Summerabbacat

I surmise Jason was sexually abused by a family member which resulted in him leaving home or was sexually abused since living on the streets after having been kicked out of home for being gay. I suspect the former as it appears he may have only been on the streets for a short period of time as he is not wise to the ways of the street. I suspect an infatuation with John/Christian. I hope to learn more of Beccy and Jim's back story @Mancunian, after all they are going to be parents. Hopefully Christian can find employment for Jim and a place for them both to live. Maybe Jason could live with them and help out too.

Somehow I managed to omit making a comment on chapter 3, but incorporated the surprise pregnancy as part of my chapter 4 comment. And it is only early in the evening (9.12pm in Sydney, Australia, and I have just finished dinner whilst listening to another English-Australian, the mega-successful, mega-fabulous, Olivia Newton-John).

Sister Judy Evans reminded me of Matron Maggie Sloane in the very successful Australian drama series A Country Practice which ran from 1981-1994. She was portrayed by an English-Australian actress, Joan Sydney, who was simply marvellous in the role. The Major is really a very naughty boy who is used to getting his own way. This combined with his alcohol abuse and homelessness has resulted in him becoming a bit of a curmudgeon. Fortunately he has a kind streak as exhibited by his "rescue" of Ian and Kevin and he appears beloved by many of the homeless guests at The Boot. I hope he can swallow his pride and cohabit with Ian and Kevin. Will John/Christian perform some sort of miracle for the newly pregnant Beccy and baby daddy Jim? I am enjoying the pacing of this story @Mancunian.

I normally like chapters with a little more bulk @Mancunian, but I am finding these leaner chapters to my liking given the "difficult" story lines and the fact I am reading this story some 4.5 years after it was published. I have never been homeless, but for many years I fostered cats rescued from the streets or from the euphemistically (deceitfully) named "animal shelters". The joy I derived in returning a cat to full health and seeing him or her re-homed is the single achievement in life I am most proud of. Some may find it offensive that I dare to compare the plight of homeless non-human animals to homeless humans. My response is several expletives to such a person. I hope The Major can be persuaded to see sense and accept Ian and Kevin's offer of a home. What he does not seem to realise is that his presence in their home will be a joy to them. They clearly regard him as a father figure, something both seem to sorely miss and need. Another rewarding read @Mancunian.

An action-packed start to the second instalment of The Boot. It appears the Major has pneumonia, not good for anyone at any age, but I am assuming he is an older man whose immune system is likely compromised from his drinking and more recently his homelessness. Like my fellow readers I hope he has the strength to pull through. It is great to see Ian and Kevin having committed themselves to volunteering at The Boot, passing forward the kindness that was bestowed on them. I have a feeling I am going to enjoy this book @Mancunian.

Delightful yet again @Robert Hugill. I cannot but help think of Room With A View and to a lesser extent Tea With Mussolini when I think of a holiday in Italy for British citizens especially. With such thoughts Dames Judi and Maggie always make a welcome appearance, and Helena (whom I consider grossly underrated) pops into my mind on occasion too. Mhairi proved she has a sense of humour, even if it brought back unpleasant or unwanted memories. Her mimic of presumably her father admonishing her with "Come on girl, no time for that, we have God's work to do!" (said in a voice similar to that of Jim Carter in Downton Abbey) gave me a good chuckle. What tiresome and tedious parents her pious father and mother must have been. Just like Toby in Brian: Taking Courage, I feel Joe is going to benefit greatly from an inclusion, albeit to a much lesser extent, in the lives of his Uncle and "Step-Uncle". They are already having a positive effective on him, being good role models (something he certainly has not been given by his sperm-donor, Nathan), and with Owain being instrumental in getting him admitted into the summer acting course.

A glimpse into a world-wide problem, one which continues to worsen wit the gap between the "have and have-nots" widening. Sensitively written @Mancunian. I look forward to reading more of the "back catalogue" of The Boot series.

Missy's intuition regarding Harry's wellbeing and her desire to provide him comfort reminded me so much of my all-time favourite cat, my beloved Bassey (and yes he was named after the Dame from Tiger Bay). He would always sense when I was upset about something and come and put his front paws over my shoulder and rest his head against my shoulder or face and look up at me. He passed away on 23 June 2021 and not a day goes by when I don't think of him and his "sister", Ava, who passed away on 19 July 2021. I adopted them together and they adored each other.😭😭😭😭

You will soon become aware (like now) @Mancunian that any story which features a non-human animal as an integral "cast member" is a story which greatly appeals to me. Missy showed a great deal of promise in the prior chapter, but in this chapter she took a starring role (for me anyway). "As Harry sat, Missy raised herself and put her front paws on the arm of the chair. After receiving fuss and attention from Harry, she gave him gentle 'doggy kisses' to welcome him home. Her gentleness told of her understanding of Harry's poor health. Reassured that her friend and master was home, she sat on the floor beside Harry's feet and gently rested her head on his knee" had me weeping profusely and laughing at the same time. My youngest of now only four cats is named Missy. She will celebrate her 11th birthday in the Christmas/New Year break. She like Harry's Missy is very affectionate and is always happy to see me (and anyone else if truth be told, I am not that special). I was comparing Harry's Missy to my Missy (very favourably I might add) until I got to the "..... friend and master was home". The old proverb "dogs have masters and cats have servants" has survived because it is essentially true. No matter how cross I may get at times with my cats (mainly Missy for teasing her "sisters" Kiki, Zelda and Frida, or Frida for occasionally having a less than stellar aim when peeing in the litter tray), I am always ready to forgive and willingly serve to please. They are the greatest of all species. Mark Twain said it best "If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat." A lovely chapter as even the humans are appealing in this story. The relationship between Harry and Michael and Charlie will I think (hope hint hint) continue to blossom and provide a contentment and joy to each that can be derived from no other. Harry's generous gift of his son's guitar to Michael growing testament to the joy each has brought the other. After reading this chapter @Mancunian I have been inspired to commence reading "The Boot" books from the very beginning. It may take me some time to do so, but it will fill in some gaps.

Wow! Just wow! This chapter was 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I could almost hear the sound of flesh slapping against flesh and smell the pheromones saturating Otis' bedroom as Hudson and Otis had Otis' first "lesson" on the joys of fucking. I was surprised (and if truth be told a little jealous) when Otis revealed he had to buy XXL condoms to accommodate Hudson's impressive cock. No wonder Otis swooned. It is remarkable he did not have an attack of "the vapours". Hudson sprawled out naked on the lounge in front of a roaring fire, Zeus curled up at his feet, Otis also naked wandering in from the bedroom carrying Hudson's slippers and two mugs of steaming hot chocolate. Otis with a smile on his face wider than Texas and Hudson with a look of contentment and insatiable lust on his face. The things dreams are made of.

I have to keep reminding myself that Toby is only 14 years of age. He is remarkably mature. He is certainly awake to what Deirdre is really like as evidenced by "I think it's an ace idea. After all we all live here in Gordon's flat." He stared at his Father, "You think that Mum'll cause problems on Wednesday?" He is also remarkably comfortable with the knowledge Brian and Gordon are having some fun with "Mr Russ", no doubt this is due in no small part to the fact he likes "Mr Russ" whom I believe is also genuinely fond of of Toby. I won't be at all surprised if Deirdre surrenders her parental rights, quite possibly at the "insistence" of Jasper. I just hope she is not still of child-bearing age and decides to try and have a child with Jasper. That will be a recipe for disaster for sure. Another entertaining chapter @Robert Hugill. I don't expect you will be able to maintain your current frenetic pace with postings for one or the other of your stories almost daily. After all, you have a wedding to plan, even if it is only going to be small.

Beautiful words and sentiment @drsawzall which I believe could prove to be true, to the advantage of all parties.

I am new to the joys of your story-telling @Mancunian, although we have at times commented on the same story from the pen of another. The tissue-warning had me fearful of the impending death of either Harry or Missy, particularly when Michael went to visit Harry in the afternoon and found that "Harry appeared to be having a nap when they entered the ward". Fortunately, this was not the case. I am finding the developing friendship between Harry and Michael in particular, and Harry and his other "adoptive grandsons" to a lesser extent, to be one of the highlights of this story. Relationships between grandchildren and grandparents or their equivalent are so rarely explored in print, but when they are and they are as authentically written as in this work, they are a joy to witness. Whilst I am old enough to be a grandparent, I am not, and am in most ways glad that this is so as I would have made a lousy parent to human children. To feline children I am a different being altogether, but felines are my favourite of all the species in the animal kingdom (including my own species). Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler. I loved Beaches, but at the time hated the song, primarily because it was played to death. I also much prefer Bette's raunchier material ala Otto Titsling, camp material ala My Knight In Black Leather or 60's girl group tributes ala her superb version of the Dixie Cups Chapel Of Love. I have come to like the song now, although I have to say I prefer the song as sung by the Empress of Soul, Miss Gladys Knight (she soars like a bird in a gospel-tinged version). Some may laugh, but I also have a version of the song sung by the much-maligned, but in my opinion vastly underrated, Sheena Easton. Her version borders on country-pop but is easy on the ears and interesting because she sings it (love the various songs she did with Prince, when she upped the vampish, sex-kitten look). Any diva worth her weight in diamonds, could include this song in her repertoire and bring down the house. Max and Stacy are a charmingly mismatched pair on the surface, brought together and solidified by their kindness, acceptance and fiercely protective natures. I hope for the sake of all the boys and for Harry, the relationship between all becomes the norm, rather than the "novelty" it currently is. I do not use the word "novelty" in any way to diminish what is transpiring, I use it in its "purest" sense i.e. freshness, newness or unfamiliarity. I think all parties have much to gain from the friendship. And congratulations to you @raven1 for doing a fine job as editor.

Well what can one say, but Mhairi is rapidly, and somewhat surprisingly to me at least, redeeming herself. It is so pleasing to witness the "real" Mhairi, one not saddled by an odious husband or father, or a subservient (at best) mother. Her conversation with Colin was like a breath of fresh air @Robert Hugill, replete with wonderfully English words such as "blimey" and "wanker" and phrases such as "you heard about the barney". You are excused (just) for writing such a short chapter because it was such an enjoyable one.

Some very astute observations and interesting speculations espoused by my fellow "Drewophiles". I have long speculated the murder of Micco's mother and sister is somehow related to the murder of Sam @weinerdog. After "witnessing" Micco's partial recollection of the earlier event my belief they are somehow connected has grown stronger. I also have to wonder why Micco was seemingly left unscathed by his mother and sister's murderers or was he? To date we are relying solely on his recollection of the event. What if he has blocked out the part of the attack where he was subjected to harm, physical and/or mental. Perhaps the trauma suffered which affects him still was not confined to witnessing what happened to his mother and sister. Or perhaps their killers recognised or somehow knew of Micco's gift of communication and for that reason left him alone, fearing some kind of reprisal from "beyond the grave". Like @Clancy59 I think Calhoun may in fact believe Micco is not the killer and is using him to draw out the real killer, the person who likely gave Calhoun the anonymous tipoff and who "planted" evidence in the trunk of Micco's motor vehicle. And finally, my admiration for Micco strengthens with each chapter. Regardless of the threat to his own personal safety now and for the foreseeable future, he was equally or more concerned for the safety of the wolves and panthers, such that he was prepared to surrender his rights to have a tribal representative or attorney present at his interview. Perhaps foolhardy again @drsawzall, but I cannot help but admire his principles. Splendid writing again @Libby Drew. We "Drewophiles" are once again most fortunate to enjoy the fruits of your literary labour, even if there were a few more of those red herrings which @drsawzall so loves, thrown in for good measure.

My apologies @weinerdog. My comment was not meant to be cruel, it was a just a bit of light-hearted fun playing with the titles of various Elvis songs.

You were right of course @John Henry, not even a hint of an Elvis conspiracy. It was merely the Suspicious Minds of a few of us that conjured up such nonsense (well it was me mainly). The grotesque nature of the crimes of William Parker III, particularly the one involving Justin, drove me to the Edge Of Reality. He was clearly the type of person one would want to Return To Sender as it appeared he was the Devil In Disguise. I am intrigued as to why the revelations regarding the type of person William Parker III was have been made. William Parker IV aka Billy was I think unnecessarily abrasive at times in his rebuke of Diego. His response to Diego’s enquiries could have been tempered with a little more humility, something which he does not appear to be well acquainted with. Whilst one has to admire his ability to cut through the legalese and reduce his opponents to quivering fools, I feel he should be cautioned with Don't Be Cruel.

If Russ had limited his "offer" to free gym membership, Brian and Gordon may well have accepted it, but to then offer free holiday accommodation at a location with maximum appeal to Toby was a bit much. Russ' comment that he recently acquired a company and that the property on offer was part of this acquisition and he needed someone to housesit it whilst he determines what to do with it, was a bit too coincidental to be believed. In my opinion, Gordon and Brian rightfully declined the offer as such generous offers usually come with strings attached, even if those strings are not yet apparent to either the offeror or the offeree. As a compromise perhaps Russ could invite Owain and Colin to join Brian, Gordon and Toby. Owain and Colin could stay in France with the trio from Parborough and then travel to Italy to be joined by Dames Judi, Maggie and Joan (if her failing eyesight allowed her to travel). Your stories are a true delight @Robert Hugill. I love the British humour apparent in both and the matter-of-fact way the characters realise and address the ordinary and the extraordinary. Toby is almost too good to be true. He still retains a naive charm, which only adds to his appeal.

Being an Aussie who grew up in the 70's and watched a healthy dose of British TV, I am very familiar with idioms from England and to a lesser extent Scotland, the birth nation of my paternal grandfather. Those from Wales and Ireland are lesser known and I find it much harder to understand anyone with a strong accent from either of these countries, and in the case of the former forget about trying to read or pronounce the written word. The extent of my knowledge of Wales is that it is cold, damp and the birth nation of the incomparable Dame Shirley Bassey, one of, if not the greatest live performer I have ever seen.

"Does that mean that you're staying proper?" Oh how wonderful the English language is @Robert Hugill. When Joe made this statement I initially thought he was being impertinent and cheeky, querying if Owain was remaining "faithful and true" to Colin now they had cemented their "boyfriend" status, but then I quickly realised he was likely enquiring if Owain was going to remain living in Netherwich. I was surprised by Colin's revelation that he has never been to church because his parents did not believe in it. I felt certain his mother's quick agreement with Miles' homophobic rant must have been formed by religious hysteria, but it seems that this is not the case. I am pleased Mhairi has had a change of heart regarding Joe's theatrical aspirations, and that she felt compelled to apologise for her ungracious behaviour (I am being nice) when Owain offered to pay for Joe's experience. There is hope for her yet, particularly if she continues to distance herself from the church of her upbringing and maintain her belief that her father and ex-husband were both a pair of arseholes. I was also pleased to witness Joe's sense of self. He is not beholden to his girlfriend, which at his age is often not the case. I can recall at his age many guys in my class at school were what one would now refer to as "pussy whipped". More delights from your pen @Robert Hugill. I am enjoying your writing very much, quintessentially English (like Kate Bush and David Bowie, both of whom I admire greatly).

There are so many possibilities @weinerdog which could have caused Diego's exclamation, and I don't think you give yourself enough credit. Many is the time you have "predicted" the outcome of an emerging plot line in some of the stories we have both read. I so enjoy speculating in circumstances such as this and find that once again I cannot resist the temptation to do so, unlike @chris191070 who has the strength of character to resist such temptation. My speculations, for what they are worth: William Parker III is the spitting image of Thomas Walker and may possibly be his father William Parker III is the spitting image of Calvin and may possibly be his father William Parker III bears a strong resemblance to Donna and may possibly have been her father William Parker III is the spitting image of Elvis and may possibly have been his "love-child" William Parker III in addition to being a lawyer and criminal was a part-time Elvis impersonator who married people in a Las Vegas wedding chapel, including Calvin and Donna Diego slept with William Parker III when he was a younger man who was just starting to realise his attraction to men William Parker III aka Wilhelmina Parquet was the first drag queen Diego met when he emerged on the "gay scene" I have to agree with Diego's assessment of Billy's response to the negative Google review made by a woman whose boyfriend he represented. Even if her review was unjustified or a complete fabrication, his response was not the hallmark of professionalism one would expect. A most enjoyable chapter @John Henry. Most of my speculations are of course absurd, but then again there may be one or more of them with even a grain of truth.

The only saving grace in this scenario @raven1 is that I don't think Jackie is very bright, cunning perhaps, and Hudson is. I have to agree with you in that I don't think Jackie is likely to give up on his pursuit of Otis, particularly if he does discover Hudson and Vegas are one and the same. I doubt he would "play fair" if he discovers this, he would do everything he could to discredit Hudson to ingratiate himself into Otis' good books.

Does the quick hearing of Charlie and Joey's living arrangements portend trouble is a brewing. With the vitriolic snotty homophobe Miss Fussypants (Debbie Dogooder) keen to remove Joey from the clutches of his "evil gay" brother anything is possible. I just hope she has not been able to line up a homophobic judge to hear the matter, but given it is in Florida I wonder if there is anything such as a non-homophobic judge. Another well written chapter @Karl Anders. The "budding" relationship between Joey and Peni is an interesting one, particularly with Miss Fussypants on the warpath.

Unfortunate accidents occur daily @Cane23, or think of it as something akin to spring cleaning or taking out the garbage. I am going to think of it as having a Beverly Sutphin moment. If you have ever seen John Waters' wonderful film Serial Mom you will understand what I am referring to, if not, Kathleen Turner plays the perfect suburban wife and mother, Beverly Sutphin, who is a serial killer on the side, albeit a highly principled serial killer, killing those in her community guilty of heinous crimes such as refusing to recycle; refusing to rewind their rented videos before returning them to the store where her son, Chip, works; calling her husband on the weekend for emergency dental work; and, perhaps the most heinous crime of all, committed by a jury member played by Patty Hearst, wearing white shoes AFTER Labor Day. One of my favourite John Waters films, with Kathleen Turner truly magnificent. My favourite scene is her driving the family station wagon (one of those large American things with fake wood panelling on the side) whilst singing along to Barry Manilow's Daybreak after having just murdered her son's teacher at parent/teacher night for having suggested her parenting is adversely affecting Chip, causing him to have a fascination for horror films. She ran over said teacher repeatedly in the school carpark with the said station wagon.

I knew nothing of Bournemouth @Robert Hugill other than having heard of it. A review of its Wikipedia listing revealed it is quite an attractive seaside city and experiences some relatively warm weather (although nothing like we have in Australia, hot weather which I love). I assume it attracts numerous tourists so is the type of place I envisage Deirdre would get plenty of work, but as for Jasper who knows (and who cares apart from Deirdre). Perhaps either one or both will meet an unfortunate end, drowning at one of the many beaches or eaten by a shark. I have little doubt that if Denise had not heard of Jasper and Deirdre's impending departure that Deirdre would not have bothered to disclose it to Brian and perhaps may have "left in the middle of the night" without even telling Toby. Whilst it may hurt that his mother appears to care little for him, he is fortunate to have a father and "stepfather" and grandparents who take an active interest in him and involve themselves in his life. He is better off without the silly cow. The sooner Deirdre buggers off the better. Brian, Gordon and Russ a throuple perhaps? First there was Brangelina, then came some other forgettable couple whose name I can no longer remember. Now to surpass them all, Gorianus, a combination of Gor(don), (Br)ian and (R)us(s), and if they keep on experimenting with these double penetrations, it could be very bloody gory.