You're right: Brad's at a place to finally start dating again. I think that Will's comment to Brad and Wade in the limo, when he told them that the rollercoaster ride wasn't always Robbie or Matt, was also reasonable. I think Brad needs someone who doesn't fuel his insecurities.
July 12, 2002
Escorial
Brad
JP, Stef, Frank and I ate breakfast, pondering the unpleasant situation Zach, Wally, and Clara were in. I should have had sympathy for Wally and Clara, because I’d been in this spot with Will when he filed for emancipation, but I was having a hard time with it. My general feeling toward them was that they were nice people, but pretty unsophisticated. I thought about how far Gathan had moved out of their orbit. He was so much more culture
To be honest, that was my favorite part of the chapter as well.
The reference to Flag Day was actually a joke on my part, so I am sorry for the confusion. I had originally referenced Father's Day as being this Sunday, when it is in faact on the 15th. I was under the impression that Flag Day was this weekend, so edited it to show that instead. Unfortunately, Flag Day is also on the following weekend.
I think that Brad's thought was a knee-jerk reaction to the situation. It's probably not an unfounded suspicion. But the key thing to remember here is that this is only what Brad THOUGHT, not what Brad SAID. That's a huge difference. His mind may fluctuate to all of these different things or conclusions, but it's not really fair to judge him for that. It's really only fair to judge him based on his conclusions, and what ultimately comes out of his mouth.
Tim, you make an excellent point. I have largely tried to avoid having simultaneous narrators who are intimately interacting with each other, because I think that muddies the water, but it also does give you just one side of the story. On the other hand, it lets you imagine the other side, and play devil's advocate, and that can also be fun.
I don't think that Wally and Clara come off as evil or mean. Will's comment about them comes to mind, when he said that he didn't like them, but he still thought they were nice people.
And I don't think you have to imagine how Brad would have reacted; all you have to do is re-read Paternity. :-)
Maarten,
Let go of the hate. It's not healthy. ;-)
It made sense that Matt and Zach would talk, jock to jock, in a very direct way. It also made sense that Wade and Will would have a meeting of the minds.
Settle down Jason. :-)
I pondered your words, and for some reason, I find that both of these stories (Flux and Valiant) have a relatively long lead-in time...building up to events. That being said, Valiant is an entirely different beast, and the drama there is less soap-operaesque than Flux.
I'm glad you're happy George is back. I'll have to block some time to work on this story so I don't fall so hopelessly behind on my posting schedule.
I would think that if it were just a simple fling, or even a more ardent affair, Caroline would have told George.
September 10, 1799
Portland Place
Granger stood in front of the mirror, studying the reflection that stared back at him, looking for any flaw. His blond hair was pomaded back in a very stiff and formal way that seemed foreign compared to his normally more relaxed style. He had to admit that there was an advantage to it, as it called attention to his face, with his smooth skin and bright blue eyes. Yet even his youthful visage showed the ravages of war. Above his eye was a
I'm so glad I could help make your day a little brighter.
You raise an interesting point about Wade. Even though I haven't written it in, we can assume that Wade is still meeting regularly with his therapist. I also think he started at a much more mature point after graduating. But I think Wade has some of his own epiphanies waiting.
I think it's interesting that Matt is so logical with Zach. I haven't decided if that's because he's happy with Wade, or if it's because he's simply maturing.
We'll see if Barry stays fired. I could see Wally and Clara keeping him around.
I think Zach is only recently discovering these dilemmas, because prior to that, he really had one overriding concern: football.
But you're right, going to Europe is much smarter.
Thanks! I agree...I thought Matt did a really nice job with Zach. I think he understands him, and that's why he went for a run with Zach, to let him get some physical stimulation and calm down from the situation.