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

Todd was out of the car almost before Martin brought it to a stop in Ellis’s driveway. “We’re here. Where’s Jive?” Todd called out when Ellis appeared on the front veranda.


Ellis laughed. “I can see who’s important around here.”


“Depends on who you’re talking to,” Martin said, joining him. “For Todd, it’s the dog. For me, it’s you.” He kissed Ellis quickly, getting a wrinkled nose and an ‘Eww’ from Todd before the boy started to take off, having obviously seen Jive through the fence.


“Todd Lovell, stop right there,” Martin ordered. “What did we talk about on the way out here?”


“That I shouldn’t go running around without Ellis’s permission because it’s his house,” Todd replied, rubbing the toe of his shoe on the grass. “Ellis, can I go back and see Jive? Please?”


“Of course. Come on.” Ellis led the way into the backyard through the side gate in the wrought iron fence. Jive dashed over, coming to a halt when Ellis snapped his fingers.


Chapter 32