Mark is a man on the horns of a dilemma. He's in the midst of a five-year affair with a married man and he wants out ... but isn’t sure he can give up his lover.<br><br>Austin, who lives in the apartment building across the street from Mark, has his own problems. Two years earlier, the man he loved died in a horrible auto accident. Austin is still trying to come to terms with seeing it happen, and dealing with the aftermath.<br><br>After watching Mark from his balcony, making up stories about what he sees, Austin decides to meet him. Will the meeting help the two come to grips with their problems? And if it does, can they move on to something more than possible friendship?

The Man on the Balcony

Mark’s shoulders slumped as he said, “For once, I think I’m glad you were watching me from your balcony. Thank you for rescuing me.”


“No problem. You looked as if you could use some backup. I’m glad I could help.”


“Me too,” Mark replied, sounding forlorn as he walked over to drop down on the sofa. He buried his face in his hands, sighing deeply.


“It’s going to be okay,” Austin said, taking a seat in the armchair. “You might not believe it right now, but it will be.” He paused, looking at Mark. “None of my business, but how did you manage to get hooked up with a married man? One whom, I’m presuming, isn’t out of the closet.”


“He came into the costume shop,” Mark replied, not looking up. “There was an instant attraction.”


“Did you know, then, he was married?”


Mark stiffened, looking at Austin. “Of course not. I wouldn’t have hooked up with him, if I had. He doesn’t have a wedding ring, or if he does, he doesn’t wear it all the time.”


Chapter 12