Mark Arbour

Thanks. I try to keep the chapters relatively consistent in length. That's the problem with a serial novel...reading it in pieces.

What a great conversation! Those are good points. I think that 16/17 year olds, even mature ones like Zach and Will, tend to be myopic, and live for the day. They see these challenges coming, and they choose to largely ignore them, opting to take a "we'll deal with it when it's an issue" approach. I've done some research on gay NFL players, and I think I've mentioned this before, but I'll reiterate in case I haven't. There have been gay NFL players, and people on their team knew about it, but for the most part, they ignored it. The sense I'm getting in the NFL is that it was a Don't Ask-Don't Tell kind of thing. Once it became public, that's a whole different story. In a twisted way, it makes sense that the NFL would follow the military's general attitude on this.

Glad I could help! I agree; I think Matt handled the deal with Cam nicely.

Thanks for the review. You make some excellent points. I think that Matt's desire to be single is not a sexual wish, but an emotional wish. He wants to be free of responsibility to someone else, and emotionally free as well. He hasn't done that with Wade, because even after they broke up, Matt clung to the idea that they were still together. But you're right, the risks he runs are pretty high. With Will, I'll bet the esteem thing has more to do with his age than in any fear about his physical attractiveness. He is fighting to be more mature, and when a guy like Devon acknowledges that by sleeping with him, it's got to be a little rewarding.

Thanks for the review! If you think about it, it really makes sense that Matt would be finally moving on from his college jock mode. He's recovered from losing Robbie, he's graduated from Stanford, and he's lost Wade, sort of. That has to be a mind-reshaping crucible he's gone through.

Thanks Kevin! I think that actually, with Cam, it's just the opposite. Being rejected by his family, and having to basically fend for himself, has made him a pretty mature guy. He can be mature and still have a hangup or two, though.

Thanks for the review. I'm not a big frequenter of clubs because I'm Bi, so that's not my scene. I think, though, that Will and Matt especially would enjoy that scene. I don't think Cam will really get back together with Josh, because like you, I can't see him going back with a guy who cheated on him. Still, that had to be a pretty shocking event (finding your boyfriend fucking someone else in the bathroom), so he's probably just digesting things.

Thanks!!!

That's pretty funny. Only $100? I think Wade would wrap a couple around his organ.

They were both there! Thanks!

July 6, 2002 Chicago, IL Matt Our suite had a big open room with a dining room table and a sitting area. “You mind if we hang out in here?” I asked Will. “Fine with me,” he said. “I’m gonna go crash.” “Night,” I said. “It was nice to see you again,” Cam said, being polite. “It was really nice to see you too,” Will said, flirting with him. “If Matt bugs you, walk through that door and I’ll sho

Thanks Jason. I don't know if Will assumes that anymore, although I think he used to. I think that now that he's stronger (beyond 9-11) he's a little calmer when it comes to that. But who knows. Neurotic 16/17 year olds are unpredictable.

I understand what you're saying, and you make a good point. On the other hand, Zach isn't being faithful (as far as Will knows) and they've had instances in the past where they've had to wear condoms because Zach wasn't safe. So the corollary to that view is that Will may feel the need to also branch out a bit and sleep with the occasional guy, just so he doesn't feel like a total tool.

Thanks Maarten! JJ is a diva, with a diva personality, so flattery is probably very effective.

I'm glad you liked the chapter! I think you're right, in that JJ is starting to come into his own a little more, but we'll have to wait to see if he sheds his bitchy diva persona before we announce his maturity. While Will is devoted to Zach, they don't have a formal commitment, so there is really nothing to prevent him from hooking up with Devon.

Thanks Gary. I think you make a good point about Matt and Will. They are finding common ground, and learning how to be there for each other, and once they learn that lesson, I don't see them forgetting it easily. Cam is a tough go for Matt, because Cam isn't a flighty guy who just goes for the one night stand. With his history with Matt, it's going to either be serious or friends...not a lot of room in between. Not sure either one of them can see that, though.

Thanks Six. I can easily visualize how much fun JP would have with Stef's serious demeanor, especially after Stef has spent decades torturing JP with an attitude non unlike that which Will and Matt were exhibiting. I don't think that growing up means not being a cock hound. I think if Matt isn't in a relationship, he's pretty much free to roam. I think the problems happen (and the immaturity is evident) when he is in a relationship and still wants to roam.

I'm glad you did! You're welcome!

JJ told everyone he was basically bisexual, but you're right, that could change. I think that Will is different enough from the average club kid that he'll come out of this alright. He seems to be viewing it in a healthy way.

I"m glad you liked it. I think it's interesting how JJ is impulsive and blurts out ideas, then gets embarrassed that he did it. A hint at the base insecurities behind his arrogant and bitchy demeanor.

I think you should just enjoy the fun, happy ride while it lasts. ;-)

I figured you'd like that. Size queen. ;-)

Thanks. I thought that worked, and it really made sense that Josh would do that. He's got his own bar now (in the works), so it makes sense that his ego would soar too. And it makes sense that he'd take some chances with his relationship with Cam...probably with an intent to drive him away.

I'm glad you liked the chapter. I think that no matter what happens with Cam and Matt, it will be good for them, especially Matt, to renew their friendship. I don't think Geoffrey is JJ's type, but it's funny to think about.

Thanks! I really enjoyed writing the dialog for this chapter. It just lived so vividly in my mind. I think the scene vignette I liked best was this one: “Did you miss me?” he asked the bartender. “Were you gone?” the guy asked him, cracking both of us up. I could so easily visualize the cocky bartender, playing Will along.