Summerabbacat

Some of the cast from the 'Catering With Benefits' series are back in a stand-alone saga full of intrigue, humour, love, life and death. The primary characters in this spin-off from CWB are Thomas, Dante, Jonathan and Lachlan, ably supported by Patrick, Carol and Cook. New characters abound for a short or lengthy duration; some charm (Fraser and Giles) whilst others are less appealing (particularly Yashuki). With a murder (or two) to solve and relationships formed, broken and occasionally repaired, this riotous romp is told in the usual delightfully quirky and humorous manner the reader has come to expect from GA's resident marsupial, @Wombat Bill. Highly recommended even if you have not had the pleasure of reading 'Catering With Benefits'. If you have not, do yourself a favour, and do so.

A very promising debut from a writer whose first language is apparently not English, not that this is apparent given the literary skills displayed by @ObicanDecko. The characters are mostly likeable, even Jared, but not so Richard; and the storyline believable. The story progresses at a leisurely pace, for which this reader was eternally grateful. There is some drama, but nothing so melodramatic that it detracts from the story or becomes the focus of the story, rather than the characters themselves. I have to make special mention of the delightful Bo. I am always drawn to stories where a non-human character, in this case a dog, has a "starring" role rather than a "guest starring" role. His presence added immeasurably to the story and for this reader at least, made the characters of Sam and Brian and their relationship, that much more attractive. A terrific read.

Initially Trick appears smart, endearing and overwhelmingly insecure; whilst Cody appears confident, aloof and superficial. The story follows the life of both as their relationship progresses from one of mutual attraction, torment and despair, to one of mutual attraction, love and respect. The growth of their relationship is wholly believable; their journey from victim and bully to lovers, a joy to witness. Full of beauty and melancholy (to which I am always drawn), I read this story in one evening, unable to stop until my appetite was fully sated. @ObicanDecko's confidence as a writer has soared. If a reader is drawn to stories where justice prevails and the “good guy wins”, this story will satisfy in abundance. With beautifully drawn characters, this little gem is truly wondrous and uplifting. Riveting from beginning to end.

The gloves are off! Kelly, what a bitch. I would not trust her as far as I could throw her (now there is a thought for another game @ObicanDecko, who can throw Kelly the furthest). It would not surprise me to learn she voted Clementine off as she acknowledged Clementine was taking the game seriously, just like she is. It appears her strategy is to get rid of her completion as she is clearly desperate to win. And who is the secret guest in her boudoir? It would not surprise me to learn it is the show host, Nicholas Stone, although one would hope he would have something in his contract about not sleeping with the contestants. Tiffany once again showed herself to be a kind and caring person. Or is it an act? I imagine being on such a program one would become suspicious of the motives of the other contestants and wonder whom one could trust, perhaps even becoming a little paranoid. @ObicanDecko what an extraordinary imagination you have. The latest games were, with one exception, startling. I guessed the outcome of game where Clementine snatched the ball from Tiffany, particularly given the first game with the ball was one where the last person with the ball was awarded the points. I am torn between the trio of Tiffany, Samson and Troy as to who I would like to see win. Marcus is OK. Eric I don't have any opinion of at all as he seems to be almost one-dimensional, or perhaps I am biased against him because of his profession. I think he might be the next contestant to be eliminated. Part of me would like to see Kelly make it the last two, only to lose at the end. Call me nasty, but I really dislike Kelly intensely, so if she is voted off at any time, I will rejoice.

@ObicanDecko you surely have a way with words. Who would ever think something as trite as a reality TV show could evoke reactions other than revulsion, contempt or astonishment, or amusement at best. However, you achieved it, an emotional reaction from me. I shed a tear; I was genuinely moved by "It was as if time had stopped for a moment, as everyone seemed frozen in shock. It was Tiffany’s sobs that broke the silence as she got up from her beanbag and rushed over to Rico, throwing her arms around him.“I’m so sorry, Rico,” the youngest contestant sobbed, her face buried in the man’s neck. “It’s not fair…” I just adore Tiffany, she is so guileless, unlike that bitch Kelly (I promised myself I would refrain from saying anything nasty about any of the contestants in this chapter, but the mere mention of her name irritates me). Before Tiffany’s display of emotion I wondered what she and Rico had been doing when "he came down the stairs and walked into the lounge, Tiffany coming right behind him. The rest of the contestants gave them knowing looks as if it was perfectly obvious what the pair did in their short absence, but no one asked anything." Was it a line of coke or some shared intimacy? Given it was a short absence I thought perhaps the former rather than the latter, but given Tiffany's reaction to Rico's elimination I think it safe to say it was the latter. Clementine revealed a softer, more pleasant side of herself this chapter too. Character development, an asset to any story. And, for the finale, a “duet” between Troy and Samson. Delicious and so very sexy. Troy is almost too nice “Yeah, Kelly’s been trying to flirt with me, bless her,” the actor chuckled. “But I had to let her down. I kinda got my eye on someone else, and I’m pretty sure I’ve been picking up some signals, too. Or am I wrong?”. Will they become the next Brangelina, or as @chris191070 has speculated, will this complicate things for them in the competition? I wait with bated breath for the next instalment of this most delightful and surprising of stories @ObicanDecko.

Vegan ice cream! Delicious (except for the mango and cookie dough) and animal friendly @ObicanDecko . A winning combination, much like the champagne and chocolates in a prior chapter. “That’s the game, girl. We’re all gonna leave eventually. Most of us, anyway,” Kelly replied indifferently, shrugging her shoulders. Argh! Bitch, continues to piss me off. I can think of a far more suitable family name for her than Marvel. It starts with a K and is common in "reality TV circles" in the USA (common being the operative word). I still like Tiffany and have my fingers and toes crossed for a Troy/Samson "duet". To quote @chris191070 @ObicanDecko, this story is "sheer brilliance".

I agree @chris191070. Highly imaginative games like these would make even the dullest reality TV contestant(s ) appear intelligent and entertaining. @ObicanDecko this story reminds me somewhat of an Agatha Christie novel entitled And Then There Were None (its original title in the UK was deemed offensive). Although none of the "cast" in this story have been murdered, at least not yet, they are being eliminated one by one, as they were in the Christie novel. If I may be so bold, may I suggest it be Kelly who is the murder victim if this story does head in such a direction, even if only briefly. If she were to be murdered I would consider it a "mercy killing", just like Eddie in Rocky Horror Picture Show as claimed by Frank 'N' Furter. @ObicanDecko I am having so much fun reading this story. It is not at all like the type of story which would normally capture and hold my attention, nevertheless it has. Although light-hearted and witty, it also affords the reader the opportunity to draw a parallel with real life situations, a little like Aesop's Fables (at least it does for this reader anyway). Well done.

Champagne and chocolates, essential staples for a happy and health life @ObicanDecko. I also like the fact the contestants are playing for a substantial amount of money to donate to their favourite charity. No surprises to learn of Samson's nominated charity, a most worthy cause, but may I suggest he also donate at least part of his winnings to an animal rights or animal welfare charity. He is a delight. Camp, kind-hearted and genuine. I wish him luck with Troy, even if only to infuriate Kelly. It has only been two chapters and already I hate that fucking bitch. Argh! I hope Tiffany releases her inner psycho and bitch slaps Kelly into the middle of next week. I was sad to see Gloria go, but I guess someone had to go first. I just hope Kelly stays around long enough to be taken down a peg or twenty.

I rarely watch TV, in fact I have not done so for at least the last 20 years, and have never watched any program which was classified as "reality TV". I have read enough about such programs and heard friends/work colleagues talk about them to know they are without exception, absolute shit. Having said this, if I were to watch such a program it would have to be as entertaining as the "cast" of this story have been in this first chapter. Humorous, frothy, catty and divisive. Perfect @ObicanDecko. I will be rooting for Samson and Troy, and hoping that bitch Kelly has the smile wiped off her annoying face very quickly. I also like Tiffany, airhead she may be, but anyone who likes tofu will get my vote (and I honestly say this without a hint of sarcasm as I love tofu).

Poignant and beautifully written, your impressive literary skills on display as always @Andre Delport. So much to admire and enjoy in this chapter, some of which my fellow readers, particularly @Anton_Cloche (the Queen’s sense of humour a highlight), have already observed in their written comments. In addition to these observations, I must say how much I liked the choice of emerald green by the Devlin-Major family for their clothing at Claude and Francois’ wedding; the reappearance of my favourite character, Rascal, and the appearance of his canine partner in mischief (I hope) Toby; and, the recognition of and respect for vegetarians at Claude and Francois’ wedding. I have been to several formal occasions, including a wedding, where my vegetarian diet has been informed prior, only to be completely ignored or acknowledged by the inclusion of a salad. The vegetarian dishes sounded delicious, especially the aubergine, a personal favourite of mine.

Patrick's murder was resolved @Bft and Rodney Smith was charged with his murder. In chapter 38 Coffee and Confession it is stated as follows: "Smith was charged before a court the following day and remanded in custody till a trial date was set. Patrick’s body was released by the coroner so the family could arrange a funeral." These two statements appear after Father Murphy concludes his conversation with Detective Fraser, after having listened to Rodney Smith's confession to the murder. Although he refused to break the confessional seal, Father Murphy appeared to confirm Smith was guilty. Yashuki's reappearance was fortunately well away from the confines of Crystalline and Arcobaleno. I hope @ReaderPaul his current professions, employee and self-employed, will not result in any further contact with Thomas and/or Dante. I don't recall any of the "cast" having been "scene queens" to date, the closest they have gotten to the gayborhood being the visits to Poppy's restaurant and visits to Jonathan's, now Virginia's apartment in Potts Point. Blue(y) as a common-name for redheads must confuse all non-Australians @Wombat Bill, and would likely confuse many Australians born after the 1970's. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the name Blue(y) is restricted to males with red hair only. If there is life after Crystalline for this motley crew of characters, I would like to see Claudia have a "bigger role". She could become the purrrrrfect diva.

A most intriguing chapter @Wombat Bill. I would like to think Yashuki has gone for good, but it would not surprise me if he has not. If he has, it proves my opinion of the spineless, slimy and conniving bastard I have always believed him to be. I was pleased to learn a little more of Thomas' pre-Crystalline life. It did not surprise me to learn he is from a single-parent family. This may account for his strong sense of independence and emotional maturity. Thomas' outburst was most uncharacteristic; hopefully, it is just as a result of losing Yashuki. If so, I think he will soon realise Yashuki is not worth the effort of longing for a love lost. The outburst may prove beneficial to the working relationship between he and Lachlan. I have not previously recognised it, but I think Thomas' statement to Lachlan that he just agrees to whatever Jonathan wants is correct. I think Lachlan's relationship with Jonathan is somewhat similar to the relationship between Virginia and Desmond, relationships with significant financial inequality, in which one party is to a certain degree financially dependant on, or at least made to feel financially dependant on, the other party in the relationship. For some people this would not present a problem, but for Desmond and Lachlan I don't think this sits well. Desmond shared his feelings regarding being a kept man with Cook, whilst Lachlan has if I recall correctly, alluded to his "kept" status in prior chapters. @VBlew I can understand Thomas not sharing his possible travel plans with Jonathan, but it is odd he did not share them with Lachlan, particularly given their expressed mutual admiration for the skills the other possesses. Was this oversight intentional? One would have to think so as he only had the discussion with Dante a short time before.

He replaced it with a "cliff-hanger" instead @ReaderPaul. Just enough to titillate his fans and have us salivating for more. It seems my fellow CWB groupie @chris191070 is having second thoughts regarding Yashuki’s intentions. I wish I could share his optimism (I don’t really, but I know to appear to be unbiased, this is what I am supposed to say). I still think Yashuki is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I believe he is a born opportunist, a “relationship” with Dante and /or Thomas may suit him for now, but as soon as something more suitable comes along, it will be sayonara losers. I promise I have not taken my “Grumpy Old Men” pills @Wombat Bill. I think it must be the appaling weather. I believe Dante will be happy in the throuple so long as both Thomas and Yashuki prefer him to the other. I think he has a big ego which needs constant stroking to keep him happy. Ultimately, the throuple may lose its appeal for him as it will no longer be "risky" and his wandering eye may once again wander. I do not hold it against him so long as he is honest about it. Thomas appears to be well aware of Dante’s habits now, so unless Dante becomes much smarter or devious, the former is unlikely and I don’t think he cares enough to be the latter, Thomas is likely to at least suspect if Dante steps out on him and Yashuki in future. As for Yashuki, I don't care what or how he feels as I still don't like him (and I don't care if I am being unfair and/or irrational and/or spiteful).😛😛😛

@ReaderPaul to me the obvious subject of the teaser is the new throuple. Who's in the middle may be a sexual reference, which of the three is skewered from both ends. The divided loyalties may refer to jealousy on Dante's part; Yashuki his piece-on-the-side seemingly now more enamoured with Thomas, and Thomas perhaps showing signs of genuine affection for Yashuki. Suddenly the thrill of risky sex for Dante has evaporated because not only has Thomas met Yashuki, but he has welcomed him into a throuple with relish. Then again the teaser could indicate something entirely different. We both know what a wily wombat with wondrous words winsomely weaves with wit and whimsy. I tried @ReaderPaul, I really did, but I cannot match your superior skill for alliteration.

Virginia displayed a very unattractive facet of her personality, one which she mostly kept in check whilst the "lady of the house" at Crystalline. I was pleased to see that Cook has more in common with Claudia than she would likely admit. Her claws came out and she hissed at Virginia, forcing her to climb down from her perch and admit she was a conceited and insufferable bitch. Now if only some of Cook's no-nonsense attitude would rub off on Desmond. Although I am not overly fond of him, Virginia does still treat him like "hired help" rather than her husband. As one who has been known to imbibe champagne on more than one occasion, I disagree with Virginia. Champagne tastes better from a flute and is much easier to drink from a flute. A most amusing chapter @Wombat Bill, almost reminiscent of a cat-fight between Joan and Linda aka Alexis Morell Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan and Krystle Grant Jennings Carrington respectively. I was very impressed with Cook's quick and rapier-like wit, and somewhat surprised with her graphic description of her frequent moments of pleasure with Axel. She really is a full-breasted chicken.

The Catholic code of the seal of the confessional. What a fucking joke, except it is not funny. A business which believes it has some sort of moral authority, the same business renowned world-wide for its employees molestation of children (and often blaming them for said molestation), and in many countries where it still thrives, ongoing anti-semitism and homophobia. I am intrigued as to why Patricia appears to remember Patrick but not Dante. Is it because he had the Irish name, the male equivalent of her own, or is it because he identified as heterosexual for the most part, or is it because he wrote letters to her, which although they apparently remain unopened, perhaps left an indelible mark on her psyche? I doubt we will ever know. An interesting comment from @ReaderPaul that Dante is showing some of the confusion of his mother. He could well be correct, which might not bode well for Dante's future mental health. I have refrained from commenting on Yashuki in the past couple of chapters, but as @ReaderPaul has commented, I shall release myself from this torturous abstinence to agree with my learned friend. I bear Yashuki no kind sentiments at all. I hope your physical pain is easing/has disappeared @ReaderPaul. I could suggest a relaxing sojourn at Crystalline, but you would likely leave in greater pain at present due to the wretched weather we are experiencing in Sydney this year. We have had 2,360mm or 93 inches of rain to date this year. Mould abounds across Sydney, in fact much of the eastern seaboard of Australia. La Nina has paid us more visits than Cher and Elton John have undertaken "farewell tours".

It certainly "appears" Rodney Smith murdered Patrick, but perhaps it was another "sin" he committed. Perhaps in the dark he hid and observed the murder take place and derived great pleasure from that observation. As I understand it, the Catholic Church still considers masturbation a sin, so Rodney may have pleasured himself whilst watching someone else murder Patrick. Afterwards he may have been consumed with guilt, hence his desire to "confess" to a priest. Whatever the outcome, he certainly has got his "moneys worth" from the Ricardi family. Fucking Mum and watching Patrick and Dante fucking each other online. Given the rambling of his confession, I have to wonder if he even realises what he is being held on remand for.

I too think this is the only "thing" not in doubt @ReaderPaul.

It has just occurred to me @ReaderPaul that there may be an even bigger magic trick. Perhaps the body in the pool was not Patrick, but Dante. Perhaps Patrick killed Dante. A little fantastical I know. Throuples seem to be a "hot topic" nowadays. I just wonder though if Yashuki may be playing both Dante and Thomas for a fool? Or perhaps (with my unequivocal support) Thomas is playing Dante and Yashuki for a fool. I "predicted" the arrest of Rodney Smith @chris191070, but now that it has occurred it does seem altogether too convenient. By George those vultures, I mean reporters, were full of surprises for Lachlan, Thomas and Dante @Wombat Bill. The possible "suspects" sounded like the 'whose who' of the NSW prison system. The following conversation between Thomas and Cook puzzled me though: The following morning, Thomas approached Cook and said “Good morning Cook, what a wonderful day it is” “I suppose so...oh I see what you mean, Dante’s back, Carol’s back, Mia’s on her way back and they’ve arrested the real killer”. The real killer had not yet been arrested, or was Cook just being sarcastic?

Your reiteration of this belief has just inspired another speculation from me @chris191070. Perhaps Rodney Smith is a jilted lover of Dante's.

@ReaderPauland @chris191070before I read this chapter I had a "new suspect" in mind, one which after reading this chapter is not as fantastical as I envisaged. I now have to wonder if the mysterious Rodney Smith may have been in prison for possession of underage pornography, and had been a friend of Padre Ricardi or known him from the father/son weekends Patrick, Dante and Tony participated in. Perhaps he blamed Patrick and Dante for their father's death or his own incarceration, and set about seeking revenge. He may have attended the murder party weekend with the intention of commencing surveillance of Patrick and Dante and witnessed the fight between them, seizing the opportunity to kill one brother with the intention of framing the other for his murder, thereby avenging his friend's death or paying them back for his incarceration. Or perhaps it is Patrick and Dante's deranged mother escaped from the "care facility", fully charged and loaded with a cocktail of drugs including steroids which have altered her appearance, giving her a more masculine appearance and physical strength. You are keeping this one very close to your pouch @Wombat Bill. As both Paul and Chris have remarked, "this is just getting curiouser and curiouser".

It is as "clear as mud" to me @ReaderPaul. My immediate thought regarding the teaser - Virginia to the rescue, is that Thomas is arrested on suspicion of murder too. If so, it would not surprise if Yashuki somehow implicates Thomas as I find it impossible to believe Yashuki's concern for Thomas' welfare is motivated by genuine friendship. And thank you @Wombat Bill for knowing the correct spelling for Thomas' and not writing Thomas's. One of my pet hates is the double s with an apostrophe in the middle. “Sorry guys” said Lachlan “Blake Hodge, our decorator and Connor O’Connor, from the police department” “Have you come to arrest anyone” Blake asked “I’m available, where are your hand cuffs?” he continued as he put out his hands. Is it possible Blake is somehow related to Brett? Are they twins separated at birth? Boorish braggarts both. They are not amusing or clever, just sleazy. "No need to worry her unnecessarily about Dante” Thomas was silent for a few moments, then said “Oh Lachlan, I don’t want him to go to prison, even though I now know how all this mess started”. Is this statement from Thomas merely reference to the tension between Patrick and Dante due to the latter's dalliances with Yashuki, or has Thomas had a sudden epiphany? I would be interested to know if my fellow CWB groupies @ReaderPaul, @chris191070 or @VBlew have any thoughts on this.

“Anything planned for the evening?” asked Giles “I’m thinking... meet some mates for a few drinks, dinner, then hit the dance floor at Pump till I boogie off all the day’s stress” “Have fun and don’t do any boys that I wouldn’t” “Thanks for the good wishes Grace, but I won’t take your advice” Then he left, skipping down the corridor. And here I was @Wombat Bill with an image of Connor as a young and very butch detective until he skipped down the corridor. Suddenly, I had an image more akin to Cindy bloody Brady than a butch young stud. Funny how one word, whether intentionally used or not, can totally change one's image of something or someone. Cook diminished her appeal greatly in this chapter, almost to the point of no return, with her appalling treatment of Claudia. She was definitely off my Christmas Card list until she relented, although disappointingly she only relented because she recognised a feline companion was likely to be beneficial to Carol, not because she recognised Claudia deserved to be accepted for herself. I shall be monitoring Cook's behaviour for any further transgressions @Wombat Bill and if she steps out of line again, she will be dealt with. I am not sure Carol will make the best human companion for Claudia though, she really is a fucking airhead at times (Carol that is, not Claudia). I have already taken a liking to Claudia, she bears a strong resemblance behaviour-wise to my beloved Ava, until she mellowed with age. The plot thickens @ReaderPaul, @chris191070and @VBlew. Who is Rodney Smith and is his presence at the party of any significance? And a long-shot speculation which has just occurred to me when writing this nonsense, is Axel's "sudden appearance" as Rosemary's love interest merely coincidental or could it be something more sinister? And like both @chris191070 and I have previously pondered, was the wrong twin murdered? Well @Wombat BillI think you may need to "bring out the big guns". Poirot, Marple or Jessica Fletcher may need to pay a visit to Crystalline with Fraser, Giles and O'Connor to solve this one.

“Do I get a ride home?” asked Yashuki.“We’re a police force here, not a taxi service”. I do so like Fraser's acerbic wit. And as much as I don't like Yashuki, he seemed to be quite truthful in his responses to police questioning. This of course assumes our resident marsupial has been honest in what he has to date revealed about this visitor from the "land of the rising sun". The banter between Fraser and Giles was amusing, enlightening and nurturing. I say the latter, because it appears Fraser has much respect for the talents of both Giles and O'Connor and is wiling to share his wisdom and experience not just to solve this mystery, but also to develop Giles and O'Connor's skills, thus improving their career prospects. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit @Wombat Bill, @ReaderPaul, @chris191070and @VBlew, I assumed Giles was a male detective, using some of those other well known male/male crime solving partnerships, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, Inspector Morse and Lewis, and Batman and Robin (now don't laugh boys) as my reference point.

That bloody marsupial has got us all scratching our heads again @chris191070, @ReaderPaul and @VBlew. Are wombats able to grin, laugh or guffaw @Wombat Bill? I seem to recall photographs of Fatso when he was a star in which it looked like he was grinning.