One reason I don’t care for gay literature (although I write
it) is because the romance oftentimes gets rather mushy, but this short story
from Paul Alan Fahey doesn’t bog down in sappy, sugary dialogues or
settings. Most of the conversations take
place between main character Professor Leland Hansen and co-workers with witty
banter. But when Leland talks to his ex Cliff, the dialogue sounds real. I didn’t feel I was reading an inexperienced
someone’s version of what they think two gay men would say to each other.
For those of us who have had a great relationship end, this
story may cut a little too close to home, but the reader can sympathize with
Leland. Five years after they broke up,
Leland still pines for tall, handsome Cliff.
They were in love but Leland’s concerns about being outed at the
university where he teaches drove them apart.
Now with Christmas coming, Leland is even more
destitute. To make matters worse, Cliff
calls him out of the blue to let him know he’s getting married. Their phone conversation ends badly and
Leland has to overcome a paralyzing fear if he hopes to correct the biggest
mistake he’s made.
The HEA ending is expected but at least it was presented in
a manner the reader doesn’t need a shot of insulin.
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