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

“Because, usually, he’d mention your name every so often, and every time he would, his whole face would be transformed by love.” Larry paused and eyed me, a sad smile forming on his lips. “But the last time I saw him, he wouldn’t speak your name. Even when I asked if he’d heard from you.” He made a motion as though zipping up his mouth. “Nothing. Not a Nicolaiout of his mouth. Nor a Nick. Or a Nico for that matter.”


Larry held back a smile and patted the program with his free hand. “I have a feeling you’ll hear from him soon. He always knew when you’d strolled back into town. It was like he could feel you in the air.”


“I’ll take care of him,” I blurted out, everything in me contained in that sentence.


Larry turned serious, almost grim, and nodded again.


“I will.” I gave him a defiant look. “This time, I won’t let him down.”


Chapter 8