Summerabbacat

As a father yourself @Cane23 perhaps you might have a word in his ear, offer him some sage advice.

The story of Barrett's biological mother is now becoming quite intriguing. If she is in fact living nearby I wonder if she has been "following" how Barrett's life has been progressing from some vantage point. Todd and Barrett are forming a strong friendship, each providing comfort to the other when needed. This bodes well for their relationship as a whole as I believe Daddy dearest is going to cause them problems when he learns of their relationship status. Given friendship was a strong theme in this chapter @TrisI suggest the following magisterial ABBA song is apropos.

Physically no, not yet. However, I think he has emotionally. I thought the comment he made that Todd's mother's heart was misplaced was cruel even for him. I don't think he could have said anything much more hurtful than that. He is so self-righteous though that I don't believe it even enters his head that he may be hurting others.

He did say "screw you" which surprised me. I also think Todd is just so weary having to constantly try to "prove" himself to Daddy dearest and always being founded wanting. He may also have made an extra-special effort on this occasion to please both Anthony and moreso, Barrett. Whatever his motivation it made no difference as Daddy dearest is a lost cause.

It is a single off Voyage which was released towards the end of 2021. It was their first studio album released since The Visitors, 40 years prior. I spent days watching Youtube videos of the first single released from it, the Frida led I Still Have Faith In You. I wept with joy and sadness profusely for days watching the video repeatedly, which had millions of views within a couple of days. It is a wonderful album which I have on both vinyl (black only, but it is available on a multitude of colours) and CD. I thoroughly recommend you at least listen to it. For me one of the many great joys of the album is that Frida and Agnetha's heavily accented vocals are far more pronounced.

I think he was just trying so hard to remain calm and keep the peace @drpaladin. He thought to himself "I held back a grimace from my dad saying my art was a simple hobby. What he refused to acknowledge was that I wanted art to be more than a hobby or interest I dabbled in. I desired to create art as a career, to make a living off of it while also spreading my name and message to hundreds, thousands or even millions of people. But just like my sexuality, Dad just saw it as a phase. " I sense he recognised that even if he had said something to this effect his father would have dismissed it as unworthy as it is not a "real job" just like him having a relationship with a man is not a "real relationship".

How eloquently stated @Al Norris. I too believe Nate is aware of something developing between Danny and Jake, but is perhaps not aware of the extent or the possible "mechanics" of sex between men if Danny and Jake were to take their relationship that far at this point in time. Regardless of what Nate does know or not know, one cannot fault his loyalty as evidenced by "At around this time the first questions were also being asked by Danny’s friends as to just what he might be doing spending so much time with that stranger, but these were soon silenced when Nate would defend his friend, telling those questioning him that he knew exactly what they were doing, having seen them working side by side, and furthermore, he was amazed at the artwork they were both producing." It appears Danny is completely ignorant of his biological father's identity. I wonder if this is because his mother has deliberately withheld this information from him for some reason or if she herself does not know (perhaps she was rather "popular"). If she has deliberately withheld this information I have to wonder why. Was his father married, or much older, or of a higher social "status" or perhaps he too was gay. I acknowledge what Brad attempted to do was wrong, however, I cannot help feeling a little sympathy for him. I sense he has had sex with a male before or has at least wanted to, but has lived his life mostly to appease his family and/or society as a whole. Another beautifully written chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters. For some reason I thought Danny was already 17 and therefore only had 12 months to wait to be of the age of consent, alas he is not. His balls will be green by then, not merely blue.

Financial impropriety and links to the Cayman Islands? Whoever would have thunk such thing? This sounds like a job for a reputable firm to investigate. Perhaps a firm such as Sawzall, Sawzall and Associates. Are you ready for this challenge @drsawzall? Suki appeared to have a snit because she was unaware Francis had artworks in storage. If that is all she has in life to have a snit about she is remarkably fortunate. I have always thought her rather shallow and this chapter reinforced that for me. I liked Donna McKee. Very down to earth and forthright. Perhaps she is a friend or acquaintance of Evie and Drew. Her comments were pithy and humorous and Vaughan valued her refreshingly genuine feedback. “Terrific show. You’ve got a real eye”, she peered at me, “Bet I can tell which ones you bought”, and she proceeded to reel off an alarmingly accurate list of my purchases. She had her arm in mine, so I could not escape easily; not that I wanted to. In the face of all the politesse and being kept at a distance by people who didn’t really know what to make of all the nudes, Donna was refreshing. “Years since I’ve seen so many willies, but you’ve really caught it. Very arresting. And this lot”, she waved a hand at the assembled guests, “don’t know what to make of it. It’s a real hoot.” And it was. She was dead right, and I laughed, relaxing at last. “Some of the stuff’s a bit thin of course, but you’ve got the balance right. Now, what I want to know is how many of these were painted by artists who were queer?” She peered at me, and I shrugged, I genuinely hadn’t thought about it. “See! Missed a trick there. Think about it. Perhaps your next show, gay men paint gay men?” Another wolf-ish grin and she was gone". I am looking forward to what a comprehensive audit conducted by @drsawzall discovers @Robert Hugill. Perhaps he can be put on the books of HM Revenue & Customs. Given his reputation as being above reproach we can rest assured it will not be possible for Francis to bribe him with "big willies" or "Lawrence of Arabia themed" orgies.

At first I chose the 'Angry' emoticon in response to Daddy dearest's behaviour but changed it to 'Sad' instead as he is not worth getting angry over. Todd tried very hard to be as agreeable and thick-skinned as possible, but Daddy dearest rode roughshod over him and completely ignored his plea for understanding. Daddy dearest is a fool, and even Anthony is beginning to realise it. If Daddy dearest continues to behave in this fashion he may eventually drive both his sons away. An exasperating chapter @Superpride as Todd was once again "gay shamed" by Daddy dearest. He is completely insensitive to the feelings of others. His comment his deceased wife "misplaced her heart" was the height of arrogance. How did such a woman tolerate such a man, or has he changed radically since she passed away? His comment “But what will people say to me when they ask if you’re seeing someone or planning on getting married? That you’re with a man and wasting your life away dancing in a club and doing drugs.” proof that he is a selfish, conceited prig. For me, there is little doubt now as to the identity of the eponymous Troublemaker. The question which remains to be answered is who will he make trouble for, just his son Todd and Barrett, or will there be others with whom he disagrees or who will be negatively impacted by the fallout of trouble to Todd and Barrett e.g. Anthony. I hope he chokes on one of his precious fucking burgers. It was very difficult to choose an appropriate ABBA song for comment on this chapter @Tris as no song deals with such arrogance or conceit. I finally chose one which is a song from one lover to another, so not entirely apropos for the circumstances, but the "message" of the song, particularly its title, is one which might be applied to Todd/Daddy dearest's ongoing disagreement. And it has great lead vocals by Agnetha with the chorus of Agnetha and Frida proving yet again in 2021 they still "had it" in spades.

"My blush deepened, but my heartbeat quickened immediately just as the melodious bass of Lou Rawls began belting out “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine.” Cocking his head to listen to the lyrics, Alan smiled. “Listen to Lou Rawls, Cal,” he said smoothly. “He’s telling you the truth!” I wasn’t totally sure what Alan meant, so probably looked a little confused. Alan reached out to clasp my hand while his tone took on a surprising seriousness. “What we are developing this week is going to be a kind of friendship that you will never experience again. Not quite the same anyhow. So live and learn! And enjoy every moment.” Seemingly, the hitherto heterosexual Alan is developing feelings he was adamant he would not or his ego is even larger than I thought. Only time will tell. "Looking over his reading glasses at us, he clearly looked us over before he licked his lips and mumbled, “Help you?” Alan answered, “My buddy needs a dildo.” Instantly I felt blood rush to my face like water over Niagara. Shit! What was this guy going to think of me? The sales clerk glanced at me as a sort of smirk appeared at the corners of his mouth. His lips parted in a grin that showed stained and crooked teeth. “Yeah?” LOL. Clearly the sex shop worker is not winning customers through his sparkling conversational skills or attention to his personal appearance.

He certainly is @drpaladin, but he has shown some personal growth in the last two chapters. I was very surprised at not only his emotional response to Todd's artwork at the gallery, but also his acknowledgment of his emotional response and the cause of it. I was also very surprised he did not respond more negatively and aggressively to Todd and Barrett's relationship, particularly given he is not "getting any" himself. Maybe he just needs to eat something in addition to all the disgusting artery and colon-blocking food he eats. Perhaps the way to "unclogging" his mind is to start "unclogging" his arsehole first.

Me three. Daddy dearest is a weasel, so he will find some way to legally terminate Barrett's employment or at least make his working environment so unpleasant that Barrett resigns. If this happens it may be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Anthony's balls may finally drop and he may let Daddy dearest "have it".

Given your love of travelling @Cane23 I give you the fabulous B-side of Knowing Me, Knowing You, replete with "head washing" waves.

Daddy is predictably consistent in either avoiding what displeases him when not trying to impress anyone e.g. his "church" friends who were at the cookout or "gay shaming" as he did to Todd at said cookout when he stated to said friends Todd had just not met the right woman yet. Perfect come back to that nonsense, "Daddy" you have just not met the right man yet.

You have assumed he did not have anal sex with Sabrina @Cane23. Sassy Sabrina may have liked it for all we know. I have two female friends (one whom is 82 years of age) who have admitted during discussions about sex that they liked anal almost as much as vaginal. One of them (not the 82 year old) even likes rimming. LOL. OMG that would have been just too funny.

“You should try the vegetarian pasta Barrett made, Mr. Miller. It’s delish!” Jenny complimented. “Oh, I don’t doubt that. Barrett, I should introduce you to a lovely young lady who attends my church. She’s also into the whole healthy eating mumbo jumbo. I can offer you her phone number.” Mr Miller aka Daddy dearest is a fucking dinosaur. Not only does he clearly have an issue with his gay son, Todd, and now his bisexual employee, Barrett, he would rather eat chips (OK, I confess I too love these, but I have not eaten them for at least 12 months) or a donut (no, no, no, this is not food) than healthier food. Is it any wonder Anthony has such appalling eating habits, he learned them from his father. Anthony surprised me with his reaction to his brother and best friend not only dating, but fucking and fucking very loudly apparently. I thought he would raise hell, but he calmed relatively quickly when confronted with the truth of whom it was that pleasured Barrett during the night. When Daddy dearest learns of who it is that Barrett is dating (and he will learn of it sooner or later), perhaps if Anthony expresses his approval of Todd and Barrett dating it may lessen Daddy dearest's opposition (OMG, I just saw a lovely little pink pig flying across the night sky here in Sydney, Australia). Todd and Barrett positively sizzled between the sheets. 'Bossy' Todd had Barrett on his back in next to no time and rode him like the wind until Vesuvius erupted internally and externally. The kisses which preceded coitus set both on fire, just like Agnetha in this great disco song from the Voulez-Vous album @Tris. Absolutely outstanding chapter @Superpride.

I am feeling in a conciliatory mood, therefore, to placate the "anti-disco" amongst you (heathens the lot of you), and in acknowledgment that you at least have some taste as you like the Bee Gees, this song is apropos as it is likely what Todd and Barrett will experience on their first night together in Barrett's home.

For me @Tris, Donna Summer is a close second. My favourite song of all time is a tie between Knowing Me, Knowing You by ABBA and I Feel Love by Donna Summer. My favourite album of all time is Arrival by ABBA, however, I rate Donna's I Remember Yesterday and Bad Girls albums very highly too (as I do ABBA's The Visitors, Voulez-Vous and eponymous albums).

I have a shameful confession to make "Father" @Tris. I have never liked Rock Me much, but watching the performance (which I don't recall ever seeing as the TV show was not broadcast in my hometown) I suddenly have a new appreciation for it.

Perhaps Anthony is suffering from persistent cryptorchidism @Al Norris, @drpaladin and @Cane23. Mariah, Whitney and Celine? "We Belong Together Channing. I Will Always Love You, and My Heart Will Go On whilst ever you are nearby, even if you are not my boyfriend." "Oh Dillon. You are a Vision Of Love and I have been Saving All My Love For You, Because You Loved Me". Not anywhere near as good as ABBA is it @Tris?

I don't believe Jake has any sinister motives for wanting to paint Danny and Nate nude as part of a series. His family's wealth allows him to follow his passion, better he be doing this than embarrassing them because he is not a doctor or solicitor. Is Brad a closeted gay man? Danny was wise to flee the scene. I wonder if when he returns home Brad will have gone out on the road again, and if so, if he will ever return. Part of me (a very small part) has some sympathy for him. His actions were those of a desperate man I think; perhaps he has struggled with his sexuality like Danny has, suppressing his innate desires. I suspect he recognises Danny is struggling too. A terrific chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters, with a pivotal moment for Danny "With a nod Danny stepped off his bike and let it fall to the ground, with Jake then leading him towards his shelter. With Jake’s arm around his shoulders Danny felt good. He felt safe. And as odd as it seemed when the thought first struck him, he felt like he was in a place he finally belonged." Danny is no longer an alien, his isolation even when with his family, may become a thing of the past if a relationship with Jake is realised. Will this occur? For now we shall have to follow the boy on his pony.

What a surprising and moving chapter @Superpride. Anthony showed an emotional vulnerability hitherto not displayed, and frankly it added far more appeal to him than his usual bravado. I think Daddy dearest has really done a number on Anthony too, but it is not as obvious as what he has done to Todd. Todd's perception Sabrina was flirting with Barrett and the flirting was mutual was revealed to be a false alarm, but not before I thought, here we go again, Sabrina is now emerging as the eponymous Troublemaker. You are leading us a merry dance dangling these "red herrings" that one @drsawzall is particularly fond of @Superpride. Channing revealed himself to be somewhat conniving, admitting he convinced Dillon to lie to his mother and state Todd was his boyfriend. It may all be perfectly innocent, motivated by convenience, but then again maybe not. I still don't trust him and this chapter illustrated why. And now for the ABBA reveal @Tris. The B-side of I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do which I previously mentioned was a huge hit here in Australia. The video clip is from the TV show that more Aussies watched than the moon landing. I think there will be a little of this going on between the sheets at Barrett's home tonight.

It was a criminal offence in NSW until 1984 @Mancunian so Jake and Danny will be breaking the law if they engage in gay sex. The age of consent is now 16, but I am not sure if it was then. I assumed it was 18 when I commented above, but it may well have been 16 then too.

"A glossy blond advertising executive". So delightfully bitchy @Robert Hugill. She is at an age when the "gloss" will start to wear off permanently and a touch up here and there will no longer be enough to maintain the "gloss", only industrial-strength cosmetic "refreshment" will suffice. A pleasant persona might go a long way to assisting so she may have to invest in one of those.

Oh ye of so little faith in your fellow man @Mancunian. Bloody good judge of character I'd say you are. Fuddy-duddy's world-wide would likely to draw a similar conclusion without a shred of evidence.