A Step Too Far - Tom Crampton

Is it ever too late in life to admit you've been living a lie?

Alex has reached his middle years. Though outwardly successful, his private life is a closed book. Things did not unfold as he'd planned, despite his ambition and drive to succeed. Having lived alone in Los Angeles for the past six years, Alex has had plenty of time to contemplate his most burning question-can his desire blossom from its shameful beginnings and become the cornerstone of a happy, fulfilled life?

A chance encounter at a cookery class with a gentle man called Luis forces him to re-examine the choices of his past. Could this finally be his opportunity to overcome his natural English reticence and unburden himself to someone who seems so willing to listen without judgement?

Where can he start? His sad childhood in an English seaside town? His first fumbling encounter with a boy under the pier? His honest confession that cost him the thing most dear to him-his family?

As an unexpected friendship develops between them both, Alex revisits his past hoping that, with Luis' help, he can finally start looking forward.