Finally, the reconnection with Anson comes into play.
Click here to read Hi, I’m Lance, Meeting No. 110
[Chap. 31].
Like I did in a previous chapter, I stretched the text a few
more pages while reviewing my writing before posting. It would be easy to think
that Anson’s visit might stir up some feelings within Jakob — and maybe it did;
we’ll have to wait until Book Four — but upon analyzing this scenario, I found
it might be more interesting to see how it might have affected Lance.
You might notice that Lance went from trying to be a nice host
at the beginning of the chapter to spiraling into some unexpected fears at the
end. To me, this gave the writing a little more impact.
As authors write characters, some can be throwaway figures
that just serve a means to an end. Others grow on you. For example, Jakob grew
on me really quickly. Cooper has as well. Some of the AA attendees are ones
that just serve to show people’s struggles, but I don’t delve into their lives
as much. Anson sort of falls in the middle. I wouldn’t consider him a throwaway
character at all, but I don’t really have a feel for him. He has two major
chapters in the fourth book, but I don’t feel I have a sense of who Anson
really is. As I refine the text to the upcoming book, perhaps it is a challenge
to me to flesh out Anson a little more. I feel I need to get to know him.
But for now, this is Lance’s story, so I focus on him, of
course.
While Lance trembling in Jakob’s arms touches me, I think my
favorite moment in this chapter is when Jakob is reading the letter and Lance
is there just to listen. I think this chapter confirms the necessity of Lance
and Jakob being in each other’s lives. Their love is beyond sex, beyond
companionship. I feel the two of them truly love each other for who that person
is. Each one has exposed their vulnerabilities, and the other accepts that.
Has anyone out there connected with a first love after many years?
One real chuckle (to me) is Lance meeting Kaden and then
recoiling that he had slept with Ophelia. That moment occurred in Meeting 22
[Chap. 14]. I had fun writing his reaction.
Three chapters left…
This chapter raises some questions in my mind that will not make me happy. Anson/Jakob kind of scares me. All I will say. Beautiful chapter.
ReplyDeleteWhat did Lance's boss and father have to say that Lance needs to answer in a few weeks, and why is Jacob acting "funny" all of a sudden?
ReplyDeleteCliffhangers, aye?
Can't wait for the next chapter!
-K.
I think that Lance needs to stop worrying so much. He needs to be more secure in the fact that Jakob loves him. Being friends with your partner's former lover may not be easy, but, speaking from experience, I know it can be done.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this chapter very much! I certainly understand why Anson and his family feel so much guilt but I am so glad that Jakob does not hold that against them. I am sad to see this book come to a close, but I have definitely enjoyed the characters, storyline --- and the sex.
ReplyDeleteYour stories speak powerfully for love that can take root and grow despite — and sometimes even because of — the mismatching elements between us. This is something our gay communities need to hear. So much of what is good about relationships is in sharing the ordinary small domestic experiences. In fact as I get older and currently facing a number of problems, it’s the caring presence of the other that I miss most.
ReplyDeleteI really like the way you capture the different moods of physical intimacy — when it’s raw sex, when it’s sex that is building relational strength, when it’s tender and reassuring, when it’s leisurely, or something quick before work... In your stories I like the way that you show how sex engages with intimacy, but at the same time, is actually something different not always needing sex. Beneath the sex was a genuine affection and deep tenderness between all four of your lovely men — and I think it’s this affection that’s the real foundation for intimacy.
-E.
After the last book, I didn’t think this would be as good. In fact I delayed reading it. How wrong I was. Fully engaged and can’t get enough.
ReplyDeleteT.
It would be interesting to reconnect with my first high school "experience." It was long ago. We never spoke about it. Activity was simpler than Jakob and Anson. Even though we are Facebook friends today, the subject has never been brought up. It would be an interesting conversation.
ReplyDelete