Summerabbacat

The friendship developing between Justin and Tristan is a delight, with both seemingly sharing their true selves without fear of ridicule. I foresee this friendship continuing to blossom and provide both with something that is uniquely for them to share. The quirky humour arrived late in this chapter Wombat Bill - "Fellatio Follies". Imagine the outrage. I can see the theatre marquee - 'Fellatio Follies' choreographed by Tristan Coyle, based on an idea from Justin Haynes, with music by Stephen Sondheim.

Agreed Chris. A most informative, and I believe very importantly, a respectful interview. Having lived very near 'The Wall' in Darlinghurst for a number of years in the early 90's I am somewhat aware of the danger faced by the rent-boys, and am very aware of the disparaging comments and judgment that many in society level at sex workers. A housemate invited a rent-boy to our home one day. I found him to be an intelligent and very witty young man, who regaled us with some very entertaining stories of some of his clients, some at least who identified as "straight" married men. Now to the chapter title; never would I have guessed its source. What a novel way to invite a lover to share your home. If the old adage that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, it begs the question is the way to a man's home through his arse? I shall leave others to ponder this. Once again Wombat Bill if you keep writing like this, you will keep your faithful readers in good health if nothing else.

OMG I had a vision of Michael Hutchence and what reportedly happened to him, when Jared was sweating and his face was turning red. I don't think I could do this anyone for fear of them having a heart attack or a seizure.

I for one would like all the characters retained from 'Catering With Benefits' (even Craig whom overall I like). I actually really liked the characters of Rani and Daniel from 'Mile High Benefits', especially because they were "cast against type". I must confess I was guilty of stereotyping both. I immediately assumed Daniel was gay given his profession (a straight Qantas flight attendant; perish the thought); and, likewise immediately assumed Rani would not be attracted to a white boy, let alone sleep with one in the Mile High Club. She was a great revelation, made me think of the British comedienne Meera Syal whom I saw in an hilarious interview talking about her female cousins from India, who were anything but "blushing virgins". A great lesson to be learnt. With regard to the title, is it possible to have the story titled 'Catering With Benefits - The Second Course' on the 'Stories' page, and then shorten the title to 'The Second Course' on each chapter? Just a thought.

I have to agree with chris191070, an awesome start to 'The Second Course" Wombat Bill. The synopsis has me very intrigued, particularly the reference to Justin baring all for Liberace. Given Liberace died almost 34 years ago, all my limited imagination has been able to envisage is Justin baring all for a drag king named Liberace. I guess I will just have to stay tuned to find out (this should not be an onerous task). Now if I may be so bold as to pose two questions to you Wombat Bill, the first of which is not meant as a criticism. I am wondering if the title of this story should have been 'Catering With Benefits - The Second Course' (lengthy I know). The only reason I even pose this question is that some readers may only look at the title of the story and not the synopsis, thereby missing the fact that it is a continuation of the telling of the lives of these wonderful characters. My second question is what prompted you to finish Part One at the juncture that you did?

A terrific conclusion to Part One Wombat Bill. Perhaps it is the public servant in me, but I was initially "challenged" by Andy's acceptance of the "gift for his silence", but then given how manipulative, sleazy and dishonest Price is, I had second thoughts. Love the wit of Mr Smidmore's wife when describing his appearance. I don't think it could have been anymore vivid even with an accurate description of his physical attributes.

Another delightful chapter, with yet again one of those amusing and clever chapter titles that you have a talent for Wombat Bill. Another great one liner "Living in the army has not given me much experience at home decorating. I only know one colour, khaki.". I did not just laugh, but guffawed when I read this one. My feline companions raised their heads from resting and looked at me as if I had finally lost the plot completely, The bond forming between the three is so natural and a joy to behold.

Indeed it has; like rainwater for plants (and haven't we had a lot of that lately), it has nurtured and allowed his "goodness" to blossom.

No surprise that Mrs Price knew she was entering into a "lavender" marriage, or at least, that she is now well aware of Mr Price's true nature. She appears to have "weathered the storm" well though, no doubt compensated and comforted somewhat by the trappings of wealth and, not to mention, a changing stable of young studs to keep her entertained. Thomas and Jared are a joy separately and together. Who would have thought that a shared interest in "kink" could have brought them so far to a seemingly compatible and affirming relationship. Character development is one of your strong points Wombat Bill, even when I don't particularly like the traits of some of those characters. You paint them well, with a strong and deft hand, revealing their motivations in an even and interesting mix of everyday and melodramatic situations. Well done.

Mr Price's behaviour is just what I thought it would be - a demanding, entitled, self-absorbed and odious little prick (perhaps he suffers from penis envy too). Andy/Andre is well rid of him. My admiration for Thomas grows with each display of his strength of character, compassion and easy going manner. A thoroughly likeable and surprisingly "deeper" character than I initially thought.

Alma, what a revelation. I envisaged her as a hybrid of Mrs Danvers (Rebecca) and Miss Hathaway (The Beverly Hillbillies), instead she likely has more more in common with Tallulah Bankhead (a toned-down version obviously).

"Gran" is a delight. Her warmth towards, and appreciation of, Justin are well warranted (take note Craig). The housing arrangements sound like a win for all concerned. I am not a betting man, but I don't think either Craig or Romel assisted in Nigel's death. His request to die with dignity is an issue currently being debated in a number of states in Australia, with Victoria having enacted such legislation. I for one cannot understand why it is an issue which even requires debate, If you want to die with dignity for whatever reason, what right should any other person have to say that you cannot. Just like abortion, far too many people with a religious axe to grind demanding that their beliefs should be recognised to the exclusion of any dissenting views. Organised religion - the cause of so much misery, harm and violence throughout history.

Perhaps I am a little too sensitive, but I am finding Craig's patronising attitude towards Justin a little grating (actually he is pissing me off big time). Justin may be somewhat naive and lacking Craig's "sophistication", but I think Craig needs to cut Justin some slack. Justin is clearly far more supportive than what Craig credits him, and to be dismissed for his concern and caring and, to be accused of being a "gold digger" (even if only in jest), is not the behaviour of a loving partner. It appears that Craig is devastated by his grandfather's death, but this is not the first time, and undoubtedly won't be the last, that he has displayed this very unattractive trait. Justin is clearly not just a "pretty face", and Craig needs to remember this and treat him as an equal.

Love the banter between Thomas and Andy, especially “All right, you can fuck me if you want.” “Thanks for the offer, but no thanks.” “Oh, you know how to be cruel; I think you’ll make an excellent dungeon master for your tough guy.” Thomas is proving to be a character with far more depth than I anticipated. Character development; once again this is a demonstration of your impressive writing skills, Wombat Bill. Mr Price’s “secret life” is finally revealed. I have to say I thought it convenient he had a pad in Potts Point. My gaydar pinged with the possibility of a “secret life”. I wonder though if his other life is a secret. I guess you will reveal all in time.

Wombat Bill you have spoilt your readers with this chapter on Christmas day. A most enjoyable chapter with Thomas and Jared apparently each piquing an interest in the other which may transcend far beyond a mutual desire for pain.

OMG By the time Jared reaches his 50's (my age group), gravity and his fetish combined may give the description "low hangers" an entirely new meaning. Forget about just sitting on his balls, he may have to be careful he does not tread on them.

Another interesting chapter. The boys are certainly expanding their horizons with the type of client they are retained by, and the desires of said client. I have never been to Castle Hill (I am an inner city creature who does not drive), but imagine it is somewhat like Carlingford, full of the nouveau riche who vote Liberal as a matter of course.

We Sydneysiders are used to overpriced real estate. When I read the reference to the property selling in Marion Street for $905,000 my instant ruction was that if in Marion Street, Leichhardt, it is either a minuscule Victorian workmen's cottage or a "renovate or detonate job". If neither, then it was a bargain at the price paid. I am looking forward to you introducing us to the relevance of Jared to the story. Perhaps he will become the lover of Thomas whom you have introduced in the next chapter.

Another of your classic one-liner's Wombat Bill: "A woman can do it digitally". "What with a computer?”. I could not stop laughing. This humorously illustrates how a word can change its meaning over time; although in this case, the most prevalent use of the word 'digital' currently has I believe rendered its other meaning redundant. I suspect many of our fellow humans born after 1990 are only aware of one use of the word digital in this 'digital age' we live in, where we are considered eccentric at best (or a fucking loser at worst) if we don't wish to interact digitally to the exclusion of all other forms of communication.

Another of your classic one-liner's Wombat Bill: "A woman can do it digitally". "What with a computer?”. I could not stop laughing. This humorously illustrates how a word can change its meaning over time; although in this case, the most prevalent current use of the word 'digital' has I believe rendered its other meaning redundant. I suspect many of our fellow humans born after 1990 are only aware of one use of the word digital in this 'digital age' we live in, where we are considered eccentric at best (or a fucking loser at worst), if we don't wish to wish to interact digitally to the exclusion of all other forms of communication.

Your kind words are appreciated Wombat Bill, but I am way too verbose and sentimental to be taken seriously; and, am drawn to melancholy and sadness too easily. Writing as you do celebrating joy is a pleasure to read. I grew up in the 70's and have always loved Donna and Abba. Disco is still my favourite genre of music. As i have matured I have come to appreciate jazz (primarily vocal jazz rather than instrumental jazz), easy listening (albums by Shirley Bassey, Julie London, Peggy Lee and Doris Day are treasured gems) and even some country, primarily Emmylou Harris whom I adore, not only for her music, but also for her animal rights activism; and, the irrepressible Dolly Parton whom I adore for being Dolly. The only musical genres I have no appreciation for at all are heavy metal and classical. If the latter makes a philistine (which some bitchy queens I knew once inferred), then so be it.

This "family of men" is coming together beautifully. Christmas is a time when such families are invariably needed the most, with many "family" members separated from their birth families for one reason or another. A trip to Forster should be a joyous occasion for the boys. I have visited the town many times myself, having lived most of my youth in a nearby town.

OMG hotpants Wombat Bill. I remember them well. Torn hotpants with one butt cheek exposed were very popular on a number of K-Tel vinyl compilations in the 1970's (Ripper, Ripper '76, and Ripper '77 to name but a few). I don't recall them being a "fashion" trend that lasted very long, although in reality the design with a slight variation probably became known as something else (a bit like disco which fortunately has never died). I hope this is not the last we see of Oliver. I am thinking he needs to be the target of Edward's rapier-like wit, a few acid-tongued put downs from a retired drag queen would serve him well.

I am loving these musical numbers referenced. "Love To Love You Baby' was, is and always shall be remembered for Donna's orgasmic interludes. The full album version is an erotic masterpiece, although it did little to demonstrate Donna's vocal prowess. As you may have conjectured from my profile name, Donna, like Abba, is held in great esteem by me. Also loved, and still do, Gloria Gaynor's superb remake of the Jackson 5's 'Never Can Say Goodbye' (the first album I ever purchased on vinyl). Many have covered it since, but Gloria's version will always be my favourite. Now to the storytelling itself; it is your usual high standard Wombat Bill. Each chapter is a vignette; a piece of a puzzle which when combined, will reveal a picture of distinct beauty. I hear the "dulcet tones" of Simone Troy or Trixie Lamont when reading Anna's comic banter with the audience. The latter in particular, was quite "mean" to lesbians in her audience, particularly those who one would not accuse of being "lipstick lesbians". Keep the joy flowing Wombat Bill.

A short and sweet chapter, with Justin demonstrating a keen sense of romance, which given his family background is perhaps a surprise. i sense an untapped well of love and affection resides in the heart of Justin, and Craig may well possess the gift to release the tap. This story is proceeding at a leisurely and very entertaining pace. Terrific job so far Wombat Bill.