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

“Yeah, I know that.” I laughed a little. Could we still laugh?


He stared at me. “It’s about transcendence. Transgressing your own limits because of love.”


I touched his black hair. “I think Dave Gahan is singing about being high.”


“There’s different kinds of highs…”


“Yeah.” I stroked his hand. “You’re right.”


“You’re the highest high I’ve ever had.” He swallowed and cringed and his cheeks flushed darker.


“What hurts?” I leaned in closer, helpless to ease his pain. “Do you need ice to suck on?”


He weakly shook his head. “Tell me about Alaska.”


I remembered what Annette had said. How I wished I could go back in time and take Davie with me on all my travels…I should have taken him with me. But he had a life here in Vancouver. His friends. Lovers. Passions.


“Alaska?” I said, my voice cracking with emotion. Had to be strong.


I’d spent six months In Alaska, four years ago. Worked the bar in a fancy hotel in downtown Anchorage.


Chapter 16