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

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” she told him. “It’s just that I’ve known Jonah since forever. I saw him through his breakup with idiot boy. You’re much more—”


“Rae!” Jonah said again, emphatically.


“Well, he is.” She winked. “Now, I’d better join Margie before she overdoes it trying to impress you two.” She kissed Jonah’s cheek. “See you later.”


“She’s good people,” Jonah said as he and Byron walked to the elevator.


Jonah nodded. “That would be her. A sweet, nosy woman who’s objective it to see everyone happy.”


They left it at that, other than Jonah’s saying as he got off the elevator, “To quote Rae, I’ll see you later. In this case, in a couple of hours.”


Byron wandered nervously around the living room, making certain everything was in place and looking its best. Then he checked the dining room, stopping to straighten the silverware beside one of the plates.


Chapter 10