Dan Holstrom is a middle-aged widower who spent the past year wallowing in grief. His daughter is determined to get him out and socializing again, and to that end, she enlists her boyfriend, Bruce, a personal trainer at a gym, to coach her father. Bruce decides to involve his own father, Luke Fraser, to get Dan back among the living. Luke Fraser is a gay man, a gym aficionado, and an all-around nice guy. When his son Bruce explains he has a new client who is a non-active bisexual man who withdrew socially after the death of his wife, Luke is intrigued and willing to help. An attraction grows between Luke and Dan which slowly morphs into something more. However, Dan’s insecurities cause the budding relationship to cool, and Luke is seen out and about with another man. Reluctantly Dan agrees to accompany Luke to Calgary, where the mystery man in Luke’s life reappears. Dan’s ready to give up and go back to his semi-reclusive life. When a misunderstanding jeopardizes their relationship, is it too late to rebuild things between the two men?

Love, Again

I ignored calls from friends and family alike. Somewhere in my feeble mind, I felt I didn’t have the strength to face criticism or questions. I only wanted everyone to leave me alone.


February was the worst month of the year—the shortest but the most brutal. I had previously avoided invites to New Year’s Eve parties and subsequent dinners. I hadn’t been to the gym for over a month and missed Luke.


My phone made its bizarre sound showing a call from my daughter. Steeling my nerve, I answered.


“Don’t start on me with sarcasm. I’ve got my eyes glared so you ought to know I mean business.” I shook my head at my madness.


“Happy New Year, Daddy. Bruce wants to know when you might grace the gym with your presence again.”


I said, “I’m still glaring, and that comment sounded sarcastic.” It was nice to hear her voice.


Chapter 10