Derek Murphy has come to the godforsaken small town of Merritt, British Columbia, in search of a new beginning. The man is tired, jaded, and resigned to never having sex again. Until Friday night at the local sports bar changes everything.

Harold Graham, hometown boy made good, has lived in Merritt his entire life. When he meets the new guy in town, he's compelled to reach out the hand of friendship. And maybe more.

But secrets and omissions cloud what could be the beginning of something special. Can they take a chance on being vulnerable enough to fall in love?

"Ace's Place" is a 13,000-word short story about second chances, hockey, and an adorable but nosy Bouvier.