Well-known artist Ellis Williams is in a slump and feeling all his fifty-three years. He's lost the joy which used to permeate his painting and despairs of ever regaining it. It doesn't help when he runs into a young man who comes on to him to win a bet, thus destroying more of Ellis's confidence.<br><br>Then, at a party, Ellis meets Martin Lovell, a man his age whose partner died soon after they adopted their son. Will these two middle-aged men learn they should never let go of hope? Or is it too late for men their age to open themselves to the possibility of love and being loved?

Never Let Go of Hope

Tonight there were no squirrels, raccoons, or possums to grab Jive’s attention so they had a nice, leisurely walk around the area, down to the river, and then back to the house. Jive immediately hightailed it into the kitchen to eat some kibble while Ellis went upstairs to get ready for bed. Jive joined him several minutes later, taking his place in front of the balcony door to do what he considered his job—keeping his master safe from any intruders.


Not too much later man and animal were fast asleep.


Ellis was awake by nine, and working by nine-thirty after a fast shower and quick breakfast. For once Janice didn’t chastise him for rushing through it. She understood how important it was to him to get back to his painting. He worked most of the day, using the anger he still felt from what happened with Dean to feed his muse. Finally, he was finished. He stepped back, closed his eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and opened them again.


Chapter 8