Stories

Michael feels trapped. In his poor, conservative hometown. In his dead-end job. In caring for his grandfather. Everything changes when he meets Eric, the new curator for the railroad museum. Carefree and refreshingly confident, Eric guides Michael to places he's forgotten, reminding him that it may not be too late to follow his dreams.

40,000 words.

Gabriel, his father Jonathan, and his best friend Elliot arrive in Thailand to enjoy a relaxing tropical break. But this vacation will inadvertently unleash obscure emotions, hidden desires, and forbidden passions.

The Agean Resort in Las Vegas has finished a major remodeling and upgrade. As part of the grand re-opening, they plan a week of celebration events. Chipper headlines the festivities with his 30^th birthday pool party and a concert. The entire Squad attends, and some cause a stir of their own.

Born with hereditary spastic paraparesis, Simon had spent most of his life in a wheelchair, unable to walk and barely able to use his hands. To his parents, home schooling had seemed to be the only way for Simon to get an education; yet Simon was smart and yearned to be another Stephen Hawking - not to live with his parents until they became to infirm to care for him. He decided to take a chance on applying to the Bronx High School of Science, one of the best public secondary schools in the world. Going to a public high school would be scary, but there'd be new opportunities to live life, and to love.

CJ Abelló returns to Georgetown in the fall of 2022 for an advanced degree. During the two years back on the Hilltop, his education is not limited to the classroom; his analytical mind and his ability to articulate complex matters in a way his audience could assimilate the matter helped. He was asked to write articles for professional journals, attend seminars by both liberal and conservative think tanks, and speak at schools and conferences.

A friend from Mexico visits, a Squad member moves south, a California teen prepares to start his freshman year at Georgetown University, and a local artist delivers a commission. From Cuban food at Abuela’s, to cocktails at The Alex, an excursion to the National Gallery of Art, and brunch at Everhope, the weekend is full of laughs, food, and fine art.

A week’s trip to New York City has Owen and CJ mixing business and pleasure. Meetings with high-powered attorneys and financial high-rollers combine with Broadway, Sag Harbor, and Fire Island for a memorable vacation. The couple’s efforts to increase CJ’s name recognition moves forward with TV appearances on multiple networks.

Another weekend, another out-of-town wedding for CJ and Owen. This time, Liebe comes along. She’ll serve as the flower girl for CJ’s high school classmate, Autumn Dingell. Surrounded by the magnificence of Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel and by Michigan political royalty, CJ reconnects with old friends and meets new people who may play a role in his future

Brett Davenport and César Abelló convince their Georgetown neighbors to combine their 4^th of July celebrations into a block party. With their segment of Prospect Street closed off, children play on the street and adults cross from one house to another undisturbed by traffic. CJ and Owen ensure Carson Sawyer, part of the group being assembled to propel CJ to public office, meets one of the block’s wealthy and connected residents. Liebe has a flashback to the park shooting and a friend from Mexico City visits.

This short story is a classic fairytale retold from the other side.