Fourteen years ago, on the banks of Craving’s Creek, Ryde swore to his best friend Alistair he’d never be alone in the world. Though Alistair was destined for the priesthood, there was something beyond holy about the first kiss they shared. But a fun camping trip went horribly wrong when Alistair was involved in a horrific incident. Now, at age thirty-one, Ryde’s life is a mess of alcohol and the painful imprint of his last look into Alistair’s desperate eyes. Since the evil they encountered on that shore, his first love has been lost to him ... until he learns a friend’s wedding is to be officiated by a priest named Father Alistair Genet. Amid the rush of emotions, one thought crystallizes: Ryde’s love for Alistair has never died. It’s stronger than ever. But can it win over the repressed memories slowly tearing Alistair’s mind apart?

Craving's Creek

Out of the corner of my eye, I see him shaking his head. No, he’s not staying for light comedy television and curry chicken.


We pass my house but don’t even look at it, because whatever the weather or time, I’ve always walked him home. When we reach his house, I feel like someone is squeezing my windpipe. I want to say something to him about the idiotic party and how trivial it is to me, but instead, I stuff my hands down my pockets and step back into the street. “I’ll see you tomorrow, I guess.”


He nods and looks back at his house. I know he’s going to sit at that table and say his prayers and ask to be forgiven for something we haven’t even done yet.


At the door, he gives me one last look and I can’t stand it. “What?” I snap at him.


“Nothing.” He slams the door in my face.


Chapter 6