CincyKris

This chapter was joyous! Phil has come such a long way, but he is not the only one! All of our principles have grown happier since the first chapter, Phil is the epicenter, but all of his new friends have helped each other.

I was afraid that Red was going to get mad and harm Makayla! She’s a possessive old girl! If I were Susan, I’d grab Makayla (who I hope is OK), and get the hell out. Mom can clear out the house on her own!

I am making a wild guess for the Fascinator Murders -- Dr. Sawzall.

I liked the intentional pronoun confusion, it adds to the character's genuine gender confusion.

Check out the last few chapters of Halos and Heroes by @P. E. Knapp, pretty steamy! Edit: sorry I meant to type in the wonderful author of Halos and Heroes, @JJ Quinn!

Janek made a huge step towards unloading his baggage, but I doubt he is there yet. It will be interesting to see if Marc will handle the brother himself or put one of his many influential family members on the take-down? I'm betting he will be hands-on.

I can see Adam and Megan as best friends. And Adam and Callum will have some amazing conversations, it it will be like watching a chess match. One brutally direct, the other unfailingly polite, but both smart and honest. These four are going to have some lively times!

I have some guesses on 3 of the stories, no clue on Alltopia or Nox. Behind the Walls - @Karl Anders Sparkling Waters - @Stellar Hide and Seek - @Mrsgnomie I just hope I get one right! The Secret Author is a lot of fun!

I get the impression that Mitchell is a classic narcissist. Greg was important, even precious, to Mitchell only when he was fulfilling his roll, once his usefulness was done, he was disposable. I would imagine Mitchell left a string of models, assistants, and hangers-on in his wake. I'm not surprised he would agree to a new exhibition, even if it doesn't portray him as a decent human. I think Mitchell only cares about his reputation as an artist, he couldn't care less about the rest. If Greg is able to both profit financially and emotionally, he should go ahead with the exhibition. This could be huge for Vaughan, he would gain status in and outside his field. That could be valuable in his dealings with Heyward.

River is so honest with himself internally, but so censored with everyone else. It's so amazing to delve into the rockstar River from IHTT, and see that vulnerability.

I can’t wait for the first meeting between Callum and Adam!

This is my favorite, so far! I loved the road trip that allowed Noah to see the country. I think he gained some confidence and his relationship with Liam will be stronger. I also think Liam will re-prioritize and appreciates Noah more. Kaira got a much needed break in her routine and strengthened her friendship with both men. I have a strong guess on the author!

So awesomely creepy! I wonder what the Cowboy Lady's story is? I agree that those albums must hold some interesting pictures.

I am late to the party because I work on Saturdays, but I have so many feels! This was such a complex chapter: Matt wanting to risk the unknown to chase his lover, Andrew wanting Matt to stay due to many levels of feelings, Maeve wanting a child to love. We have Andrew chastised by family, authorities, and readers. I think Andrew could have made better decisions, but he made them quickly and all with good intentions. I ask his detractors, including @Flip-Flop, would it have been better for Matt to have been sold to another master? Because that is exactly what would have happened if Andrew hadn't interceded. The "Market" is not a stable, long-term website, any delay would have resulted in Matt going back into slavery. Should he not have written the book? Then the market could have continued to be a secret to the public, is that better? He has not spent any of the money made from the book, he intends to use it to help the victims, how is this ego-stroking? I love this multilayered story and the thought provoking comments it has garnered. That it has provoked such strong opinions is a great achievement by the author, and all of our opinions are valid. Even @weinerdog's!

Great job ramping up the spookiness! I wonder if Makayla is easily spooked? Will Susan even tell her, or be too embarrassed? Susan's mom seems like she might be a helicopter parent, I wonder how often Susan has been allowed alone time in her young life. I'm looking forward to her girlfriend's arrival.

If Keith was looking for closure by going "home", he was as unsuccessful as with his ex girlfriend. But, learning that it is possible to move on from unhappiness without traditional closure is a valuable lesson. He is currently living his best life, his old life will mean less and less as time moves on.

Adam is completely discombobulated! Good! He needs a little discombobulation to shake things up. Kai will be good for him, just as much as Adam will be good for Kai. As for getting Megan (and the doc) to adhere to some rules, good luck!

I'm going to play devil's advocate (or Andy's defense lawyer, wait is that redundant?), I'm not sure how prepared Andy could be with regards to papers, plans, etc. Let's remember that this is an adult that Andy rescued, as was stated by @Flip-Flop, he is not a pet. Matt should absolutely be involved in getting himself back on the grid. All Andy and Robert had to go on was Matt's first name and a grainy picture of a thin, dirty man. I should think that good food, comfortable clothes and shelter, and respect are the main requirements. Matt should have a say in everything else. He is free to make his own decisions, I would think that is as important as food, shelter, and clothing.

I'm going to go back and read a few chapters of IHTT! I wonder if Kenji was just as vulnerable as River when he showed up at his door?

This was an upbeat, happy chapter. We received a positive look at the important women in their lives, but it was still full of Vaughan's typical acerbic and funny critiques. I'm looking forward to the first meeting of Mother and Gran.

I think @Summerabbacat must still be sleeping, this one is right up his alley!

I'm reading some of your older stories on my lazy day off. This was delightful! I'm reading your current story, Sold into Freedom, and I couldn't help but laugh at the ad. Other than the bisexual and remuneration parts, Mr. Black could've written it!

Susan seems to have a lot of figurative ghosts in her head, does she have some literal ghosts in Grandma's house, as well? I hope Makayla is ok with whiling away Covid time in a creepy old house, I don't think total isolation is a great idea for Susan.

Full disclosure, I recently read this on Nifty. Very enjoyable, no spoilers from me. I like reading the comments here on GA.

Wow, I think poor Nikki might need therapy living with those two! Or become a stand-up comedian, lots of material.