CincyKris

I was deeply touched by Eric's heartfelt response to Claire's question. Putting all those words together and showing such vulnerability was something he probably never did before, ever.

Gray is playing matchmaker, hopefully he will be more successful than Venetia! He was certainly more direct and tactful. It would be a shame if Peter gives up all he's worked for because being around Vince is too painful. I think that could send Vince into an isolated, depressed mess.

Eric experienced many new things most of us take for granted. I don't think he is unique in his food and experience isolation, maybe at the fringe, though. In my job, we hire short-term seasonal workers every spring, mostly the very young (16 to 20) or retired people. I have been shocked by the lack of knowledge and experience some of the young folks have with food. A lot of poor people have been raised by parents and grandparents who only feed their families junk food and fast food, because it's easy and cheap. No one is born knowing that cooking real food is healthier and can be cheaper than junk. Even today, with high inflation, you can buys potatoes, onions, grains, and frozen veg very inexpensively. New experiences and information are the antidote to this problem.

If Jasper is not officially gone, I can't imagine that he is happy about yoga/IT guy helping Deirdre. Hopefully he will be more worried about his relationship with Deirdre than catching out Toby.

I make my living selling plants, and am happy to see authentic information regarding gardening. The story is so good I wouldn't stop reading even if the gardening info was crap, but I'm thrilled it's been good. In an earlier career I worked with abuse victims. For a lot of people, leaving an abusive partner is every bit as hard as coming out to homophobic parents. Unless they are ready to leave, they almost always go back.

The dinner party reminded me of E.M Forsters A Room With a View. Although a 100 or so years later. Would Dame Maggie Smith play Venetia, Rowena, or Felicity?

The "Sarah" event reminded me of the shopping scene in Pretty Woman. I'm guessing her disgust had more to do with Eric's state of dress. This snobbish behavior is too common, it is rampant. Hopefully it will come back to bite her in the butt.

I agree that this is the moment that Eric and Andy became friends. Something Eric has not had since possibly school days. And even then, they were probably more acquaintances. Isolation can be a killer.

Some very big moments in their lives! They publicly came out, then made love in the shower the next morning. Next up, Christmas with the family. Regardless of the outcome of Christmas lunch, the guys seem to be all in.

I think that my first read, I was really focused on the narrative and touched by Eric's emotion. I missed the comparison between Eric and Andy's mornings. Waking up cold, alone, feeling desperate, eating dry toast in a kitchen littered with ruined food you are unable to clean. Waking up after a satisfying night with your fiance to a full breakfast and playful banter in your warm, clean kitchen. They are worlds apart in so many ways.

I'm giving this a reread. It is one of my favorite series. The writing and character development are amazing! No spoilers from me, but just be aware that Eric and Andy will stick with you and hold a place in your heart and brain.

While I agree totally with @pvtguy, and commented along these lines in previous chapters, I have done some thinking that has tempered my righteous indignation for Tony. Aaron has some serious anxiety issues regarding abandonment. He self medicated with alcohol to avoid dealing with losing Tony and his brother at almost the same time. He has struggled back to self sufficiency with Justin's help. Denial is a powerful defense mechanism. He is probably struggling with his past decisions. Tony shows up out of the blue and this has the potential to knock him off his ass. So, theoretically, I think Tony has nothing to make up for. If he wants a successful relationship with Aaron, he will need a lot of patience and willpower.

Wow, both survived and transformed into something new. Tani sounds like he is rejuvenating in a heavenly place. Will Dante be allowed past the gates? Will he join his beloved in paradise? Can't wait to find out!

As I finished this, I was notified of the next chapter being posted. So no cliffy for me! Great chapter, the breakfast spread made me hungry.

I think the older one gets, the more difficult it is to break out of one's status quo. Even if the status quo is not desirable, it feels safe. Big changes are hard, regardless of the kind of change. I feel for Vince, especially if he suffers from any kind of anxiety, which many of us do. Looking at things from Gray's unique POV, he has done as much as he could do. He listened, gave his opinion, presented his story. Now it's all on Vince.

This plan feels a little like an ambush. I'm afraid that Aaron will feel overwhelmed. I have faith that they will work out their issues, but it will take just that, work.

Poor Tani and Dante caught up in this power play between siblings. Hopefully Anit will be victorious and our lovers will finally get their HEA.

Sad but not surprised at Val and Marina's reaction. Perhaps Grandmama holds the purse strings? If they want to lose their connection with their youngest, as they seemingly have done with their oldest, they could not have done a better job. I believe Noah is made of sterner stuff than his parents and will weather this little storm on the horizon.

Such a lovely, hopeful chapter. I'm optimistic that both his father and mother will be supportive, finally.

I liked the bittersweet ending, perhaps promising? I now can’t wait to meet the airhead, bored housewife, stern librarian! I’ll look forward to the reaction from @Summerabbacat when we get to the workshop reading.

I forgot to comment on Patrick's wife being a social worker. She might be instrumental in finding and protecting Joshua's brother. She probably has trusted contacts in the neighboring state's CPS.

Vince is still battling his father's morals. His coming out to his brother and son will no doubt be awkward, but hopefully cathartic. Vince is so buttoned up he desperately needs some catharsis! As for Venetia, has this busybody interfered with the lives of her own circle of friends and family to the point of exhaustion, that she has to branch out to acquaintances now?

I would think that child abuse investigations would be much faster than ones involving drugs or theft. Any delay means more children are being actively abused. It's great to see Joshua bonding with his new family. Hopefully a family that will grow by one?

I'm glad that Tim has come around. Hopefully the rest of the guys that are on the fence will give Tony a chance, as well. I feel like a meeting with Aaron is close.

This was a very entertaining read. I can't imagine the levels of frustration that Alex lives with every day he walks out the door. But rather than be constantly bitter and angry at the world, he chooses happiness.