So, Charlie is being passive-agressive since the talk between Sean and Alec? Please. Alec was right in his opinion, but I believe some of his anger is really because of what Charlie did, but he doesn't want to unload on her, so he does it to Sean.

I can definitely see why he's so pissed, she relied on another person for help when it should've been Alec. That's on Charlie. Alec is correct to remind Sean that "Lottie" is not his daughter. Yeah, I was ticked at the nick name. That speaks to an intimacy that while not sexual, it is emotional and Alec is not comfortable with that and considering the situation, I can understand.

It was good that she could count on Sean, but damn, I think it went a bit too far. Her kids were without her for 3 f'in' years. And poor Jamie doesn't even remember her.

I do wonder, did Sean know that Ols was sick? Would Sean have ever let Alec know where Charlie was? Charlie was supposedly all better when Ols sent the letter, so the question is, would Charlie have ever come back if but for Ols? I'm starting to give Charlie the side-eye again. She wants to continue to beat herself up to have Alec continually reassure her, yet she doesn't seem to understand and I mean TRULY understand what this has done to Alec and the boys.

I'm willling to give Alec a bit of slack. He's allowed to lose it every once and awhile. He's the one who had to maintain the family for 3 years not knowing if his heart and the mother of his children would ever return. He's responding better than I would.

Really good update, Chica. Thank you.

Blake has an unhealthy attachment to Reid. What in the blue blazing hell is wrong with this subhuman fool? How many other women has he done this to?

She just had to go there. It's not your business who he's sleeping with. You racist pig.

This is such a well written story. Travis is so complex. And Dindi is one strong young woman. I hope she doesn't let that racist woman affect their budding relationship. Well done, Chica.

By all means, please continue.

Nick is going to kick Erik's butt.  Thanks for the update.

JD, that poem, Brilliant. It was sad yet joyful. I have not had a pet since I was a child (I think the death of my pet scarred me for life), it's heartening that she might be waiting for me.

Ruger, le sigh.

The two main characters seem like really good people and not in any saccharin way, but just decent people, who might have their flaws like the rest of us, but at the core, good and decent. I like that.

Chica, you are killing it. Every update is greatly appreciated. You have a gift. Nuture it. Congrats on graduation and going into a profession that you can only make better. Good on you, Chica.

Dena, I think Gabe is reacting the correct way. I don't think he wants to be a substitute for Clark. Why should he get hurt when he knows that she's not all in. I hope Gabe is who I think he is. Yeah, he's willing to wait, but that's exactly what he means. WAIT. No sex, because that really complicates things. Dena, you need to come out of it being about you and actually see it from Gabe's perspective. The big question is why doesn't Gabe share a bit more of who he is with Dena. I haven't been able to connect with Dena, yet.  I know this is her story and probably Claark's, so I don't see it ending well for Gabe and that saddens me.

Thanks for the update.

Aurora has some real issues. Looking forward to reading this story.

Poor John. With all those clothes on and sweating so much, Rae's kiss just sent him over the edge. I howled.

"How do I feel?"

"Like a goddamn blessing," he admitted huskily.

"Then just show me a peek of what you've got. I'm a low-maintenance man, honey," he said. "I don't ask for much. I can survive off whatever crumbs you throw at me."

"No one has ever put your needs before their own like they should, but if you let me in, Sugar, I'll always put you first. I'll give and you'll take until your heart's content."

"There will be no other man in your life except me. Do you understand?"

Panty drop. LMAO.

MJ, I'm all in. This is bound to be a pleasure to read.

I'm with Rochelle, blood needs to be shed.Looking at her papa and her twin, I can't imagine them not being ready to beat that ex-husband's behind.

I really like how Sugar has all of her ducks in a row and is really looking forward to her freedom. That ex-husband really pissed me off, with his smug ass. For someone who doesn't care anything about Sugar, he sure was throwing barbs. Karma is coming for his butt. Was he phsically abusive? It's clear that he was verbally and emotionally. I'm so damn glad that Sugar has gotten rid of that fkr. On to bigger and better things, in more ways than one, if Chef is any indication. hee

Good first chapter, Chica.

MJ, every interaction between "C" and Shug, no matter how mundane, all I can think of is FOREPLAY. HEE   Is it because they are grown and sexay? :)

"I don’t want one. I don’t need one and if I did, it wouldn’t be you."

Shug, we're getting ahead of ourselves, aren't we? Shug is about to learn what it is to deal with a MAN. She's been with Lance since she was 19, right? He wasn't and isn't a man. This will be new territory for her.

Her sisters are a trip. Who knew that babygirl would be the peacemaker.

This is a delight to read, Chica.

This man, and when I say this man, I mean Chef, because Lance... NOPE.

Chef does not play games. That's being GROWN. Lance on the other hand... NOPE.

Chef is very clear with Shug and is all about Shug. Shug is liking that A LOT. He's just getting started.

Lance is so low rent. I can't see him faring well when you have him standing next to a real man. It's quite easy to see counterfeit when you're experiencing the REAL thing. Shug will come to see that. She's already starting to see it.

Wonderful update, cher.

RE: your co-worker, I've had several who've tried to sabotage me during my career. One thing that I did was to memorialize any conversations of consequence that we had with a follow-up email documenting what was said.