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

Finally, I reach the last house and turn the corner. On the next street, Babylon, I take a break and sit on the curb. It’s getting a little hotter and I forgot to bring something to drink, but I’ll be all right. I stare at the oil in a rain puddle. It looks like a rainbow.


I think of the gay flag. I think of Alistair.


This morning, when I woke up, I went straight to my window but couldn’t see him, and now I have this knot in my stomach because I have a feeling he’s freaked out about the kiss. I’m a little freaked out about it too. But probably not in the same way. He’s going to be hiding out in his room until they drive him to that Catholic creep camp. I won’t see him anymore. Last night was most probably the last time I saw his face. He’s going to hang black curtains in his window and tell his mother never to answer my calls.


Chapter 13