Hi Karra,

Thank you so much for the comment! It’s always wonderful to hear my writing resonates with a reader. Now I need to stop procrastinating and put the finishing touches to chapter 29. Summer was hot and distracting (it’s still hot here).

Best,
Cave

Wait, what? Melanie was kicking herself for being so slow to understand. She carefully moved her hand over Josy’s breast, finding the hard nipple with her fingers. She circled it with her fingertips, teased it with soft caresses of her palm, and gently rolled it between thumb and finger. In return, she received a far more pleased sounding sigh from Josy.

So they are each pushing the other along, but in very different ways as the two of them are distinct individuals with markedly dissimilar histories.
 

“Are you sure you’re not going to wear any underwear?” Josy asked in a voice that was just loud enough for the other woman to hear.

Josy is pretty fun. It’s always entertaining to see what she comes up with to push Mel’s buttons. And so, they each are moving things along, but Josy, unlike Mel, is not really trying to be careful — at least that is my take on things.
 
And beyond the Mel/Josy relationship specifically, there were a few other nice developments in this chapter. I liked the Sophia photography session quite a bit, for example. I was wondering if Josy might be upset that this went on behind her back. It’s good that she wasn’t. It was rather daring. 
 

“Oh, that’s cute,” Josy whispered. “Wait, just now?”

I don’t think I can comment on a Melanie chapter without mentioning how much I enjoy the dialogue. Cave, you’ve got a gift!
 
And Elle’s visit to Mel’s room — her warning. Maybe Melanie is playing with fire. It’ll be interesting to see where that subplot takes us.
 
And now we have Halloween on the horizon. I’m looking forward to that. Will Mel’s costume be composed of nothing more than a mask and heels? That’s a little difficult to imagine. From the scenes in this chapter relating to the rumors and video evidence of Mel’s streak, we know how important anonymity is to Melanie. I can’t imagine she’d think that her identity will be concealed while wearing so little. But whatever happens, it’s bound to be fun. A lot of fun! 
 
Keep the chapters coming! There are a lot of fans out here chomping at the bit.
 
Blair

Thank you for the warm welcome back. I appreciate it a lot.

The reminders to earlier scenes were a happy coincidence. I had already planned to write these before my long break in posting. Our circumstances may differ, but I think the feeling as a writer of having a long pause in posting and interacting with other readers and writers is a universal one.

As for Josy seeming reserved and guarding herself, I hope it can be understood in light of her recent past. However, I hope readers keep in mind that while same-sex relationships are more commonly accepted in these times, there are still too many people who react negatively to it.

I love that paragraph — a masterful mix of sentences interspersed with fragments, not a single wasted word. What a wonderful job of painting a scene, a series of small linked movements. I felt like I was right there with Sophia, watching the photography unfold.

Thank you. It was interesting to experiment with this sort of writing, and I’m glad it turned out succesful.

The next chapter shouldn’t let us wait as long as this one.

Best,

Cave

Very slowly, Melanie pulled up the hem. Her gaze was aimed at Josy, who was still busy in the kitchen. Click. Even higher. Click. Almost at the top of her butt. Click. Resting on her lower back. Click. She felt hot and closed her eyes. Calm down. That wasn’t working. She sank down onto the couch, turning to sit.

I love that paragraph — a masterful mix of sentences interspersed with fragments, not a single wasted word. What a wonderful job of painting a scene, a series of small linked movements. I felt like I was right there with Sophia, watching the photography unfold.
 

“Ahh… yeah,” Sophia hesitated, sounding embarrassed. “Those last few were kind of an accident.”

LOL! Of course, all of us who accidentally take pictures of women’s genitalia while they pose can identify, right?!?!
 
There are so many fun characters in this intriguing tale. Thank you for again allowing us this glimpse into their world. I’m very much looking forward to the next 28 chapters!
Your friend and colleague,
Blair

Tuesday morning began with their run. After breakfast, Melanie was in her room, preparing her bag, when there was a knock on the door. “Come in.”

I also liked this entire mini-section. It’s amazing when a brief scene with a minor character can really jump out at you like this. And the revelations where not trivial, so it was great to see Melanie engaging with someone who, at first glance, appeared to be looking out for her. Melanie’s reactions were also very good here.

Hi arthwys,

Hmm, you might have mentioned it before, but it’s all good. I like to know what works for readers and what doesn’t.

Both you and ReaderMan mentioned the role reversal. It’s interesting, isnt it, how it’s Josy playing along? They both know what the actual roles are, but such a reversal is just play, and adds to their dynamic.

I appreciate your thoughts, thank you.

Best, Cave

Hi Big D,

That makes two of us. I’m happy to be writing again and am glad you like the story.

Thank you for your comment.

Best, Cave

Thank you, swirlheart. I’m doing better, and my writing spirit seems to have returned to me.
Best, Cave