Summerabbacat

That is one of many reasons I only use my mobile phone (which I only got so I could work from home due to the "virus") to make calls, send the occasional text and take photos of my beloved felines. My heckles are immediately raised when someone cheerfully (and condescendingly) tells me "you can do that on our app". This is when those curse words which have been referred to in previous chapter comments make their appearance felt immediately, frequently and with great passion. I am quite capable of internet banking and many other things of that nature on my laptop, but insist I do it on my phone and you lose my business (or incur my wrath). I have had one of these experiences this evening, so being fresh in my mind I am venting. I will concentrate and think of Daniele's lovely tie dye T-shirts and restore calm. On another note, can someone please attempt to improve the lives of the stray cats referenced in several of the chapters of this tale. I belong to a rescue group, which is why I still have 4 cats after having lost my 2 eldest in the last few months to kidney disease. The emotions are still raw, but reading tales as delightful as this offer some comfort.

Another splendid chapter @James Carnarvon. The comments written by my fellow readers show tremendous insight and demonstrate how much many have invested in this latest tale of yours. I had written a lengthy comment myself, but lost it when those incredibly annoying ads keep popping up at the bottom of the screen and distracted me. I then pressed the wrong button and lost it all. Not to worry as much of what I had written was agreement with many of the comments made by others. Perhaps in future I will type my comments into a word document and then copy and paste them in.

Some very interesting speculations from my fellow readers, particularly the one from @purrbaby. I doubt I would have thought of this, but I have to say it is certainly possible given Nathan's father's behaviour. I am disappointed in Nathan's mother too. I thought she was likely downtrodden and frightened of Nathan's father, but after reading this chapter I think she may be just as "disappointed" in her son as his father is. Nathan has previously indicated his father at least blamed him for his sister's death, perhaps Mummy dearest does too, but has not been as "vocal" about it. The synopsis of the story has always puzzled me with the line that Nathan and Jason would share "a different love". After reading this chapter I am going to speculate that the sharing of the "different love" is not necessarily the love between the two of them as we readers have assumed. Perhaps the "different love" is the love of a third party, and that third party might be Annie. If as some readers have speculated, Annie is the daughter of Jemma and Nathan's father, and if Nathan's father is involved in shady business dealings which led to Nathan to be jailed, Nathan might be awarded at least joint custody of Annie if he chooses to take this route (I am probably living in fantasy land thinking this, but stranger things have happened). In such circumstances Nathan and Jason may raise her together and share a "different love", the love of a child of whom neither is a biological parent, although one would be a half-brother.

An enchanting and beautifully written chapter again @James Carnarvon, with some wonderful humour from Salvatore “you have to admit, I am surrounded by a sea of pink" (hasn't he come a long way in his acceptance of the relationship between Toto and Michele) and Viola “And you’ve even decided to pay this time!” (your description of her appearance invoked a vivid mage of Gina Lollobrigida or Veronica Forque (I know she is Spanish)). There was also plenty of drama afoot with Daniele and Giacomo's rock climbing expedition. Such vivid descriptions of the terrain and Daniele's discomfort (at times) again invoked powerful images @James Carnarvon. I felt somewhat uncomfortable myself just reading it (I could not be persuaded or even bribed, substantially, to undertake such a feat). It was worth it though with Giacomo's final statement to Daniele "You really are a superhero". You may ask why then have I chosen the said emoticon for this chapter. With a few deft strokes of your literary brush @James Carnarvon, you transformed Marco from a "feisty little cuss" (I would have said an obnoxious brat) to a frightened and downtrodden little boy, with pitifully low self-esteem. I was reminded of the fairytale 'The Ugly Duckling'. Marco is small in stature, poor and seemingly perceives himself as unattractive; Giacomo's "desertion" has only reinforced his lack of self-worth. I think it will take the intervention of Daniele to provide him with the sense of his worth.

I had not thought of it in this way, but I think you are correct. The dialogue does make for more interesting story telling and reading, and perhaps adds an authenticity to the characters emotions and motivations which is not always present if it is purely narrative. How "spooky" I was only thinking of our missing CWB groupie as I was finishing work for the day and logging into GA. Perhaps he is visiting the other Raj and Juanito and does not have time to read of their adventures.

An "old pouffe in burnt orange". That was me a few weeks ago @Wombat Bill after my luncheon with friends at Katoomba. 16 degrees celsius and I got sunburnt. Bloody ridiculous. Burnt orange, like purple, is a colour I associate with the 70's. I remember at one time my bedroom walls were painted burnt orange with seagrass matting on the floor and lime green lamps and bedspread. To this day I still love colour; I cannot bear the monochromatic look. I was very pleased to read Peggy is not exhausting herself. Hopefully her appearances in this tale will become more frequent, much like Alex and James. I do like James particularly; he does not appear to have an overly strong filter, but is seemingly a very kind and compassionate lad. I can empathise with Julia wanting to drown her sorrows alone. I am not comfortable displaying grief in front of others, apart from Bassey's and Ava's "sisters", all of whom have witnessed it often in the last 4 months. I echo the sentiments of my fellow CWB groupies @ReaderPaul and @chris191070. Edward does need to do far more than slightly vary Brendan and Sam's names. I like the idea of introducing Sam's lover, hellbent on revenge. Hell hath no fury like a woman (or gay man) scorned. I am not one to usually take much notice of the number of words in any given chapter. @ReaderPaul has recently commented on this, and I now feel compelled to do the same. I have reviewed the number of words in the last few chapters and was astonished there was so many. I find reading this story effortless @Wombat Bill and have asked myself why. Is it just because it is well-written, with interesting characters and plot lines, locales and a sense of humour I can identify with? It is certainly all of these things, but I now realise it is also because a significant portion of many of the chapters is dialogue between the characters and you know how to write in paragraphs (not all authors are good at this). All in all, reading a new chapter of CWB is like spending an evening with an old friend whose company you never grow weary of or one of my beloved felines. In deference to @chris191070, an awesome chapter yet again.

Daniele frowned. “I thought you said you needed the money?” “We do, but…” Giacomo began, but then he faltered. “Ah, forget it. You know how I feel about doing all this. I just… can’t explain.” “Let’s just go back, Giacco,” he said. “Forget about Ettore and his money! Let him go down all alone with his stupid scheme.” “I wish I could,” he replied, tugging his hand away, “but I don’t have a choice.” Giacomo almost revealed that which he previously withheld from Daniele regarding his involvement in the protection racket. Was this by design or accident; I suspect the latter. The statement he does not have a choice is perhaps the naïveté of a child, but I suspect not. I strongly believe his involvement has something to do with his absentee father or perhaps his mother. I think Ettore may have information on either or both which if disclosed to the la polizia, might result in trouble for them. Ettore being the fico he is, is using this to blackmail Giacomo into casing potential burglary targets (or perhaps I just have a very vivid imagination and Giacomo's involvement is attributable to something very simple or he is lying). @James Carnarvon another beautifully written chapter. I found Daniele's discussion with Toto when he burst into tears very moving. One tends to forget at times that he is still just a 12 year old boy. I am enjoying consulting Google to obtain the English translation for Italian words you have used, and likewise for Italian words I am using in my comments. It has been very useful, particularly for words like cagna and fico. I have on occasion attempted to use the English translation for the latter when making comments about a story on GA, however, one is prevented from using it. I don't use it often; I find it very useful though to describe hunters or those who are cruel to animals.

I have to agree @James Carnarvon, Daniele's enhanced empathy and emotional insight are likely innate. However, I believe his lengthy periods spent alone may have given rise to and strengthened these qualities/characteristics at a younger age, than would have been the case if he was not so lonely. The thought these qualities/characteristics might be his "superpower" previously occurred to me too, particularly in his observations of that vile cagna, Assunta Neri, and her tasteless home, in the prior chapter. His observations in this chapter lend further credence to this possibility.

@Wombat Bill with Dante at "full throttle" I suggest Thomas invest in shares in Ansell and Unilever. One can only speculate the number of condoms, towels and sheets he is "soiling" in order to satisfy his wanton carnal desires. Is Cook an escapee from The Benny Hill Show or has she modelled herself on Mildred from George and Mildred? She displayed a touch of sauciness again in this chapter. Dante's prior description of her as a "plump, full breasted chicken" only adds to that image of sauciness. I would love to see a "meeting of the minds" of Cook and Edward. Between the two they could wreak havoc, but it would all be in good fun of course. With "encouragement" from his stiff appendages, including his tongue if his dalliance with Cook is any guide, Dante is loosening the tongues of all those currently in residence at Crystalline. Given Dante is the nephew of Bernard, the man who leaked information of Jonathan's private life to the press and put an end to his political ambitions, I wonder if Dante's lust for sexual gratification is his only motivation when bedding Crystalline's inhabitants? The admission of his family ties to Bernard may be a ruse, a ploy to further gain the trust of those in his new home. Perhaps he is a "reporter" for any number of trashy magazines or newspapers seeking to further expose Jonathan, or a writer of trashy novels (a la Jackie Colins) and seeking "inspiration" for a new novel. Or perhaps I am the one with the over-active imagination. I am sure if there is anything to be revealed by @Wombat Bill, it will be revealed in the fullness of time (unless @ReaderPaul's crystal ball or tarot cards once again make their presence felt).

I am inclined to believe Giacomo has at best, only partially told Daniele the truth about his involvement in the protection racket. His explanation of his involvement, whilst having some degree of "nobility" i.e. wanting to help his mother, does not explain how he came into contact with Ettore or his henchmen in the first instance, nor does it explain the source of funding for his clothing. I suppose he could be retaining part of the proceeds of his "running errands for cash" to purchase his fashionable clothing, but something about his explanation does not ring true to me. I think Daniele needs to remain alert; I don't completely trust Giacomo yet. Daniele's observations when "people watching" whilst waiting for Giacomo, were not the observations one would associate with a boy of his age. He is exceptionally bright, perhaps as a result of being left alone so often by his parents. He is a remarkably self-reliant boy for one so young. I have previously expressed my admiration for Daniele's fashion sense i.e. his collection of tie dye T-shirts. My admiration for him increased stratospherically with his first comment to Giacomo when asked him to tell him about the real Daniele Ferraro: "I like cats". What a wonderful child. Cats rule. @James Carnarvon another delightful chapter.

It is very effective @James Carnarvon. Toto's description of Filippo as a stronso so much more effective than calling him a shit or a turd. Like @redwood, I also enjoy having to consult Google to check on a word e.g. stronso, or a location, food or any number of other things I have not before encountered. I have done this with many of the flowers you have mentioned in this and prior works, and have been pleasantly surprised how many I had seen before, but never knew the name of. A great story for me is often educational as well as entertaining. Your description of Assunta Neri as she "looked like a giant stick-insect, her bony frame and narrow waist sheathed in an austere black dress and draped with a shawl of wispy black lace" paints a picture of a woman who is truly grotesque. I immediately had an image of her as Celine Dion (the photographs available of her on the internet as "evidence" of her "alarming" weight loss) with a trout pout (a la Donatella Versace). I hope Daniele's uncovering of the truth regarding the criminal activity in Ravello has a flow on effect, such that the Neri family is reduced to nothing. With your vivid description of Assunta's appearance, Daniele's wonderful observation that "the whole scene struck Daniele as a display of wealth at the expense of good taste" and her demeaning treatment of her son, I hope she in particular is left living in poverty. A truly vile cagna. Another wonderful chapter @James Carnarvon. The "simplicity" of your story telling is its greatest strength; truly beguiling.

I thought the Ducati might prove to be just as versatile as its owner. I think @chris191070said it best: "Dante is certainly a randy young man". He is certainly very appealing; the virility of a porn star, without the need for Viagra and/or fluffers. Cook is proving to be almost as witty as Edward. The initial descriptions of her, although limited, did not suggest how "saucy" she is. I just love that word; I read it in another story recently and thought I must find a use for it. Lo and behold, the opportunity has arisen earlier than I could have hoped for. I should have guessed it would be a word I could use for comments on CWB. I suppose it is possible Craig's grandfather passed away unassisted, or assisted only insofar as the morphine doses to ease the pain were sufficient to end his life. I am embarrassed and disgusted @Wombat Bill that we in NSW are the only state in Australia which does not have legislation in place already or pending, to allow people to die with dignity if they so choose. Given our new Premier's voracious appetite for reproduction and the "sanctity of life" nonsense his ilk spout, I cannot see that changing any time soon. He has indicated he will allow his cabinet to vote with their conscience on this issue, but I for one don't believe him. Raj and his long hair; is there a second career opportunity in the offing for him too. Imagine the cat fights - a drag queen of Filipino descent vs a drag queen of Indian descent. Raj has always been such a quietly spoken and unobtrusive character. Could drag bring out his "inner mada hona". A wonderfully humorous chapter @Wombat Bill. So many funny lines, but for me the winner is once again Edward. "Going to become a hippie?” Edward asked “What’s a hippie?” “Bugger, showing my age again”

Am I correct @James Carnarvon in assuming the thuggish Antonio who intimidates Giacomo, is the same Antonio who was an accomplice of Enzo's who taunted Michele about his friendship with Toto, and whom displayed his own latent homosexuality when he hit on Michele? If so, unlike Enzo, he has not improved in character at all. I have to wonder if Elena's husband/Giacomo's father ran off with another woman or is spending time in prison. Perhaps he was an associate of or more likely working for Ettore, and got caught. If so, Ettore could be using this as leverage, or making threats to Giacomo to harm his mother, to guarantee Giacomo's co-operation. The physical description of Ettore was so vivid, I could almost smell his rank body odour. What an odious little prick he is, and more than likely has. A very intriguing chapter @James Carnarvon. Daniele once again showed remarkable maturity and resourcefulness. I do hope he comes to no harm as I doubt Ettore and his goons would take kindly to interference in their criminal activities, particularly from a 12 year old boy. Like @drpaladin I too suspect the "protection racket" is a sham for much more insidious crime(s). My first thoughts are drugs or human trafficking, perhaps from Eastern Europe via Albania.

A very enlightening chapter @Wombat Bill. As I suspected, the unfriendly attitude of Craig's nursing colleagues has been motivated by their suspicions surrounding his grandfather's death. It appears they are too spineless to confront Craig with their suspicions, preferring to gossip behind his back. I am somewhat surprised, and frankly very disappointed, by Romel's apparent opposition to euthanasia. Being of Filipino descent I assume his mind has been poisoned, to some extent at least, by his Catholic upbringing. The revelation Dante is Bernard's nephew was a surprise. He is certainly a resourceful young man, concealing the handcuff keys in a very "unique" hiding place (those "boy scout" talents again). I assume the keys must be relatively small as I cannot imagine it being physically possible for something as large as a house-key to be inserted into an urethra. I guess though if double penetration or double fisting is physically possible, a key in the urethra is a "piece of cake". I think Dante and Thomas could be well suited. Neither is discreet in sharing information which should have perhaps remained private. Surprisingly, Jonathan has not been overly concerned when both have shown a lack of discretion. Another of those chapters @Wombat Bill where you have "tied up a few loose ends" and opened a few more "cans of worms". I am still squirming in my dining chair with the image of Dante's "secret hiding place" for the handcuff keys.

Daniele is a delightful mix of innocence and curiosity. Fortunately for his own well-being, he has begun to realise not all his fellow species are as kind and trustworthy as his family and friends. This will hopefully prepare him for what lies ahead, as I anticipate he will be the “major player” in the downfall of those who seek to harm the residents of Ravello. I am so pleased his older friends still value his friendship. He is a boy who is perhaps beyond the maturity of his own age group, hence his friendship with Toto and Michele in particular. I also love his clothing choices; I am a fan of tie dye myself. It was very popular when I was his age back in the mid 1970’s, and I remember tie dying at school. I am glad Enzo seems to have maintained his improved civility. I sense he may also play a part in the downfall of those who seek to extort from the business owners of the town. Like several of my fellow readers, I think it a distinct possibility Giacomo is involved, perhaps under threat of further punishment or harm to his mother. @James Carnarvon, another outstanding chapter. I love your vivid descriptions of the various flora in the town and the weather. I felt warmer reading this chapter and could almost smell the onset of summer (it is heading in that direction here in Sydney, Australia too). We Sydneysiders are very familiar with cicadas, and I for one, love their sonic displays.

I thought so too @ReaderPaul Brandon instead of Brendan was the only "noticeable" change. I do think Edward was beginning to realise this when he made the statement, admittedly in response to prompting from Romel, “You’re brilliant, so I had better change the location of the first murder”. I hope this will have a "domino effect" to the extent that Brendan's murder and subsequent "suicide" will merely be an inspiration. @chris191070 I envy your economical use of words. Like our author @Wombat Bill, you can say in one sentence what it took me a whole paragraph to say, and with much more wit too.

Given the title of the chapter and the reappearance of Craig and Justin, I initially thought Jessica was going to make a "guest appearance". Alas, it was our clever author keeping us on our toes again, the title representing something entirely different to what I initially thought. My first inclination for the source of Craig's apparent status as persona non grata was that rumours had spread regarding his grandfather's death. This was strengthened when Romel appeared to have a "guilty conscience" when asked by Edward if he knew anyone who had been murdered. In hindsight, I think perhaps our very own Agatha, @Wombat Bill, might be deliberately "leading us up the garden path", throwing in a few "red herrings" to thicken the plot. It seems I may have been wrong about Cook. Clearly she was not moist enough and Dante had to resort to using butter for ease of entry. Was it unsalted and organic @Wombat Bill? Dante certainly appears to have a persuasive tongue, words flow with ease. He is quite the seducer. He is a model employee, seemingly treating all fellow employees equally and with respect. Perhaps you could arrange for him to visit me at home @Wombat Bill, although he will have to be satisfied with olive oil as I use a vegan version of butter. Edward is like a child with a new toy. His passion and enthusiasm are contagious. Well written as usual @Wombat Bill, with a hint of your oft displayed quirkiness that makes for an exhilarating tale. I about peed myself when "he put her down, puffs of flour rose around her, creating a fine mist of mystery." Your imagination ran riot with this whole scene, but this little statement was truly the "icing on the cake", the "piece de resistance".

@James Carnarvon, much like the simple lunch Daniele, Toto and Michele shared, your stories rely upon fresh quality produce (the characters) cooked to perfection (the plot) to tantalise and sate the taste buds. I cannot recall if I have written comments on any of your previously published works, but I have enjoyed them all. If the first chapter of this latest work is an indication of what is to come, this story will be just as charming and entertaining as the prior works. I sense this one may be a little more dramatic though with the possible appearance of the mafioso. You should be proud of all your works. You have a rare gift (much like @Wombat Bill, an Australian author whose works are also outstanding); you do not need to rely upon sex, violence, melodrama or aliens from outer space to keep your readers entertained. Your characters and the environs they find themselves in are so thoroughly appealing that even the mundane activities of life are a treat to be read. Fortunately for this reader at least, your works have been far more like Tea With Mussolini or Room With A View (two films set in Italy which I adore) than Call Me By Your Name (a film set in Italy I found underwhelming at best). Keep up the marvellous work.

They are back and welcomed by all who have had the pleasure of reading the telling of their story to date. If you like a story with believable well written characters, this could well be the story for you. A joyful experience awaits; lives filled with all the usual ingredients, happiness, sadness, love, challenging times, but through it all a sense of triumph, growing and surviving adversity. A 5 star experience expected again by this reader.

@Filzmoosa beautifully written chapter. I did not expect Aiden could move me so; his sense of loss, longing and regret was painfully believable. Somewhat surprisingly, I found myself feeling a great deal of sympathy for him. He has certainly been a "victim" of his own actions, but I believe he was genuine when expressing his apology for past appalling behaviour. I have not written off Nathan yet, after all hitherto his behaviour has not been as inconsistent as Aiden's. Prior to "the kiss" he had not acknowledged he was gay, behaviour remarkably similar to Aiden's, but he had not abused Jason for his disclosure he was gay, unlike Aiden whose behaviour was erratic at best. I am still not sure I believe Nathan's father's revelation that Nathan had been a drug dealer. He is clearly a man used to getting his own way, and if manipulating the emotions of Jason achieves the desired outcome, I have little doubt he would do whatever necessary to achieve his goal.

We are only into chapter 4 and the classic Wombatesque dry wit (why do we say this, is there such a thing as wet wit?) has made its first notable (at least for me) appearance, "Romel shared the defrosted curry between two bowls, and as Edward raised the first spoonful to his lips, Romel added “What about poisoning?”. The banter between Romel and Edward is invariably amusing, but it is usually Edward's wit to the fore. The fact that Romel delivered the line made it even more amusing than usual I think. It would seem Thomas may have found himself another playmate with a passion for kink. I watched a porn clip recently where one of the actors was sounding. I don't find it particularly sexy; perhaps, like fisting, it has a sense of morbid fascination, a bit like one having to observe the after effect of a car crash. You know it is going to be somewhat off-putting, but you are still drawn to it. I must say I was very impressed with Dante's ingenuity, using the same screwdriver to sound and tighten the screws on his cock-ring. Perhaps he was a boy scout. Even in death, or near to death, Alfred Prentice maintained his sense of humour. @Wombat BillI often find it odd the things that strike one when reading a story. When reading the dialogue for Edward's new book the most striking sentence for me was "As if propelled by an invisible force, he reeled back till he slammed against the old refrigerator, still clunking away after forty years of uninterrupted service." I immediately thought it must be a Westinghouse or Kelvinator, obviously made in Australia rather than China/Thailand/Malaysia as it is still working after 40 years.

Loving the purple crystal ball @Wombat Bill. It looks something like Prince may have had amongst his estate, especially with the love heart.

It is not a bias @Wombat Bill, it is a preference you have. I myself do not mind tattoos per se; my "objection" is they now seem almost "mandatory" if you want to be in gay porn. It does not seem to matter if the actors are gay or gay4pay, nearly all have a proliferation of tattoos. An actor named Sean Duran is a classic example.

Like his namesake, the new gardener appears to have lit an inferno in the loins of all those present in the household (dare I say even Cook might be getting a little moist). I too suspect he may be bisexual, if so, no doubt a double dose of carnal pleasures awaits him. Perhaps Jonathan will not need to invest in a sling, one look at a Ducati Scrambler has awakened my mind to the endless possibilities for its use (it even looks sexy). @Wombat Bill you turned up the heat with a few deft strokes of your literary brush. Lust was certainly the primary motivation in this chapter. By the end of the chapter I could almost smell those pheromones oozing out of Dante's pores (and those of his admirers). I sense a hint of mischief in his persona, perhaps the quintessential larrikin. It is early days yet and our resident soothsayer, @ReaderPaul, has not made any predictions (and he has so often proven to be remarkably insightful), but I am inclined to think Dante may be a new plaything (at least initially) for Thomas. I just hope he proves to be a little less "complicated" than Jared if Thomas and he become an "item".

I don't think Jonathan was entirely submissive. He did display more than just a touch of the "bossy bottom", not to the same extent perhaps as Joey Stefano, but it was certainly present. To a large extent I think Jonathan 'choreographed' their first menage a trois, directing both Lachlan and Thomas how to please him, albeit by "violating" him. I wonder to what extent the sling will play a role in the "lockdown games". @Wombat Bill an intriguing little chapter with an expansion in Jonathan's bedroom repertoire. What will he discover next? If I can but ask one favour, please don't let him develop a passion for tattoos.