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

He puts his hand over mine. His fingers are wet with orange juice. I can’t help holding his hand, though I really don’t want my dad to see.


“So, Alistair,” my mother says, turning the music down a little, “you have your own tent? You could have stayed in ours—”


“Um, well, ‘cause my father said that—”


“No, no, I understand.” She looks over her seat and smiles at him. I quickly move my hand from under his. “I hope it’s easy to put up,” my mom says, glancing down at our hands.


“Yeah, you just have to pull on something and it explodes into shape.”


“Oh, good.” She waves at the girls. “Are you two all right back there?”


They scream out their answer. Yes, they’re all right.


“I understand it was your birthday yesterday?” My father sounds so official. He’s watching the road, but glancing up at Alistair’s face in the side mirror. “So, what are you now, sixteen?”


“Seventeen, sir.” Alistair sits up straight.


“Don’t sir him,” I say, very low. “It’s all right.”


Chapter 21