John Dornbrook is forty-nine years old. He's been doing the same job for fifteen years and hates it. But when he’s laid-off, it hits him hard and his world turns upside down. When he meets Hollis Lombard, his neighbor’s grandson, the unexpected happens.<br><br>Hollis Lombard is determined to get John out of his funk, so he offers to take him on a summer road trip. They head out west in search of adventure, but John is touchy and lashes out easily. Hollis, aware of the attraction between them, doesn’t want to take any chances which could hurt their budding friendship.<br><br>It's all a frightful muddle, and it remains to be seen if they can overcome their issues in time to reach their final destination. Will the journey be worth it?

Unexpected Journey

“So what are we doing in Denver?” I asked, hoping to get us back on friendlier terms, in spite of myself.


Hollis grabbed a small bottle of water from the tiny refrigerator. “Concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.”


I hadn’t expected that. “What am I going to do while you’re rocking out over there?” Though it wouldn’t be more than I deserved to be left behind. Come to think of it, when was the last time I’d even beento a concert? God, it had been decades ago.


He grinned, and it looked genuine this time. “Oh, you’re coming with me. I bought two tickets a while back, knowing that either way, I’d find someone to take along. Always happens, dunno how. Maybe the universe likes me.” Well, I certainly like you, was my traitorous thought.


“I’m really sorry, Hollis, for what I blurted earlier. You touched a sore spot and I lashed out. I didn’t mean it, and I would never hurt you. I have no excuse and I would totally understand if you ditched me on the road and ran me over with the car, twice.”


Chapter 5