Summerabbacat

Hopefully the worst and the best are behind him @Lee Wilson, the former decreasing his stress and the latter potentially increasing his pleasure.

Spillage of any kind on furniture from which stains cannot be removed or are difficult to remove is what "worries" me about being naked around the house (that and having one of my cats suddenly jump into my lap). Clothes can cover a multitude of "sins".

“And how’s your love life, looking?” Vince looked his usual collected self, but Dawn thought she saw ripples underneath. “A bit on and off. It’s got complicated and”, Vince sighed, “I just…” Dawn gave him her best motherly look, “Well, I’m here if you need to talk.” Very intriguing chapter @Robert Hugill. Vince's discussion with Dawn has me wondering if Vince has crossed over to the "dark side" and that is why his love life is complicated. Is Peter perhaps more than a friend? Or is she married as Graham wondered? Graham's burgeoning "relationship" with Matt is something of a conundrum to Graham, and most likely to Matt too. I won't be surprised if Vince's altruism comes to the fore regarding Matt and his mother now that Graham has apprised him of their perilous financial circumstances. Another charming little chapter.

Like @weinerdog, I think Mike is laying low again, fearing reprisal from one or more of sss Shane's goons for ramming his car to prevent his escape. Given they bashed Grayson, presumably under orders from or as a favour to sss Shane, Mike's caution is warranted. I also agree with several of my fellow readers that it is imperative Grayson speak to Mike to advise him of what he disclosed to the police regarding the night sss Shane got his hands on the "fresh meat" and refused to stop when Grayson said no. This admission must surely strengthen the case against sss Shane. I was very impressed with Constable Taylor's response to this disclosure from Grayson, and also with Pamela. No judgment from either, just sympathy and understanding. Antonio impressed again, resolute in his acceptance of Grayson as Rafael's partner, directing the hospital to treat Grayson as a family member and allow him the same visitation rights as the de Silva family themselves. Grayson's bedside chat with Rafael revealed what I thought might eventuate, he feels guilty, responsible for what has happened to Rafael. He must share this guilt with someone before it "eats" away at him. Leandro is the obvious choice as he already has some idea of what happened to Grayson at the hands of sss Shane. Great chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters. It is pleasing to observe the noose is tightening around sss Shane's neck. I think the chances of him being found not guilty of attempted murder are slim.

Gladys, the "scarlet woman", temptress of Solomon. Solomon, pious puritan, lustful loins awakened by Dominatrix Gladys decked out in a rubber cat suit with all manner of whips, cat o'nine tails. Hypocrites both. Hopefully Mary will divorce Solomon and kick him to the kerb. He may have to move in with his Dominatrix.

If Joshua comes out to John and the Cuntess of Chicago perhaps it might encourage John to ditch the bitch, even if it means living by himself. Anything would be better than living with Rebecca. The only thing which will improve her, make her bearable for anyone unfortunate enough to become acquainted with her, is death.

Tapestry is a word you often have used in comments praising this story @drsawzall. Never has the word been a more apt description than for this beautiful chapter, a chapter which saw the closure of past hurt for so many, including Roger and Thomas, and the beginning of a brighter future for so many, even if that future is limited, as it appears to be for Daniel. Your astute observation in the prior chapter @Cane23 was confirmed . Mario Espinoza is the father of one Juan Ramos. Hopefully a meeting between the two will be witnessed in the epilogue, which I am looking forward to like the much anticipated release of Voyage by ABBA in November 2021. Orlando and Rocky, reformed mafioso thugs? Their past misdeeds should not be forgiven or forgotten, but their recent righteous and heroic acts say much about their character, as well as their sense of humour (Orlando's warning to "Justice" Jean, a light hearted moment to relish). Admiration of both came from many unexpected quarters, from Dominic De Luca to Samantha Jones to Sandra Mack. And now for a comment or two for you specifically @empath. There was a smattering of humour in this chapter, which I did not expect given the content of the story to date. Elio's comment "We're Cicero's" got the ball rolling. Judge Sarah Roe. Was this an amalgam of Jane Roe and one of her legal representatives Sarah Waddington @empath or merely coincidence? Given the current climate in your homeland I hope it was not a coincidence. Speaking of the current climate, I somehow doubt the current regime would have any appetite to resolve criminal activities as described in this masterful work. Many of the victims would be deemed worthless, the offspring of hookers, junkies and the socially disadvantaged, all of whom brought their misfortunes on themselves (not my words). Again tears sprung (poured) forth, beginning with: “Do you think Stan is happy?” He was using the small voice that meant he needed reassurance". A timely reminder there were more victims than just the boys themselves. I cannot say much more (much to the relief of many I am sure) without repeating comments I have made in prior chapters @empath. Suffice to say, an extraordinary piece of literature has been written and selflessly shared, and you are its author.

Evie and Drew's response to the request they provide the "venue" for an evening party after the wedding was as I expected. Joyous, a chance to celebrate, maybe a chance for Drew to sell more works to Russ, and hopefully ruffle a few feathers, although it does not appear any of the expected party guests will have cause for ruffled feathers. I am a little disappointed Ralph and Nolan were not mentioned as possible guests, but then I guess the rekindling of the friendship between Gordon and Ralph has not begun as yet. The chapter title made me think again of The Wedding List by Kate Bush and the rather amusing Wedding Bells by Godley & Creme, each of whom at one stage was 1/4 of 10CC, before a relatively successful career as a duo. Both songs I enjoy, especially Kate of course, but it is the latter below, a song which does not speak fondly of weddings or marriage in general.

Repeatedly, driving backwards and forwards, like Kathleen Turner as Beverly Sutphin in Serial Mom. A joyous occasion.

Domenico has borne a lot of heartache in recent times, the death of his parents and his beloved brother, Stefano, rejection by his Uncle Bob which his Aunt Carmela has seemingly not attempted to discourage or quash. He appeared to be faring well in his new environment until reactionary Rod showed his true colours, a narrow-minded bigot. Given his age, I suspect Rod may be spouting the views of his parents or some other influential person in his life to date. @Lee Wilson I am pleased you chose not to jump off the overpass into the path of an incoming truck.

Leandro and Oliver, Rafael and Grayson are fortunate to have such wonderful older and younger brothers respectively, the former providing wonderful emotional support for Rafael and now for Grayson too, and Oliver offering Grayson his constant affection. Dr Chen has delivered a positive and hopeful prognosis, although there is still concern over the damaged vertebrae. Frankly, given the extent of Rafael's injuries, it is remarkable he is doing as well as he is. He has youth on his side. Well written again @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

@Robert Hugill's works invariably make me think of Kate Bush @drsawzall, and this story and particularly your comment have made me think of her again and this beautiful tribute to their mother country.

My eyesight (with glasses) is worse than I thought @chris191070. I thought it was @Cane23 who had made this comment, shortly after he made the comment about the mooning brothers in a story written by your fellow Englishman, Robert Hugill. It seems you are both on 🔥.

I like the way you think @chris191070. For some DP, double the pleasure, for some double the pain, and for still others a little of both I should imagine. It makes me think of Jack Nicholson aka The Joker from Batman when he says "this town needs an enema".

You are on 🔥 tonight (it is 11.20pm here in Sydney) with the witticisms @Cane23; firstly one brother mooning another, now sss Shane being spit-roasted by Big Bad Bubba. May I elaborate, Big Bad Bubba "bringing up the rear" and Humungous Hard-on Hiram as the front-row forward; sss Shane well and truly stuffed or cornholed from both ends.

Your longest work by quite a margin @Robert Hugill. A leisurely pace should not be unfavourably viewed when the characters are as interesting and even a little quirky as Graham and Vince, and I think the "secondary" characters Freddie and Matt are likely to be equally interesting. Whilst I do like an action-packed, dramatic and suspenseful story, I enjoy equally one like this which soothes and entertains with a different set of charms.

Luis Fernandez was not the stereotype macho Hispanic man. He is intelligent and not at all concerned that his son may, and in fact is likely to be gay. He treated Ricky with respect and kindness, rationally discussing sex with him and counselling him not to share their discussion with his mother as she does not share her husband's more liberal and enlightened views on sex in general, and homosexuality in particular. What a contrast to Matthew's father Solomon. I expect fireworks in the next chapter when Matthew returns home and delivers the news of his summer employment and plans to stay with Granddad Tom. Solomon will likely blow a gasket.

OMG as if the chapter itself was not funny enough, then you throw in this doozy @Cane23. Hilarious, I just about peed myself laughing. I laughed so much I hiccoughed AND snorted (very Therese @Robert Hugill). My eldest cat Frida was on the dining table having a post-dinner wash (it is almost 10pm) and she looked at me as if she thought I was having a seizure. The physical contrast between the brothers could not be greater @Robert Hugill; Graham smooth all over like a baby's bottom (and from his description of himself with only minor hair removal required to achieve the look) vs Vince, positively Sasquatchian (without the bulk if I remember correctly). The emotional and/or intellectual is where they are more alike, possibly in reaction to their father's treatment of each. Both seemingly have a short fuse, prone to flying off the handle with the smallest of provocation and highly intelligent. I am keen to know more about Matt and his mother's apparent limited capacity and circumstances. There are spare bedrooms in Philpott Towers and Vince does like helping out the homeless and disadvantaged. Matt could start out in one of the spare bedrooms too, before migrating to the "annexe". After five chapters very little has happened to any of the characters thus far, and this is one of its strengths @Robert Hugill. A charming story, one to accompany a coffee, tea or any other beverage which takes your fancy with a biscuit or some of your beloved cake. The odd thing for me though is that it is set in summer, I am reading it in summer (although it has hardly been a hot summer in Sydney) and yet I am associating it more with a winter tale. Perhaps it is the mention of marshlands and bread with jam or bananas for breakfast which conjures an image of winter; very Wuthering Heights (both Emily's literary masterpiece and Kate's sonic masterpiece). Not sure I would be wanting to moon anyone in such weather though @Cane23.

How about sulphuric soiled scumbag Shane (sss Shane) @weinerdog? At a height of 167cm he should fit snugly on Big Bad Bubba's lap when he is imprisoned, particularly if he is rectally impaled. He may find himself a very popular bitch in prison, he will not be so fucking smug then will he. It was reassuring Rafael does not appear to have sustained any neck or brain injuries from being catapulted off his motorbike and colliding with a vehicle, his motorbike and possibly the road. People often complain about having to wear a helmet, but imagine this scenario if Rafael had not been wearing a helmet. His family and friends would almost certainly have been visiting him in the morgue. I was very impressed with Antonio. He is clearly devastated, grief stricken, and yet he remained strong for the sake of Katherine. His insistence Grayson was a family member as Rafael's partner, indicates not only has Rafael fallen in love with him, but it seems Rafael's parents have at least warmed to him very quickly too. I do hope Grayson does not blame himself for this attempted murder, thinking that what happened to him at the hands of sss Shane and to a lesser extent Mike, is what started sss Shane's retaliatory action. I do hope Rafael does not "reject" Grayson if there is a chance he may not walk again, martyring himself so as not to "tie down" Grayson. I, like a couple of my fellow readers, find it difficult to believe Mike just happened to be passing by. I don't think he was involved, but I do think he has had sssShane under watch. I don't think the truth will come until it is revealed what happened to Grayson, which appears to have been the catalyst for all the retaliatory action since. @Al Norris described this story well with his comment @Mark Ponyboy Peters writes in a manner that I become involved with the story and characters. Very well said. And the only "dessert" I hope sss Shane gets @Al Norris, is ice cream made from sour milk, served with rancid Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cheap white chocolate. Fucking disgusting.

The flashback scene to Jonah's birthday 6 months prior suggested two marriages in trouble. Is it possible James' coming out merely hastened the decision by his father to divorce his mother. Irascible and indifferent Irene, a godly Christian woman my arse. Both James and his father are infinitely better off without her. Let her join her local chapter of Moms for Liberty where she and her coven of bitches can postulate and work themselves stupid (not hard work) into a frenzy of hatred and vitriol against all those they deem immoral. Part of me was angered by what I initially perceived as James' deception of Jonah, luring him into a night of sex and promises of eternal love, only to dump him the next morning. In hindsight, I don't think James was aware of his father's plans. In some respects it makes sense for his father to want to return to his hometown now that he is a single dad as there is nothing left for him in North Carolina, his son being the only good thing to come from a marriage doomed to fail given Irene's intransigent views. Hopefully Jonah will now focus on destroying Victor and June. It is time to clean up their high school and clean up the Hamptons. Send them on a one way journey to North Carolina where I am sure they would be welcomed with open arms.

I forgot to comment previously on James' family situation. Kudos to his father for disagreeing with his mother, the bitch troll formerly known as Irene, regarding James' sexuality, AND for divorcing her. Hopefully she got served with "no contact" papers for both James and his father, and a big fat cheque made out to "LOSER" for $0.00 as a divorce settlement.

Is it my imagination or is Rod trying just a little too hard to prove he is straight? Methinks he is either a little insecure in his sexuality or perhaps his family environment is one which is vocal in its opposition to "faggots" and/or "wokes". "Yeah Marcus. I can get better snacks than they even have in the machines. Amazon is your friend. Walmart too." That would be a resounding, no. "It may be a video, but it's the first pussy I've ever seen." I have never seen one in the flesh, video was more than enough. Teenagers and tomahawks, a potential recipe for disaster? An entertaining chapter @Lee Wilson. The boys found a use for an iPad. I still think throwing one at a wall would bring me more satisfaction.

Too many more of these 'cliffies' @Mark Ponyboy Peters and we may have to start referring to you as: I have always liked this song very much, but had never seen the video before. And is it a sign of madness overtaking my brain, but I found Cliff quite sexy in this video?

"Any time and any place is a good idea as far as I'm concerned. You never know when the next opportunity may come. Got to take our chances." How prophetic these words of Rafael's have proven to be, similarly Grayson's recent sense of foreboding. Whilst I still think Mike has been laying low, possibly after being threatened by Stinky Shane and/or one or more of his goons, it appears he may also have been monitoring Stinky's movements. I cannot believe it is merely coincidental Mike was in the vicinity of Stinky when he deliberately rammed Rafael on his motorcycle. Similarly, I cannot envisage how Stinky will claim it was an accident, in the event he does make such a claim, when it appears there were several witnesses to his action, in addition to Grayson and Mike. I hope Rafael's helmet flew off after he made contact with the road as if this is not the case he may well be brain damaged. The most ominous threat though appears to be spinal damage, which depending on its severity, may leave him as a paraplegic or quadriplegic. Whatever the outcome, the attempted murder of Rafael is going to have a significant impact on not only Grayson and Rafael, but also on their families, friends and co-workers. Another "wicked" cliffhanger @Mark Ponyboy Peters. Is this the "behaviour" of an author whose work, this very work in fact, was #2 on the Top 10 'Most Read Romance' for the month ending 14/02/25 (non-American date format again @Al Norris)? It certainly appears to be the case, leaving we readers on the edge of our seats for at least 48 hours before the next chapter is posted (if I have assessed your publishing schedule correctly).

I think the longer he is in custody the better the chance the police will recognise there is something seriously wrong with his home life and/or the more likely Lucas' is to "break" his tough guy persona and reveal all. A case of being "cruel to be kind" @Paladin.