Title: Chapter 24: Chapter 23 "Unexpected Encounters"
Great update Harlen. I'm intrigued by Reese and Morgan and their history. He seems like a smart guy. I'm sure he'll get the bottom of the creepy blackmailer situation.
As always, Grace, Ethan and Gavin both frustrate me and fascinate me. I'm glad Gavin had a moment of clarity about his action. He seemed to get the fact that what he did was all about him and not Grace. Ethan obviously wants to fix his life but doesn't seem equipped to do it. I enjoyed getting a peek into his background. It made me want to know more about his father and his upbringing. When he lashed out at Grace all I could do was shake my head. He's so flawed and complex, I'm starting to think he needs to find himself just as badly as Grace.
As for Grace...I'm starting to think she's avoiding her problems at this point. She knows she's not happy, she knows that Gavin has feelings for her...she watches Gavin and Ethan interact (BFF's and all) but decides that she needs time and once again puts Ethan off. He's coming to her saying he wants to save their marriage and she's yet to give him an answer. I get the impression she's not to keen on the idea. But the longer she debates the issue the less I think it's fair to Ethan. Yes he's a cheating asshole. That's on him. But him dangling from the hook, waiting for her to decide what she's going to do with her life isn't fair either.
This was a great chapter Harlen. You've really created some great, compex characters in Gavin, Grace and Ethan and I'm thinking Reed. Really enjoyed it.
Author's Response: Hi BlackMamba, I totally understand your position with Grace. She is definitely stronger and growing in her new found strength, but not totally there yet. She has been with this man her whole adult life and taking that plunge of actually leaving him and being on her own is what keeps her in limbo. She knows what she needs to do, it is just getting to the point of being able to do it. You want to tell her 'Grace you can do it...' but she has never heard that. She will have to tell it to herself.
I have been meaning to get to Ethan's father and how that has shaped who he is. Ethan fights with being like him and in turn actually behaves like him. He wants to save his marriage and trying to work with his limited emotional availability.
Thanks so much for your well thought comments about what you like and don't like. I love to hear that...so I can see that it's working. I appreciate your feedback.
Reviewer: BlackMamba Signed 
Date: 16/11/08
