Two men trapped in an elevator are about to discover they have more in common than the inconvenience of lost time. Dr. Mason Grant recognizes Parker Collins, whom he had loved during their senior year in high school, but Parker does not immediately recognize Mason. Maybe it’s the passage of time that has dulled his memory ... or maybe it’s the wheelchair in which Mason is confined. As the two wait to be rescued, Mason recalls their six month love affair -- its uncertain beginning, its athletic highs both on and off the field, its romantic peacefulness spent at the Grant’s remote lake cabin, as well as its painful lows and horrific conclusion. The teenage Mason realized there were two sides to his lover -- the confident Parker, an athletic hero popular with both teammates and female students, and the private Parker, who is unsure, sexually submissive, and needs to be cuddled and petted. All Mason wanted then was for Parker to love him, and not diminish what they shared by giving in to the social pressures that demanded he play out the role of football jock and studly lady killer. Now that they’re grown men, what happens when Parker sees past Mason’s wheelchair and realizes who’s trapped in the elevator with him?

Trapped Nerves

“Uh, not really, though I’ve seen dad do it


The two fixed supper. Mason cleaned the fish,


then Parker coated them in flour and fried them along with some


potatoes in a large skillet. The fish, potatoes, a can of peas and


several bottles of Mr. Grant’s beer formed supper.


Parker wanted to eat outside on the porch,


but by the time supper was over, the temperatures had dropped


significantly, and Mason was beginning to shiver. However, Parker


“It’s amazing out here. You’re so lucky to


have this place. It’s so quiet, there’s no one around to bother


you, or to stick their nose into your business.”


“Yeah, I know. Because we’re so far from city


lights, the stars always seem to shine brighter.” Mason pointed to


the far horizon. “Look over there.”


love…“Come on, let’s go inside, it’s freezing out here.”


By silent mutual consent the pair decided


Chapter 22