In addition, the identity of the ghosts was a nice touch. Their characters pulled me in - more so than the promise of the relationship. I felt that sense of drifting through life from Paul and sadness from Michael (like he didn't really 'get' why he stayed in the relationship with Dex). I think I would love it if there were more scenes of them connecting.īut, the writing was indeed lovely. So really, they just 'really' met (and introduced themselves to one another) about half-time, then they slept together and felt everything clicked. Even if Michael paid attention to Paul throughout (Paul's fault for being oblivious!). Paul spent the first half of this story being unaware of Michael (except for his feet) while at the same time, Michael was in an abusive relationship with his boyfriend. I felt that this story suffered a case of misfortune for being on the shorter side, which made it slightly unsatisfactory. Speedwell…can we get some more pleeease?! I really, really want more of this story and with all the interesting side characters, I think there’s so much material for me. When the 2 guys finally do get together, I found it sweet and almost desperate…their need and want and inexplicable connection to one another. It was a cool extra and made me feel like someone might be watching over me too…trying to direct my happiness. I didn’t quite feel like I got to know him as well as Paul…but I liked him for Paul.īecause the story is short, a lot of the details were rushed and there were things I didn’t quite buy into (If his brother was so upset at Paul’s random hook-ups, what made him think the nude dancers at his bar would be a better option? And I need more of Michael’s backstory w/ the rich boyfriend).īut, what I loved about this story was the minor paranormal element. Michael is an accountant, a twinkle-toed dancer, and apparently, on the wrong side of an abusive relationship. There’s something kinda sad and lonely about him and I related to bits of his life. I love his story of growing up reading and making up characters who’ve lived in and around his family’s property. Paul is a bartender and part owner of a family bar.

Illumination by Rowan Speedwell