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 did walk around the ferry after leaving their cars on the parking deck, stopping at the railing occasionally to look at the lights of the city.


“Very romantic,” Martin said at one point, pointing to the moonlight glimmering on the water, his arm around Ellis’s waist.


“It fits our mood,” Ellis said softly.


“Very much so.” Martin smiled, giving Ellis a chaste kiss since they weren’t the only people on the deck right then.


Not that it matters, Ellis figured. After all, this is New Orleans. Even the tourists should accept two men in love sharing a kiss.


Leaving the ferry when it docked, they drove to Martin’s house, Ellis parking on the street while Martin left his car in the driveway. Once inside, they went into the kitchen so Martin could make the coffee he’d promised Ellis.


“It seems…too quiet, without Todd here,” Ellis commented while he and Martin waited for the coffee to brew.


“I can put on some music,” Martin said.


Chapter 36