Grown Men: A Novel

The Story

Austin Sinclair and Jack Winston grew up together on the poor side of town-one quiet sober and tenacious; the other a reckless charmer always seeking a challenge. And they shared a love for tennis that forged an unlikely bond-and incited a fierce rivalry-between them. Chancing upon the game in high school, they mastered it, each nurturing secret dreams of fame, wealth, women and glory on the championship circuit. Then adult life took them in different directions. Jack's adulthood started off badly, with a too early marriage and child, followed soon after by divorce. But a silver tongue and a taste for the good things brought him success, a Cadillac, a grand house and a trophy wife. Austin, too, was successful, but only after laboring long and hard-as patience, persistence and devotion to the almighty work ethic ultimately won him the 'right' woman, and an important position as pillar of his bank and his affluent Florida community. Jack and Austin haven't spoken in years. Now they are grown men-mature, accomplished and middle-aged. And a chance reunion in a crowded restaurant results in a friendly, fateful invitation to compete once again at Austin's exclusive tennis club. But from the first serve on an impeccable clay court to the final, breathless point of a truly unforgettable match, unresolved resentments and tensions will determine the pace of the play. For every lob and backhand, every point surrendered or won, brings with it serious questions about the past and the choices made. With each set comes potentially explosive revelations about love, money and the nature of competition. And by match's end, Austin and Jack will know more about themselves, their game and their friendship than they knew at the onset-and their lives will have changed forever.