It's been eleven years since Nick ran off with David for the West Coast. And though his life resembles a blue dream, after more than a decade of bar tending in resorts and cruise ships, Nick is finally thinking of heading home. First, he needs to go see about David in Vancouver ...<br><br>When he arrives, Nick finds a community of young men devastated by AIDS. Part of him wants to flee back to Montreal, but David is dying and Nick knows his place is by his best friend's side. In those four days and nights in David's apartment by the English Bay, Nick learns more about himself than he ever did before. When it's all over, he packs his bag and locks up his grief, determine to honor the promise he made to David of opening up his own restaurant.<br><br>Five years later, Nick is gaining a reputation in the industry as a chef, but has yet to have any meaningful relationships. Until Derek O'Reilly, that redheaded kid with the avocado-green eyes he used to know, walks into his dining room and ignites Nick's passion once more.

Blue Awakenings

Why was I even thinking about that kid? Oh, right, the avocado.


I felt pretty good tonight. That walk on the beach had cleared my head, and then my afternoon nap had been undisturbed. People knew not to knock on my door between the hours of noon and five, but often times, they did anyway.


Through the window by my unmade bed, I could hear voices streaming by, as the crowds were slowly emerging from the dining room or other restaurants around the resort. They’d soon start gathering by the bars near the pool, but on Fridays, those slow hours weren’t mine. No, I came in when the moon was sucking up the ocean and people were already sloshed and eager for excitement.


That was the thing that puzzled me, though. What did they expect would happen? It was the same resort as last night. Mostly the same people, too.


Chapter 4