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

“Wait!” She follows me and grabs my elbow. “Are you jealous or something?”


I lean back from her and stare her straight in the face. I don’t care who knows I’m gay anymore. “Tell Alicia she better back off,” I say, knowing I’ve just sold myself out. “Alistair’s not interested in her, or anybody else for that matter.”


“Yeah, I know…” She lights her cigarette. “That’s what I told her.”


She smirks and looks down the street at Alistair’s house. “He’s a little strange, but there’s nothing wrong with being a little strange.” She takes a drag of her cigarette like she’s rehearsing a movie scene. “He’s really beautiful too. Too bad he’s so terribly shy.” She throws her hair back, playing coquette. “I bet he’s still a virgin, all innocent and fresh.”


“Yeah, well, keep your claws off him.”


Sheryl mocks a cry and throws a hand to her forehead. “My dear Ryde, I have no use for boys like him. What could I possibly do with him?”


Chapter 10