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

It was apparent Byron was startled, but he took it in stride, replying, “Saturday?”


“That works.” They were in front of the restaurant by then. Jonah opened the door, saying as he did, “So we’ll pass on their lasagna tonight?”


“Or have some, so you can see mine is ten times as good.” Byron winked.


Amused, Jonah shook his head, saved from having to actually answer by the hostess asking “Table for two?” He told her yes and they followed her to one along the wall. The waitress arrived moments later and after a brief consultation they ordered a bottle of the house red. By the time she returned, they both knew what they wanted to eat. Byron ordered linguini and clams while Jonah, contrary to Byron’s joking suggestion about the lasagna, got parmigiana with eggplant.


“To friendship,” Byron said, lifting his wine glass.


Chapter 8