Lou is married, in the closet, and facing bankruptcy in Carmel, California. It’s Christmas Eve and he must sell his house to pay his debts while he tries to cope with the mysterious voice in his head telling him it's time to go home. He has no idea what that means, but he's pretty sure the voice is a symptom of stress. His wife has left him for her longtime lover and when he goes to his favorite bar on Christmas Eve, all he’s hoping for is a friendly face to help him forget his problems.<br><br>When George joins him at the bar, claiming to be an old college buddy, Lou doesn’t remember him, but he can’t deny the instant attraction that springs up between them. George knows about the voice in Lou’s head, and claims to be from another world where he and Lou were bonded partners. He’s come back to help Lou remember who he is so they can be reunited.<br><br>Lou doesn’t believe a word of George’s story, but takes him home for the night to ease his own pain. The sex is so good he decides to go along with George’s delusions even though he suspects the guy is crazy. On the Carmel beach on Christmas day at sunset, George insists that the way home is within their grasp if Lou will just trust him. Lou wants to believe this strange man, but to do that he has to let go of everything he knows about how the world works.

About Time

“Go fuck yourself.” He closed his eyes and let himself drift, but snapped awake when George opened the door. “That was fast.”


George threw his suitcase on the rear seat. “Hadn’t unpacked yet.” He slid into the driver’s seat. “So where to?”


Lou gave him directions to Carmel. Soon they were turning onto Pacific Avenue. Generally, Lou didn’t like being a passenger in a car, but tonight was different. His buzz had started to wear off, leaving him more than half aroused. It felt nice to be taken care of. Nice to let go. He did feel good and George looked completely relaxed at the wheel.


“Did we really know each other in college?” Lou asked.


George glanced around before he slowed at a yellow light and reached for Lou’s knee again with his right hand. The pressure George exerted on that mysterious muscle made Lou’s half erection grow harder.


“We are friends, Lou, but it’s been a while.”


Chapter 6