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

Later, after the cake has been devoured and the kids have all left, Michael and Gabe put Peaches to bed, while Sheryl and I sit around the kitchen, enjoying the silence. My ears are still ringing from the noise. “Thank you for coming today,” Sheryl says, putting her hand on mine. “I really needed you to.”


Lately, she’s been trying to be more involved in her daughter’s life, but Sheryl struggles with motherhood. Always has. I wish I could help her see the woman she could be. I’ve been a bad friend to her. I’ve only led her farther and farther away from herself.


“Listen,” I say, “I know I’ve been a nightmare to be around in the last ten years or more, and I really don’t know why or how you put up with me for so long, but I want you to know that things are gonna be better from now on. Okay? Do you believe me?”


“You look so different,” she says, almost sadly.


Chapter 39