Summerabbacat

@Wombat Bill there are quite a lot of characters, but I think you have "fleshed them out" well enough, and they make regular enough appearances at present, for your readers to remember their significance to the story. For example, i remembered Dean the barman from the first "book", although could not place where the boys had met him. You had obviously described his character sufficiently though for me to remember him, where that was I suggest is of less importance.

I thought Juanito may move from a "special guest appearance by" (a la Joan Collins as Alexis in Dynasty) to a "feature role" (a la Joan Colins as Alexis in Dynasty). I imagine there will be some moist knickers at the auction. Not something I wish to dwell upon.

Grief over the loss of a beloved pet is very real and much understated by many Andre. A bond with a pet is a very special one, far stronger than many realise. Your continued grief says, I believe, much about the type of person you are, kind and compassionate at a minimum. My first cat passed away 14 years ago this March, but there are still times I find a tear or more escapes my eyes when I think of him, even though I have my six beautiful rescues who keep me very busy and entertained.

@Wombat Bill I am trying to be reasonable and kind, but sometimes Craig annoys me SO MUCH. Why does he feel it necessary to so often "rain on Justin's parade"? I seem to recall Craig made Justin an equal partner in this enterprise, and yet so often he treats him like the "hired help". Justin may be a little gauche at times, but Craig is so uptight (worse tham me, which is probably why he annoys me so much). Philanthropy, when genuinely motivated, is a very attractive quality. The late and much-loved George Michael was apparently very philanthropic, but this did not emerge until after his death, unlike some celebrities who bask in the glory their ostenatious philanthropy attracts. Cynthia and her group seem to have their hearts (and hopefully their purses) in the right place. Fortunately for them, they have wisely chosen their causes to support. Price's Perves, I wonder how the ladies in question would react knowing Justin had referred to them as such? I think it a brilliant idea on Justin's part to suggest the two groups get together for some "cross pollination". They are likely to have one thing in common - money, and plenty of it, just what the foundation needs. Juanito must surely get some work with Craig and Justin with both Edward and Andy making a plea on his behalf. if he performs his duties well, he may even find a place for himself in this motley group of friends; and, he help to heal the rift between Edward and the others. No doubt more interesting times ahead from the pen of our author @Wombat Bill.

My favourite character, the beautiful and joyful little Rascal, certainly enjoyed the children's birthday party, eating and rolling in the smash cake that was strewn all over the lawn. I will perhaps be admonished for this comment, but I find him far more interesting, and no doubt cuter, than either Cameron or Elizabeth. @Andre Delport I have a suggestion for a future acquisition for the Devlin-Major portfolio, a pet-friendly hotel or apartment complex like 'The Cameron' (perhaps not as lavishly appointed, and definitely with no carpet), something like the late, great Doris Day owned in Carmel, USA. Perhaps it could be named 'Rascal's Retreat' in honour of Rascal's bravery and the unfettered joy he brings to all he meets. Although I am a "cat man" (I have six rescues), I do like dogs too, and my family had a dachshund when I was a child.

Beautifully written chapter yet again @Wayne Gray. Greg is such an astute judge of character; the "escape" route is one he could have offered to Lee, but he recognised that Lee is finding solace in his current environment, but would never admit to this as he does not trust himself or anyone else, yet. Greg's kindness, encouragement, patience and wisdom never cease to amaze me. One could say that Joseph "escaped" in this chapter too; escaped the negative consequences that he feared in coming out to his partner, a coming out which he did not even need to undertake. Anderson's indifference to Joseph's admission of his sexuality was a delight to witness, his good-humoured ribbing of Joseph evidence of his acceptance of Joseph's sexuality and his forthcoming nuptials. The tentative "relationship" between Lee and Avery is perhaps fraught with danger for both, given their fragile emotional, and the case of Lee physical too, state. I have to wonder though if they are each the key to the other's "recovery". They appear to have much in common, with difficult and hinted at, violent pasts. I look forward to the progression of their relationship, hoping it is beneficial to both.

The weather is crazy everywhere @drsawzall. In Sydney, Australia, we had a sunny 37C (98F) with high humidity on Tuesday (my kind of weather); today (Friday) it was a cold 20C (68F), which frankly I don't believe (It felt much colder), with no sun and drizzle all day. We are supposedly in the middle of summer here, and I have had my doona (I think you call it a duvet) on more nights than not (could have even put my gas heater on the other night, but refrained because it is supposed to be summer). I could happily live near the equator where it is basically summer all year round. @quokka I am enjoying the sense of serenity this story engenders. Although there has been death and now some violence, the overall "feel" of the story is positive, with much beauty to celebrate in the natural environment and the relationships of the family members, by and large.

Edward certainly is an enigma. It is hard to believe the Edward who offers to assist Juanito financially is the same person as the "evil old witch" who was so vicious to all present at the dinner party. @Wombat Bill I do so enjoy how you reveal a little more of your characters each time they make an appearance. You paint them well too, their idiosyncrasies adding depth and in most cases, a certain appeal. I think @chris191070 is right. Thomas' loose tongue could get him into a little trouble (perhaps not all of it bad though).

@Wombat Bill you certainly have a familiarity with this story; anyone would think you were the bloody author. LOL (I promised myself I would never use this or LMAO), but i have succumbed to the temptation, perhaps like either Craig or Romel. My re-read of chapter 38 was somewhat superficial; I primarily concentrated on the discussion between Craig and Romel as they sat in Green Park. If I had been more thorough in my re-read, I would have noted the following conversation you have extracted and thoughtfully underlined: On Romel's return to the ward. “I need your help with Mrs. Collins in bed 4b. It says here on the drug register that you gave her intravenous meds about an hour ago, but she is still complaining of pain. I remember being struck by this conversation at the time, but forgot all about it once the story continued and Nigel's death raised no suspicion with anyone in a position of authority. However, you may have done an "Agatha" on us yet @Wombat Bill, or perhaps Dorothy L Sayers would be a better comparison given her name and her inclusion of explicitly gay characters without derision in some of her books. @Wombat Bill you have added yet another twist to this story, (or have you), to keep your readers "on their toes". You certainly have @chris191070, @ReaderPaul and I intrigued and engaged in healthy discussion and debate. Well done.

@ReaderPaul this is particularly so with the conclusion Edward appears to have drawn on Romel's utterances in his sleep regarding the death of Craig's grandfather. I revisited chapter 38 of 'Catering With Benefits' to review the content of the discussion between Craig and Romel subsequent to Craig's visit to his grandfather, in which the request for assistance to die with dignity was made. There does not appear to have been anything said by either Craig or Romel which suggests that either intended to assist Nigel. The only subsequent event to raise suspicion was Romel's unexplained absence from the workplace when Edward telephoned to speak to him. This could just be a "red herring" though, perhaps @Wombat Bill may be "going all Agatha Christie" on us. I hope if Romel has assisted Nigel to die with dignity, Edward will recognise this as the act of compassion that it most certainly would have been. Given Edward's involvement in the gay community, I am almost certain he would have witnessed the death of friends and colleagues at St Vincent's Ward 17 from the late 80's onwards. This in and of itself, must surely be enough motivation for him to "let sleeping dogs lie". @ReaderPaul you raise a valid question regarding the possibility that Edward may have diabetes, particularly as it appears he often over-indulges in consumption of alcohol. It may also be true that Edward is not always as drunk as he appears to be. A drunken appearance is a classic symptom of hypoglycaemia, something which can plague diabetics. I have first-hand experience of this awful disease, my first cat having had it for most of his life. Hypoglycaemic attacks were the worst side affect of this disease, with urgent veterinary attention often required to prevent a coma and possible death. Another enjoyable chapter @Wombat Bill

Edward totally overreacted to the harmless deception on the part of his friends regarding Andy's "mastery". If "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned", it may be that one has to multiply the fury exponentially if the "woman scorned" is a drag-queen. His behaviour seems at odds with the Edward who sought to "right the wrongs" perpetrated by Oliver against Romel, or am I merely naive? Romel's disclosure to Andy that "Edward has been good to me......... . But, his bitchiness is getting worse lately." has me wondering @Wombat Bill if there is to be a revelation regarding Edward's health in later chapters. Perhaps he is finding ageing more difficult than most, particularly when his closest friends and partner appear to be significantly younger than he? Is he jealous of their youth or are there more "sinister forces" at work here? Is he in the early stages of dementia? I cannot help but think there is something that we your readers are not privy to yet. "The politicians just have to get on and do the fucking job we pay them for”. How often did you hear this statement during the lead-up to the plebiscite @Wombat Bill? I know a number of friends and work colleagues made this statement to me, even several work colleagues who did not support marriage equality due to their religious beliefs. A great deal of money was needlessly spent which could have been spent elsewhere if the governing party had not been hijacked by those with a religious axe to grind. All the subsequent debate and waste on the 'Religious Freedoms Bill' has continued the debacle.

@Wombat BillI think the astute @chris191070 and @ReaderPaul are correct in their prediction of possible trouble ahead for Edward due to his interview with Kim/Cum. I do hope he retains the record of his interview. The interview with Brett was very amusing, He is witty and charming, and seems to possess a talent for the double entendre much like Edward himself. His description of his rainbow pubes was very funny. @Wombat Bill I don't know if you have ever availed yourself of the "intimate services" described by Brett in the interview, but if you have not, you have researched the topic very thoroughly. As a man who has been having a "manzilian" and other waxing for the best part of 30+ years, I must say you were spot on. I have found the armpits the most painful part to be waxed. I was also very surprised to learn how much warmth body hair can provide. I had my legs waxed once in winter, and they were very cold without the "insulation" provided by hair (not to mention they looked like chicken legs as the hair added an illusion that my legs were bigger than what they really are). I hope this is not TMI for your fine, upstanding readers @Wombat Bill.

I have to agree @chris191070. The climate and geography of these islands sounds magnificent (photographs on the 'net appear to confirm this). I checked on the 'net as I know little about the islands. I thought they may be a group that is in danger of "sinking" due to rising sea levels, but this appears not to be the case. Unfortunately, they are not a suitable locale to visit or live as a gay man. As is the case in a number of other Polynesian nations e.g. Fiji, male homosexuality is illegal and punishable by a maximum of 7 years imprisonment. I don't know if the people themselves are violent in their opposition to gay men as they are in Jamaica. I recalled a number of years ago an Australian tourist was imprisoned in Fiji for consensual sex with a Fijian man. Such acts in Fiji were at the time (2005) illegal and could land you in jail for up to 14 years. It appears the introduction of Christianity into these nations has led to this, with many fervently following their religion of choice. @quokka although the information I have presented may "spoil" the story for some, I do enjoy a story such as this which encourages the reader to learn more of the locale in which it is set, or where some of the action takes place. Being an Australian myself, I had certainly heard of the island group, but really had no idea where they are (apart from somewhere near New Zealand), or that they are as developed as they are.

I have only recently worked out how to use the @ for names too @Wombat Bill so have been OD'ing on using it. It was either @ReaderPaulor @chris191070 who had used it in a comment, which prompted me to fiddle around and work out how it is done. I find it a little pernickety at times, but generally get there in the end. I am always amused when authors refer to their characters hijacking a conversation or scene and taking it in a different direction. The author of a story I enjoy on another site invariably makes exactly the same statement in his semi-regular newsletter to which I have subscribed.. I wonder if professional authors have similar experiences? Perhaps it is part of your "gift"?

@ReaderPaul in your first posting the word NOT was omitted. I assumed when reading your comment it was meant to be there. Your second posting has corrected the omission. i like your sense of humour too.

The fisting scene was very, very funny @Wombat Bill. @ReaderPaul is I think correct, you do have a droll sense of humour, one which I as a fellow Australian share and appreciate. @ReaderPaul I grew up on a staple diet of British comedy on TV and I daresay @Wombat Bill did too, which is likely why we have a sense of humour more closely aligned to that of the British than of Americans. As a youth, particularly pre-teen, we certainly had American TV shows which were popular such as The Brady Bunch, Batman, The Flinstones, Bewitched and The Beverly Hillbillies, but comedies were generally best served British. As an adult in my 20's and 30's I was not an avid watcher of TV, but my observations are that this was still the case, with comedies like Absolutely Fabulous, French & Saunders, The Young Ones and Mr Bean being very successful in Australia. In more recent times I have no idea as I have not regularly watched TV for many years now, in fact, not at all for the last 2-3 years.. Thomas' desperation was embarrassing, in his contact with Jared, but more so with Justin and Craig. I think Thomas needs to distance himself from Jared as he, Jared, is certainly NOT the person he initially appeared to be. My opinion of Jared has plummeted even further; he is insensitive, patronising, self-centred and egotistical, all very unpleasant characteristics. In hindsight I think Thomas' threesome did him a favour, before he invested too much time and love in a relationship which would eventually have failed. Jared may be beautiful to look at, but for now that is where his beauty seems to end.

You are not mistaken @chris191070. I did a little research after your original posting and found they were "invented" in the late 1890's in Queensland, which is often referred to in Australia, and promoted abroad, as the "sunshine state". A lamington is generally rectangular or square sponge-like cake covered with a thin layer of chocolate sauce and desiccated coconut. Sometimes they also have a cream or strawberry jam filling in the middle (these are sickly sweet). They were a staple of school and church fund raising drives when I was a child, and likely were when @Wombat Bill was too, hence our familiarity with them. I loved them as a child/teenager, but don't think i could consume in the same volume now as my palate has changed somewhat.

@chris191070 the crucial words to your statement are "at the moment". I thought you might see the parallel, but wondered if your crystal ball//tarot cards/intuition gave you an indication if this was a temporary or permanent situation. Perhaps we will have wait for our author to reveal it, if he in fact does. Had you heard of lamingtons before?

I confess to pavlova being a guilty pleasure. I have not eaten one for many years, but it is the fruit that does it for me, especially if it has kiwi fruit, berries (especially raspberries) and the outrageously expensive passionfruit on top. A former work colleague's daughter made meringues from whipped chick pea brine, which I was afforded a taste of. They were delicious. I am trying to become vegan (hence not making the meringue from egg whites), but am finding it difficult to find any decent non-dairy cheeses. A lamington drive is a great idea @Wombat Bill. I remember them well from childhood fund raising events at school. I tried to buy some today at my local Coles supermarket and they were sold out. They are often lampooned, but i think many still find them a guilty pleasure.

"Bonza" - now there is a word I have not heard for a long, long time. I recall Sir Les Patterson frequently using this word publicly, and perhaps Paul Hogan may have used it on 'The Paul Hogan Show' in the 1970's. You have been educating your non-Australian readers of late @Wombat Bill, firstly "Jez" now "bonza". Perhaps you can include pavlova, lamingtons and Sumer Wine in a future chapter. A short, and perhaps prophetic chapter. Jared's comment to Thomas after Desmond's departure "He must have a difficult life, being so near but can’t have the woman he loves. Why do you think he stays here; it must be so painful? struck a chord. I immediately saw a possible parallel in the relationship between Desmond and Virginia, to that between Jared and Thomas. You have piqued my curiosity and raised suspicion with this statement @Wombat Bill. Maybe I am seeing things which are not really there, but you have left subtle clues for your readers before as to the direction of a particular plot. I wonder what @chris191070 and @ReaderPaul think of this theory? Side Salad 2 - well written, providing a historical context of the relationship between the Prices'. I have long thought this the likely scenario; it certainly would not be the first lavender marriage between the son of a prominent wealthy Eastern Suburbs family and a young attractive woman. I think we have even had a PM to whom one could attribute such an arrangement.

I do hope you are are wrong @chris191070 that Jared's motive is revenge as I don't think Thomas' threesome warrants such action. I will be very disappointed if you are right (as you have been with a number of your other predictions).

Hence my comment that "for now" I am not liking Jared at all; and, that I will not "engage in any further discussion of him or his motives until I have further information". I am trying to be fair to him, hoping that you will reveal his motive(s) and that they won't be "ego, revenge or social climbing". Dame Shirley's gowns are always a sight to behold. One of my favourites is off the back cover of 'The Greatest Hits - This Is My Life', a CD only release from 2000. The white gown looks sprayed on and when combined with the feathered-cape, would be the envy of drag queens world wide. I have seen her twice in concert in the 1990's and she was c'est magnifique. I think the best performer I have ever seen live, although Tina Turner and Cher were very good too.

I will have to look for it up on the 'net. I just found a Youtube snippet of his performance as the guest villain, 'Chandell', on Batman. What a great name for his character. Whilst I don't think he was classically handsome, he appeared to have a great complexion as Chandell. I found another Youtube snippet from a 1983 appearance on Letterman and he aged very well. He was less camp than I thought, very softly spoken, and seemed quite witty and genuine. Not at all what I expected.

@Wombat Bill the chapter title had a medley of Marilyn's 'Diamond's Are A Girl's Best Friend' and Dame Shirley's 'Diamonds Are Forever' running through my head. I had visions of Ed Wiener making a grand entrance in a figure-hugging sequinned gown (something like Dame Shirley would wear in concert), lip-synching to said medley. A very pleasant way to start the chapter with an interlude from two great divas. @Wombat Bill to continue with the camp nature of the beginning of this chapter you tease us with "Thomas introduced the pianist to the security guards who then opened the black attaché case and he began trying on diamond rings". I immediately thought, here it comes, the "Liberace sequence". And, you did not disappoint, treating us with a "gold lame sleeveless jumpsuit" and "fingers adorned with a number of very large gold and diamond rings". I don't recall ever seeing Liberace perform as a pianist on TV. My only recollections of him are an appearance he made on a TV chat show (probably the Mike Walsh Show), which I saw whist visiting my grandmother once (i was a preteen); and, a guest villain role in Batman (the 60's TV show). I think my grandmother may have had an album or two of his in her collection. I also vaguely remember the "scandal" when he took Jamie Redfern went with him to the USA, but I was not really aware then of what it all meant. The light-hearted entertainment of the chapter soon changed with the commencement of Jared's role as Mrs Price's new stud. I am not sure what to make of Jared's motive(s) yet, perhaps I am overthinking it. My desire for he and Thomas to reconcile is waning @Wombat Bill. For now, I think Jared is a runt with a capital C, petty and manipulative. I will not however, be tempted to engage in any further discussion of him or his motives until I have further information. I do look forward to what your other reader's think.

@ReaderPaul Our (Australian) strangest custom with names was the nickname for men with red hair - Bluey. There are several schools of thought as to its origin, all well before my time.