The One that Counts

by Chrissy Munder

Sometimes you have to look to the past to find your future.

Rob Gentner thought he’d moved on from his family’s lack of acceptance after they discover he’s gay. But when he and his partner return to his hometown for his father’s funeral, he realizes some hurts you never outgrow. His first summer home from college and accidental outing is a story he’s never shared with David. Until now.

Caring for Rob is David Morris’ great, if not always easy, passion in life. He knows Rob never made peace with his father but doesn’t know why. Can he find a way to help Rob get the closure he needs to focus on their future?

Together, the two men revisit Rob’s past and discover that while first times will always be remembered, the last time is the one that truly counts.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Short Stories, Gay, Anthologies

37 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2011

About the author

Chrissy Munder writes light and sometimes erotic contemporary LGBTQ+ romance filled with everyday people and extraordinary passion to transport readers into their personal world of love, laughter, and desire

She is an avid reader, a wanderer of Michigan’s wilderness, and, while not in any particular order, a lover of lists, legally blind, and a certified crazy cat lady. There are those who might tell you she started writing as a way to justify her office supply addiction, but shhhhh! don’t listen to them.

After too many jobs in too many states she’s eagerly awaiting her chance to become a full-time Lake Michigan beachcomber. Until then, she’s excited to share her love of romance, laughter, and happy-ever-afters.

Reviews

[Serena Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice story about memories, closure, and how what happened in the past influences the present. I liked the writing style, which is very descriptive. I couldn't really get close to the characters (emotionally), but they were vivid and somewhat unusual. Both teachers, their relationship was loving and sexy.

If you like stories about established couples, reading about memories of first encounters and non-stereotypical characters, you will probably like this book.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! So much packed into a short story. Excellent characters and storyline. Rob quietly relieves his past after the reading of his father's will. David is obviously a pillar of strength in their relationship. I loved how Rob laughed over being 'caught' and David's protective streak makes an appearance. These two obviously have a long history and a deep love. Well done!
Recommended

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is a moment for an established couple as they share a special moment and a special memory. What amazing was the memories that this story invoked in me. I grew up going to the laundromat each week with my mom and I could easily picture what was happening.

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars - I don’t even know what this is, exactly. It’s most a flashback to a not great first time, bookended by the MC traveling home for his father’s funeral, accompanied by his boyfriend. It was okay.

[Britta ★ Nachteule ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Book Utopia · Rating 3 out of 5]

While uncomplicated, there’s a certain quaint charm about this short story that turns it from something sweet but forgettable into something a little bit more. The prose is a small step above the norm, albeit a bit romanticized, with descriptions that help bring the Laundromat to life. The men are painted well, too, and I especially appreciated that they seemed more like real physical types rather than romantic heroes. Since the story is told primarily from Rob’s POV, he benefits the most in terms of characterization. His nineteen-year-old self is refreshingly awkward and earnest without being grating, and honestly, more interesting than his current incarnation. David doesn’t stand out as much, but the last chapter told from his perspective helps to round him out a little bit, again with making character choices that veer more toward realistic than romanticized.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about an established couple who head back to the one man's hometown upon his father's death. A return trip to the abandoned laundromat brings back memories of growing up and the summer he discovered he was gay when a customer made a move. It was kind of sad and poignant, but also sweet as his current lover supported him through the memories and the death and his sister's nasty attitude.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good short m/m romance about a guy who's feeling introspective after his father's death and shares some things from his past that his partner didn't know.

[OkayKim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of like moral of the story. That things good or bad happen for a reason.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet story about memories and I love that it all comes together at the end and the meaning of the title.

[melek · Rating 3 out of 5]

memories are hard but also when your with the one that counts is all u need to get through all..