Flip-Flop

Sounds great, and Scott defiantly would have had many opportunity's in the CJ series. It was strange that Carlos posted many future plot lines, when he realized he wasn't going to be able to tell them himself. Sad but he had so many directions, that he wanted the path of the story of CJ to continue on. Some very near future and others, like Scott's further out. Maybe Scott would have become part of Rich's presidential team. He would have been "family" in the future. The "insert name here." line shows new and/or old characters of importance at publish time. CJ's world was constantly evolving, along with those he interacted with. I was so saddened and unsure as to why Carlos posted all the things he did in his last few days. You were so right in your posting of this story and the surprising future that Scott was to become yes, another brother. Just WOW 🤔 ❤️

Same weather forecast in the midwest USA (Ohio). I'm big on working in my garden (city lot, mostly flowers, Blooming bushes. potted vegetables. and a lot of garden art) and have a "Bee Kind" sign in the front yard. The weather has been so strange this past year. More rain this mild winter, and 30 inches less snow then normal. The perennial flowers and bushes have been blooming 3 to 4 weeks early this year. The planet warming, has thrown what was normal weather, out the window. I feel we have been very lucky, when I see the extreme weather that others are dealing with. Nothing is normal anymore, and I feel so sorry for the future generations. Sorry for the rant, but the world needs to take climate change serious,

If you are new to GA or unfamiliar with the author @Carlos Hazday, consider this story tribute an invitation to see what caused all the comments and reviews, and what the excitement over the last few lines of this story is all about. Take a look at Carlos Hazday's stories and start at the beginning of his CJ series. I can pretty much guarantee you a full summer of entertainment. Thank you to @WolfM for sharing this work. Well done!

I love stories about the rich who don't flaunt it because it opens up a possibility of endless creative story-lines (usually for doing good). Good characters and background. A great start, and I am anxious to see where this story will take us.

I would have loved to have seen what Carlos had in mind about this story and what would have happened to Scott in the CJ universe? I think a lot about @Carlos Hazday and the plot lines he left for his characters before his shocking passing. Thanks so much for your work, and sharing another insight about the caring and creative author that he is so well remembered for being. ❣️

Andrew MacCabe, after years of researching and trying to develop a long sought after trust in this dangerous world, now appears on our radar. There is now a sliver of hope for Matt, small, but I think Andy will be the key to Matt's future. At the beginning of this chapter, I thought you had lost your editor until I realized we were dealing with Russians and speaking in broken English. I will follow along with this still sad situation, but a lot has to happen,to make Matt's future brighter. Matt and Andy need to be very careful. Yes, I'm still hooked on this story. 👍

Wilmer, Bruce's father discovers the truth about his son and tries to cut his financial losses with a deal about hospital bills. He needs any cash he can scrape up to pay for a shrink, for Bruce (who is one sick puppy). Although he acted and talked like a pure jerk before, he appears to care and love his son. Manny is considering all of his options about the future and his recovery, and the adoption of Rocky. Bass is providing his constant support, in this fairly new relationship. Rocky is back at school after serving a fair punishment. Nothing is perfect in any of their lives, but they all seem to be working it out, the best that they can. And life will keep moving on into the next chapter.

It appears that Bruce's "taunts" are a family trait. Like father..... Like son....

Yes I agree. This opening chapter felt very "bleak" indeed. This is a world that I know little about. It is always told on the news as being exploited against women. Like @Cane23, I too was surprised by Matt's age. How much suffering will Matt experience, until we see any little sliver of hope? Right now, I feel his situation will be getting worse. Tomas will want his revenge.

Bruce's actions at school, reflect that he is on a massive power trip. Has he done this to others? This possibility rings true. Does he remember Rocky? I think he would, but... 🤔 Rocky definitely needs to watch his back. The step mother thing, shows that Rocky has more issues swirling around in his mind, that the doctor should be made aware of.

It was good to see Manny back home and Rocky enjoying the company of his friends at the house. Bass and Manny learned that they were not fooling anyone with their separate arrivals at breakfast. The mood at the estate has definitely taken a brighter and happier turn. Manny appeared to be adjusting better than I expected, and Bass was finding himself truly enjoying the benefits of his intimate relationship with Manny. 👨‍❤️‍👨

As the old saying goes, "With friends like that, who needs enemies?" Didn't Ralph learn his lesson about Frank? The hospital visit should have been his clue, that this was a very bad idea, but why didn't he speak up?

Manny is back at the house, which is now home, with Rocky, Bass, and the staff. He is getting occupational therapy and psychiatrist visits to help deal with his new reality. This appears like it is going to be a rather long, live and learn process and attitude adjustment. The sad truth is that he is lucky to have survived. That sucks, but it is what it is. This chapter was lacking the usual drama and tragedy we have seen lately, so take a deep breath and enjoy it while it lasts. Remember this is @Lee Wilson's roller coaster that we are on.

Just noticed that the story listing is now marked complete??????

I loved all of your descriptions in this story, but I could really relate to the bar. I remember going to dives like that with my brother when I was only fifteen. One had a barmaid that could have been Pete's twin sister. When you started the muffler story, I knew it would require a tin can, but you were very professional with the needed repair. I have been in cars where the carpet started smoking, due to the heat of the can. I just truly enjoyed this chapter and am looking forward to more!

@drsawzall Had the same pants, which I loved, But the last time I remember wearing them, they were a part of my Halloween costume. 😎😄

Glad to see Stanley's and Susan's (nurse and mother) story is back in focus, and they can use all the help and support that they can get. Phil gave Susan his emotional support, but has to rely on Colin to check on Stanley for now. Susan's husband seems to be a classic abuser, so good riddance to him. All appears very good for Colin and Jason. I have learned over the years, that some old wealth people are just used to having resources and can be the most down to earth people, that you could ever meet (note I said some). They never see the need to flaunt their wealth, or to put on airs, to impress. I believe this is the case with Colin, and that Jason will begin to understand that also. Another good reflection into the Window Stories.

I had the same thought when Bass was relating his story to Manny. I also noticed there was no mention of an apology from Rocky. I loved Rocky's comment "I'm not a fwuit, Bwuce." I hope Bruce and his buddies learned not to piss Rocky off. Rocky may step in if they continue to Bully his new friends.

Actually, I expect a few corkscrew turns now, and pray the dam car doesn't fly off the tracks. 😁

I completely understand Manny's frustrations and shock after his surgery, but viewed that one his first concerns was about his guardianship of Rocky, as a positive. Yes, counseling is needed for Manny and Rocky most of all, but Bass and the staff would also benefit. Rocky's first day at school was action packed but resulted in friendships and support which will be needed soon. His visit to see Manny at the hospital will likely add more drama to his already busy day. They all need time for their immediate emotions to settle, but what is the authors timeline? Is this roller coaster ride going up the hill or down?

This was a nice and quick feel good story, that had so many directions that could have been expanded upon. I liked Tom and Matt's characters and the situation of the story, and their love of shared love of pets, dogs in particular. It told of two very lovable men living together for two years in a Cape Cod house with a huge Saint Bernard named Sophie. who would have made her presents very hard to ignore. A small rural but caring community, and their relationship developing over that time and their experiences. Really I wanted more of their story.

Well this was another sad chapter with more drama and uncertainty likely to ensue. The visit by Wally's friends to the bar was met with the expected result from Bass. Learning the hard way can be very effective at times. Rocky will need to adjust to deal with what the world continues to send his way, and it won't be easy for him. There needs to be better times ahead, for all concerned including us, the readers.

Happy to join, since I usually read this every day. Everyone seems friendly and caring, Hope, I will fit in. Thanks for the welcome!

Wow, I have such mixed emotions about these developments. I am happy because he suffered possible life saving injuries and extreme amputation. but so sad that we are still dealing with uncertain outcomes. I worked for many years in a factory, where many suffered from lost fingers, hands, and arms, due to being caught in the machinery. They all still worked there, but with different amounts of recovery. Medical advancements have come a long way since their injuries, but each learned to adapt, in their own way. I learned very quickly to land a job away from the most dangerous situations. I can only hope there will be better news for Manny in the near future. This has been very sad indeed. 😟

I also want to give a shout-out to @hankster who must be the strong but quiet type, listed as co-author and editor to many of @chris191070's wonderful stories.