There were a few topics in this chapter. I wasn't sure what to pick as the subject of this post. Tyler? Tariq? The conversation of Lance admitting he was in love made me decide upon that.
Read Meeting No. 20 [Chap. 13] here.
I'm not sure if readers would pick up on it, but the last chapter was Meeting No. 15. This one was Meeting No. 20. Going forward, be sure to note the meeting and date to be cognizant of the time frame.
Although this chapter was not as sexually charged as the previous one, there were several things to unpack. I loved reuniting with Tariq. It seems like ages since Trent and Lance were in college. References to the basketball team are fun every now and then.
Tyler is someone new that will play a more critical role. Keep an eye on him, although his story at the moment is a sad one. I fear there are way too many cases such as his in the world, and that breaks my heart.
The main takeaway though is the conversations about love. Growing up, television shows didn't have the abundance of sex on television that is there today (albeit mostly heterosexual). Telling someone you loved them was a big deal, but sex came after that, if at all. On TV shows today, people hop into bed after one drink or looking at someone at a staff meeting. Titillating as that is, I find it sad that people don't develop real feelings for each other. That is why my very first chapter (in Extracurricular) is my most disappointing chapter I've written. Mike and Trent just jumped in, and now it seems so hollow to me (even though I love them as a couple). I've loved developing the relationship between Lance and Jakob. It is significantly more rewarding. I think most of my readers have taken a shining to the two of them.
I read this chapter before I went to bed last night. How heartwarming it was to experience all the love! I feel sorry for Tyler, but I'm happy that Lance want's to be supportive of him.
ReplyDeleteLance is opening up. I'm not sure the manager position is a good move. An hour away...
ReplyDeleteWhat about Jakob? I'll have to wait and see.
Count me in among those who love both chapters 12 and 13. Lance and Jakob are obviously sexually compatible. Happily, Lance also loves Jakob, even if he hasn't quite managed to tell him so yet. And Jakob probably feels much the same about Lance but we aren't privy to his thoughts in quite the same way.
ReplyDeleteJakob is just such a lovely guy. His achievements are modest - his life doesn't give him much scope for showy successes (for the moment) - but he is so very happy to be appreciated and to be able to take pride in what he does. Despite everything he has been through he is a real gem. Lance is lucky to have found him.
Poor Tyler is another decent guy struggling desperately through no real fault of his own. Destructive relationships are difficult to escape and all too common, and he's stuck in a really bad one. I hope you find a way out for him!
My only anxiety at the moment is Mike and Mike's job after Trent's rather impetuous intervention at his school. And of course the opening of the new gym presents challenges along with opportunities.
Thanks for the stories and for characters I care about.
— C.