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

If I stay, I might say or do something he’s not ready for. I’m not sure I’mready when it comes down to it.


“The joys of owning your own business?” Byron asked.


Jonah smiled as he got up. “Very much so. Not that I’m complaining. Well, except right now because it is cutting a very nice evening too short.”


“Perhaps…” Byron cocked his head inquisitively, as if afraid to voice the obvious question


“We can do this again? I think so.” Jonah grinned. “I’d invite you to dinner at my place, but as I said, I’m a lousy cook. I don’t think you’d want whatever store-bought meal I have in the freezer.”


“I’ll pass on that,” Byron replied, accompanying Jonah to the door. “Although I do have a few in my freezer too, for emergencies.”


Chapter 12