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

They checked out the engine room, which Ellis pronounced amazing while doing his best to remember parts of it, thinking he might be able to work them into a painting sometime in the future. Then they went back on deck to lean on the railing and watch the sunset.


“I bet you’re memorizing all the colors, and the way the lights of the city are glowing now that it’s getting dark,” Martin said quietly.


“I am. Occupational hazard I’m afraid,” Ellis admitted.


“Nothing wrong with that. Even I can see how beautiful it is.”


“What do you mean, even you? It doesn’t take an artist’s eye to recognize beauty. If it did, I’d never sell a painting.” He chuckled softly. “Now that was a particularly egotistical statement.”


“What? Saying you paint beauty? You do. Even when it’s dark beauty.”


“Thank you.” Ellis was glad he was facing away from the lights on the deck, as he had the feeling he had turned red at Martin’s compliment.


Chapter 23