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

“They, uh, make an amazing vegetarian wrap,” O’Reilly said, pointing to the little canteen restaurant inside.


As we walked through the picnic area, I caught a few curious stares following us. I supposed we did make quite a pair. Because of my height and long hair, I’d always attracted attention, but now with him at my side, looking like some kind of beautiful Celtic elf I’d found in the forest, I knew we wouldn’t be able to keep a low profile, no matter where we went. Inside, Derek walked up to the counter and the man behind it recognized him. They exchanged a few friendly words, and all the while, I stood there, watching O’Reilly’s every move. He ordered for us and we found a rickety glass table in the corner by the postcard stand.


Chapter 33