Summerabbacat

You are so observant @Paladin. Not once did Peter use Justin's name, in fact, when I think back he has more often than not referred to Justin as "boy". I consider this to be disrespectful on Peter's part, the equivalent of Justin referring to Peter as "hey grump" or "ya old bastard" or something equally appropriate given Peter's behaviour.

Very perceptive @Cane23.

An opera written by a Czech composer, dinner at a Cuban restaurant and a Spanish food platter to complete the evening. My goodness, how far Keith and Thomas have come since the early chapters of this story. I doubt either would have experienced many of the things they have done together if they were still single. And they are on the same page regarding fidelity. They resolve issues in such a calm and straight forward manner. Marvellous chapter again @Robert Hugill. I had a great laugh at the young women out for the night wearing very little even when the weather is cold. I have seen that many times in recent years myself and always think they are bound to "catch a chill", something which would happen to me if I dressed in such a fashion or even went out suitably attired in cold weather.

‘Come on then, woman!’ Peter scolded. ‘We’ll never get home at this rate!’ Urgh. My disdain for Peter has increased significantly in recent chapters and this remark is just one of the many reasons why. I am almost certain now Jenny knows Justin is gay and that he is attracted to Scott. The invitation she extended to Scott to visit soon with Justin was one I would expect to be made to the partner or lover of offspring. Her plea for Scott to look after Justin also appeared to be one recognising their relationship is something more than just a friendship. You will be pleased the "mystery" of the second bedroom is addressed in this chapter @Paladin. It appears it has been used as a "junk room". Not a fan of the Beach Boys @Mark Ponyboy Peters, but I have got to say I recognise Good Vibrations is a masterpiece.

The conversation between Kai and Adam was tame compared to the one between Kai and Megan. It appears she and Dr Kinky are well matched, at least in the bedroom. I hope it was not Dr Kinky's glasses Megan destroyed in her garbage disposal unit; and, unless he is a very unusual man I think the "pet" name Baldy is one which will lose its appeal quickly. I have a feeling @Andr0gene if one was to observe a conversation between Megan and Dr Kinky in person it would be like watching a very fast game of ping pong where the lead changes constantly.

As did I @Al Norris. I thought the entire conversation between the two was flirtatious and whimsical, with a hint of mischief from each although more predominantly from Kai. The conversation surpassed my expectations, there was no awkwardness from the moment Kai spoke to the conclusion of the conversation. Perfect summation @pvtguy. It appears thus far all are very pleased with the content and the extent of "the conversation" @Andr0gene. A true ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ experience.

Biggest "smut lover" or supporter of Marjorie, Lauren or Tiffany? You're a winner @Cane23. Stick to smut and you'll always be a winner. And just think, you may not be able to rent out all your European properties to those "randy royals" if you chose a different path.

Splendiferous chapter @Robert Hugill (splendid simply would not "do"). One of the most revelatory and most amusing chapters to date. Dante may not have the worldliness of Vaughan and Martin, but he certainly put Bart and by default Martin in their place in response to Bart's impertinent and intrusive question “And did you? Give a show.” His retort “Please. I was on duty. I’m afraid to disappoint you but what sex there was, was pretty discreet, going into dark corners or into the garden. It was basically a bunch of rather unpleasantly entitled people pretending. If I wanted a bit of fun, then it wouldn’t be there and if you stripped away the tacky glamour, there wasn’t much that was original. “It’s fun being on the fringe, getting to watch, and no I don’t mind showing off my bum a bit. But I don’t want to be part of that world”, he leaned over and took my hand, “We don’t want to be part. Thank you.” was of the calibre of a Vaughan put-down. He is clearly not as provincial as he has appeared to be on occasion. Vaughan's revelation that he and Dante do not trust Francis Heyward was reassuring, particularly when viewed in conjunction with his concluding thought in this chapter "The vague worry, a distant possibility only, was if Francis Heyward fell, he’d fall in a way that tarnished our reputations too. We had to make sure we didn’t cross that red line, wherever that was." Vaughan is no fool and Dante likely has a highly developed bullshit detector given his prior profession, both of which should prevent them from becoming embroiled in any "irregularities" in the life of Francis Heyward. I was very amused by one of your very best Hugillism's "Then I realised, how appropriate, it was the old warehouse where the Daily Mail, and Evening Standard used to be printed.".

Plenty of "smut" in this chapter @Cane23, but all of it healthy and fun. I really like Megan, she is honest regarding her passion for fucking, none of this playing the role of the coy demure princess.

@Al Norris' speculations regarding a first time conversation between Dr Kinky and Adam and Kai were far more "comfortable" than what I thought might be the topic of conversation. Given the various surgeries performed on Kai by Dr Kinky and the effects of the opioids on his ability to "take a dump", I imagined Dr Kinky providing "feedback" to Adam regarding enemas and other matters of personal hygiene to ensure his first time fucking Kai is as painless for both parties as possible.

Admiration for "Cocky" Kincaid is unanimous @Andr0gene. His inappropriate behaviour does not appear to have offended any of this story's readers, although I initially thought his statement "Good, she’s fertile" shallow and abhorrent. The candour of his disdain for his deceased wife was refreshingly honest if all he said about her was true. None of this "you should not speak ill of the dead" nonsense for him. I have to wonder though if Dr Kinky is as excitable all the time as he was this chapter, and if so, if such excitability might lead to him being overbearing at times.

My goodness you are an observant man @Paladin. Perhaps when Scott's parents were still running the caravan park they did not live onsite and Scott's current home was rented to tourists too, or maybe there was a second bedroom in his current home which Scott has turned into a study or "junk storage" room.

I believe Jenny knows or at least suspects Justin is gay, which may prove very beneficial when Justin reveals to Peter he is gay. The old adage "being forewarned is being forearmed" springs to mind. If Jenny knows Justin is gay beforehand it may help to reduce the impact of the anger and vitriol which Peter is almost certain to direct towards Justin and I expect towards Scott too. She may even be able to "test the waters" beforehand to determine if Peter's oft stated "all poofters are worthless" is something he still believes. These thoughts got me to wondering about Justin's brother too. So little has been mentioned of him apart from his appearance in the first chapter. I wonder if maybe he has a different mindset from his father now. I wonder if he may be gay and thought by escaping into the army he would not have to listen to his father's homophobic rantings during the usual holiday breaks at Easter and Christmas. A transitory and comparatively brief chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters, likely the calm before the storm. The appearance of "little Justin" was amusingly written and a source of "inspiration" for Scott.

How do you know these things @Paladin? I did not know there was a children's book titled Where The Wild Things Are.

A smorgasbord of speculations, words of wisdom from David Rose via his GA medium @John Henry and meteorological observations from GA's very own weatherman @drsawzall Roker. @drpaladin's speculations regarding the imbibing habits of Michael and Maggie are well grounded, however, my speculations regarding the overheard conversation between the two are a little more salacious. “...and I shouldn’t have believed you when you said ‘only once’. Now I know why we can never go out anymore.” “And I told you to stop overreacting. It’s just one drink.” “I think I can still count to three, Michael, and I know it’s not the last one. At least stop pretending this is fine. I know where this is going. You know where this is going.” “Just because you have problems doesn’t mean I can’t have a drink or two on a weekend.” “I have problems? I?” I thought perhaps Michael and Maggie had met a single woman the night before at a bar after dinner and Michael was again wanting to explore a little sexual fun with a threesome, something when first introduced into their marriage he said would be “only once” (maybe it was with Mike’s mother). He wants the two of them to meet up with this woman again for “just one drink”, but Maggie knows it will likely lead to a threesome, which she may be more agreeable to if it was with another man. Her statement “Now I know why we can never go out anymore” is an expression of exasperation because she is not as sexually adventurous as Michael, at least not with another woman. She is not averse to some more dick, but is over more vagina. A number of my fellow readers have speculated all of Liam’s friends may be gay and he is wanting to introduce Mike “into the fold” so to speak. I have to say I did not get that vibe, even with the flirtations between Liam and John and CJ. I thought it the actions of jocks being “bros". And 95°F with high humidity. Please send it my way @drsawzall. I am “seizing up” in temperatures of between 12°C and 15°C during the day and have gone into hibernation like a bear. We Aussies are not used to such bleak arctic weather. And finally, the $64,000.00 question which remains unanswered after this chapter @Arch Hunter, "Where the wild things are after dark. Seven letters, starts with ’B’.” I am suggesting boozing, bonking or blowing.

I certainly would have enjoyed the company of the cats @drsawzall. I also very much like pottery and could well have enjoyed the home made cake too (especially if it was a chocolate cake or a plain cake with real passionfruit icing like my grandmother used to make when I was a child/teen/young adult). And if the sun was out and it was a "balmy" 30°C+ with high humidity I would have been "in heaven".

“Sounds like the relationship with the bloke, Gavin, might not be up to the snuff.” Thomas and Keith were sitting in Thomas’ flat, feet up, eating a takeaway and Keith was bringing Thomas up to date. “You reckon?” “Might be, she’s restless because life’s not what she wants, and she scratches at old itches.” He shrugged, may-be. “Or maybe she’s just a homophobic bitch.” I almost fell off my chair laughing at this comment from Keith @Robert Hugill. It was so un-Keith like and so pointedly true. I found myself losing patience with Maria's petulance very quickly. Ego much Maria. Now Keith has cut the chord I think he will be able to move forward and leave her where she belongs, confined to history as a memory, and not an entirely happy one. I wonder if Keith's restoration work is going to lead to more of the same kind. With seemingly influential friends like Isobel Bonner it could well be the case. And I wonder if a shared interest between Thomas and Jonty may bring some happiness to Jonty's life. He struck me as somewhat awkward in this chapter and may benefit from a friendship with Thomas and/or Keith, particularly if he is gay as some have speculated. @Gary L expressed my sentiments beautifully "Nothing over-complicated but a delightful light touch is on show throughout."

Cats rule. My profile picture is my beloved Zelda who passed away at the age of 14 and 1/2 on May 13th from lymphoma. On February 26th my beloved Kiki passed away from a suspected brain tumour at the age of 17. Three years ago my eldest two Bassey (the most beautiful male cat I have ever seen) and Ava passed away within 3 weeks of each other from kidney disease. I have Zelda's sister Frida (named after THE FRIDA from ABBA) and my youngest Missy still with me. All have been rescues and lived predominantly healthy lives. I find I have more conversations with my cats than any humans I know.

Adam is displaying more of a sense of humour than in earlier chapters, and it is a sense of humour with a degree of "sauciness" which I find most attractive. His appreciation of the gossip from his neighbours and their little interruptions to his ordered life appear to be loosening his rigidity (but he still won't use a damn dishwasher). I also like his conversations with Arya, particularly the fact he treats her as if she understands, which I am sure she does to some extent at least. Companion animals are wonderful confidantes, I should know I did have 6 of them, which in recent years has dwindled to 2. They added immeasurably to my life.

One of Arya's bones (presumably) under the couch. Good, very very good. It proves Adam is not as anal as he first portrayed himself to be. I was initially surprised he adopted a dog as they will make a mess. That he is able to accept this as a fait accompli is wonderful. She will also damage his beautiful furniture and likely his rugs; seemingly he is able to recognise these are just "things", albeit most likely very beautiful and expensive things, but ultimately just "things". The menorah was an attractive addition to the sideboard in the dining room. It is most amusing that both Adam and Kai are impatient for their letters to arrive, but only Kai satisfies his "lust for letters" immediately.

Neither Adam nor Kai are afraid to express strong feelings in a letter, will that same strength transcend to expression in person. It is easy to self-censor the written word, not so much the spoken word. They are finding much in common which will hopefully mean a smooth meeting in person. Adam, Adam, Adam. Feeding Arya waffles. No, no, no. Although I am a cat person like @centexhairysub, there is something very socialising about dogs. I am more inclined to be reserved when I meet new people, but found when walking my neighbour's dog on occasion that people tend to stop to chat and I found myself comfortable doing so too. I thought there may be restrictions on visitors as I assume Kai is convalescing in a military hospital. And for their first night together in Adam's home may I suggest Julie London's marvellous rendition of You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To @Andr0gene, the perfect fire-side companion piece, with a racy follow-up, also from the smoke-infused vocals of Julie, Nice Girls Don't Stay For Breakfast.

This is very true @Al Norris, but I have to confess I invariably think the worst of my own species. You appear to be far more generous in your assessment of our fellow humans than I.

Kai's revelations regarding his natural inclination to undertake the tasks invariably associated with a male inspired another musical moment for me @Andr0gene. On this occasion it was a song titled It's So Nice To Have A Man Around The House from Peggy Lee's 1959 album I Like Men. Both Kai and Adam appear very self-aware. It will be interesting to observe how closely their self-perception mirrors the observations of the other when they finally meet.

Until this chapter I thought your worries were a little excessive for want of a better term @weinerdog as Phil's mental faculties do not appear to have been reduced by his stroke. I am not so confident now that said faculties were not impacted temporarily when he first had his stroke and am only hoping you have worried needlessly. Given Phil's request to Colin and expression of his concerns about what he signed in the immediate aftermath of his stroke your fears may well be warranted. If it emerges Roger has connived to have Phil sign ownership of his home to him, then all bets are off. Any thought of a possible reconciliation with Roger should be the furthest thing from Phil's mind in such circumstances, and he should go for the jugular and if necessary tear Roger a new one. The best-case scenario is that Roger is at least an honourable homophobe who has not taken advantage of Phil's health crisis, and Phil is able to provide accommodation, even if only temporarily, for Susan and Stanley. His determination appears to be returning and a return to his home with assistance from Susan and Stanley would speed up his recovery significantly I believe. I too thought the young teen could well be an apparition of what Phil believes his great grandson may look like. Phil's desire to volunteer to assist young LGBTQI teens may be something needed very close to home. It may emerge Phil's great grandson is gay, and Phil may hold the key to turning his life around if he is struggling with his sexuality, especially if his grandfather has poisoned his mind with his homophobic rhetoric. In doing so Phil may develop a relationship with his grandson Allen and perhaps a truce with Roger (unless he has connived to steal Phil's home). The irony of such a speculation proving to be true would not surprise in a @Ronyx story. Another well-written and entertaining chapter @Ronyx with the angst stakes having been raised significantly.

The Court should appoint Sawzall, Sawzall & Associates, headed by one @drsawzall as the sole trustee. He could be relied upon to ensure that neither Calvin nor Miss Diesel Tailpipe get their hands on any monies they are not entitled to, not even enough for a packet of cigarettes.