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

“If I don’t miss my guess, the painting of the spooky forest road was born of anger. Not because you suddenly decided to change styles.”


Ellis’s lips tightened and he took a quick glance at his watch. “Shouldn’t we be going? We’ll be late for the theater.”


Martin pointed his finger at Ellis. “You’re avoiding answering me.”


Almost smiling, Ellis replied, “Trying to, but it doesn’t mean I’m wrong about the time.”


“Yeah, I know.” Martin tossed back the last of his drink and got up. “I’m not going to let it drop, though.”


Ellis stood, and they walked out of the bar onto the crowded sidewalk. He was thankful for once that it wasso busy. Martin couldn’t keep probing while they were dodging tourists. And, hopefully, by the time they got to the theater he’d ease up and drop the subject.


“They did an excellent job,” Ellis said as he and Martin left the theater. “Especially with the sets and costumes.”


Chapter 14