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

Back in the living room, I look around my empty apartment, and for the first time in my life, I wonder if I’ll make it through the day without hurting myself. I sit and pull my phone out of my pants.


Sheryl picks up on the first ring. “Hey, you,” she says, cheerfully. “What’s up?”


I lie down on the couch, curling into a ball. “Sheryl,” I say in a broken voice. “I need you to come over. I don’t think I can hold on.”


“Don’t move. Don’t do anything. Just stay there.” I hear her say something to someone. “I’ll be right there, Ryde. Just don’t drink, honey. Don’t you dare do it.”


Three days later, Sheryl parks the car in front of my apartment building and puts her hand over mine. “Are you sure you’re gonna be okay all alone?”


I’ve been staying at her house for three days. I can’t ask for any more of her attention or time. “Yeah, I’ll be all right.” I lean in and kiss her cheek.


Chapter 70