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

When he tried to reach for Frank, however, Frank jerked upright, knocking over the flashlight in his haste to get to his feet. He straightened to right it again, but instead of sitting back down, he leaned against the low wall, facing John, as if afraid John would try touching him again.


“That.” Frank jabbed a finger at him though the harshness of the accusation was mitigated by the way his hand trembled. “That’s why Dad’s decided it has to stop. Guys don’t touch each other as much as we do. They don’t have these dreams, and they want to go out with girls instead of being together. What we feel, how easy we are with each other and everything else…it’s not natural. And us being around each other is only making it so we can’t get better.”


John shook his head. “We’re not sick.”


“We are,” he insisted. “Dad’s a doctor. He knows these things. He says two men aren’t supposed to have these urges or these feelings like we do. That’s not the way the world works.”


Chapter 20