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

I tried to set the needle down but my hand was trembling and I was afraid to scratch the record. I finally managed it and slowly turned around.


He was watching me with a strange expression. Almost serene. There was a mystery in his eyes. With a motion of his head, he invited me to sit again.


I did, grabbing his hand once more. “What?” I asked, over the sound of the music playing quietly in the background.


“I dream all the time.” He shivered and coughed and his expression tightened with pain.


“And I always dream of you in a chef’s jacket.” He winced and shut his eyes. “Promise me you’ll do that. Promise me you’ll open your restaurant. Promise me, Nick.”


“What?” There was an edge to my voice. “Forget that right now.”


“No, promise me. And you’ll get married. And you’ll have a kid.”


I scoffed, shaking my head at him, and leaned back in my seat, letting go of his hand. “The fever’s making you delirious.”


Chapter 17