Summerabbacat

It certainly appears Desmond is jealous of Thomas @ReaderPaul. Perhaps Desmond assumed by finally ridding herself of Jonathan, Virginia would be ready, willing and able to devote herself to him totally. Desmond appears to have lived a rather simple life, with little in the way of friendships and creature comforts, the polar opposite of Virginia. I have to wonder if they have enough in common to sustain a life together once they move to Mallacoota. Desmond still seems to want to slavishly satisfy every one of Virginia's whims. Will she tire of this and will he come to resent her if she does not make him her number one priority in life. I daresay @Wombat Billwill reveal all in the "fullness of time". Jared's capture by those who meant him harm is certainly a feasible explanation for his love of pain @ReaderPaul. I have to wonder though if the opposite is also a possible explanation i.e. could he have participated in the torture of captives, only to be plagued by feelings of guilt, which he sought to resolve through inflicting pain on himself. If Jared had only had two sessions with Dr Winston, he may not have yet revealed the source of his PTSD. Thomas' feelings of betrayal have finally surfaced, such that he shares with Andy that he "didn’t really know the man I loved and thought I was sharing my life with.” More than anything, this must have really hurt Thomas, and has perhaps made him feel like a fool. Thomas is a very capable, intelligent and self-assured man; the revelations of Jared's "other life" must certainly have come as a great shock and perhaps bruised his ego.

Jonathan Percival Osmond Price. How awful for him to be lumbered with a combination of such unappealing names, but the initials were a godsend for my fertile imagination and appreciation of the absurd and trivial. I had a vision of a rapper named J-Pop, with his homo-hop hit “Lavender Love” featuring Nia, Des Da Moaner and Lachie Da Nude Dude. My fellow CWB groupies as you know @Wombat Billoften inspires literary, filmic and musical references for me, but I think this is the first time I have had a vision of such originality. I liked the banter between Jonathan and Virginia and the competition to learn to drive. This prompted @ReaderPaul to tell the tale of his aunt and her learning to drive later in life, a tale I found most interesting, and somewhat encouraging. Perhaps there is hope for me yet too. I learned to drive as a teenager, but have not driven a car for 36 years. I hated driving, and was always a nervous, very impatient and somewhat aggressive driver. My mother has always been pleased that I did not pursue driving and stuck to walking and public transport instead. It has no doubt saved lives and me much money too. Bernard is still a conundrum for me. Is he intentionally amusing, witty and annoying (often all at the same time) or is he totally clueless? When maintaining the facade (or is it) of the grovelling servant, with a hint of mischief in the mix, I suddenly thought of John Gielgud in Arthur. Somehow, I could not imagine Bernard asking Jonathan if he would like him to wash his penis for him though. A shrink, a sofa and second thoughts. Once again, the teaser is very intriguing @Wombat Bill. The obvious “trap” for your groupies to fall into is to assume all will be revealed as to what was troubling Jared so much that he sought the help of a psychiatrist; and, that the revelation(s) will prove challenging to all, particularly to Justin who will have second thoughts about the shattering of his relationship with Jared, or will it prompt Thomas to have second thoughts about his relationship with Jared? I guess I will have to wait patiently (AGAIN) for all to be revealed, or not. Part of me hopes the revelation(s) will offer a plausible explanation for Jared's changing behaviour, as he did not always present as such a self-centred, arrogant and unlikeable arsehole. I am sure I recall correctly he initially presented as a most likeable if somewhat kinky character, one we were pleased to have been found by Thomas.

Oh @Wombat Bill, ye are a wicked wombat, a wizard of wily words. Just when you had your groupies and semi-regular/new reviewers united in their dislike of, and contempt for Jared, you “upset the apple cart” revealing in part, new information which could potentially excuse, or at least explain in part, Jared’s increasingly cavalier behaviour prior to his death. His mother’s statement to Thomas “As a child and adolescent growing up he was always happy. He was successful at school, sports, university and in his career with the army. Then towards the end of his army career he faltered and seemed to lose direction for a year. That suddenly stopped when he met you. Although we never met before, we knew from the way Jared spoke about you and the change in his attitude to life that it was you who made him happy” only added to the unease I was already feeling after the revelation he was seeing a psychiatrist. Did something happen to Jared in his last year of service in the SAS? Was he the victim, or perhaps the perpetrator, of some horrific crime which caused PTSD for example? Have we been too quick to judge him or judged him too harshly without knowing the full facts? I am certainly guilty of this, and in retrospect, have formed my opinions whilst knowing very little of Jared’s history. Bad Summerabbacat. Brilliantly, and as noted by my fellow CWB groupies, sensitively written chapter @Wombat Bill I do hope we learn more about the man who was Jared in forthcoming chapters, even if only to vindicate our poor opinion of him.

For what it is worth @Wombat BillI would be quite happy to be spared any intrusion in this story by either the bushfires of 2019/2020 and COVID, although I would like all the boys' businesses to perhaps hold fund raising events for the animals impacted by the bushfires and the SES. I am pleased to hear that you and R have been spared the virus.

The grotesque images of dead kangaroos that prefaced this chapter are unfortunately all too familiar for those of us who live in Australia. I have not been on any roads in the Northern Territory, but can only imagine that such death and destruction would be even more prevalent than what it is in my home state because of the sheer numbers of kangaroos who live there. I am very appreciative of my fellow CWB groupies, @NimirRaj and @chris191070expressing their sorrow for the kangaroos who would have perished in the accident. Whilst I have some sympathy for Ryan, I feel more sorry for the kangaroos. As for Jared, karma is a bitch; I have zero sympathy for him. @Wombat Bill as you started to build this chapter I had an unsettling feeling you were going to reveal that Jared's adoptive parents were a figment of his imagination or another carefully (or perhaps not so carefully) constructed fabrication. I wonder how much his parents know of the real Jared, and if this will be revealed in a forthcoming chapter(s). I think @ReaderPaul may be correct; Justin may need therapy. I also think he may yet reveal to Craig and perhaps Thomas, what Jared told him about the true nature of their father's death, even if that information is not shared any further. Justin clearly has a conscience, unlike his now deceased half-brother. I am almost certain that with Craig's encouragement, Justin will reveal to Thomas the "extracurricular" nature of his relationship with Jared. This together with the revelation of the rape, and hopefully the disclosure of who Jared's fellow passenger was, will surely bring realisation to Thomas that the Jared he loved had little in common with the "real" Jared. @Wombat Billmy fellow CWB groupies are I believe correct; Jared's death opens a myriad of potential plot lines. The non-"revenge seeking bitch" part of me is disappointed Jared did not live so as to "face the music" with all those he hurt intentionally, but I guess justice has been served in some respect. I just wish the accident had not resulted from the ploughing into a mob of kangaroos (another learning from your work @Wombat Bill, I did not know that a group of kangaroos is known as a mob, troop or court). Amongst the "gloom" of this chapter I did have a good chuckle at Thomas' response to Sgt Condon "“Why, is there something in the water that prevents it?”. Perhaps Thomas' wit is the one to challenge Edward's. I chose the 'Sad' emoticon for this chapter solely for the unnecessary death of the kangaroos. Their death is the "event" which most affected me in this chapter. Thank you @Wombat Bill for only mentioning it in passing.

@ReaderPaul Craig did at one point say to Justin “Ok, now don’t get worked up again, just relax while I get another glass and talk if you want to, or not. Whatever you feel you want, but try to remain calm.” Like you, I don't believe Craig made this statement with the intention of dismissing or diminishing Justin's trauma. I also believe that his nursing training is likely to have resulted in him responding in such a fashion. I also suggest the statement was perhaps made for his own benefit too as he has just learned that Justin was raped. Given his love for Justin he too must have felt some quite strong emotions when Justin revealed this. These comments have not been made with the intent of negating the reaction of @NimirRaj. This is one of the great strengths of the writing of our beloved author @Wombat Bill; he inspires much discussion amongst his groupies. Sometimes we all seem to agree (Jared is universally despised) and sometimes we have differing viewpoints. One other point which I did not mention in my review was that this chapter contained a statement made by Jared to Ryan which for me is the most hurtful, disappointing and final statement I can recall having been made in any of the three books to date, “It’s nothing important, it will go to voicemail ..........”. Jared's relationship with Thomas surely cannot survive with such blatant disregard for Thomas. Perhaps @NimirRajis correct in his supposition that Jared has no intention of returning "home".

Never have your sparingly chosen words been more powerful than in this chapter @Wombat Bill. The image which prefaces the chapter was at first view breathtakingly beautiful, but after reading the chapter it transformed and became stark, haunting and filled with menace. It invoked images of Peter Falconio, the British backpacker murdered in the Northern Territory whose body has never been found. In my humble opinion this chapter is one of the best you have written to date. An extraordinarily profound chapter: profundity achieved with such economy of words. Remarkable writing. Justin is shattered; Craig’s reaction that of the Craig who first charmed we, your readers, in the first book @Wombat Bill. His selfless comforting of Justin was testimony to what a loving and caring partner he is. I believe he and Justin will "weather the storm", in fact, this may strengthen their relationship as it reinforces what each gives to the other unconditionally. I fear @chris191070‘s prophecy may prove to be correct. There is a certain Thelma and Louise feel to the abandon with which Ryan and Jared are speeding down the highway. I am beginning to wonder if Jared is more than just narcissistic. He appears to have little or no conscience. He is a very complex, but ultimately very unlikeable character. If he is to die it will resolve a number of issues which could arise, but it will leave much unanswered. I shall try and wait patiently for whatever fate has in store for Jared.

I don't think we have seen the worst of Jared yet. I don't know what his motive is, but he seems intent on destroying Justin, Craig and Thomas at least. @NimirRaj is I believe correct in stating the rape of Justin was pre-meditated; I don't believe it was in response to Justin's change of heart and his rejection of Jared's advances either. Jared's statement on the flight to Uluru “Not this time, you’re gonna get a real taste of the outback. You’ll have red dirt in your mouth, up ya nose and even up ya crack” suggests the rape was the purpose of the trip to the outback. Jared appears to have inherited the worst of his father's characteristics. I have previously expressed surprise that Jared had no apparent physical disabilities or impairment from having been conceived in an incestuous act; perhaps his "impairment" is manifesting itself in his character. I also think @NimirRaj's comments about Jared pinning the blame for Brendan's murder on Justin is a distinct possibility if he comes under any suspicion. Either this, or he will use the threat of revealing Justin as the murderer of their father to silence Justin reporting the rape if he is inclined to do so. I have no doubt Jared will resort to anything to protect himself and to get whatever he wants. Again I agree with @NimirRaj and his comments that Jared is transphobic and racist. Frankly he has little to recommend himself now. Any physical beauty he may possess is completely diminished by his character flaws. @Wombat BillI expected an explosion of evil from Jared at some point in time, but I must confess the rape of his own brother was something that never crossed my mind. I have always wondered what attracted him to the SAS; it has now been revealed to some extent. The excuse to commit wanton violence with no regret. Once again your restraint as a writer served you, and we your readers, well. The rape scene was not graphically depicted; with just one statement “Move one inch and you will become a paraplegic faster than you can say fuck me” you captured the ferocity of the violence which was about to follow. Jared is truly evil.

An eventful chapter with some major milestones. I was sorely tempted to comment upon negative gearing, but have refrained from doing so and kept my opinion to myself for once in my life. I hear a collective sigh of relief from my fellow CWB groupies (and I agree with @Wombat Bill, it is good to have you back @chris191070). Andy’s desire to move in with Dean was well received, and his offer to finance Dean’s half-share of the deposit generous without being “threatening”. Now for some unsolicited advice Andy, be careful making statements such as ““Maybe, but I want more for you…….” in response to Dean’s “I’m happy managing it and getting a good wage.” A statement such as this although well-intentioned, could be interpreted as “but don’t you want to be something better than what you are”. Many people, and I include myself in this group, do not want such responsibilities. We are more than happy to work for someone else so long as we have good working conditions, and are treated and paid fairly for our contributions. I am puzzled as to what cause Justin has to be envious of Andy and Dean. His behaviour is becoming increasingly frustrating, bordering on annoying and selfish. Virginia certainly stuck it to her solicitor. Any concerns I have expressed previously about her were essentially quashed by her gracious acceptance of Jonathan’s settlement offer. If I had been in her shoes I too would have been more than happy to have such a settlement. Is Bernard playing everyone for a fool with his subservient behaviour? Is it merely sour grapes as suggested by @ReaderPaul or is there something more sinister afoot? Lachlan is a delight and I think he will be very good for Jonathan. Jared is becoming increasingly unpredictable. I am just waiting for him to show his true colours, and when he does, I think it will be an explosion of evil. There is something about him which suggests to me he is borderline sociopathic, and it is not just his narcissism. A very well executed chapter @Wombat Bill. I particularly appreciated the reference to Brown as Virginia's solicitor rather than her lawyer, and had a good "cackle" with the reference to Bernard overdosing on Downton Abbey. This rang a little bell in my head, reminding me of someone else I know who loves his Downton Abbey. I must try and watch it myself some time as it certainly sounds to be the type of program I would enjoy.

Jonathan's clumsy attempt at conveying his feelings to Lachlan beautifully illustrated the sincerity of those feelings. There was a comical element to their delivery, but ultimately, this I believe, was reassuring to Lachlan, and perhaps even to Jonathan himself, that his feelings were genuine. It takes a very skilful writer not to overdo drama and comedy, but once again @Wombat Bill's deft hand has added just the right amount of humour. I had to laugh (and cringe) at Jonathan's ignorance of the various functions of his phone. I am very much like him in that I primarily just use my I-Phone for making calls and occasionally texting. I have only recently became relatively proficient at using the camera and sending the photographs taken to various friends and relatives. This has felt like a major achievement on my part. And then there is Bernard; his unintentional comedic talents revealed. Is he set to play a "bigger part" in this story, and if so, what will that part be? Will he accompany Jonathan and Lachlan to France perhaps? Similarly to @NimirRaj I am very intrigued by the teaser for the next chapter. I wonder if Andy's major purchase is the same asset that is Craig's major sale.

OMG @Wombat Bill so much to love about this chapter. Firstly, the images which preface the chapter; sheer perfection. Reflecting the four things in life I love the most - summer (the season and Donna), Abba and cats. The photograph of the beach immediately warmed me on this cold winter's day. The photograph of Abba from their Voulez Vous period is stunning. The cat photograph is beautiful, not unlike three of my beauties. And, to top it all off, you named the cat Peggy, a name I have always liked, even more so since "discovering" the joy of listening to the fabulous Peggy Lee. Thank you, thank you, thank you, you have cheered me up enormously with this wonderful chapter. I am very pleased Edward is taking his responsibility as a cat companion seriously. I thought for a moment twas I having the conversation with Romel, as so much of what Edward said mirrored conversations I have had over the years with those not wise to the ways of a feline. Unless Peggy is "difficult", Romel will succumb to her feline charms, and will be only too happy for his and Edward's bedroom to become a haven for three. Mark Twain said it best when expressing his admiration for cats "If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat". I was very pleased to read Craig is also awake to Justin's "crush" on his big brother. He may not realise the full extent of their relationship, but I daresay the possibility of a sexual relationship between the two has at least crossed his mind. The teaser for the next chapter is ominous. I do not want to even speculate what it could be, although it could be something as simple as the franchise idea Craig floated in this chapter. I wonder what @ReaderPaul (aka Paul Sherlock Holmes Poirot) and @NimirRajwill make of it?

This chapter was prefaced by one of the, if not the, sexiest images yet, a shirtless Paul Newman. I am not sure which film it is from, although I hazard a guess and suggest it might be the brilliant Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, in which Paul played Brick Pollitt, and Elizabeth Taylor played his equally beautiful wife, Maggie Pollitt. If there has ever been a more attractive on-screen couple, I have not seen them. I am not sure of the significance of the image though @Wombat Bill. Have I missed something (I have been somewhat vague of late)? OMG it has just hit me, the book being read and the image of Paul Newman, combined they honour @ReaderPaul. How very, very clever of you. I'll just bet you are bloody good at charades. The "cameo appearance" by my fellow CWB groupie, @ReaderPaul, again very cleverly incorporated into the story line, although on this occasion, it was with great sadness. Once again @Wombat Bill you wrote a traumatic and very sad event with such sensitivity and sincerity one could not fail to be moved. Edward's reminiscences of the time spent with his mother listening to her vinyl collection brought back memories of the joy I experienced in my youth listening to my grandmother's vinyl collection with her on occasion (Tom Jones, Winifred Atwell, Abba, Dr Hook, Julie Covington and The Glitter Band). Edward's gift of a carnation to each of his mother's friends, and his kindness towards his stepfather who was surely grieving too, yet ANOTHER example of what a truly remarkable, compassionate and kind man he is. I don't think I have wept as much to CWB since the last chapter of Book 2 when Julia disclosed the events which led to her giving birth to Jared. In many ways this chapter was even more moving due to the end of the relationship between Edward and Pat. Beautifully, beautifully crafted; writing at its very finest in my humble opinion. 😭😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I assume the "flower" is Fleur, Daniel's ex-girlfriend whom I recall worked in a bottle shop near where Daniel and Rani lived (or did Rani just meet her in the bottle shop, perhaps I am the one who is deranged). Perhaps my somewhat facetious comment regarding Daniel, Rani and Fleur forming a "throuple" may have some merit. Now I have just one small "complaint"; please encourage Rani to stop abbreviating Daniel to Dan. I personally like Edward just as he is. Even when he is bitchy Ed Wiener delivering barb after barb, there is still an undercurrent of warmth and care which permeates those barbs.

Sybil is not at all what one would have expected her to be. She is a comedienne for a start. How was she able to keep a straight face and pronounce, “As may be, but I also see a flower and a cage in your past. It is not clear why, has one of you been in prison?”, “Never mind it’s the future that is of more interest to you, is it not?" “Ah, now I see it. Your love will continue to bloom and you will continue to be as close as two people locked together.” Rani is so desperate to get married she failed to notice the past suddenly became the future; Daniel noticed though. Daniel's cynicism is wholly refreshing, Rani's desperation is ....... well, it is just desperation. I also noted with interest Daniel was the only respondent to the question posed by Sybil ".... has one of you been in prison?". Is this significant, maybe, maybe not. Perhaps our resident seer, @ReaderPaul may be able to shed some light on this. Aaaah, I see he has beat me to it again, posting his comments as I am about to post mine. His memory is certainly more "intact" than mine too, I had completely forgotten Daniel's chastity cage. Edward continues to entertain; his joie de vivre on full display in this chapter. He appears to be a "natural" in his new business venture, effortlessly putting people at ease, but as we know, piss him off and he will tear you to shreds. He is perhaps your greatest and most complex creation @Wombat Bill. I am intrigued why Virginia is suddenly interested in Jonathan's "domestic arrangements". Is she attempting to gather "dirt" on Jonathan to improve her stake in a divorce settlement? Perhaps I am becoming cynical regarding Virginia after all @Wombat Bill, not all the cast are as devious and ruthless as Jared.

Hilarious. Brilliant. @Wombat Billis an inspiration to us all.

Firstly, congratulations to my fellow CWB groupie @NimirRaj for being honoured with a "cameo appearance" in this chapter. And, kudos to our beloved author @Wombat Bill, for having honoured you in such a natural and whimsical manner. By and large an enjoyable and positive experience was had by all at the wedding expo. Neither the re-appearance of Oliver nor the presence of Sybil put a damper on the event. Edward's dismissal of Sybil's prophesy was amusing; methinks he doth protest too much. I wonder which of the seemingly rocky relationships will end first, if at all? The vision of Snowy bare-arsed in a studded leather jock-strap was a very pleasant one. Thank you @Wombat Bill. The vision of the "cherry-pop" less so, but I at least had a good laugh. I have previously read a story on another website whose basic premise was this very "component" of the marriage "event". It was also amusing in parts. Now for the comments from Summerabbacat's less congenial alter-ego, Winteroasistrump. I have defended Justin's questionable actions on numerous occasions, made excuses for his thoughtlessness, but no more. I thought he might have the decency to display at least a modicum of contrition when Thomas pointed out how hard Craig had worked to ensure their business was well represented at the wedding expo. Well no more. He can go fuck himself and Jared to their respective genitalia's content. I don't believe he is as conniving, manipulative and arrogant as his egotistical half-brother, but he is just as self-centred. I still live in hope though that if challenged by Craig, he may dig deep and re-discover the kind, considerate and affable character he first presented as. If his "obsession" with Jared cannot be restrained, then Craig should dump him both personally and professionally. If so, it will be interesting to observe just how loving and caring "big brother" Jared is then. Thomas should definitely dump Jared, he can do so much better. Another very engaging chapter @Wombat Bill. The inclusion of Sybil a stroke of genius, the perfect vehicle for some light satire on the concept of a wedding as an "event", which for many it so often is. I enjoyed Edward's sauntering amongst the various stalls, his witty banter with the various stall holders once again testimony to his keen powers of observation.

@Wombat Bill a very alluring image to preface this chapter; the image of the pool and ocean is quite striking too. I holidayed in Cairns on several occasions in the 1990's and enjoyed it immensely. Apart from one trip, the weather was perfect, 30C plus everyday. Justin described Jared best "devious bastard". Justin is as clueless as Jared is devious. I was not surprised he believed Jared's lies as to their destination, however, I was somewhat surprised Thomas did. @ReaderPaul has previously stated the two are playing with fire; I have to agree, and I don't think it will be long before they get burnt. Perhaps it is my cynicism again @Wombat Bill, but I find it very difficult to believe Jared's relationship with Justin is based only on "brotherly love" and the great sex. I don't know what his "angle" is, but I am almost certain there is one. Craig had almost completely redeemed himself of late, however, in this chapter he made a major faux pas. A drink with kale in it (LOL). There is a reason kale was at one time used by butchers as a decoration for meat; it is because it is inedible. I love my green vegetables, but kale is truly disgusting. On a serious note, I thought his joke about catching a cuscus was not funny. I don't recall ever having heard of this little marsupial before. I read with horror (I know I should not be surprised) it is hunted for its meat and pelt in Papua New Guinea. I assume it does not have any medicinal value though, otherwise it would no doubt be hunted to the point of extinction for use by the "humans" of several Asian nations to the north of Papua New Guinea.

@NimirRajand @ReaderPaul I too am not surprised by Virginia's revelation her stillborn child was fathered by Desmond rather than Jonathan. I understand her motivation to deceive Jonathan, but I am not sure I believe her admission to Desmond she has disclosed this information to him to relieve herself of the "pain of guilt". The problem with lying about the "big things" in life is when you tell the truth others may not believe you; and, I am very sceptical Virginia is now telling the truth. Is it possible Virginia is in fact a master manipulator and has fooled us all? Is she telling the truth to Desmond as to the identity of the father of her stillborn child, or did she tell the truth to Jonathan, or did she lie to them both and the father is a third man (perhaps Bernard - LOL)? I also have to wonder if Jonathan's certainty Virginia is "not a greedy woman" is at the very least premature. Will he come to regret this assertion in a divorce? Money invariably brings out the worst in spouses in a divorce. Is it Lachlan with whom he intends to decamp to France or is he is just thinking out aloud? It would certainly seem Lachlan is the intended other party in his "Riviera romp", but this may not necessarily be the case. I believe Thomas is formulating a plan to expose Jared and Justin, will it involve Craig? I hesitate to even guess after the surprises of this chapter. @Wombat Bill a few revelations which have left me puzzled at least, perhaps even somewhat verklempt (I had to use it, it is such an expressive word), assuming the revelations were truthful of course.

@ReaderPaul said it best, THAT was an interesting chapter. I feel like a heel for having judged Jonathan so harshly on so many occasions, although in my defence, I have also made the comment on more than one occasion he is a product of his upbringing. I believe we, the readers, have been offered a rare (until now) insight into Jonathan the man. Stripped of all pretension and position he is like so many of us, an insecure man muddling his way through life to the best of his ability. What a delight to observe a genuine friendship forming between Jonathan and Thomas. Jonathan has during the political campaign deferred to Thomas on a number of occasions and clearly had at least a begrudging respect for him. With his political ambitions seemingly at an end, he is treating Thomas more as an equal and looking to Thomas for support. It was so sad to find Jonathan truly surprised gay men could form a loving relationship. He really has had a very narrow view, much like many others in society, of what gay men desire and how they behave. I can understand this though as his exposure to gay men has likely been very limited, his knowledge of the "gay lifestyle" informed by negative portrayals in the media and limited to events such as Mardi Gras. I hope Jonathan and Virginia quietly divorce and seek whatever comfort/companionship/love they desire from whomever they wish. I would like to think they have a great deal of affection for each other, which does not have to end if the marriage is ended. Apart from their recent stoush, they do appear to have maintained a cordial relationship whilst seeking their pleasures elsewhere. When the "dust settles" I believe Bernard may have done both Jonathan and Virginia a favour. They are both still young enough to seek to live life as they always should have. May I say @Wombat BillI found this chapter incredibly satisfying and heartwarming. The glimpse of the "real" Jonathan, his desires and aspirations, somewhat akin to the revelations of the "real" Juanito, beautiful to behold. His engaging with Thomas in particular, very well written and uplifting. Even Jared did not irritate me, primarily because Thomas had him on short leash. It was a challenge to choose one emoticon for this chapter, some of which was sad. However, with the sadness emerged a sense of purpose for the future, and for this reason, I have chosen the 'Love' emoticon, representing how much I enjoyed the chapter overall.

The reaction of all the groups bar one to which Jonathan was scheduled to make a donation and deliver a presentation, to the revelations regarding his AND to a lesser extent Virginia's sex lives, is unfortunately all too believable. There was a time not long gone when the average Australian voter was not overly interested in the sex lives of their politicians; as long as the sex was legal and consensual most voters would have considered it none of their business and not relevant to the candidate's suitability to do the job they were seeking election to do. With the changing demographics in Australian society and the obsession with celebrities and social media, this laissez faire attitude has, I fear, changed. Those offended by Jonathan’s extra-marital arrangements are just so fucking predictable. If Virginia were an “injured party” i.e. unaware of his extra-marital activities, there may be some cause to be troubled by his private life, but that is what it is, his private life. This is not the case however, both Jonathan and Virginia have maintained their own relationships outside of their lavender marriage and neither have deliberately, to the best of this reader’s knowledge, engaged in any illegal or hurtful relationships. In my view the only thing Jonathan did wrong was to try and deny it; he should have either confirmed the allegations made or alternately made the point his private life was just that, and totally irrelevant to his performance as a politician. I don’t for one moment believe the scout leader would have been so concerned about the reactions of the parents of his group if Jonathan had been accused of extra -marital relationships with women; some may have been “offended” if said women were much younger or were paid for their services, but overall, I don’t think it would have been an issue. I can understand the reaction of the GLBTI group, although I would not consider Jonathan a traitor. I don’t agree with outing anyone unless the said someone is in a position of power and supports anti-gay laws. I am sure @ReaderPaul is familiar with this given the number of politicians, lawmakers and those with influence (mostly Republicans and their supporters) who have been caught in compromising same-sex situations after having been vociferous in their condemnation of the GLBTI community. I don’t believe Jonathan has made any negative public statements about the GLBTI community; he may be completely out of touch with them, but he should not be condemned for this. Enough of my grandstanding for now. I shall attempt to curtail my passionate political proselytising, and address the other perturbing pronouncements proliferating our author's latest prose. The inquest will likely be a mere formality. If anything comes of it, I am certain Jared will be able to slither his way out of it. One only has to look at how freely Justin discussed the issue on the telephone with Jared to realise how naïve he still is. I, like @NimirRaj, am disappointed Justin was not disturbed by Jared’s involvement in Brendan’s death, but I have tried to give him the benefit of the doubt because we don’t really know the full extent of what Justin suffered at the hands of his father, or what his mother suffered, and Justin may have witnessed. I am very intrigued by whatever is troubling Virginia regarding the "son she did not have". There may be a perfectly simple explanation, or it may be far more complex than what I can possibly imagine. It seems we CWB groupies will have to wait with bated breath before Bill bursts this bubble of burdensome bewilderment.

You are blessed in not knowing who they are. They are female rapper's who are massively popular in the USA (and in Australia too, although not to the same extent). I have read that they regularly diss each other and other female rappers in print and in their music and refer disparagingly to the other in their "songs"; bitch, ho, motherfucker and pussy are often used in their songs. I personally find them both repulsive and their "music" as grotesque as they themselves are.

@Wombat Bill I assumed, quite wrongly it would seem, Juanito chose Abba songs for the seniors function as his attitude was only relics like Abba. You will have to forgive me, but I am still getting used to this "new" Juanito, one whose motivations are not purely for the financial or other benefit of himself. I will plead my case for forgiveness by stating I have been looking at buying some more Abba on vinyl in the last few weeks, and a number of those selling same have "promoted" their product with a statement akin to "buy it for Mum, she will really love it". I know Mother's Day is just around the corner, but these comments really annoy me. Imagine the outcry if someone promoted an album by Cardi B or Nicki Minaj with the byline "buy it for your bitch or your ho and she will give you lotsa pussy".

Not quite there yet as you will see from my about-to-be-posted comment on the next chapter.

A most enjoyable chapter again @Wombat Bill with a marvellous selection of songs for the various occasions, although I was mildly horrified (LOL) when Juanito indicated he had selected the two songs by Abba for the seniors function. He must learn Abba have a multi-generational appeal, at least in Australia (I am NOT a senior thank you Juanito). I have stated it before, more from suspicion than "fact", but I am certain Thomas is wise to the "true" nature of Justin and Jared's brotherly relationship. He has put them on notice, although it appears both have been lulled into a false sense of security when Thomas laughed off his demand for an explanation of their lengthy kiss. is the teaser at the end of the chapter an indication of the imminent collapse of the Steadman/Haynes relationship? Perhaps, perhaps not. Jeremy needs to nip Brett's temper tantrum in the bud before it gets out of hand. Commonsense alone should have informed him that nudity at a public expo was not likely going to be allowed. I also wonder if businesses offering beauty services may have to have some type of insurance for any customers who may have an adverse reaction to treatments; if so, I imagine such insurance would not likely extend to a public event of this nature. Thankfully, for Edward's sake, Brett did not intend to offer a live demonstration of anal bleaching, another beauty treatment, which is apparently very popular with women from Asian countries.

@ReaderPaul like our beloved author @Wombat Bill you do have a charming way with words. The description of this chapter as a "resting and refreshing change of pace" is perfect. Reading this chapter has been the perfect tonic for me; I am feeling more rested than I have for the past week. @Wombat Bill I wanted to shout Bravo! from the rooftop when I read Craig's affirmation of Justin, reminding him of the significant contributions to the business he has made of late, none of which have relied upon his body or sex appeal (not that there is anything wrong in my view with relying upon your body and sex appeal to achieve a desired outcome). This is the Craig I admired so in Book 1 especially. Justin's perception of himself and the joy he experienced from Craig's positive affirmation was a timely reminder that he is still the damaged boy with self-esteem issues he was when he first met Craig, albeit less so with the love he has received from Craig and his friends (apart from Jared whom I still don't trust at all). And then there is a Juanito. What a revelation @Wombat Bill. I wonder if you "toyed" with us when Juanito was first introduced into the story. He was never inherently a bad person, just completely self-centred and absent of any empathy for the feeling of others. I think his character has undergone the most positive transition of any to date, the polar opposite of Jared. Juanito's relationship with Edward has also showcased Edward's paternal qualities like no other. Their growing relationship appears to this reader at least, to be one of great mutual benefit. A delightful chapter @Wombat Billwith so much warmth it has almost made me forget how bleak the weather has been today.