Summerabbacat

@kbois thank you. I think this a strong indicator of what a thought provoking, challenging and ultimately enjoyable story @Wayne Gray is creating for our pleasure. I enjoy the banter that is evident and obviously welcomed on this site and on many of the stories. I think each of the chapter titles to date has captured the essence of the narrative therein. Even if his stories were complete rubbish (which they are not), I enjoy reading the written word of @Wayne Gray for the sheer pleasure of his wordsmanship (not penmanship is I incorrectly stated in describing his work before).

@Wayne Gray Before I even read the question you posed to your readers at the end of this chapter, I thought its title was like a double-edged sword, reflecting the positive and negative connotations of the word "keeper". We have the welcomed revelation of Jeremy's intention to ask Mason to marry him and Clay's approval thereof; Joseph's revelation to Greg that Orson has accepted his offer of marriage; and lastly, but barely acknowledged, Bill's desire to provide to Avery the happiness and stability that his life has seemingly lacked. In all three cases, but particularly the first two, the often made remark "oh, he's a keeper", meaning the relationship is one which is bound to succeed as the parties invoiced are so well matched, is so very apt. Conversely, we have the toxic relationship between Lee and Eddie. Eddie is Lee's "keeper", having enslaved him to a life of servitude on the premise that he, Eddie, is providing for him and is therefore, "owed" big time for his generosity. Everything Eddie does for Lee is for the good of Eddie, not for the good of Lee. Lee's nurture or happiness is completely irrelevant, the polar opposite of the enriching relationships between Jeremy and Mason, Joseph and Orson, and what could potentially be between Avery and his foster parents. I think it is very telling that Lee questions himself with "Why … why do the apartment and Eddie feel like a nightmare?". Is this perhaps the start of his journey to self discovery and the pursuit of happiness and stability? Superb chapter @Wayne Gray. Although the chapter title is a "double edged sword", it is the first chapter title which mirrors the glimmer of hope for Lee.

@Wayne Gray The "tone" of this chapter was perfect in my eyes. It would seem that Lee's life has not been an easy one, and he himself is, so far, difficult to like. Have the circumstances of his life "shaped" his character, or has his character "shaped" the circumstances of his life? I have little doubt you will reveal this to we your readers in subsequent chapters, but suspect you will allow us to draw our conclusions. I have just edited my comments you have quoted to correct a few grammatical errors and remove unnecesary words, but more importantly to add the comment that "your ability to convey so much by saying so little" is "a remarkable and not easy achievement". Your economy with words should not be underestimated, it is quite the achievement, As you can observe from the comments I make, it is not a talent that I myself possess (being as I am prone to verbosity). I recall seeing an interview with Benny Andersson of ABBA (not so popular I know in the USA, but worshipped here in my homeland of Australia, including by yours truly), in which he stated it was far more difficult to write a catchy and memorable song with a simple melody and lyrical content, than one with a complex melody and lyrical content. I think there is a strong element of truth in this statement.

The language and interactions between the characters in this chapter is dark and brooding, much like the character of Lee himself it seems. With just a few delicate strokes of his literary brush @Wayne Gray is already providing we his readers, great insight into this new character, Lee. A glimpse of his inner turmoil, already setting the scene for what I predict will become another fascinating story. The pacing of this story, consistent with the leisurely pacing of the others in this series, is perfect for its setting in a campsite for those seeking refuge from society or a former, less rewarding or troubled life. @Wayne Gray your penmanship once again is so impressive; your ability to convey so much by saying so little, a remarkable and not easy achievement. I hate the overuse of the word awesome, but I think it may be he most appropriate adjective yet again for this your latest story (it is more polite han saying "fucking brilliant").

@chris191070 Your crystal ball/tarot cards/intuition was spot on, Jared emerged the "winner" in the "who will be Mrs Price's latest gigolo" contest. I do not see this arrangement being conducive to a reconciliation between Jared and Thomas, which is what I was hoping for. Perhaps I am however, a little too conventional in my thinking. I believe the little "green eyed monster" will rear its ugly head if Jared becomes too fond of Mrs Price or the lines between the employer/gigolo relationship become at all blurred. If it is Jared's intention to resume a relationship with Thomas, then he seems to have conveniently forgotten his expectation that Thomas be faithful to him. Whilst his relationship with Mrs Price may be a business arrangement, he will still be fucking her presumably. It certainly seemed to me that Jared was outraged with Thomas fucking someone other than himself when Thomas had his threesome with Craig and Justin; there was certainly no suggestion that the threesome was anything other than fucking between the three. If the fucking was his main objection, then will he not be "committing the same offence" with Mrs Price, or is it the fact that she will paying for it somehow negates "the offence"? @Wombat Bill you do like to challenge your readers don't you? My "moral compass" has gone haywire, you have left me in a quandary with this latest development. This is not something that I, born under the star sign of Libra, am able to satisfactorily resolve. Whilst it is too early to know how the business arrangement between Jared and Mrs Price will impact upon a reconciliation between Jared and Thomas, unless either @chris191070or @ReaderPaulare able to foretell yet again, I just cannot see it working.

I read this story on another gay site several years ago (before I was aware of GA) after having read 'Wayne's Journal' on the same site. This is one of the most moving and uplifting gay-themed stories I have ever read (and I have read a hell of a lot of them). The characters are beautifully drawn by the author; his deft hand brings them alive in print, so much so that you cannot fail to experience and visualise them both physically and emotionally. I don't recall too many other stories of this genre, or in fact any genre, that I have read which have had me weeping tears of joy and sadness with such abandon and frequency. Reading this story was strangely cathartic; the beauty of Grant and Troy and their growing love an enriching experience for any reader. I have also read the author's 'Camp Refuge' series which continues to provide entertainment and challenges the reader, but for me nothing he has written surpasses the treasured memories of joy and heartache from this literary journey.

@quokka I have a "weak stomach" and get motion sickness easily, always have had since childhood, but even more so following a head injury in 2010. I'm a bit of a wuss actually.

I get seasick on the Manly Ferry and on any ride at an amusement park (apart from the dodgem cars). I cannot imagine being in rough seas; I almost got "cyber vertigo" just reading about it. I am enjoying the carefree and joyous relationship the family seem to have, but will it continue in what I imagine will be a quite different culture for Hunter and Fraser, although Fraser may be too young to be particularly aware of this.

Peter sounds impressive and eminently suitable for the position, but I have to say Equus sounds remarkable, certainly someone who could satisfy Mrs Price's alleged voracious sexual appetite (and then some). Roger was a real disappointment, certainly not the professional I expected him to be after his discussion with Alma and Brenda; perhaps he really was just after a romp with two lesbians to satisfy his carnal lust. That just leaves Jared. I am very suspicious of his motive, has he applied for the position in retaliation to Thomas' threesome with Justin and Craig. If so, I think his "performance" may have backfired on him. If his application is genuine however, he is not the person of character that I thought he was. @Wombat Bill you are a truly "wicked and naughty boy", teasing your readers with such a cliffhanger. It is like "Who shot JR?" or "Who planted the bomb at No. 96?" all over again. It is even more intriguing than Justin's forthcoming "baring all for Liberace" or wondering if Margaret Court will really have the audacity to accept her AC (I think this is a foregone conclusion however). I shall have to arise early tomorrow (unheard of on a Saturday morning) to find out who the winner is.

I have to agree @Wombat Bill. It is like cheeses with fruit in them. NO NO NO. The only exceptions to "unadulterated" cheeses should be peppercorns (a tasty "biting" Pecorino), mould (a nice blue vein from the Gippsland region of Victoria or a Tasmanian blue), or ash on goat's cheese.

Deported to a deserted island would suit me fine @Wombat Bill as long as it is a tropical island to which I can take my favourite things (my Donna Summer and ABBA vinyl albums/CD's/DVD's/memorabilia and my cats), and have access to vegan/vegetarian food only. I should perhaps qualify my statement regarding Tim Tams though. I do not like the original standard Tim Tams at all, but don't mind the dark chocolate Tim Tams. I did buy a few packets of them when they were first released into the marketplace, but they were a taste I found I tired of rather quickly (perhaps it was my gluttonous devouring of them that resulted in this). I also tried the raspberry ones which were truly disgusting (I love raspberries). As for the other "flavoured" varieties available such as banana and peanut butter, although I have not tried them, I will just say YUK.

My eyes watered just reading of the torture Jared's balls endure. I know if I sit on mine (a not infrequent occurrence as one matures and gravity becomes your arch enemy), or one of my cats claws them when sitting in my lap (I am fully clothed for those of you with a mind in the gutter), I will recoil in pain.

@Wombat Bill Speaking NOT from personal experience as I actually don't like Tim Tams (I know, how very weird, but then I also loathe Vegemite, mangoes and watermelon), think of them as a smaller carrot, zucchini or cucumber. I am sure we have all read of boys/men experimenting with these three vegetables, "just to see what it feels like". Need I say more.

I thought I heard a chuckle @Wombat Bill as I was reading this chapter, particularly the reference to the hot pink overalls and the Tim Tams. I wondered at first if the Tim Tams were going to make an appearance as a sex toy of some sort.

I am very sorry to hear of your loss Andre. It does however, explain the sincerity with which you write the character of Rascal. The death of a beloved pet is as devastating as the loss of anyone you love. I can well understand your grief and ongoing sense of loss. When my first feline companion died in 2007 at the age of 14 I was grief stricken. I still think of him to this day. It was not until I adopted two rescue cats 6 months later that I felt life was complete again. In the past 9 months I have come close in varying degrees, to the loss of my three eldest feline companions, all of whom are 14 years of age or just shy thereof. The only good thing that has come out of the worldwide pandemic has been my ability to work from home and care for them full time. Fortunately the one who came closest to death from a sudden liver infection made a full recovery after a lengthy stay in hospital and ongoing intensive care at home, although she too now has the onset of kidney disease, the scourge of many cats as they age. My eldest two also have it and declined very quickly initially, but fortunately have now plateaued. I look forward to the continued inclusion of Rascal in this story of he and his human family.

There is much to like about this story, beautifully drawn characters, interesting storylines and well crafted narrative; but the thing that sets it apart from the majority of other gay-themed stories I have read and is a delight to witness, is the inclusion of Rascal. He is as an integral character to the story, a much loved member of the family who is included in most of its adventures, and not merely as an afterthought. Too often I have seen a pet adopted and initially adored, only to be relegated to an afterthought when human children are brought into the family unit. Andrew and Ryan are to be commended for their ongoing care for and love of Rascal, who time and time again has shown his devotion to, and understanding of, his human companions. Thank you Andre for including Rascal and for recognising and celebrating the human-pet bond.

The delight found in the simple pleasures of life - love, companionship, family and the joy of nature, are this story's greatest attractions. I am country born myself, but have lived nearly all my adult life in Australia's largest city. I occasionally yearn for a simpler life, particularly in these challenging times in which we find ourselves, and a story like this challenges one to reassess what is important for happiness and contentment. For me, the companionship of my beautiful feline family is the source of the greatest joy in my life, the simplicity of their needs a reminder that much of what we humans regard as essential for happiness is trite, shallow and transitory. As stated by @re2, a beautifully written chapter in this nourishing and rewarding story.

Well my fellow readers, the Captain of our ship has revealed all as predicted by @ReaderPaul. In doing so, he has given us, his readers, food for thought. @CincyKris appears to have already had a softening of his opposition to an ongoing relationship between Jared and Thomas, which dare I say, in retrospect and with additional facts, is not unexpected. I think @Wombat Bill has cleverly and perhaps intentionally, ignited a passion in us, his readers, for healthy debate. This for me, only increases the joy of his story telling. I am taking a different approach in my comments on this chapter to that which I took on the last chapter. In defence of Jared, I too would likely have assumed it was understood that a relationship that had moved to the stage of living together, was one where fidelity was taken for granted. I also think Jared was entitled to be very angry with Thomas for lying to him when questioned about the threesome. That for me was much the greater offence and breach of trust. This does not however, lessen my sense of fairness to Thomas that I raised in the last chapter's comments. Andy, proving what a loyal and just friend he is to both Jared and Thomas, has given Jared something to think about in raising the question of fidelity having been discussed or assumed. Some may question this, but the relationship between Jared and Thomas appeared to be nurturing both, therefore, a decision to end it hurts both, not just Thomas. Thomas has taken the first tentative steps to repair the damage done by his actions. In contrast to Jared’s characterisation of Thomas as a “cocky little bastard”, Thomas’ e-mail to Jared appears to be quite timid in its language, or is it because he is expressing contrition for his actions. Oliver, what an unpleasant character, but one who was no match for Edward in full “Ed Wiener mode”. I suspected we had not seen the last of Oliver from the first book, but did not anticipate he would appear again in this context. Edward has revealed a side of himself which I felt sure was there, but was well-hidden beneath the acid-tongued wit and playful bitchiness that is his usual behaviour. I suspect the loyal and loving traits exhibited in his efforts to right the wrongs committed against Romel are the real Edward; the “drag queen” persona is a form of self-protection, armour worn against the hurt he has likely encountered as he has travelled through life. A truly marvellous chapter @Wombat Bill, one of the best yet I think as you have revealed so much more about some of the beloved characters of this story.

OMG @Wombat Bill Perish the thought of her watching Mr Price and a conquest. This opens a whole new can of worms, Mrs Price the voyeur watching Mr Price "in flagrante delicto".

The practical one in me speaks "imagine the state of the bed linen". With five sets of drained balls, the crust on the sheets would likely enable them to walk to the laundry without human intervention. The room would likely need a good airing too I should think. I wonder if Mrs Price has a fetish for watching two or more guys "get it on together"? There could be a ready made market.

An interesting twist on the old cliche that every straight guy's favourite fantasy is to "get it on with two lesbians". You made me laugh yet again @Wombat Bill with Roger's angle. He certainly does not lack initiative and appears to be industrious. He may be just what Mrs Price needs, a "virgin" to a different type of "catering with benefits". I think we have encountered Dean before at another bar as I seem to recall a barman named Dean admiring Justin's then new nipple jewellery. I cannot remember where though. Looking forward to more, more, more.

I suspect you are correct ReaderPaul that @Wombat Bill will reveal all to we his readers, particularly if Jared and Thomas do repair their relationship. Another point which I did not raise in my ramblings above, is that I was surprised by Jared's swift and vitriolic reaction to Thomas' actions, and I wonder what motivated this. Was he angry with Thomas because of his infidelity, or because Thomas attempted to deceive him, or because he did not have the opportunity to participate in the "afternoon delight" himself, or something else entirely? I was also surprised (and guilty once again of stereotyping) that a man with such an unusual fetish i.e. pain-lover (or perhaps it is not so unusual), would have such a conventional attitude to fidelity in a relationship. I only hope that Jared's reaction was motivated by his expectation of fidelity and not some desire to "own" Thomas or belief that he, Thomas, is his property in a relationship. He certainly has not displayed any behaviour to date that would suggest this, but one can never be sure. @Wombat Bill your readers wait with bated breath for your revelation(s) to follow (hopefully). I for one hope that Jared and Thomas can repair their relationship as I thought it was one of great promise and they appeared to be well suited.

The black armbands were a lovely touch. The inclusion of spoken words in Maori is a great addition to the story. I don't understand a word of Maori, but it is such a pretty and joyful sounding language The measured pacing of this story is spot on, it matches the family's apparent stoic acceptance of the death of their husband and father, and the pace of the travel being undertaken by the family after such a shattering event.

I have not read any of your stories before Quokka, but may have to revisit your "back catalogue". I must confess the title of the story is what grabbed my initial attention as I immediately thought of The Seekers song, which I learnt to play on the guitar when in primary school back in the mid 1970's. The Seekers of course were considered very daggy when I was growing up (your parents listened to them), but I have come to appreciate their music in later years, not least of which the exquisite vocals of Judith Durham. Love the reference to 'Morningtown Ride', the first line of which is 'Train whistle blowing makes a sleepy noise'. Very apt, using a song by an Australian group which was one of the first to have significant hits in overseas markets, including the USA. A damn good song too. The leisurely pace of the song matches perfectly the leisurely pace of this chapter. Although I have not been to SA, apart from a short visit to Adelaide in 1990, nor travelled on the Indian Pacific or the Ghan, it seems familiar with the author's delightful descriptions.

Wombat Bill, you have certainly challenged your readers with this chapter and provoked a strong reaction (dare I say another sign of a good writer). Given the comments of other readers it appears there is no sympathy for Thomas for the predicament he now finds himself in because of his actions. In my comments below, I am certainly not in any way denouncing or ridiculing the comments of the other readers; I am merely playing "devil's advocate", not because I necessarily agree with Thomas’ actions, but because I am not sure of all the facts. I think there is no doubt Thomas fully intended to have the threesome with Justin and Craig as he proposed it and was not drunk at the time he made the proposition. It certainly appears from the statement Thomas made in his conversation with Andy that he believed he could engage in the threesome and Jared would be none the wiser. This does suggest I think that on some level Thomas believed that by engaging in the threesome whilst Jared was away, that he was deceiving him. Is this belief that it was a deception because he was aware of what Jared's reaction would be if he were to learn of the threesome, or because society at large equates a relationship with fidelity? This we do not know. Have Thomas and Jared discussed being exclusive with each other? This we do not know. If they have and Jared had stated his expectation of fidelity, then I too have no sympathy for Thomas and believe he got what he deserved. If however, Jared and Thomas have not discussed the topic of exclusivity then I think Thomas’ should be "cut some slack" and given an opportunity to redeem himself if that is what both he and Jared desire, which appears to be the case.