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

“I’m sorry you think I’m chasing a fantasy. I’m sorry you don’t believe in dreaming anymore. But I do, Sheryl. I do. And I wanna live, and that means trying, goddamn it.”


“Oh, I’ve tried, Ryde. I’ve tried all my life, and trust me, I know what it’s like to dream about someone you can never have.”


I stare down at her, see the truth in her eyes. Did she mean…me?


“Why do you think I married a gay man, Ryde? Do you ever think about that? Because Michael reminded me of you. And look where that got me. Divorced and playing third wheel to him and his perfect husband Gabe.”


“So, you wanna keep chasing the impossible, go right on ahead. But don’t ask me to be there to hold you when everything comes apart. I can’t be your platonic wife anymore.”


For the first time in my life, I fear I might lose her. “Hey, hey,” I say, touching her hair. “Are we still friends? What’s going on?”


Chapter 46