This is really good. I didn't quite 'get' it at first (it's early here and I'm just reading while I have my first coffee) but then I read the end of this part and went back and re-read. A very unusual idea, and it's pulled off well, too. I love the descriptions of Ray and Brian together. Bob's jealousy is both acidic and stagnant at the same time. Very interesting story. I'll look forward to the next part!