Paladin

I give already!

Sorry no spoilers.

You never know, there could be some turmoil before the party.

Nice catch @Lynx003, you know me too well.

I thought you would like the Arnie and Ben scene @Ticklishboy30.

I have to admit @Summerabbacat that I like Rick. As his father is an Earl he would have mixed in social circles that could easily have included the two Dames. Who knows? Now you know how Adelaide Psychologist, Nathan, came to be working in an Inner Western Sydney Clinic as a therapist for two brothers. The party? You'll need to wait and see.

Martin and Nathan were woken by Justin telling them that he was dropping Benjamin at school and then heading to the university. Martin, in parent mode, checked that they had had breakfast and was then awake enough to remember that Justin hardly had any university scheduled for Mondays. "Why are you going to the university his morning Justin? You have something like one lecture this afternoon." "That's true dad but I'm meeting with a group of friends who are planning a sort of project we can

Oh I have enjoyed many a meal in country town Greek restaurants. Ah memories. Shame @Mark Ponyboy Peters, you left banana split out of the offerings. News, rumour and truth travel quickly in a Central School, especially amongst students who have been together for 9 years. I hope studying Lord of the Flies is not a prediction of Levi's school experience. It seems the shadow of the Thompson family is still present.

‘Thompsonville’s got its own way of doing things. You’ll get used to it. Slowly.’ One of them – tall, lean, with sun-bleached, blond hair that fell just past his collar – suddenly stopped running. He caught the ball with his hands and stood completely still, holding it against his hip as he stared directly at Levi. Levi is having thoughts about surfer boy but it's obvious that surfer boy is very interested in Levi, to the extent that his mates would have noticed. I hope surfer boy is also in Year 9 and they share classes. He will do well to heed Matt's advice (above). Levi's body is responding but it will take time for him to overcome his psychological conditioning and for him to mentally catch up with his emotions. What will help is that he is surrounded by adults who are not only supportive but more importantly excellent role models.

Charles is leaving himself very vulnerable if he wears the ring.

Don't worry you'll be down the rabbit hole soon enough.

Simon will give the family good legal advice and knows to call in other lawyers when necessary.

He is still with Natasha and being brainwashed, so worse than neglected. He will get to attend the party the twins are organizing.

Thanks @chris191070.

Thanks @drsawzall. Yes they are all bonding now that are open with each other.

Thank you @Summerabbacat. It seems my writing was not clear enough. It is Nathan who is 37 and included his cousins in his concerns about coming out. Previously I hadn't mentioned ages in the story, except for Benjamin turning 18. Martin is slightly older than Nathan. The story has three couples with a gap of around 10 years between each couple. To cannibalize a quote from a former Australian Prime Minister, 'never get between Rick and a bottle of champagne'. We have seen that Amelia can be a thorn from a distance which means she could be again. I love your idea @Summerabbacat, of setting the formidable Vanessa against her. It would be 'no contest'!

By the time they all arrived to start brunch, Rick was champing at the bit to open the champagne and to everyone's amusement declared, "Thank God you're here. I thought I was going to die of thirst." Martin looked around the kitchen. Indeed, everything was ready for him to start cooking so he turned to the group and announced, "I would like some help with brunch. D'Artagnan, would you help me?" Rick and Simon caught totally off guard and surprised, looked to the boys for an explanation

A delightful short story. Having an amputee is a nice variation.

They never leave! (willingly)

Sadly PT Barnum wasn't the last of the great showmen. They still flourish.

Yes, Ben and Justin are loving, fun and grounded. never underestimate the younger generation

Oh yeah, spread the joy.

Yes Justin and Ben are, in many ways, an insightful couple.