the reassurance that at least one lifeline remains between him and Chase. Charles can provide both, along with the most important thing I suspect Hank is desperate for: love he doesn’t guilt himself for feeling. Also, good for Dawson! The man deserves a guy who can return his feelings, no matter how tentative they are in their progress as a couple. It’s great that they haven’t hooked up because it proves they’re serious about respecting one another’s boundaries and, in a broader stroke, it shows Chase that good things come to those who wait. Finally, and I’m surprised I’m admitting this, I think Chase will benefit from getting to a point where he can look for companionship outside of Hank. He still feels shackled to Hank and discouraged that he can’t move on. When he’s in a place where he can, it gives him the choice to love Hank and the conviction that comes with knowing they’re emotional equals moving forward. Does that make sense? Another excellent chapter, Gary. This one is like when a runner reaches a comfortable stride somewhere near the middle of his journey, where he knows he’s gone a good distance already and what lies ahead doesn’t seem so daunting anymore. (But he’s gotta watch out for pot holes like Kevin, or he’ll end up with skinned knees and nothing to show for it, also like Kevin!)

Sandra Sexton seems very disappointed as a rule. Her encouragement would be more shocking.

Why has no one mentioned this is the first time they’ve said “I love you” to each other? That’s just . . . monumental. And it adds another steeple to the house of cards Grant is unsteadily balancing atop Troy’s journal. After hearing how much John’s note would mean to Troy, how can Grant not give it to him? If his declaration of love was true and not a silicone based slip of the tongue, he’ll find a way. After the holidays, of course.

Yes, much like April’s performance atop Jett, you left us wanting more.

Too bad his heart seems to be disagreeing with his brain. No wonder he’s at odds with himself — longing for companionship that doesn’t cost him a pound of flesh and an ounce of self-esteem for every encounter. Nassau needs him but doesn’t want him; Sathriel wants him but doesn’t need him. Kiaza needed him, then wanted him, but left him to live Upstairs (and found my personal favorite of the humans). I feel bad for Nas and his broken heart but I feel worse for Kiorl. He’ll choose the Prince every time. The Prince, however, chooses the memories of his dead lover over the heart of his best friend and, though unintended, it’s just as cruel as what the King does. Maybe more so because it’s unintended and a burden Kiorl will shoulder in silence. (Since Kiorl was made for Nassau, I have to wonder how much of his loyalty is freely given and how much was manufactured in the Pit.) Am I reading into things too much, or did Sathriel follow Kiorl’s advice when selecting those two young demons? They certainly showed more loyalty to and concern for one another than most demons we’ve seen so far. Could the King have been sending a message? Doubtful but a guy can dream. Anyway, another splendid chapter!

Rude.

You doing Cindy’s voice might just be worth wearing an eye patch. You wouldn’t have to read any of Kevin’s lines — flush the toilet and that about sums him up.

Heteroflexibleness, nothing. That’s one ginger bread man we want frosted, and from Brian’s piping bag!

I’d say it speaks highly of you for not giving Grant the easy out he was hoping for. Much of his relationship with Troy was built on what he learned from the journal and at some point he needs to own up to that. He better pray Troy decides Grant’s heart was in the right place and allows him a chance to make it up to him. Grant could strip the journal pages and create a scrapbook using a three-ring binder and plastic sleeves, with John’s letter as the first page. The thought would count then at least, right? Georgette — I can understand why they adore her. Her enthusiasm helps to offset that big mouth. Plus, without her, we wouldn’t have the pleasure of seeing Aaron’s long suffering responses. Now, if only he’d respond to Brian’s advances . . . (A few former coworkers were like Aaron and Brian and it was hilarious watching them flirt.) As for Mrs. Danvers . . . I wouldn’t be surprised if she hopped on a private jet and showed up on Grant and Troy’s doorstep, wanting her son to look her in the eye. Despite being passive-aggressive, she seems like the kind of lady who doesn’t shy away from confrontation when it suits her purposes. Like with every other chapter, the next one can’t come soon enough.

Yep, the journal is definitely an addiction at this point. He can’t do away with it without tossing John’s letter and he can’t leave the letter somewhere for Troy to find because it mentions the journal, not to mention being written on one of its pages. At this point I don’t know what he can do other than suck it up, return it to Troy, and pray for forgiveness. Georgette continues to be annoying but she’s growing on me. The rest of the group are great, Brian especially. He’s a good man, plain and simple. How ‘bout one more game of Truth or Dare? Aaron and Brian haven’t experienced anal sex yet and we, your beloved and eternally randy readers, don’t want to miss out on seeing it like we did their kiss. Your blue/green eye parallel was brilliant. Definitely keeping that in my pocket. And then there was Ms. Crawford — er, Grant’s dearest mommy. She reminded me so much of my grandma, I caught myself wondering when I’d hear my grandpa tell her to quit her bitching. You sure she’s from upper crust California and not middle class Minnesota, where passive-aggressive is so commonplace it could be the state sport? I can only imagine her quiet, icy rage at being hung up on, while filing away Grant’s admission as a subject to gloss over at Christmas dinner. I did full-on cackle though. For a solid five minutes.

We’d rather you be loose like Kevin.

If Hank can orchestrate a wheelchair bound Kevin throwing himself down a flight of stairs, I’ll stand by that comparison. (10 points if you own the book.)

Shouldn’t you like Kevin then? No bigger bozo around.

Sounds a lot like a certain author we know. Hmph.

Better us than Hank.

Don’t forget the turnstile at the foot of his bed. Or the “Donor of the Month” award from the free clinic. Or his employee badge from the fertility clinic with the title “Director of Extractions” hand written in black Sharpie. Or that he works hand to mouth.

. . . is what Gerry asked after coming home from the States and seeing what remained of his cottage after the tantrum Kevin threw when Hank rejected him for being a worthless piece of trash. After surveying the damage, Gerry had to agree. How’s THAT for Kevin bashing! (I almost feel bad. Almost.)

Spoilsport.

Then he should pay them for their services like everyone else does. No wonder they’re tired of him.

He’s at least bi if he’s feeding pussies and receiving cocker spaniels.

Yes, and the sex workers appreciate his generosity. If only he showed the same care for his mother and grandmother, they wouldn’t be sick . . . of him.

Like calls to like, don’tcha know. That’s why Kevin walks around with his head up his ass so often: they’re both full of shit.

And how he can be so cocky. 😋

Like Kevin begged for dick at the cottage, eh? (Okay, I'll stop. [No, I won’t.])

I beg to differ.