Ok, I'm liking this so far. Your characters are engaging from the start.

nexpected move by Lucas. Not sure what to make of that yet, but he have let Aaliyah know something. And I don't know if I like that Aaliyah said she'd be with Lucas for however long he has feelings for her. Huh? That's basically dismissing her own feelings for whatever he wants and decides. I'm just talking about her as an individual and a woman now. I'm defending her by saying she's not stupid, then she goes and says this?!! What up with that??

I like how it ended up between Gabriel and Aaliyah. Being good friends, eventually, and neighbors. I like his easy manner and that he's not going to pout and hold a grudge. And Aaliyah should take his advice with Sanders, because he really was basically trying to pimp her out for the company.

And why the hell is Naomi so bent about what Aaliyah is doing?

I just have to say this again, Derrick needs to really not be so concerned about what's going on with his sister below the waist. I understand concern, this was just over the line. And I hope Aaliyah does just what she said; chaperone Derrick with Sophia on his date. Every date! Thats annoying!!

Interesting curve ball there!

Oh, I was so hoping Gabriel would have this breakthrough! Pride had him estranged from his family for all these years. He's loved deeply by them all; but he wouldn't let them help him with his grief and confusion after his father died and his mother's remarriage so that he could see that love. I'm glad his dad tricked him like that. He needed to see ans be reminded of that love. I think this will change his general attitude now.

I also hope this will make Gabriel see that he'swasting his time with loser Naomi. Honestly, just forget her.

This was a good chapter.

He thinks he doesn't know her, but it seems to me, through sex, that he knows a lot about her. Some pretty major intangibles, I think. And he needs to tell her what's on his mind.

Well this is a situation. On one hand,  I have to agree with Lucas on this one at this point in this little once a week pit stop. He's tired and he wants things cemented between them, whichever way, for good. On the other hand, he's changing the rules of the game on her. 

Lana; she really needs to decide what she wants to do here. Because, honestly, how much more insulting could she be. She just told him he's not good enough for her onany level outside of the bedroom. Damn! Then gets mad when he call her out on it and says just that. I personally think she's making a lot of assumptions about him and his position in life. As she even taken the time to really find out? You can't judge a book by it's cover.

At the same time, she seems conflicted about her thoughts on the whole situation. She knows how he makes her feel, but it doesn't square with what she thinks she sees. She making it all very complicated.

Nice!!

Lana is ridiculous! As long as he's being safe, what he does with the rest of his time is off limits to her; especially as far as other women are concerned. She made herself quite clear about what she thought about him and his station in life. As she perceives it, anyway.

Lucas is no better here either. Don't bring an innocent person into that sh*t he and Lana got going on.

They don't know what they are doing here.

I'm glad Laura got it all out. Sometimes you just need a good cry and she's been holding this in since she was a child. 

Da' hell with Laura...lol? Did not expect that!

I'm not sure I like her children ver much...lol! I get that the only they will ever truly see their mother with is their father. Perfectly natural. However, they don't have to be so rude about it. They think its ridiculous that she would want to get out, but then her daughter says she needs to get out more.

Actually, they don't seem very interested in her life as long she isn't living it as a woman. I honestly think they would be happy if she became the old cat lady. Her out having fun and dating, in any serious way, probably never crossed their minds. And again, I get it, she's their mom, not a "real" woman, but come on! 

I like this, a lot. Eric's mom is kind of all over the place with this thing. It was her idea, but Eric probably needed to do it anyway.

Awww...stranger things have happened. I'm glad the occupants are getting friendly.

There's a struggle within her from the start. Looks interesting.

Ok, Brenda, I admit that I've mainly glossed over this story, never really digging in for whatever reason. But last night I decided to read, really read a couple of chapters. I couldn't stop! Read the whole thing thus far. I'm so late to the party up to this point its not even funny...lol! I can't add to what I'm sure has already been said, so I'll just say overall.....oh my god!!

The most compelling and complex character, by design, I'm sure....RAYMOND!!! Cause really, WTF?!! I'm a mixture of confusion, revulsion, anger, distrust, and maybe, hope? Completely and utterly ambivalent towards him!! I so understand what Bennie is feeling about him and Ophelia. I'm feeling it!

I don't even know what else to say except I'm so in now!

This is so much good stuff!