In the events of this chapter, Valentine's Day takes place.
Read Hi, I'm Lance, Meeting No. 60 [Chap. 25] here.
I finished writing this story a year ago. Because of the nature of the Nifty platform (i.e. posting books a chapter at a time), authors go back and review what they've written. Something tells me I'm a bit of a rarity. I think most authors on the site post a chapter when they are done with that chapter, but I don't begin posting a story until the book is done. That said, because it is made available in parts along the way, I can go back and develop a scene or add some dialogue that helps clarity.
The previous chapter was so short, I felt another short chapter was not the way to go. Granted, I didn't add that much, but what I did put in was very thoughtprovoking on a personal level. Originally, Lance looking at the cards on the dresser and reflecting back on the previous year was not included.
What a difference a year can make. Lance was in denial on Valentine's Day the year before. I know there are readers out there who are closeted. Everyone has their own path, and the reasons for our choices are not always within our control. But even though he is a fictious character, I hope Lance living life as his true self and finding true love and happiness in doing so serves as a message of hope.
I'm not sure Valentine's Day has the same impact to gay people as straight people. That's probably a brash statement to make, as I'm sure there are those that just adore the holiday in both situations. I've never been one to make it overly elaborate. Perhaps the dinner date between the four characters in this chapter seems ideal to me because it is the simple things that I believe truly express love.
Andrew has made progress. I also don't find it too much of a spoiler to say I am not letting him give up and take the path Tyler did. I'm not doing that to the readers. But his road is not an easy one to travel.
Next up will be the final three chapters of Trent's book. For readers who have followed Book Two and Book Three as they have been posted, the chronology will be slightly askew, but it shouldn't hinder the enjoyment of either book. (For those who discover the books months from now, it makes no difference. Ha.)
A heartwarming chapter. I'm happy that Lance has found it in his heart to forgive - or at least be at peace with - Andrew Baker. I wish they had invited him to their get-together for Valentine's Day. It's great to see Lance's relationship with Jakob continue to develop in a positive way.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, Valentine's Day is overrated. I tell my husband I love him every day. Our cards are all that is needed.
ReplyDeleteNice chapter. Thanks for not making it so over-the-top syrupy with flower petals on the bed and such.
I've fallen behind in my reading and finally cleared some time in a good frame of mind to start getting caught up. Lots to got yet, but I found "Valentine's Day" a lovely read.
ReplyDeleteValentine's Day itself is tricky, because at its best it's only going to be what we want it to be, and at its less-than-best it FAILS to be what we want it to be. Which suggests we have to be smart about figuring out what we want it to be! I think Lance and Jakob got their first VD together just right!
I also especially enjoyed Timothy's Valentine's Day musings. Then again, I always enjoy his blog musings, which add another dimension, so smart and observant and compassionate, to the stories, which goodness knows are a generous enough gift by themselves. I guess I'm greedy, though, because I also love our "alone" time with the author. Thanks, T!
Ken,
DeleteYou make me blush with your sweet words. Sending you a Valentine's kiss.
Timothy
Cool and I have a neat present: Who To Contact For House Renovation average cost to remodel a house
ReplyDelete