I wasn’t going to do the regular blog posts with Coffee
at 9, but I felt inclined to do so with this chapter. It is heavily focused on Mitch.
Even back in Hi, I’m Lance, Mitch was only seen sort
of in the background. Cooper spoke of him in meetings, but there was no real
development of Mitchell for the reader. This is the first chapter where
Mitchell is really seen at the forefront.
I’m sure readers have strong opinions on both sides of this
relationship. Some of you might long for the two of them to work things out.
Some of you may wish to tell Cooper to run. (That could depend upon how much of
a romantic you are, too.)
Click here to read Coffee at 9, Chapter 5, “June.”
This chapter explores something countless people have to
contend with. It isn’t like a person can just wave away a partner/spouse cheating. It takes time, and I didn’t want to just treat this chapter with forgiveness
casually on a whim. Cooper has a lot to deal with — and will for a while.
As the author, it wasn't my intention to just leave Mitch as … a
two-dimensional character — the guy who cheated. I wanted him to be more real so
that readers could have a stronger sense of who he was. How you feel about him
can easily be a result of your own experiences. People cheat. What drives
them to do so varies. Are some offenses more forgivable? Does forgiveness
encourage them to do it again? There are a lot of questions here. Things can be raw, but does time heal all wounds? For some, no.
So, how did it make you feel? Did it stir up something for
you on a personal level?
As Cooper’s story evolves, Mitch becomes a bigger player in
his story. Hang on. You have no idea where this is going.
Feel free to comment below or email: timothylane414@gmail.com
Ok, first I love your story and your style. I eagerly look forward to each new installment. I wonder why Mitch is relying upon the AA meetings as therapy when he needs the help of a trained professional. Then there is his ex. Why did the man cheat? Can he ever tell Mitch what truly drove him to that point? It feels like their communication has always been off and jumping back into bed with each other seems like a bad idea. Yet the heart and body crave what they crave. Not a critique of your story but just my thoughts. Thanks for sharing your talents and for being open to our thoughts and opinions.
ReplyDeleteBlu
Duh.. my coffee has not kicked in yet. I was referring to Cooper in my earlier post.
DeleteEnjoyed the new chapter with Mitch prominently featured! I thought it was a "soothing" chapter. Cooper and Mitch got along well, and it was great that Corey could spend some time with Mitch.
ReplyDeleteI do think Mitch is dedicated to Cooper and Corey. Otherwise, he would move on. And I think Cooper needs to work toward a reconciliation or move on! We know Cooper cheated on his wife while married. If I were Mitch, I think I might mention that to Cooper. Even though Cooper's wife never caught them "red handed," it was still going on!
Both guys have made their share of mistakes, but life is filled with pitfalls.
Nice chapter and your writing is spot on!
T.
Loved it. I just hope that if Mitch works his way back into Cooper & Corey's lives in a more permanent way that he can remain honest to his relationship with Cooper. I don't think that Cooper has it in him to maintain an open relationship — or does he?? How does the saying go? "Better to know the devil that you do than the devil that you don't."
ReplyDeleteR.
Well done, sir! I think Cooper talking with Natalie, whom he cheated on, was spectacular. Praying it is sorted as I fear the stress is causing Cooper to think about drinking and -- no, no, no. So many I know went back out and are now dead. I cry hard for each and every one.
ReplyDeleteChapter Five was another well-written one and continues to give strengthening details to the relationship and aftermath for Cooper. And yes I understand why some many not be too happy with it and for various reasons.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it hit home on a few fronts. Like Cooper, I was hit in the stomach out of nowhere after a 12-year relationship.
I am truly looking forward to seeing how you write the rest of Cooper's and Mitch's life, but I am hoping Mitch is out of the picture and Cooper finds a really good man to share his life.
As ever, congratulations on a great story, well told. The acid test (for me) is that I actually care about the characters. This story passes!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how it will be resolved (which is fun). I don't see Coper being happy in an "open" relationship, somehow.
So some obvious options are that Cooper:
* decides to trust Mitch not to sleep around
* accepts that Mitch genuinely loves him but will nonetheless have sex with other men occasionally, or
* lets him go and looks elsewhere.
Or perhaps you have something else in mind. I look forward to finding out.
C.
You are good!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what to think now. I thought Cooper was going to end up with Emory, hence the title. But he keeps coming back to Natalie. Now Mitch? Can't wait to read the next chapter.
You asked for our reactions? I have never done this with a Nifty writer, but your stories, unlike many of the others, have caused me to think seriously about my own life, past, present and future. A lot what you write hits too close to home.
And yes, I do realize this is fiction.
I do admire Cooper always having Corey's best interests in the forefront, however, I'm not quite sure that is the correct thing. Cooper may come to regret the loneliness that comes with doing that. And ultimately, I would like to think any child would want to see his/her parent(s) happy.
I'm not sure I like Mitch. I don't know if I could trust a partner from cheating on me again. There are trust issues there.
Finally, you last couple of chapters have been hot! I rank them with the first "New Year's foursome" you wrote.
Thanks for thoroughly entertaining me.
-K.
Thank you for another great chapter. Glad to see "Trent and friends" referenced in the story.
ReplyDeleteRe: August — I'm glad he and Emory had some fun. He needed that. Now for he and Larry.
ReplyDeleteD.
I appreciated getting to know more about each of them. I was rather surprised at what Emory wanted for a birthday present. I understand why he wanted Cooper to experience loud sex.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to cry when Laramie shared about his brother's suicide and the callous comments his parents made about the "wrong" one being dead. I wanted to scream, myself. I was quite surprised in the lack of real comfort Cooper gave him after hearing this. I want so much for Laramie to find some real love and acceptance in this story. I have taken a real liking to him.
df
Bravo. Chapter 7 was fantastic. Emory and Cooper...a need for both, but I see friends. However, I see Emory pursuing a boyfriend after it. Now Laramie and Cooper ... they belong together.
ReplyDeleteAre the stories posted on any other websites? I am a big fan. Hope all is well!
ReplyDeleteNo. Just Nifty.
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