Summerabbacat

As long as it did not kerb your enthusiasm @CincyKris. It appears Connor finally removed the chip off his shoulder when Russ gently reminded him he and Lisa had accepted help from Lisa's builder cousin, so it should not be unreasonable to accept some help from his brother, a brother who is a successful businessman and who "started one from scratch" and who "wield a mean spreadsheet.” I did not comment above, but it appeared to me Connor was quite upset by Russ' assault, although like Russ he saw little point in reporting it to the police or going to the hospital. He was seemingly more than a little jealous of Russ' lean physique, having acquired a 'Dad bod" since moving to Ireland.

A very good point @drsawzall. Con would likely have been labelled a Paki too and the boys possibly, at least initially, although as locals now they may be “forgiven” their colour. If Connor had been seen out and about with Lisa’s cousin this may have also led to his acceptance by the local yobbos. I wonder what charming description they would have for Lisa if they observed her holding hands with Connor in public, although he may not be the type to show any PDA. Thankfully Stinky and his fellow yobbos don’t have any gaydar as I shudder to think what treatment they might have subjected Russ to as a poofter Paki. Under such circumstances, a visit from Brian, Gordon and some of the other lads from Ares, all dressed in camo print jockstraps courtesy of Morrie, would have made for an interesting skirmish.

My reason for revenge with murderous intent @drsawzall.

That was a new revelation wasn't it @Paladin? Initially I thought I must have missed it before, but it would seem not.

Very amusing @Rafy, with sassy and witty one-liners delivered by Owen and Jasper at break neck speed. But underneath all that sassiness. Owen is a wallflower, rendered socially impotent by doubt, anxiety and low self-esteem, as demonstrated by “I’m a seasoned professional at holding up this wall,” I assured him. “It’s the most stable relationship I’ve got.” I pay no attention to Halloween other than to regard it with disdain, another opportunity for retailers to make money and humans to add further to landfill with junk, very little of which I suspect is recycled. It was only the prospect of reading another @Rafy gem which encouraged me to read this story, and as usual I am glad I did (although I still think Halloween is a con).

They spell it as curb, a word with two completely different meanings and the same spelling.

Russ revealed more about himself in this chapter than he ever has before. He is undoubtedly a very successful businessman, smart and savvy, but underneath that veneer of success he has insecurities and self-doubt like the average Joe. The assault on him by Stinky O'Connell, Paddy O'Leary, Stuart O'Brien and Donal O'Dwyer really rattled Russ, leaving him a little overwhelmed and vulnerable, behaviour I don't recall him ever displaying before, such that he sought solace in the comforting support of Brian and Gordon. Connor proved to be a most welcome surprise in this chapter. I don't believe he is homophobic given the questions he asked and the suggestions he made, regarding Russ "formalising" his relationship not only with Brian and Gordon, but with young Toby too. I seem to recall Brian and Gordon had a similar discussion subsequent to their marriage (or maybe it was before), thus a discussion between the three initially, perhaps involving Toby at a later point in time, appears to be on the cards. "The man moved it so that the car was tight to the kerb but didn’t move off." Thank you @Robert Hugill for using the British spelling of this word. I have seen the word in quiet a few stories of late, and not all by American authors, and not one has used the British spelling, which is the Australian spelling, although I suspect many Aussies, especially those younger than this old fossil, would use the American spelling. Outstanding chapter Robert. Expressed vulnerability has only made Russ even more attractive.

Something you, @drsawzall and I, or is it me or myself, or should I just have an each-way bet and say, something you, @drsawzall and me, myself and I agree on @Paladin, medication alone will not resolve Nick's issues.

Incarceration amongst the general populace, without any form of protection, has great appeal too @Hagge2025, however, their suffering may be short lived given their crimes against their son. "Prison justice" without causing their death is a very attractive option.

You have articulated well what may be one of the reasons I don't like Declan @SilentandBroken.

I share your emotional reaction to the distress suffered by the characters @Hagge2025, even though it is fiction. As can be seen from my comments, I have a strong sense of justice, and when justice is not served, I want revenge against the perpetrators of injury, whether the injury be emotional and/or physical. Justice is not served far too often "in real life" for non-human animals, children and the "underdog", hence my almost murderous, at times, appetite for revenge in fiction. In this story I want Jack's sperm donor and incubator to suffer in the manner which would hurt them most, the hip pocket and their reputations. They are heinous characters both, even @Lee Wilson who has created some hideous parental characters in his various stories published on GA, may have trouble creating parental units as vile as Raymond and Margaret Thompson. Long may they suffer and decay.

Dean and Kris, polar opposites it would seem. When they collide, will their world shift on its axis?

Indeed @CincyKris. Perhaps Miss Patti can assist.

Theodore’s ego is bruised when Cassandra reveals he was not her intended victim, he was merely the “tool” whom she hoped would kill her intended target, Ryder, the alpha of a pack with land at Pinemoor. Theodore is also conflicted. He cares not for humans as a rule, but does not want Vince to die, and not only because he is a Guardian. And then there is Jack, the annoying field mouse, the puny human clairvoyant who dares to disrespect him, to whom he is shamefully attracted but will not admit it is so, even to himself. Although the outcome is known, the events which lead thereto seen through the eyes of others results in this story still being a fascinating one, primarily due to your story telling skills @Laura S. Fox.

Calvin's muscles should increase exponentially after the party given the volume of protein and testosterone he ingested. If he keeps this up, he will have to buy a whole new wardrobe. The key to his musculature - not steroids but cum, drunk from multiple sources. Drunk on spunk.

It's completely irrational, but I don't like Declan, he makes my skin crawl. This I found very telling and surprised me not: "Okay. Here we go. I leaned in, letting my lips brush against the tip. His breath hitched slightly. I took it into my mouth, slowly at first, getting used to the feel, the taste. He tasted clean, which for some reason knowing Declan so well, surprised me."

And they should be used so the full force of the law is brought to bear upon Jack's parents now they have surrendered their parental rights @drsawzall. If Jack is physically and mentally able to do so he should work with Nana Bev and Dr Kincaid to ensure his parents are ruined, financially and emotionally, their lives shattered, and publicly humiliated. They have got off scot free and that is just not right. Agreed @drsawzall; medications are not the only answer (and I speak from experience). I am still somewhat sceptical Jonah's apology was completely genuine. He referenced Christian instructing him several times on what needed to be said to calm troubled waters. I think maybe he wants his apology to be sincere, but what was the motivation? I suspect self-gain yet again was the primary motivator. I will be very happy to be proven wrong. After Nick's melt down in this chapter @Paladin I am not convinced Nick did respond as he initially indicated to Jonah's kiss. He appears to catastrophise often, frequently blaming himself for things which may or may not have happened, for which he may or may not have even been partially responsible. Both Nick and Jack need a heavy dose of Bojangles loving; in fact, as I have commented before, Mr Bojangles should be admitted to Harrison West for both Nick and Jack as a therapy dog. His devotion to both should not be underestimated as having a positive impact upon their mental health.

And counting @vanalas. Hopefully these bitch slaps herald many more to come, including some literal bitch slaps. I would like to see Elena deliver at least one, more if possible, literal slaps to Veronica, hard and fast, such that they knock Veronica sideways, upside down and inside out. Bitch has it coming to her. As for Harry, the most devastating punishment for him will be Zayn and River forming a genuine relationship, one which excludes Harry from even the slightest acknowledgment, other than that he was a grave mistake Zayn made in the past, one from which Zayn has moved on and emerged stronger, happier, content and wiser. Harry who? Perhaps Harry and Veronica can console each other in poverty and destitution, each a painful reminder to the other what they have lost. Eat shit and die bitches. 🤣🤣🤣

“The truth is… I’ll never know. And that’s what hurts most. My family accepts me, and I’m grateful. But the one person I looked up to the most? He never got to see me for all of who I am.” Beautifully written heartfelt sentiment @ChromedOutCortex.

“You shouldn’t judge someone’s cooking, dear, when you’ve never set foot in a kitchen yourself.” Bitch slap # 1. “—And what?” Leonardo interrupted, voice cold. “How would you know, Veronica? Last I checked, you’ve never been married long enough to find out.” Bitch slap # 2. “Two minutes of marriage before your husband ran off and left you pregnant—maybe you’re not the best authority on relationships." Bitch slap # 3. “River isn’t a stranger. He’s Zayn’s guest—and his boyfriend. Show some respect, Veronica. You’re a grown woman, not a tantrum-throwing child.” Bitch slap # 4. Leonardo did not just burn Veronica @Seraph28, he roasted her alive, humiliated her, exposed her as the shallow, pathetic bitch she is, and JUDGED HER for it and found her wanting. 🤣🤣🤣🤣. Better than that @vanalas; I almost had a hands-free orgasm, no lube or visual stimulation required, not a "stallion" in sight, just the joy of witnessing Veronica humiliated by none other than her brother, Leonardo Alexis Morel Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan. 🥳🎉🥳🎉🥳🎉. I have been intrigued by Leonardo's treatment of River in the latest two chapters. River's refusal to accept Veronica's rudeness has no doubt impressed Leonardo, as has his obvious intellectual capacity. River appears to have almost become a confidante for Leonardo, dare I say an equal. I wonder what legal matter he wanted to discuss with River, and did he seek River's counsel? I won't be at all surprised if Leonardo is devising a strategy to remove Harry from the equation, recognising him as being the "real" gold digger, and equally will not be surprised (or is it more wishful thinking on my part), if Leonardo is contemplating removing Veronica from the family company, recognising she brings nothing but disharmony and vindictiveness to the table. Her ultimate downfall will be worthy of not one, not even two or three, but five Toni Braxton's @Seraph28. The message from Leonardo is in the song title, Veronica, c u next Tuesday. As for Zayn's poor treatment of River not once, but twice, I think Zayn will feel the weight of his family's disapproval, apart from Veronica, a heavy burden to carry for some time. If Veronica is smug enough to comment again, and I think her sense of entitlement will almost certainly tempt too greatly, I think she will feel the sting of Leonardo's rebuke swiftly and with a ferocity which will shock.

A great idea @centexhairysub. A disco at The Grange, a fund raiser for The Reserve, prison reform and LGBTQI organisations. Queers for queers, hosted by the philanthropic Philpotts, a night of dance, poetry reading and frivolity. @Robert Hugill may be able to use some of his "connections" in the business, and commission a few live performances from some former/current pop stars who identify as LGBTQI; little Jimmy Somerville, Andy Bell, Marc Almond (he would likely enjoy Gray's poetry reading), Holly Johnson, Hazell Dean and Samantha Fox. Perhaps the Pet Shop Boys might even pop over and perform something Absolutely Fabulous. And seeing Vince and Peter, and Freddie and Arvid, dancing together without reservation would be a joy to witness. I imagine Sandra might enjoy like a turn around the dance floor too, and I have no doubt she would relish observing Matt dancing with Gray. I think Neil Tennant would be an ideal dancing partner for her @Robert Hugill.

Her physical description, particularly the deep voice, had me thinking of a young goth “version” of Justin Vivian Bond (a fellow Maryland resident @Josh Aterovis) or Marianne Faithfull. I am hopeful that apart from solving the murder, Killian’s mind is broadened by learning more about Micah’s former profession. And it is a profession, one which performs a vital public service for its clientele. I am still waiting for what I expect may be “the reveal”, the moment when Micah shows Killian a photograph of Patrick, the photograph which will suggest a link between Jake and Patrick, even if only a professional link. I can’t help but think the man in the photograph with Patrick is tied to his murder. Perhaps a “pillar” of conservative society i.e. a religious and/or Republican hypocrite whom Patrick attempted to blackmail and who murdered him before Patrick had the opportunity to expose him. I hope it was not Jake who murdered Patrick. The heat is really on now @Josh Aterovis. I will not be surprised if more escorts e.g.Razi are murdered.

Although Kate would never make me "jizz" she certainly has plenty of "rizz". Not well known in the USA, apart from Running Up That Hill, she has been popular in my native Australia since her spectacular debut in 1978 with Wuthering Heights. I have been a fan ever since. She is also known for her intelligence and sense of humour, somewhat dark at times. I imagine JW might appeal to her @Josh Aterovis. Another reason to like her.

Is that Jr, Sr or both @Lee Wilson? Raymond's mother was appalled by what he had done, whereas Daddy told him to shut up and say nothing. Another Rod Quincy Sr perhaps? A pushy father whose son wants to be winner so Dad will be proud of him? He certainly wouldn't be the first arsehole father in Wilsonlandia. Have we seen the last of the Mitchells? I suspect not. I was surprised Michael's last tetanus shot had been administered when he was 10 years old. Surely he should have had a tetanus shot when Sandy Hairston sat on him and rubbed her "private parts" on him. Given where said private parts had been and with whom they had been, particularly the number of "whoms" they had been shared with, a tetanus shot would have been a wise precaution. If not a tetanus shot, at least a rabies shot.

Hooray, another reader who appears not to have succumbed to Jonah's charms completely. I have found Jonah to be witty, intelligent and mostly likeable since he made his first appearance, although there have been times I found him a little tiresome. In this chapter I found him to be irritating, manipulative and selfish. He does not care about the angst he has caused Nick and the damage it might cause to Nick and Jack's relationship, he only cares how it is going to impact on himself. He showed himself to be shallow, insensitive and selfish in his treatment of Danny, and is repeating that behaviour again. Jonah is a millennial princess, everything is about me, me, me. Frankly I don't care why he behaves like he does; he does not deserve Nick and Jack's friendship. I am thoroughly unimpressed with him after this chapter, and not from any moral objection, my objection is he knows how fragile both Jack and Nick are, but did he care? Not one fucking iota because its all about his desires, his needs, and if that has a detrimental effect on others, well shit happens.