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

Curious, I walked past him and pushed on the swinging doors, stepping into the dining room. The afternoon sun filtered through the blinds, washing this guy in light. The first thing I saw, was his hair. It was the most amazing color I’d ever seen. Dark cherry red, with highlights of amber and copper, the color so unique, it was almost magical. He was medium height, maybe five-nine, dressed in a gray suit, standing there, watching me as though I was some miraculous event unfolding before his very eyes.


“Nick,” he said, in a voice that was hauntingly familiar. A voice full of restraint and passion. “You—ou don’t re—recognize me?” he stuttered.


Those eyes. Those avocado-green eyes. Oh, fuck, he was that kid. That kid I’d never quite forgotten.


Chapter 24