Throughout his career, actor John Paravati has stuck with what he told the gossip rags -- he's been in like, in lust, even in respect once or twice, but never love. All he's ever cared about is performing. If he's stuck now doing commercials for cruise lines, at least it's better than shilling adult diapers.<br><br>But Hollywood pretends, and John is a master. Because once upon a time, he loved two things more than anything -- his best friend Frank and the movie palace he used as sanctuary.<br><br>Over fifty years ago, John ran away from his hometown. Now, someone has restored the theater he left behind, and they want John at its relaunch. The memories still sting, but he agrees to attend, even though it means dealing with heartache. At seventy-seven, he's too old to hold onto the hurt. The question is, however, is he too old to start over once it's gone?

The Hearts of Yesteryear

“So she hit forty and got nostalgic, is that it?”


Frank chuckled. “Forty-three. The twins went off to college, and she needed a project. It started with the usual genealogy rigamarole, but when she came back to Shakersville to dig around for information, she found out the theater was on the market and the rest is pretty much history.”


Not really, though John’s fury was eased a bit at hearing such mundane—and understandable—roots. “How did I end up coming into all this?”


Frank’s coffee and pizza showed up right then, diverting Frank’s attention to Doug for a moment as he smiled and thanked him for the service. John tried not to look too interested in their exchange, but his curiosity was too great. He’d never thought for a second he’d ever see Frank Hanson again, and here he was, in the flesh and blood, enough like the boy of his dreams and memories to send his heart ricocheting against his ribs.


Chapter 16