Summerabbacat

I found Jack's lack of "reverence" for Theodore from their first meeting extremely amusing. "Theo" is affronted by the audacity of the puny field mouse showing him no deference, but at the same time he is struggling with a sexual attraction to him. His masculinity and alpha status appears threatened by such an attraction. Perhaps Jack wears an aftershave or deodorant which has cinnamon as an active ingredient. I cannot imagine why such a smell would be offensive though @Paladin, but then I am not a wolf shifter. If Jack smelled like Butt Breath Johnston from Swing on the Fences I could understand his olfactory senses being offended, but cinnamon. A delightful start to this sequel @Laura S. Fox. Jack's sense of humour is even more appealing in this story thus far than what it was in Wolf In The City. I suspect it will be his turn, and perhaps to a lesser extent Vince's turn, to shine. No longer the "bridesmaid", but now the "bride", maybe even a "bridezilla" if his total lack of deference to "Theo" continues.

I read this story after starting to read the yet to be completed Swing for the Fences by the same author, @LittleBuddhaTW. Whilst he appears to be somewhat dismissive of this story, apparently unhappy with the "quality" of his writing, I found it to be quite the opposite. It may not be as "polished" as Swing for the Fences, but it is a powerful, moving, emotionally challenging read nevertheless. I am a "sucker" for the underdog, and in the character of Connor, one could not find a greater example thereof. All the characters are well written, some with more depth than others obviously, but not one is a caricature. Replete with Elton John song references, including many lesser known songs, which added greatly to the story and in understanding of Connor and his life. @LittleBuddhaTW I think you have grossly underrated this story. The talent you displayed in its telling was extraordinary. Although written almost 20 years ago, it has a timeless appeal and relevance, particularly in a world so divided and non-inclusive of people in similar circumstances to Connor.

I did not know who Eddie Haskell was @weinerdog, but after finding out who he was and what he represented, you are not far wrong. He is an odious little creep.

Butt Breath Johnston is disgusting. He is entirely unsuited to the position he currently holds. Given Nick's remark to his mother that Mr G has been "let go" I am assuming he will not be returning, unless he sues the school for unfair dismissal and is successful in doing so. What a contrast Mr G and Butt Breath Johnston. "He fanned it toward his nose, sniffed, and sighed like he was admiring a fine wine. “That one’s a keeper,” he said, then looked directly at me. “Dedicated to you, Kincaid.” I don't understand Butt Breath's "dedication" of a fart to Nick. Is this him making a snide comment about the suspicion Nick and Jack are having anal sex, or is it just his sick sense of humour? Clearly he is in dire need of an enema or colonic irrigation, although I pity the person charged with administering either. A Hazmat suit may need to be worn for protection. Noah's ego is limitless. His apology to Nick initially appeared sincere, however, it was quickly revealed to be anything but sincere. His ego is in direct contrast to his endowment and sexual prowess.

Much to enjoy in this chapter @ChromedOutCortex, but the highlight for me was the family meal which concluded the chapter. A little light "teasing" of Adam by all is indicative of an acceptance of Jamie without reservation. "Jay tried to keep a straight face. “So we’re, like, calling him ‘boyfriend’ officially? Not ‘mystery gentleman caller’?” and "Jay snorted. “Ohhh, look at you. Passenger princess status unlocked.” and “Better hope he opens the door for you,” Jay added, grinning. “Wouldn’t want your royal highness breaking a sweat.” “Or chips a nail,” Cindy piled on". These three remarks in particular had me in stitches. Up until this chapter I had found Jayden more annoying than amusing, but his light-hearted teasing in this chapter painted him in a much more favourable light. The suspense continues to mount a little more with each chapter @ChromedOutCortex.

As an inhabitant of the Great Southern Land, the sunburnt country, the landscape in Essex in the photograph above holds little appeal @Robert Hugill. It appears to be as the result of "bleak" weather at best LOL. Arthur and Dawn appeared to be most suitable walking companions for Gray and his "Muse". I seem to recall Keith and Thomas were fond of regular long walks too. Is this something which you are fond of and participate in regularly too Robert? A most admirable and health-inducing pass time in a world obsessed with pace and a species with little appetite for going anywhere other than by motor vehicle, at least in the "first world". Dawn's sense of humour was to the fore again with: “When we were younger that would have involved a literal roll in the hay. Regrettably, the weather and Arnold’s back put paid to that idea.” Arnold snorted. “So, we’ve brought The Times crossword, instead.” I think she might have made Vince blush and Freddie snigger with such a comment.

Do you have a posting schedule for this one @Mark Ponyboy Peters, or are you posting it as you write it? Continuing with the 1977 song postings, let us hope Nate and Danny's confessions do not lead to Danny becoming: I guess this one appealed to you Mark given the country feel to it. I have to say I liked it too, and it was certainly a substantial hit in Australia (# 1) as it was in the USA (# 1). I have to say though I cannot recall ever seeing this video before, and it would surely have been played on Countdown the weeks it was # 1. Later in the same year a country song was released that remains one of my favourite country songs of all time, a massive hit in the USA (# 2), but not so much in Australia (# 16). Let us hope neither Nate nor Danny nor Jake suffer the same fate as Crystal.

"His breath hit me like a crime scene – rotten cabbage, vaginal discharge, and the sour stench of soiled baby diapers. I nearly gagged on the spot." OMG @LittleBuddhaTW what a combination of fetid putrescence. LOL. I almost hurled my dinner and I am used to cleaning cat litter trays often in a multiple cat household. I don't think there is anything which smells as bad as a baby's soiled nappy (we call them nappies in Australia not diapers) but then I have not smelt a vaginal discharge, which by its name alone sounds toxic and not something I ever wish to encounter. Jonah is highly intelligent as many have started, but seemingly quite insecure. There may be some jealousy or envy of Christian on his part given Christian's apparent sporting abilities, popularity and looks. Whatever the reason, if any, for his poor treatment of Danny, Nick and Jack were right to call him out on it. I am also currently reading Someday Out of the Blue @LittleBuddhaTW and cannot understand why you have disparaged it in your comments on earlier chapters. It may not be as polished as Swing For The Fences, but I am enjoying it immensely, perhaps even moreso than Swing For The Fences.

The comments made by @Seraph28 aka the "blushy black man" and @pvtguy succinctly summarise the central theme of this chapter, and the appeal of the theme. Well done men. Wodge - another of your delightful Hugillisms @Robert Hugill. As is invariably the case with these Hugillisms , it is not a word I can recall ever encountering before in any medium. Much to love about this chapter, but for me the appearance of Audra Macdonald and her responses to, and assessment of, Slav was the pinnacle: Neither Slav, nor Rory as he listened, really noticed quite how often Slav mentioned Rory’s name, but Audra MacDonald did. She decided that she and Jock wanted to meet this rather gentle giant."

I am sure Primrose is not suffering financially. I have to confess I had never noticed him before, but you are right. Craig, former resident of Thompsonville, later of LA, now known as Chase. I still think Sonique is hotter though, purely from an aesthetic viewpoint. She reminds me somewhat of the uber-stunning Sade. She was, and still is, gorgeous. Both British, black and beautiful.

"He couldn’t recall Skye having left him through the night, but he could recall almost every other detail: the touch of her skin against his, the faint smell of flowers in her hair, the taste of her lips on his, the feel of her hand on his youthful hardness as she guided him into her warm, moist and velvety inner sanctum." OMG @Mark Ponyboy Peters! I almost wet myself laughing at this description of a vagina. It is as if you borrowed it from your wealthy "cousin" Primrose Peters, from one of "her" best-selling bodice rippers. Hilariously funny, I think I even chuckled on the bus as I read it this morning. It did not last though as the following paragraph brought sadness: "he had just passed that test, which meant he was no longer a boy . . . he was no longer virginal . . . but was that what he truly wanted? Or would the feelings he held for another – feelings he knew could never be acted upon – forever cast a shadow over this memory?" I had to stop reading this story immediately and put my phone away as I felt a stray tear trickle down my face, one which could have released an avalanche of tears had I continued to read it. I knew immediately he was referring to Danny (and I am no genius), and would have embarrassed myself, blubbering like a big girl. Nate's thoughts awash with melancholy, and I felt profoundly sad for him. I had forgotten Jake's Sandman was burnt orange @Mark Ponyboy Peters, a colour I particularly like, one which is so apropos given we live in the Great Southern Land, a sunburnt country (and I have the sun-damaged skin to prove it, but boy did I love laying in the sun with my SPF4 Tropical Blend Reef Oil when I was in my teens, 20's and 30's. Jalopy, now there is a word I have not heard for many a year. A beautifully written chapter, one which cemented a friendship with something even deeper than what Nate and Danny had ever confessed to each other. Now if I must post a song @weinerdog, it is one which is simply called Sky (without the e), with fabulous vocals from British goddess, Sonique, former vocalist for S'Express. Great video (love the green and blue) and Sonique is smoking hot. One of @Summerabbacat's favourite songs from the first decade of the new millennium.

I was toying with posting it in support of comments I made on the first chapter @weinerdog, but kept my selections year specific. Although both Pussyfoot's first single and Bay City Rollers version of I Only Want To Be With You were released late 1976, both charted strongly in 1977. In Australia Jigsaw were known as British Jigsaw because there was an Aussie band named Jigsaw who enjoyed chart success. Sky High charted in late 1975 and into 1976 and peaked at # 3 on our Top 40 charts. I liked the song and have it vinyl on a K-Tel compilation with the "hip" title Right On. I quite like the song, one of those little underrated gems one tends to forget because the band was a one-hit wonder. Only one video I can find for it, and it is not particularly impressive. Now I must read this chapter without further ado.

Maybe?

Joan Collins second husband, Anthony Newley, was famously quoted as saying of his ex: "she would sell her own bowel movement". Let us hope Gray does not have to resort to such drastic measures, although there well may be a market for such Gray Philpott personal "treasures".

Sad! I am devastated @Seraph28. I am always devastated when a journey in the Hugillverse ends; the only tonic for this devastation in the past has been the start of a new journey in the Hugillverse (hint hint @Robert Hugill).