Thank you so much for pointing out that there's nothing wrong with a young guy finding an older man to love. All of us older guys thinks that's pretty cool. ;-)
I think that, based on where Brad is right now, that kind of relationship makes a lot of sense. He's always wanted someone stable, who will dote on him, and Marc seems to to that. The big question, in my mind (and I haven't answered it yet) is whether Brad will ultimately be happy with that, or if he'll find it rather boring and confining in the long run. If he gets enough excitement from the rest of his life (like work), he may appreciate a more relaxed personal life.
Kitt makes an excellent point. Maarten posted something similar to this in the reviews; here's my response:
It is just like that for Wade to be paternalistic, and to maneuver Hammer into a situation that is both a punishment and a blessing.
Maarten,
I'm so relieved you found someone besides Will to be pissed at. (Big Smile) In the case of Hammer, I think if Wade were going to be completely honest with everyone (including himself), he's actually not as hard-hearted as we'd think. In reality, he suspects this Peace Corps assignment will probably do Hammer a lot of good. If it came down to Hammer actually going to jail, I think it's likely Wade would intervene to save him.
That's a really interesting observation...that Brad is trying to buy his way out of exposing himself. In this case, though, I think it's actually a smart move. He's using his money (something he has more than enough of) to remove practical impediments to them being together. If Brad had done that and Marc bailed, he'd have learned a lesson early on. That Marc didn't was a good sign. In a way, Brad is using money to test Marc's feelings, which is manipulative, and very Brad.
You make a good point, but I think both Marc and Brad are getting what they want out of this liaison. Marc wants someone to take care of him, and pamper him, and in exchange, he'll do the same thing. He brings hotness, devotion, and loyalty to the mix. Brad likes to be in control, something Marc will probably let him do, and he likes to take care of people, so their goals mix.
Thanks! I think Brad's comments, and the fact that he's emphasized them, will resonate with Marc. But unless Marc can figure out a way to fit seamlessly into Brad's family, their relationship is doomed.
I agree that it's nice that Alex and Wade have rekindled their friendship. Of all the Americans Alex could meet, Wade is probably the best candidate to blend with his own values.
I think that at this point, Marc is being genuine. Whether he's rebounding and enjoying having someone there, and he's enjoying the lifestyle; or whether he's really into Brad, remains to be seen.
Brad is a man of extremes, so that's no surprise. I thought his message to Marc was good though, and very realistic.
Stories are like edging..the longer you wait for the orgasm, the better it is. Then again, wait too long and it gets frustrating. I'm trying to find your magic convergence. :-)
November 8, 2002
Boston
Wade
I strode toward the kitchen, contemplating getting something for lunch, when the elevator doors opened and Alex came out. “Good morning,” I said pleasantly.
“And a good morning to you,” he said. “But as it is almost afternoon, I was reminded that it was lunch.”
“That was on my mind too,” I said with a smile. “Want to go out and get something?”
“That sounds terrific,” he said. We walked to a café
Thanks Maarten. Brad probably felt pretty conflicted, between wanting to drag Marc to Australia on the one hand, but worried about moving things along too quickly. Will gave him the requisite push.
I think it's normal to feel unease around someone new who seems too good to be true. As for the credit card, well, it's just not that big of a risk for Brad. He can afford to blow a couple of hundred grand to see how this works out.
Jeremy,
Your birthday thread gives me an opportunity to thank you for all you do for me. Your feedback and research has made the CAP Series so much better than it would have been.
Happy Birthday!
I agree with you, Miles, but in this case, I think Brad has the right idea. His life has been tough since Robbie died (and even before), so grabbing for happiness while he can is probably a good thing, even it it's costly later.
That's a pretty astute observation, and I can see the deal with Brad and Marc going either way. On the one hand, at this point in life, having a devoted partner who will let him be in charge may appeal to Brad. On the other, he does like having his boundaries pushed, and Marc doesn't seem like the kind of guy to do that.
LOL. Rest your face. :-)
I think that Marc's insecurities are showing through pretty strongly here. He's uncomfortable when Matt (and Will) flirt with him.