Summerabbacat

Michael and Doug can add Barry and partner and Paul and partner(?) to their growing family. Those wonderful Sledge sisters would have a field day at the family gathering, with one of Nile and Bernard's greatest songs, one of disco's finest moments and Kathy's titanic vocals (especially on the album version).

And so the Odyssey begins for our Native New Yorker's. Let us hope bountiful happiness awaits.

It seems Michael's popularity in the bedroom and the "boardroom" has returned with a vengeance. Let's hope the latter comes with a promotion and/or pay rise and an acknowledgment that James McCauley's departure was perhaps not as it appeared.

“You heard me. If you sleep in my arms tonight, I’ll be able to soothe your tortured soul, but no hanky panky.” “Don’t be so dramatic. What are you talking about?” “Let’s get some sleep. I’ll tell you in the morning." What is Michael going to reveal in the morning? He had sex with a buddy when at NYU but decided to date women to ensure a junior partnership in the investment firm he works for? Having sex with Nancy was like fucking a partially frozen/partially thawed tuna and he would like to have sex with Doug as he finds him very attractive? I sensed Doug had either been in a gay bar or a bar where he and his friends had been harassed on the suspicion of being gay by the drunken sloth. On the assumption he was truthful in his explanation of the death of the drunken sloth, then he was rightfully acquitted of any wrongdoing. Looking forward to Michael's revelation @chris191070 which I assume will see the two fucking bunnies in the not too distant future.

Unless Destiny is an as yet to be seen female acquaintance of either Doug's or Emanuel's, then it appears either Doug or Emanuel or both are Michael's "destiny", and unless his life gets worse instead of better, he is likely to have a same-sex encounter or relationship. Anything will be an improvement on Nancy, she with the warmth and personality of a fridge/freezer. My bet is on Doug, the gregarious and generous fellow New Yorker.

It is testament to Michael's character that he did not respond to Nancy's unnecessarily cruel comment with something equally cruel. What a thoroughly unpleasant woman, he is better off without her. It appears Michael's father's lot in life may be improving; apparently neither Michael nor Ted is fond of his mother and wife respectively. I hope Michael at least informs his father he is Wyoming bound. It is sparsely populated and possibly inhospitable in parts. @chris191070 a truly awful day for Michael, although at least two of the events are likely to be a blessing in disguise, the end of his parents marriage and the end of his relationship with nasty Nancy.

The "reunion" has occurred and very quickly courtesy of Russ Kahn. The get together was a little awkward at first, but within a short time Ralph and "that boy" were enjoying each other's company and speaking quite freely of their lives since their last encounter. What a surprise Gordon felt guilty too, guilty for not having spoken to Ralph again, to have "forced" him to at least acknowledge their time together. Crying over spilt milk though is unproductive, and both Ralph and Gordon readily agreed this to be so. I am so pleased Gordon suggested the "seven of us" get together at Drew and Evie's home. Even if the respective couples don't "gel" I suspect Toby and the twins will enjoy each other's company immensely. Ralph's post-mortem comments worth the angst he was feeling regarding meeting up with "his Gordon" after such a long time. “It feels a hell of a lot better.” “Having met him and talked about it?” “Yeah. At last.” What a truly joyous and moving chapter @Robert Hugill. Spectacular. Tears of joy, which I am blaming entirely on hay fever, arrived aplenty. I suspect Ralph and Gordon may have shed some tears too, but were they able to blame their arrival on hay fever or allergies?

Commissaire Herrera, Inspector Morse or Inspector Clouseau? Thus far he appears to resemble the former rather than the latter. His interest piqued in all those interviewed to date, each one if not blatantly lying at least withholding the truth. Beverley appears the most uncomfortable thus far, certainly understating Carlos' role within the business, and possibly lying as to not knowing his current whereabouts. One thing those interviewed thus far have in common, they did not speak highly of Roland. The intrigue continues @E K Stokes. It is perhaps too early to predict the murderer, but I am inclined to think it was Carlos at the behest of Beverley.

OMG tickled and rimmed at the same time. 🔥🔥🔥🧯🧯🧯🚒🚒🚒 Who needs Santa Claus under such circumstances. The festive break in Australia results in more road deaths than at any other time of the year. I assume it is likely similar in the USA. Brett and Vincent had a lucky escape it seems from becoming a road fatality statistic themselves.

"Two, three, or four-inch mouse statues dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus decorated the corners of the brick hearth, lighted garland outlined the doorways, ran across the fireplace mantle, and wrapped around the wooden banister and rails and a Christmas village set up on the glass rectangle table that faced the front door". As I read this description of festive decor I had a "vision" of my youngest cat, Missy, whom I often address as 'Mischief', hiding, throwing and "torturing" the mouse statues, and demolishing the Christmas village when leaping atop it. Suffice to say I do not tempt fate and have any festive decorations in my apartment, wary of destruction and possible electrocution (I think it was she who chewed through my Apple Mac power cord). The gifts exchanged by Brett and Vincent were appealing, although I must say the unicorn appealed more. I of course would have to be wary of openly displaying such a figurine as it would likely tempt 'Mischief' to investigate further which may result in its damage. "I'll be with Trev and his thirteen-year-old son, Corbin, at their house in Rhode Island. I wish Mom and Dad would come to their senses and accept us. ............ I think your brother's a pretty special man. Not everyone would adopt an eleven-year-old boy he met through the orphanage's Big Brother program". I look forward to the introduction of Trevor and Corbin as soon as possible @Ticklishboy30 (hint hint).

A process of self discovery which has benefited not only yourself but also we readers.

Was it triggered by anaesthesia like AJ?

Your vivid imagination is on full display yet again @Lee Wilson. This is your "gift" and one just as precious as those possessed by Avery Sr and AJ, although perhaps not as "flashy". My fellow readers have made some very meaningful and thought provoking comments, such that there is little I can add. Just this once I shall refrain from repetition and say no more, other than that I am enjoying this story immensely thus far.

No, no, no. Please not KFC @drsawzall. A man of your character. Do not disillusion me.

A friendship between the two "strays" is likely to benefit both. Will this friendship lead to something more, only time will tell. If it does then both Tony and Aaron have the support of the older couples whom they can rely upon for information, guidance and friendship. I find many of the stories on GA present a learning opportunity from time to time, often from the pen of the author, but sometimes from the comment or a reader. On this occasion, the opportunity presented itself with the comments made by @centexhairysub. Dutch Uncle, I knew immediately what it meant given the context in which it was used, but have never that I can recall heard this term ever before. I think Scott's advice to Luke was spot-on. I suspect Tom may embarrassed when he next meets Luke. I will be very surprised and very disappointed if it emerges he is a serial sexual harasser. The universal truths in this story are as entertaining as always @Mark Ponyboy Peters, but for me the story remains quintessentially Australian, and for that I am very thankful. Although set in a different era, this chapter like its predecessors had me recalling Skyhooks, Sherbet, Australian Crawl, Mental As Anything, Icehouse, The Dugites, Renee Geyer, Marcia Hines and Sharon O'Neill in particular. Throughout the chapter Summer Breeze (The Isley Brothers superb version mostly, with a little interpolation from both Seals & Crofts and Stylus) was on loop, a most befitting song for this most wonderful of stories.

I was pleasantly surprised he offered to buy the gym equipment. He has now at least made some financial commitment to his and Calvin's living arrangements, apart from his contribution to the deposit and ongoing rent.

I chose the 'ha ha' emoticon @Paladin primarily because of the different "personas" of UniNavGuy and the authenticity of those personas. The cliche of the stupid referring to Australia as Austria had me laughing too, it seems some things never change, regardless of how "advanced" the human race has become. The obsession with Thanksgiving annoyed me too and I only had to read about it. The wholesale slaughter of turkeys predictably angered me and it was a close call whether to choose the 'ha ha' or 'angry' emoticon. I was very pleased Denny's only had plant-based turkey, naively believing they may have chosen to be ethical, but alas it was not to be. I guess I was living in my own science fiction fantasy believing humans may have decided to stop killing non-human animals for food. I was not expecting much from this story @Paladin and only read it because you are the author (as I did with There's Always Time). Once again, I was pleasantly surprised I enjoyed a story from the science fiction genre, which generally holds no interest for me, primarily because of your vivid imagination and sense of humour @Paladin, even if I wanted the universe to swallow up the human crew who insisted on eating turkey for Thanksgiving. Not a day when turkeys have anything to be fucking thankful for. Now if the story was such that chapter 2 might be titled 'Revenge Of The Killer Turkeys', then I daresay the story would appeal to me even more.

It appears from the tennis match Alan is very competitive and does not like to lose. What does this say about his character if anything? I am not sure, but I do not think it is a particularly attractive characteristic. The list of handsome Canadian actors was interesting. I have to say of those mentioned I find Luke Macfarlane the most handsome.

My fellow readers have raised many very good points, summarising their observations succinctly and with great passion. I made many of the same observations, but doubt I could have expressed myself half as succinctly and with such eloquence as they. I am going to attempt to restrict my comments to events which occurred that others have not mentioned, or in the case of @Mattyboy, mentioned only briefly. In all honesty, I have as much chance of being succinct as what I have of winning this week's $100 million Powerball in Australia. John Renkin, his character a startling revelation of compassion and humility. He is totally NOT what I was expecting. How has he remained married to the ghastly Rebecca Renkin for so long? Perhaps his absence from the family home has been due in part, at least, to him wanting to avoid her as much as possible. He indicates he has devoted himself to the needs of his successful investment firm. I wonder if this is a literal statement i.e. is he the owner or principal of said investment firm. If so, might he feel compelled to make a substantial donation, which if done properly would likely be tax deductible, to a trust fund set up to provide immediate care for the boys we readers hope will be rescued, and if the investigation is fully realised, to provide ongoing care for the boys until they can care for themselves independently. I must say I read the following with a sentiment approaching glee @empath, "He realized too late that he hadn't consulted Rebecca. He lifted the water glass to his lips, trying to drink through his sudden smile. He began planning what he would say to his wife who was certain to be upset by such an inconvenient intrusion into her peace and privacy." It appears to me, although perhaps it is wishful thinking, that Rebecca Renkin needs a serious attitude adjustment or she may find herself not only excess to requirements in the lives of her children, for which she only has herself to blame, but also excess to requirements in the life of her husband, particularly if he embraces his parenting responsibilities and she remains a cold hearted, emotionally distant and totally self-absorbed bitch. Robert Fenton's offer was very surprising, not because I have any doubt as to its sincerity or his enthusiasm, more because of his role within the organisation and his relative inexperience. He may be a force to be reckoned with, particularly if he observes and is prepared to learn from Thomas, even if all his training tells him it is not the way to approach the situation. Whilst I dislike Alan intensely for his past actions, I have not yet written him off completely. If he were to recognise and remove himself from the undue and unhealthy influence of the odious Pastor Greg, and allow himself to consider that losing his wife and son because of long-held beliefs is not something he desires, then there is some hope for his redemption. As for Pastor Greg, methinks Jesus would regard him as a fraud or as Sandra so accurately described him, a pharisee (Ancient Hebrew for fucking arsehole). And finally the words of @drsawzall often astound me, never more so than "There are many loose threads and tangents making the story that much richer!!!". I am confident that these loose threads will eventually be woven together by you @empath into a story like no other.

Well done @empath, #2 on the 'Most Read Mystery' genre for the past month, further validation of your writing skills and the enjoyment they provide, free-of-charge I might add, to those of us privileged to read this story.

Do these angels ever kick arse @centexhairysub? If so, there is Jackie so kick her arse (amongst other things).

Congratulations on another Top 5 placing in the 'Mystery' genre for this one @Robert Hugill, proving once again that current male "stars" in England are not limited to Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran. You could show those laddies a thing or too, well maybe not the former, but certainly the latter.

I thought you might have used the vomit emoticon because I selected a song by Britney. She is beautiful and somewhat talented, but all her difficulties have been under the microscope since she was a teenager, which would only exacerbate her difficulties I assume. And what of her ghastly parents. I see similarities in her life to Amy Winehouse's, fortunately Britney does not seem to have gone down the drugs route, or if she has she has limited her usage.

I agree wholeheartedly @weinerdog, particularly as Cass did nothing illegal. Maybe he is a little sleazy or maybe he is just shy with limited opportunities. I vaguely recall in one of the prior stories Matt stating Luke is oblivious to other guys admiring him or even hitting on him, so perhaps his meetings with Cass have led Cass to believe Luke was interested, not that I am saying this is Luke's fault in any way. Personally, I think the only real concern here is if Cass linked high grading of his work to Luke "putting out". As for the arrival of Tony, the only conclusion I can draw is that the Monolith has kicked him out for being a "pervert". She may well have gone on a rant and told him to leave as she is concerned he will influence his brother and/or sister or subject them to his perverted ways. I wonder if she has recognised her own sins yet, gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins Margaret, so lose some weight you corpulent bully. The walrus look is not healthy or attractive. Oops and I now I have done it again @weinerdog, agreed with you again. It seems Britney has got to both of us. You may not like Britney either @Mark Ponyboy Peters, but I do. She is not a great singer and her private life has been a train wreck, but there is something likeable about her, and I love me some pop divas.

You have a distinct advantage @weinerdog with your crystal ball, tarot cards, tea leaves and fortune telling prowess. By the way, what are the winning numbers for the $100 million Powerball in Australia this coming week? Oops you did it again as Britney so wisely said. Now here is your prize, a kewpie doll courtesy of Perry Como (and OMG he was a good looking man when he was younger, and a damn good singer too, no lip synching).