Summerabbacat

@weinerdog I also immediately jumped to the same conclusion regarding Mayson and his sexuality. If however, Mayson committed a crime which he got away with it and his parents knew of this, then they are complicit. Hunter's progressive Christian parents were an unexpected breath of fresh air. I personally know some Christians like this, yet it still amazes me when such people do exist. @FrankD you are developing the characters well in this story, adding a layer of complexity to each as the story progresses. Well done.

I have zero sympathy for Mayson whom I also assume was the driver brought in to hospital from the car accident. If it was he, i hope that it does not earn him any sympathy when he is sentenced to prison for rape, kidnapping and anything else that he can be charged with. He will have a hell of a time escaping the clutches of Bubba now; karma has certainly paid him back big time. Olivia has shown her true colours, colours I feared she had. Her homophobic rant cannot be taken back. Well done Vicky for giving her a good slap. I cannot see how the rest of "the group" can remain friends with Olivia after her vile accusation, particularly when it emerges that Hunter is also gay. She should definitely become persona non grata after her outburst. I hope Hunter's parents remain as supportive once they become aware their son is gay. To have them reject him after his horrendous ordeal would be very detrimental to Hunter's recovery, but if they are the religious bigots he fears, they well may be blinded by their hatred for "faggots".

@chris191070and @flescohave brilliantly and succinctly captured the essence of this story in their reviews, such that I have little I can add. The story has it all, tragedy, humour, an abundance of love and some violence. The latter was neither gratuitous nor trite, @Andre Delport providing just enough detail for the reader to understand the impact of the violence on the central characters, without an excess of gore and explicit details. For this reader, the story was immeasurably enhanced by the inclusion of a wonderful canine character by the name of Rascal. Rascal is an integral part of the Devlin-Major family, not a mere "accessory" in the lives of the human family members. Each time he is prominently featured you cannot help but be enthralled by his antics and in awe of his love for his human family members. @Andre Delport is to be lauded for recognising and celebrating the human/non-human animal bond. I too look forward to a continuation of the saga of the Devlin-Major family and their band of close friends (especially the delightful Claude whom I would like to see play a bigger part in the next book @Andre Delport).

I too would like to see some damage done to Mayson by the boys and Vicky and Olivia, however this would likely jeopardise their future at university. Better to let Bubba make Mayson his bitch when he gets sent down to the "big house" for rape, false imprisonment and depending on the extent of Hunter's injuries, attempted murder. Mayson would no doubt be "fresh meat" in prison, so could find himself being used as a cumdump for more than one prisoner. Oh well Mayson, karma can be a bitch. If however, the university tries to "cover it up", then all bets are off; let the friends wreak revenge on the monster.

Is there no end to James' intellectual capabilities? He certainly seems to be capable of almost anything and is a very likeable character to boot, fortunately not nauseatingly so. Given Tim's reappearance on several occasions now and his cordial relationship with James, I am beginning to wonder why they ever divorced. Admittedly, James was somewhat selfish in assuming Tim wanted, and was prepared to co-parent Reid and Toby, but surely with reasonable adult discussion those issues could have been resolved. There was obviously far more to the relationship breakdown that we readers were not privy to, but I cannot help but think that @quokka may be plotting a "second time around" for James and Tim.

If Mayson did not have such appalling personal hygiene, I would suggest Hunter use his teeth with great force when forced to blow him. Closet-case Mayson is ripe for revenge - where is Carrie when you need her. Although I too find the reading of the story heavy going I am going to persist, if for no other reason than I am hoping the payback to Mayson is catastrophic; and, hopefully inflicted by more than just Hunter. I am also intrigued to learn what Olivia's apparent issue is.

Too true @chris191070, but I suspect @quokkais lulling we the readers into a false sense of security; the calm before the storm. @quokkawhatever "devious" plots you have in store for us, please NO MORE head injuries for Toby. Missed the presence of Reid in this chapter. He strikes me as a very caring brother for young Toby, who has had much to endure in his relatively short life to date.

There is not much more I can add to the review written by @chris191070, but I shall "give it a go". Although set in my hometown, Sydney, Australia, the story and its characters have universal appeal. The author, @Wombat Bill, is as equally adept at writing whimsical light-hearted banter between the various cast members, as he is at penning the occasional scathing diatribe, usually delivered by the insightful and complex Edward, a sometimes bitchy former drag-queen with an acerbic wit, and a heart of gold. @Wombat Bill often presents the reader with challenges, encouraging the reader to examine their own preconceptions and moral compass, without preaching a particular viewpoint. Much like several of the characters, a read of many a chapter found this reader introspective, but ultimately all the better for the experience. Although humour and wit are @Wombat Bill's obvious strengths, the final chapter of this story is amongst the most poignant you will ever read. Beautifully and sensitively written, it is an exceptional conclusion to this second slice of Catering With Benefits. A wonderful continuation from where the first "book" left off. Once you start to consume this second slice, you will find yourself hungry for more, a hunger which is only sated by reading as much as you can as quickly as you can until you have completed the feast.

@ReaderPaulflagged in his comments on chapter 42 that Julia's name may be Roberta Julia. Congratulations to him, although I suggest the "victory" in this case is hollow (this comment is no reflection of you though @ReaderPaul). @Wombat BillI faced a dilemma when rating this chapter. The emojis for love, sad and angry are equally befitting. Ultimately I chose sad because although angry, a sense of great sadness or loss is what one is left with when the chapter concludes. You have surpassed your previous very high standards with this chapter. I think it easily the best chapter you have ever written, the most exceptional work yet of any of your works I have had the pleasure of reading. I was so, so moved by this chapter. It has been written with such sensitivity and a certain kind of beauty, strange perhaps for a subject which is so very ugly. @NimirRaj has described the reading of Jared's conception as jarring, very apt words. I found it confronting and harrowing to read, even though I anticipated it, particularly as Julia's telling of the story began to unfold. in the hands of a less capable writer the story of Jared's conception and eventual birth could have become maudlin. I think you were very clever (whether intentionally or not), to have Julia tell her story in an almost "clinical" manner, without any of the emotional hysteria which could have believably been part of the discussion if you had written it as such. As stated by @chris191070, the suffering Julia has endured for 30 years is inconceivable. This makes the "clinical" telling of her story very believable; she has had to shut off or excise that period of her life, from conception to birth, to retain any form of sanity. @NimirRajcomment regarding being angriest with Julia and Brendan's parents epitomises my own thoughts, although I must confess to reserving most of my anger for Julia's mother. No doubt this comment may have some degree of sexism, but if it does, too fucking bad. How often does one read of reports where children have been physically abused, including sexually assaulted, by their father or another male relative, a fact known to their mother. Silence equates to tacit approval in my book. The silence may be due to fear for their own lives, but again too fucking bad. If you give birth to a child how can you condone ANY mistreatment of the child. It is no better than the grandmother's who perform female genital mutilation on their granddaughters. And finally (I hear my fellow CWB groupies groan), this chapter has shown without any shadow of a doubt, that you @Wombat Bill, are able to write the most sensitive, delicate, serious and harrowing of events, with the same degree of authority and care as those which are light-hearted or humorous. I for one think you should be immensely proud of your work in this chapter. It is sheer perfection. I look forward to the continuation of this most marvellous of sagas. I have but one request though @Wombat Bill, please do not allow Julia, Jared and/or Justin be so traumatised by the revelations in this chapter, that it destroys their relationships with each other. If anything, let it strengthen their bonds.

@chris191070 brilliant insight. I had not thought of the ready-made market for Juanito's services by attending college. Glory holes, locker rooms and gyms will be his new cruising grounds. The only downside for him will likely be many college students have limited financial capacity, so he may have to apply quantity rather than quality to his trade.

As soon as Mayson offered to call a truce my guard was up, although I did not expect him to stoop to rape. Was it premeditated, or did he seize the opportunity when he viewed the content on Hunter's phone? And what is troubling Olivia? Surely she is not a homophobe too. i hope @FrankDhas something dastardly planned for Mayson. Payback can be a bitch, and maybe Mayson will be its bitch. Scum.

@ReaderPaul, @SummerabbacatWILL for once follow the fine example of brevity set by @chris191070. Karma's a bitch Juanito. LOL. LMAO.🤣 A very satisfying chapter @Wombat Bill. I am the proverbial Cheshire cat after reading this fine chapter. Revenge can be so sweet.

You have done it again @chris191070. Your economy with words never ceases to amaze me. You have summed up in one well crafted sentence, what it took me three paragraphs of verbosity to say. Perhaps it is being a Brit which has given you this talent. As Victor Meldrew would say, "I don't believe it".

@CaJu and @ReaderPaul I think you may both be correct. As soon as Julia became defensive my first thought was she is Jared's mother. This could also explain the hatred Brendan and Julia have for each other (I have found it difficult to believe they could hate each other solely because Julia is a lesbian), particularly if the sex was not consensual (and given Brendan's violent behaviour exhibited on many occasions, rape is a distinct possibility). I don't know if the offspring of incestuous brother/sister sex are always physically or mentally incapacitated in some way, but it appears Jared is not. I am hoping for the sake of Jared, Roberta is a cousin of Brendan's as you have speculated @ReaderPaul. Another possibility as to the identify of Roberta, which has just occurred to me requiring another edit of my comments, is a woman with whom Julia was in a relationship, or with whom Julia formed a relationship after she, Roberta, abandoned Brendan. This would also explain the hatred Julia and Brendan have for each other, and may explain why Roberta is shown as having the family name Haynes on the birth certificate. Regardless of who the mother is, Jared and Justin are half-brothers. A brotherly relationship between the two will hopefully provide them with some solace from the revulsion they will likely feel, or in the case of Justin already feels, from having Brendan as their sire. I have used the word sire deliberately as father accords Brendan with a recognition of a relationship between he and his sons (which is not the case), and at least, a modicum of respect (which he surely does not deserve). Well well well; you have outdone yourself yet again @Wombat Bill, with a revelation potentially so shocking that a newly minted CWB groupie has posted a comment. Your creative juices were not merely flowing with this chapter, they were haemorrhaging. There is no doubt Brendan is the sire of both Jared and Justin (there it is again, that "J obsession" you have), but the mother remains a mystery. I vaguely recall a comment made regarding Justin's paternal grandparents, but cannot remember any details. If Jared is the offspring of incest, it would likely have destroyed any relationship between Brendan, Julia and their parents, particularly if the parents were religious.

Poor sweet stupid Raj! Clearly this is what Juanito thinks of him. No surprises Raj was unaware Juanito had maintained his other source(s) of income, in addition to his waiter position with Craig and Justin. I strongly doubt Jonathan Price is his only trick, although I dare say he pays much better than most. I did not think Juanito could disgust me any more than what he previously has, but once again he has proven me wrong. His flippant remark “Everyone has a past, so good luck finding a virgin in this town” is that of a person totally oblivious to, and dismissive of, the feelings of someone he allegedly cares for. His arrogance appears to have no limit; this remark made as if he is affronted by the comment made by Raj. Juanito cares for only one person in life, Juanito. Fortunately, Raj is perhaps not as naïve as he has hitherto been portrayed. His comment “You’re probably only telling me now because I caught you out” indicates he is finally awake to Juanito’s modus operandi. Justin’s method of delivery of the tequila and vodka shots was a shock, and frankly does sound somewhat “dangerous”. I initially thought the sexual practice of sounding somehow aided him in “delivering the goods”, so I guess the catheter insertion is really not much different. If Craig were not an experienced nurse, I would have strongly discouraged Justin from performing this service. To complete (almost) my chapter observations I believe Juanito’s behaviour towards Edward and Romel was that of a petulant child, one who is astonished to be held accountable for bad behaviour. His sense of entitlement and belief the world revolves around him is quite apparently wearing thin with both Edward and Romel. Edward will not suffer Juanito’s priggish behaviour for very long, particularly as it appears Romel is in agreement with him. And my final impart of wisdom for the day, which I dare say need not even be said – Edward don’t waste your money on paying Juanito’s first semester fees. Spend your hard earned cash on a case of merlot for yourself or on a gift for Romel. @Wombat Bill another very entertaining chapter from the "swipe of your pen" or the "stroke of your brush". It was wonderful to see Max and Charles "formally" welcomed into the fold. I feel they will make a great addition to "the group". Max has already proven himself an asset in the past by tempering Edward's natural extravagance of personality at times. And, did you notice Kitt has paid me a visit? I edited these comments many times to remove "that" superfluous word.

Unfortunately @chris191070 and @ReaderPaul , @quokka has had to use no imagination to develop this plot line (and this is no criticism of you @quokka). One of Australia's neighbours to the north has bought up much of Australia and believes it has carte blanche to take whatever it so desires. Many in Australia are sick and tired of this and would like to tell said neighbour to fuck off, however, said neighbour is renowned for being a bully, particularly in more recent times. The said neighbour also bleats the catch cry "you are being racist" towards anyone who disagrees with it or criticises its appalling behaviour (of which there is much). The said neighbour is also notoriously racist itself, but denies this when convenient to do so. The said neighbour is "on the nose" with much of the world.

@Wombat Bill this explains why the stories told by the members of MAG rang true. I had wondered if you had participated in the '78 march, or had known one or more who did. Your research has served your readers well as you presented the historical information as if you had experienced it personally at the time it occurred, rather than retrospectively as an "onlooker". The second "quote" above would suggest you think me impatient. I am flummoxed (what a great word) as to how you have drawn such a conclusion @Wombat Bill. I am going to "stick my neck out" and hereby state I still think my belief that Justin and Jared are half-brothers will prove true. The only part of my original prediction that I may change is that perhaps Brendan may not have even known he had sired offspring. His "girlfriend" may have even been an older woman, perhaps even married, who saw no future in a relationship with Brendan, and did not want, or have the capacity, to raise a child on her own.

Wow @Wombat Bill! The incorporation of your beautiful poem Two Lives, which I only read for the first time earlier this month, gave the poem and this chapter even more meaning (I was sobbing reading the poem this time as opposed to merely weeping). @NimirRaj expressed it beautifully, such emotional and thought provoking stories included in this chapter, conveyed with such authenticity. I knew some of the history regarding the '78 march, but not all. The publishing of the names of those arrested, utterly appalling. The brutality of the police, utterly appalling. The comic banter between Edward and his "protege" Brett, hilarious, especially Craig's addition of "or mother and son". Was this perhaps a reference to the wonderful ABC TV series of the same name, or merely an apt coincidence? I can easily envision Edward with a physique not unlike that of Ms Cracknell, dressed in costume as Lady Bracknell from The Importance Of Being Earnest. My favourite line from this chapter "Have a close look while you’re down there. It’s some of my best work.” Brett's wit is comparing favourably to that of Edward. He is not there yet, but with some "tutoring" from Edward he will continue to improve. Justin's food presentation, especially the zucchini flowers, highly imaginative yet again. Zucchini is one of my favourite vegetables; having it served by Justin in such a manner would only increase its appeal. It gives rimming a whole new meaning. I must contact him and ask him if he can pop over for a visit. @Wombat Bill a beautifully crafted chapter with a wonderful balance of humour and pathos. The reference to Campaign brought back memories. I responded to a number of personal ads over the years, but only recall one with any degree of certainty (and a great deal of hilarity). I responded to his ad; he informed me in a subsequent telephone discussion that he was vegetarian (which was my preference), with a few discreet tattoos and some prior relationships with women. I met him at a well known beach at Watson's Bay. He had neglected to tell me he was a vegetarian who ate meat, he was currently in a relationship with a woman, and had a "sleeve" of tattoos on both arms, both legs and some on his torso (long before footballers and online porn stars appropriated this look). Suffice to say, we were not well matched. I also noted the reference to the long-forgotten stalwart, Gowings. I remember it well when my office was based in Centrepoint. It was an institution. It certainly would not have fared well in today's market of cheap, imported rubbish from China polluting and monopolising the marketplace. I also noted in the previous chapter you referred to the GLBTIQ community (you naughty radical you). I cheered (privately of course) your audacity. In this chapter you have reverted to the "acceptable PC" LGBTIQ community. You are a rabble rouser. Well done.

@Summerabbacat ran out of time to comment last night. It was his intent to try and adopt @chris191070admirable brevity, but alas he just cannot "keep his big mouth shut". Juanito is as acquainted with studying accountancy as what he is with telling the truth. He may not always lie (perhaps), but he is certainly economical with the truth. I doubt his waiting job with 'Catering With Benefits' will last long as the only benefits he is interested in are cold hard cash and hot hard cock, neither of which his waiting job is likely to supply in abundance. @Wombat Billsummer in Sydney this year has been anything but. I love the heat and the humidity; we have had little of the former and a little of the latter. I had my gas heater on the week of Christmas at nighttime. My brother who lives in Wagga Wagga (yes this is its real name international readers) said to me recently that they have only had 2 days when the temperate exceeded 40C. Last summer they had 9 days in a row when it exceeded 45C, one on which it was 50C.

Dear Prudence she is not. What a vile piece of trash, the word ‘ho’ is a most apt description for her. The fact she hit on Justin and then used Trent to seduce him when her “charms” failed is devious, the actions of a woman hell-bent on getting what she wants, regardless of how the other party/parties feel. This is the behaviour of a conceited woman with a warped sense of entitlement, as indicated by her statement “Look my boy, I want you and I usually get what I want". Boy, really? Fuck off ho. However, what I consider her most repugnant behaviour is that she had no respect for Justin’s relationship status, and even more so, she blackmailed him with a threat to ruin his partner's business. @NimirRaj has raised a number of concerns and drawn some conclusions, which I respectfully feel compelled to challenge, or at least offer a different perspective. Justin, as acknowledged by Cynthia, was placed in a difficult situation by Prudence's behaviour and threats. I am not blaming Craig (just this once mind you @Wombat Bill), but I believe Justin still feels the “lesser” partner in the business. This belief is only reinforced by others, noting Prudence referred to the business as "your partner's business". Consider this. Craig has on a number of occasions implied, perhaps humorously, that Justin’s role is to provide the entertainment, the brawn if you will to his brains. Craig started the business, before being joined by Justin after it was already operating successfully. Craig comes from a more prosperous background than Justin and is used to mixing in such circles and behaving with propriety (although Prudence certainly belies this). Craig has had a far more stable family environment in which he was raised, one which has given him a confidence and degree of self-assuredness which I believe Justin lacks. There is also the very significant difference in the respective social standings of Prudence and Justin, an older obviously wealthy woman and a younger male (gay to boot) who is a waiter. Who will people believe, Prudence or Justin? Justin I believe would rightfully be very concerned about this. Finally (I hear you say), I think that beneath the happy-go-lucky persona Justin projects, there is still an insecure boy from Blacktown who is scared he will disappoint Craig, and in doing so, be abandoned. This may be viewed as a poor excuse, but I consider it a tangible one. I do agree with @NimirRaj; Justin must tell Craig what has occurred. If my perception of Justin is correct, an episode such as this could in fact strengthen their personal relationship by alerting Craig to Justin's self-esteem issues. Craig should strive to ensure that business decisions are always jointly made, or at the very least, Justin's input is properly acknowledged and considered. Now on to the "happy stuff". @Wombat Bill I am very pleased with the direction you appear to be travelling in the Virginia and Desmond relationship. I feel there is still a very strong connection there on both their parts, and in their later years in life both deserve to bask in the happiness they can share. The image of the pavlova, OMG bloody delicious. One of your own creations no doubt @Wombat Bill. @ReaderPaul I have been writing these comments for the past hour (have changed them soooooo many times). In the interim, you have written comments, which I find very amusing and insightful. I am not going to "critique" your comments though as I must attend to other pressing matters (my cats are demanding their second sitting of dinner and I have to cook something for myself and it is 8.30PM).

@Wombat BillBoth Brendan's sons (I am almost certain he is Jared's father) seemingly have a nipple fetish/sensitive nipples. I was wondering if this was something they inherited from their father. I think it is almost unanimous; your CWB groupies don't like Juanito, for varying reasons.

Hear hear @ReaderPaul. No one gets away with dissing Andy unscathed, not on my patch anyway. Unless we regular "critics" are way off base, Juanito will be fully exposed as the fraudster (I am trying to be kind in saying this) I believe he is. I agree Andy and Thomas need to be a little more circumspect when sharing the private lives of the Prices'. Having said this though, Jonathan's sexuality and "lifestyle arrangements" seem to be the worst-kept secret in the workplace and Crystalline at least, a bit like the private lives of George Michael, Ricky Martin and Luther Vandross were at one point in time. I certainly agree Andy and Thomas will have to be careful when dealing with Juanito and Jonathan if Jonathan continues to employ Juanito moving forward. Juanito may not rim, but I bet he will be very adept at arse-kissing Jonathan if there is an economic advantage in doing so. I don't think he will have any qualms about "throwing anyone under the bus" if advantageous or to save his own skin. He may meet his match in Jonathan though. Jonathan may well be cock-crazy at times, but ultimately I believe he is a shrewd businessman.

After reading @NimirRajcomments I realised I did not address the comment Juanito made about Andy's annoying habit of not listening. I don't believe for a moment Juanito's comment about role playing was genuine. His gigantic ego had been bruised by Andy's rejection of his sexual advances, not to mention he was annoyed he missed out on the cash he expected for plying his trade. If Juanito still moves in with Edward and Romel, Edward will suss him out very quickly. Edward is very perceptive and a good judge of character. He may feel somewhat restricted in voicing his assessment of Juanito given his familial tie to Romel, but Edward's loyalty to Romel will win out if Juanito does anything to cause any distress to his cousin. One only has to recall the treatment Edward dished out to Oliver to know that he will not tolerate anyone upsetting his beloved Romel. Hint hint @Wombat Bill I would love to see Juanito reduced to the snivelling little bitch I think he inherently is if Edward were to go all Mommie Dearest or 'Baby Jane' Hudson on him. The "bitchy queen" dialogue opportunities are unlimited.

Wow! Juanito has finally behaved with all the impudence I sensed he possessed in spades. There is only one thing bigger than his gall, his ego. I don’t for a moment believe he has discussed his “career aspirations” with Raj, whom I daresay is unaware that he is expendable, a temporary distraction at best. Juanito is the most devious and obnoxious character to have surfaced in this story to date. I hope Jonathan puts him in his place. If he does not, I can only hope that Edward lets him have it with all guns blazing, as I have no doubt Juanito will at some stage take advantage of the kindness extended to him by Edward and Romel. The revelation, almost anti-climactic as Justin is so pre-occupied with the impending catering events. I think a brotherly relationship between Jared and Justin would be beneficial for both, more particularly for Justin though. Jared at least had the love of two parents in his formative years, whereas Justin had his mother only, and it is apparent that both lived in fear of the wrath of Brendan at times. All is forgiven @Wombat Bill with this timely, and for me, unsurprising revelation. The relationship between Virginia and Jonathan appears to be a healthy one of mutual respect and care, no doubt comfortable and comforting for each. It is likely to bring a contentment that both were perhaps not even aware they have yearned for, until quite recently. A most satisfying chapter @Wombat Bill, tame in comparison to many of its predecessors (except for the appalling behaviour of Juanito), but no less appealing. I expect it will prove to be a very significant chapter, one which heralds a change in the dynamics of many of the relationships of the "leading cast". I have but one question for you @Wombat Bill. How sensitive are Brendan's nipples?

If you don't have the knack of this writing thing, then please don't acquire it. Do not taint your talent to suit an expert's direction. You make very few spelling and grammatical errors, so proceed as is.