When Byron Randall -- in his mid-fifties, single and alone -- moves into a new condo complex, he meets another resident, fifty-five year old realtor Jonah Hyland -- also single since his breakup with his much younger lover. The two middle-aged men become friends, sharing common interests in gardening and hiking.<br><br>As their friendship deepens, each man wonders if he has found someone he could learn to care for. Then Jonah's ex reappears in his life, much to Byron's dismay. Will this end Byron and Jonah's budding romance? Or will they discover that, together, they can let go of loneliness?

Let Go of Loneliness

While he cooked chicken and vegetables, his thoughts drifted to Jonah. He was surprised when he realized they’d spent most of the day together and it had been enjoyable.


Not sure why I’m surprised it was enjoyable. He’s a nice man—or seems to be. Of course it wasonly one day. He could be a real pain in general and was only willing to be friendly because he was bored.


Byron didn’t really believe that. Nothing said Jonah had been anything more than what he seemed—an amiable guy who liked people.


Given what he does for a living, being congenial must be second nature with him. Sort of the antithesis of me. Not that I’m standoffish, but…


“It’s the nature of my life, my job, to be…insular, I suppose.” He sighed, realizing he didn’t particularly like the idea. One he’d had before and never really done anything about. “Once a loner, always a loner?”


Chapter 7