Summerabbacat

They are clearly located somewhere in his genitals, which Dante alluded to were underwhelming at best.

“I don’t care how you try to Morrison it, I’m not buying”. Absolutely brilliant @Wombat BillI immediately knew exactly what Jeremy was implying. Is this a Wombatism or have you seen this written elsewhere? "He’s as rich as creases". Should this have read as "He's as rich as Croesus" and the annoying auto-correct thought it knew better than you? If so, how dare it assume to correct you, doesn't it know who you are. Why the bloody cheek of it. Brett is such a stereotype, however, like most stereotypes, there is a great deal of "truth" in his portrayal. I have certainly known a few people over the years who are as shallow and unappealing as he is. Francesco has certainly had an unfortunate life. I doubt he and James will ever have much in common and a "deep connection" seems unlikely. If they are both having fun though it surely does not matter. I am intrigued as to what was concealed in James' yoga mat, or did I miss something. The fostering of Caleb on a permanent basis was a forgone conclusion from the moment he met Gran and Justin revealed his abs. I think he will make a great addition to the Haynes/Simpson household. Gran will certainly be very happy. Great chapter @Wombat Bill, the highlight of which was “I don’t care how you try to Morrison it, I’m not buying”. I thought I was aware of how low he was prepared to sink until this evening when I read more about the Religious Discrimination Bill, especially the 'statement(s) of belief'. Clearly it is he, and not those he believes it is acceptable to refer to as the "work of the devil" under the guise of a religious belief, who is the "work of the devil". C u next Tuesday indeed.

When I saw the chapter title @Wombat BillI thought perhaps Dante's as yet unnamed brother might be making his debut appearance. I found it ironic Francesco remarked the other circus performers "like to think they are one big family, but really they are just insular. I don’t mix with them much as I have no wish to be involved in their petty quarrels and competitive behaviour”, and yet he was so very reluctant to leave the confines of what is apparently the only home he has ever known, to venture forth with James. His description of Wanda as demanding and difficult to please is one I formed after her initial appearance in a prior chapter. Alex is so desperate for sex though I think he will do anything to please/impress her. Certainly the circus is proving sexually stimulating for both James and Alex, I just hope the former does not lose sight of his real reason for showing an interest in it. Lachlan's plans for Crystalline's neighbouring property have not been mentioned by any of your CWB groupies yet @Wombat Bill as you have lamented. Perhaps we have been so consumed by and enamoured with the "new arrivals", Caleb, Wanda, Candy and Jack, and the reappearance of the beloved Gran, to have turned our minds to consider what those plans might be once those pesky blackberry bushes have been removed. Whatever the plans, I sense Lachlan wants to make a grand success of the venture to prove his worth to Jonathan as an equal partner in business, and not just a pretty top/bottom. I have not been able to arrange a time to borrow @ReaderPaul's crystal ball, but I predict he plans to turn the property into a a GLBT B 'N' B/sex club/upmarket resort.

The banter may have been light hearted, but its intent was serious. Caleb is learning more about Gran because he wants to fit into the Haynes/Simpson household as quickly and smoothly as possible, and is genuinely enchanted by her. Once again Gran's wisdom shone through, providing sage advice not only to Caleb, but also to Craig. What is Raj up to? Is he looking for pointers to impress his father, or does he want a job at Poppy's so as to be closer to Juanito, or is his motive something far more secretive? Brett is not very professional, although on this occasion it may have worked to his advantage. @Wombat Bill a most enjoyable, "frothy" (another wonderfully exotic word) little chapter with much to like. Caleb is not difficult to like, although the drinking from the juice bottle, and wiping it afterwards with a used dishcloth, is hardly hygienic. I must confess I drink from the bottle myself, but there is only me to share the germs with.

I am usually struck more by the inconsistencies and improbabilities of what is written in the bible than anything else @Wombat Bill. The blessing of Caleb appears to be one of its less violent and controversial stories. I wonder if different spirit is anything like "two spirit" which I have read many Native Americans admire. The Hebrew meanings of Caleb make it sound a perfect name for a cat with much in common with my beautiful Bassey. If I were to ever have another cat with even a modicum of his love and adoration, I would be truly blessed.

I think Dante has better taste @chris191070. I also think he was "underwhelmed" with Brett's size. Is Dante a size queen? Perhaps. He is made of muscles himself and expressed his admiration for Cook due to her larger than average "assets". Brett on the other hand had everything to gain. Frankly I don't know why Jeremy tolerates him. When he made his first appearance I thought he was going to be clever, witty and amusing; an apprentice-in-waiting to Edward. His appearances have been limited, but he has not lived up to any of his early promise.

I don't like Brett; I find him neither amusing nor witty. Edward is witty, Brett is merely sleazy and lecherous, somewhat reminiscent of Oliver. Dante certainly put him in his place with consummate ease. Brett's ego is apparently in direct contrast to his endowment; was Dante's “Looking at you, I assume you’re a grower..." a subtle put-down or merely a remark to steer Brett away from making any advances. Whatever the motive, it went completely over Brett's head, forcing Dante to abandon subtlety altogether. The "spat" between Dante and Thomas had me thinking "here we go again", a sense of deja vu. I seem to recall Jared and Thomas having a similar disagreement early in their relationship about one or the other's possessiveness. Is moving in together at such an early stage the solution; they really know very little about each other. Methinks, it does not augur well for the future, or am I the one being melodramatic. I daresay time and @Wombat Bill's literary penmanship will deliver the verdict. I pondered when reading a prior chapter that Raj may be the character who at least explores the possibility of gender reassignment surgery. A few more remarks made in this chapter have made me confident enough to verbally speculate this now, without fear of offence. He has not previously, as far as I can recall, expressed any confusion or discomfort with his gender assigned at birth, but a few comments made in this chapter have me thinking. Admittedly the comments made were banal at best, but the synopsis for the book does mention transgender as one of the "themes" of the book (I am not sure if this is the correct term). If, and it is a mighty if, Raj is beginning to question his gender, I sense he will have no greater supporter than Edward. Although Edward is apparently very comfortable being a male, he may well have friends who have transitioned, or at least considered doing so, with whom he could consult or encourage to share with Raj. Excellent chapter @Wombat Bill. I sense you are going to be tackling some more serious issues in coming chapters. I have no doubt you will do so with your usual sensitivity and aplomb. I look forward to reading what @ReaderPaul(I just got the message he has published his critique) and @chris191070 think.

"Saucy" and "Sassy", Gran and Caleb, a most unlikely pair. Gran's untimely appearance in the back garden could not have been more timely had it been planned. Replete with caprice (thank you @ReaderPaul for reminding me of this wonderfully vibrant word which I just love the "sound" of), good humour and wisdom; I had forgotten how "saucy" she can be, even more so than the "full breasted chicken", Cook of Crystalline. And young "sassy" Caleb, immediately charmed and enchanted by someone of an age so unlikely to appeal, but just what the doctor ordered. He has gone overnight from being an unloved lonely boy, to a boy with at least three people in his corner. He responded so positively to encouragement and appreciation, apparently he is a well adjusted boy, one whose needs are not insurmountable. I hope @ReaderPaul's "communal crystal ball", which @quttzik and @chris191070 seem to have borrowed of late, is spot on and Caleb does become a permanent part of the Simpson/Haynes household. An epic chapter @Wombat Bill, truly uplifting. My favourite chapter to date in the current book. Gran showed us again why she is so beloved. Her wry sense of humour (her Queen Mother comments were hilarious) had me "in stitches"; her suggestion to Caleb that he “.... should give her the benefit of the doubt for now, and when circumstances permit you make contact with her”, moved me to tears. Although quite different from my own grandmother, she reminded me of the special connection one can have with a beloved grandmother.

Methinks Caleb is understandably wary of Craig and Justin's intentions, deliberately baiting them to challenge their reactions. They should remain calm for as long as possible to demonstrate their home might be a long term solution. He is no doubt sceptical and frightened after having been tossed aside like garbage by those who should have cared for him until adulthood. I think Craig maybe needs to chill a little, and stop referring to Caleb as "young man" as this is a bit patronising, particularly given Craig himself is a young man. I agree with @chris191070, Caleb and James might be a good match, even if only for friendship. Hopefully the planned barbecue includes James and Alex, but particularly the former, as attendees. I am very pleased to witness the return of the alt-@ReaderPaul, the literary leviathan, littering his look-see with lashings of loquacious levity. The teaser for the next chapter is awash with numerous possibilities, too numerous to even contemplate. I, like @quttzik, am particularly concerned with abdication and Alzheimer's. The former could mean any number of things from Ed Wiener retiring permanently and One Eata assuming her crown, to Cynthia stepping down as the "charity empress". Alzheimer's most logically may rear its ugly head for Craig's Gran or Max or Charles, but it may be about to affect someone entirely different. A very "rewarding" chapter @Wombat Bill. Although Caleb is not a cat, this reader is very pleased to witness the emergence of foster caring as a storyline. Although I am (hopefully) some years away from adopting another cat, Caleb is a name I have in mind for a male cat.

Max and Charles deserve another story of their own, if for no reason other than they were the catalyst which started the CWB saga rolling.

I would like to offer a different possibility @ReaderPaul. Back to business may well indicate Poppy's, Dean's Bar (I cannot remember if this is its business name), Divas and Dare to Bare all becoming fully operational again. The new kid on the block may be a child who comes into part-time foster care with Craig and Justin, part of which time is likely to be spent at Poppy's and meeting the proprietors of the other three businesses which share the lease of the building. Candy is certainly well named. She did not charm or amuse me though as she did my fellow critics. Arnott's Family Assorted brought back memories of my childhood @Wombat Bill. Do you know if they are still manufactured, and if so, are they manufactured in Australia? I avoid the biscuit aisle in the supermarket as I don't have the willpower to resist Mint Slice or anything else with dark chocolate.

After reading the chapter title, it was with some trepidation I embarked upon reading it. After doing so, I am compelled to be the proverbial "fly in the ointment". I have to disagree vehemently, but hopefully respectfully, with my fellow CWB groupies, @ReaderPaul and @chris191070. James was not loud enough; he should have walked out, but not before compiling evidence of the mistreatment of the animals. There is no place in a civilised society for circuses with animals, marine parks with seals or dolphins performing tricks, greyhound racing or any other "entertainment" for humans which causes distress to the non-human involuntary participants. I have NEVER been to a circus and never will. Unfortunately there are no national or state bans on circuses in Australia, but many councils have "seen the light" and banned them. I have read there is widespread community support for a total ban, which is why many councils have taken such action. There are some activities which are so heinous and unnecessary, that a compromise is out of the question. I have to admire Craig for considering and persuading Justin as to the merit of the "fostering" role they are likely to embark upon. I have to wonder if Justin's "difficult" childhood may prove to be invaluable in understanding and helping children from unhappy or unsafe situations. @Wombat Billa brilliantly written and very confronting chapter which made me very fucking angry. The contrast between Alex's disinterest and Justin's apathy towards the treatment of the circus animals with James' outrage , was a very clever construct. If this had been a debate, it would surely have resulted in James being declared the victor. I don't think any chapter of any of the books has incited such passion for justice in me as this one. James is a beacon of hope and I look forward to him playing a big role going forward. Alex is cock-driven, normal for someone his age I know, but in this chapter I found him to be redundant at best. Justin made my blood boil, he found James to be a "problem" because of his support for animal rights, and yet he readily agrees to taking in a foster child. Is he fucking blind, children and animals are so often the victims of neglect or abuse at the hands of adult humans. Some readers may think me hypocritical because I have expressed the fact I don't like children, and I don't; however, I abhor those who neglect or abuse them. I shall stop preaching now as I can feel my blood pressure has gone up, which is the last thing I need at the moment.

Even before Thomas remarked “What have you done with the real Desmond? When did he become your servant?” I felt like I was witnessing a "conversation" between Hyacinth and Richard (from a British TV comedy Keeping Up Appearances, @ReaderPaul). Although Virginia is not a social climber hellbent on impressing all the "right people", she appeared to be oblivious to Desmond's apparent subservience. I thought after Thomas' remark she was making an effort, but then she utters, “I’ve told you before Des, don’t call it a soup kitchen, that downgrades what we do there”. I was ready to wring her neck after this comment. In Virginia's defence, Desmond was in her employ for a long time, but she needs to try harder to make him feel as if he is an equal. His positive responses to Dante's interest in his role at the soup kitchen demonstrated he can converse if one only takes the time to listen. I think he should go with the boys when they travel to Mallacoota as it will make him feel useful. He is clearly a man who is purpose driven, his purpose being to assist others in whatever capacity he can. Renaming a soup kitchen a meal centre to "upgrade" its function had me laughing, until I realised I can well imagine someone making such a remark and believing it to be of such significant importance. It reminds me of an article I came across a few years ago now where the author declared it demeaning to dogs to label them as a cross breed e.g. Jack Russell/Kelpie cross. He/she demanded such dogs should be known as a blend e.g. Jack Russell/Kelpie blend. My response (internally of course) was a dog would not give a fuck what breed you called him/her, he/she was more commenced with being cared for, fed, played with and loved. I have seen a similar argument for "outlawing" the word desexed as it applies to cats and dogs. I had a similar response (again internally of course), also believing desexing should be extended compulsorily to numerous humans, starting with the language police like the pretentious twits who spouted such trite nonsense. A very intriguing chapter @Wombat Bill. The interest for me lay as much in what was left unspoken as what was spoken. The reference to the "mother son" relationship between Virginia and Thomas left Thomas feeling decidely uncomfortable. I don't recall you have ever revealed anything of Thomas' family or his formative years. Has this been an oversight, an omission because it is not important, or has it been by design because it is essential to a yet to be revealed storyline. As @ReaderPaul has remarked on occasion, we shall have to wait for you to reveal the truth (or words to that effect).

@chris191070 this was my immediate suspicion too. It seemed getting the boys drunk was the intention of Alma and Brenda, and it was almost too convenient the boys had to sleep in separate rooms. Unlike you though Chris, I imagined the girls helping themselves direct from the source not by hand, but by riding them cowboy style as this, I have read, maximises the success rate of "the swimmers". I must state upfront before making my next comment that I am fully in favour of same sex couples having children, whether biological or adopted. However, which ever of the girls responded with “The child would have two mothers” to Andy's question “Is that fair to the child?” really pissed me off. If the child wanted a relationship with its father and the father is known to the mothers, surely the mothers would want to foster such a relationship. The response shows that neither Alma nor Brenda have given any thought to the child's possible desires, only their own. I do not like children, which is one of the reasons why I refused a similar request from a lesbian couple I knew many years ago. I pointed out to them that if the child wanted to meet me I would have no desire for this to happen, which would be very unfair to the child and may be hurtful and/or damaging to it. They understood perfectly and thanked me for my honesty. There is also the legal and financial implications of being a remote father or known sperm donor. What happens if Alma and Brenda separate, would the birth mother seek child support from the biological father? Certainly a contract could be executed absolving the biological father of all legal and financial obligations, but would such a contract hold up in court. I somehow doubt it. At least Thomas and Dante should not have to worry about Virginia making a similar request of either of them at the forthcoming dinner. I just hope Desmond is as "thrilled" by his dinner companions as Virginia believes he will be. @Wombat Bill Your wit excelled in this chapter. Andy's misunderstanding of the true nature of Alma and Brenda's request was very cleverly written. I immediately suspected what Alma was going to propose, but I had the benefit of the content of the conversation between Alma and Brenda before the dinner took place. I recall my grandmother making something called Lemon Delicious when I was child (back in the Palaeolithic era). It was very aptly named as it was both very tart and contained either chunky pieces of lemon rind or shavings of lemon rind, if I remember correctly. My "award" for the wittiest remark to date in this current book, goes to Andy, “That’s fine, I probably wasn’t looking forward to measuring for intimate jewellery”. He is generally such a quiet man who draws little attention to himself, which made this remark all the more amusing.

@James Carnarvon after having been laid low with a severe infection and fever for the past four days, I was looking forward to revisiting Ravello, even if for the last time. I find illness always increases my natural inclination to melancholy, the reading of this concluding chapter was no exception. Joy mixed with a dose of sadness is the best way to describe how I felt after reading this chapter. Joy that both Daniele and Giacomo survived their ordeal intact; sadness that Marco had partially contributed to the trouble and that a reconciliation between he and Giacomo did not take place. I am going to choose to believe a reconciliation will take place, and the original trio of friends expands to become a quartet. Perhaps Marco's affections may even shift to a "target" who is more receptive to such affections, particularly if he, the target, gets to know Marco a little better. I believe Daniele's forgiveness of Marco will happen with minimal effort on Marco's part; Daniele has shown on so many occasions extraordinary empathy, remarkable in one so young. I have to confess I am not fond of children and was sceptical when I read the synopsis for the story. I only started to read it because you were the author and the enjoyment I had experienced in reading the previous books in the Ravello stories. I am now very glad I chose to do so; this book was in some ways even more enjoyable than its predecessors. It may be a return visit to the earlier books is on the cards when time permits. I find one often experiences something additional or completely different when reading a literary work on a subsequent occasion, much as one does when listening to music. I will write a review of this story when my health returns to normal. At the moment I don't believe I can do it justice (just writing these comments has "worn me out" such that I am going to go back to bed).

Words can be very powerful, particularly when used economically as is your wont. @Wombat Bill, another GA whose works I admire greatly, is quite similar in this respect. You are both capable of evoking powerful emotions in this reader at least (and seemingly many of the others who have commented), with a few words or a powerful image, rarely relying on over-the-top melodrama. This is a skill I can only hope to one day acquire (as you can see from my ramblings on this and other stories published on GA, I am not a man of few words). If this makes you a master manipulator, I say go forth and manipulate. With your intention for one story only, clearly the characters in the Ravello stories have had a positive impact on your life as well. If nothing else, treat these delightful tales as a litmus test for the novel you aspire to write. I am glad you have at least entertained the prospect of "never say never again".

@James Carnarvon it is character development which has held this reader's attention, just as it did with the previous Ravello stories. The intimate scene between Daniele and Giacomo had me in tears (I am an avid weeper), not just because Daniele revealed his attraction to Giacomo but also because of Giacomo's response. This response, and the real reason for his involvement in the protection racket, revealed he is a far more sensitive boy than he had previously let on. I had to laugh when he revealed the real reason for his involvement; the simplest reason of all was the truth, but many of your readers, myself included, were looking for and in some instances thought they had found, why he was involved. The truth so often is the simplest explanation. Regardless of the outcome of Toto and Michele's counterattacks, I sincerely hope Marco is "brought back into the fold of friendship". I sense he would blossom with attention; and perhaps a friendship of sorts with Toto and Michele would be beneficial, just as it was for Daniele. The only criticism I can level at you is that the story will conclude with chapter 12. The majority of the characters in all the Ravello stories delight and charm with consummate ease. I hope the level of interest in this story may encourage a continuation of the lives of the Ravello inhabitants (hint hint). We your readers, are not greedy, we just love the tales you tell.

I hope Jonathan enjoyed his bukkake session with the lads. I daresay with all attendees "dressed" in their finest rings, the output should have been prodigious. Lachlan has certainly expanded Jonathan's horizons, far more so than I think Desmond will have expanded Virginia's or she his. I am glad to observe Virginia has delivered on her resolution to volunteer to assist those less fortunate than herself. I feared it may have been similar to a New Year's resolution, but it would appear she has followed through. In her new environ in Potts Point she won't have to travel far to find those less fortunate than herself. Carol may need to purchase pleasure online and invest in some batteries to satisfy her immediate carnal desires. Pickings are slim at Crystalline for a woman with her proclivities. She may even have a better chance with the "full breasted chicken" than any of the "roosters" in residence. "Some domestic flights resumed but the international borders were still closed, except to the rich and famous or sporting teams, who mostly flew in and out on charter flights or on Middle Eastern airlines, whose owners didn’t seem to be aware there was a worldwide pandemic." Sadly true @Wombat Bill and the cause of much criticism levelled from the general public, criticism which has frankly been well deserved, particularly to the north of NSW. Edward may be straying into waters that will be too close for comfort for Justin, and may well "force his hand". Once again @Wombat Bill your economy with words is remarkable. The teaser for the next chapter promises more salacious excitement (I hope).

I forgot to mention how much I enjoy the descriptions of the food being consumed by the "cast". Italian is my favourite cuisine for many reasons, not least of which it offers so many options for vegetarians. The simple meal of pasta, tomatoes and aubergines had my mouth watering. Delizioso.

“Just don’t do anything too creepy, okay?” Filippo replied, a trace of disgust creeping into his voice.” This warning made, I feared Antonio may attempt to hit on Giacomo, as he previously did Michele, or worse still rape Giacomo to teach him a lesson. This or something similar appeared to be his intention when he remarked “Such a good-looking kid” and “his hands strayed down and found the base of Giacomo’s t-shirt”. I later feared Daniele may become the unintended victim of Antonio’s revenge when he decided to wear the shapeless grey hoodie Giacomo had given him. Had he arrived first he well may have been the victim of Antonio’s vengeful lust. I predict Daniele and Giacomo will arrive home to find Patrizia and/or Paolo have discovered Daniele was not asleep in his bed. He will almost certainly have to reveal to his parents the full story if this is the case. I don’t believe Daniele will attempt to concoct another story to cover up his lies and omissions of the full truth; the events of the evening should be enough to wise up both boys that they need to engage with adults and reveal what has happened. I initially thought it may be Enzo and Toto who are the masked avengers, but this does not explain how they are aware of which business will be targeted next. I speculate that it may be Assunta who is behind the “disruptions”, attempting to shut down her brother-in-laws activities for fear it may somehow stir up trouble for, or bring closer scrutiny to, her husband’s illegal activities. A sterling chapter @James Carnarvon. The tension was palpable, positively Hitchcockianesque. In the long run, the outcome was so much better than I thought it likely to be. You employed so many clever little unrelated events to “up the ante”, from Paolo and Patrizia’s desire for a relaxed afternoon transitioning into evening, to the delay cause by the car accident.

@ReaderPaul I was going to make a comment regarding Carol, but refrained from doing so for fear of appearing to be condescending. I seem to recall it mentioned in a prior chapter that the former mistress of Crystalline was a friend of Carol's mother, and gave employment to Carol as a favour to said friend (or have I imagined this). I sense Carol is somewhat naive, and perhaps the former mistress shielded her from some of the raunchier exploits of the various members of the household. She appears desperate for male attention and prepared to take whatever "scraps" are thrown her way. I don't recall @Wombat Bill ever giving an indication of Carol's age, but I assume she is in her 20's to 30's. The only straight male I can think of in the current cast of characters is Alex, who may be a little young. I have a vague recollection Dante mentioning he has a brother (or have I imagined this). If so, perhaps he may be a welcome addition in some capacity to the household who may take an interest in Carol. @ReaderPaul I have discussed with @Wombat Bill on a number of occasions how he manages to recall the names and personal circumstances of all the characters who have appeared throughout the four books to date. It never ceases to amaze me how well he does this, a testament to his organisational skills and attention to detail.

“The bastard, he’s done nothing about those bloody blackberry bushes. They’re coming through the fence again and I can’t stop them from our side. I really need to get to the rhizomes and poison them”. @Wombat Bill for a fleeting moment I thought you had introduced my mother into the story. She complains frequently, and understandably, about a neighbour's camphor laurel trees, another noxious weed introduced by the British, in about 1822. They have been declared a noxious weed in much of northern NSW, but according to my mother, the neighbour has the "council wrapped around his little finger" and they will not do anything about it. In fairness to my mother, two other neighbours who also border the same property, have expressed the same annoyance with this one particular neighbour. I know the man myself, he was my English teacher in year 8 in high school. An arrogant condescending prick is a kind summation of his character. Another highly amusing chapter. I felt a little sorry for Jonathan at the end though when all the boys refused his invitation to play in the new "games room". Perhaps he can invite them again some other time, although it appears if invited an orgy in the truest sense of the word will not be on the menu for them. Jonathan's praise of Cook “Cook, you say so much with your cooking, words are not necessary” is about the nicest thing he has said to anyone. The praise was genuine too, not flattery. No wonder Cook was moved to tears. @Wombat BillChristmas has come early with the gift of this posting of an extra chapter for the week. Now if I could only get Voyage by Abba on vinyl (It has sold out) my joy would be complete.

Well well well. Lachlan finally tired of playing Ghislaine to Jonathan's Jeffrey. A good thing too I think as "too many Cook's spoil the broth", although in this case, they were all at least consenting. Jonathan's embracing life as a gay man later in life is bound to test his relationship with Lachlan; to his credit, Jonathan does listen to Lachlan and appears genuine in his appreciation of Lachlan and his apology for treating him less than he should. His sexual naïveté is invariably amusing and incomprehensible at the same time. Dante is still an unknown quantity I think. HIs sexual prowess is well established; his manners impeccable; and, his nature affable. For all appearances he has much to offer (and to date has been more than willing to stand and deliver); however, appearances can be deceptive. A highly entertaining and amusing chapter @Wombat Bill. Apart from Jonathan, the residents at Crystalline certainly have loose tongues (and they did not need any of Cook's butter to grease them). At the moment they are one big happy family (apart from Carol perhaps). This may not always be the case though.

@Wombat Bill I am glad to see Edward is seeking, and to some extent following, Peggy's wise counsel. Much to this reader's delight, the burnt orange pouffe made another appearance. I did some research online and found an acceptable replica of it, although I don't think it is quite "burnt" or orange enough. I could see Peggy's claws relishing a dig in the fabric. I tried to work out how to insert the image, but could not do so. As commented by @quttzik, it is strange (I would say remarkable) how Edward has incorporated a character into his "novel" whose actions mirror those of Jared. Is this another of Edward's talents, clairvoyance, as yet undisclosed and seemingly a "gift" Edward is not even aware he possesses. I suspect it is merely a bizarre coincidence. In hindsight, I doubt Justin will be troubled by Edward's use of his father's arrest, conviction and eventual "suicide" as an "inspiration" for his story. What may trouble him though is the storyline regarding the real circumstances of his father's death. Justin may be forced to deal with the reality of Jared's involvement in their father's death, the real concern is who will he turn to seek solace if this eventuates.

"Thanks"… he choked, staring from one parent to the other. He wondered how hard they had saved up to afford this." Daniele demonstrates once again what a remarkable boy he is. How many boys of age 13 would consider, or even care, how hard their parents work to afford them a better life. His parents may be absent from his daily life for longer than is perhaps desirable, but when present they devote time and attention to him to ensure he feels safe, cherished and secure. His father particularly surprises me, he is demonstrative with his affection, whilst maintaining a delightful sense of humour. I get the sense that neither Paolo nor Patrizia would fuss if Daniele happens to be different in some way; their main concern appears to be Daniele is happy, healthy and encouraged to fulfil his potential to be whatever he may wish to be. @James Carnarvon I enjoyed this chapter immensely. It was somewhat of a "reunification" chapter, with many of the main characters from the previous stories present at Daniele's birthday. It was a truly joyous occasion, with not only the celebration of Daniele's birthday, but more subtly a celebration of the day-to-day life of this "extended family" of characters. What I found the most uplifting was that Angelo and Gianni, and Toto and Michele, were "invisible" insofar as they are same-sex couples. Their gender is given no more attention than the gender of the other couples Paolo and Patrizia, or Anna and Pietro. I know it has not always been this way, but the growth of many of the characters in this little town since Angelo and Gianni first "paved the way" for those who have followed, has been a joy to witness. The only downer in this chapter was the fleeting appearance of Marco, and the indifference of Giacomo and Emilia yet again. I sense it will be Daniele who will diffuse the situation and reconnect the three. He appears to be the only one who appreciates or even cares what Marco is suffering, remarkable given Marco's treatment of him, but then again it is Daniele I am speaking of. Highlight of the chapter was the hand-made card and the "tie-dye t-shirt in an eye-catching spiral of vivid rainbow colours" given by Angelo and Gianni as a birthday gift to Daniele. I suspect the t-shirt may be similar to one I have myself.