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

“All right, I’ll call you a cab.” While I did, Derek and Boone chatted by the door and I watched their faces, the affection in their eyes. Those two were still the best of friends and it warmed my chest to know that O’Reilly would always have my brother to count on.


“Well, I’ll see you two at Mom and Dad’s, huh?” Boone squeezed my shoulder. “That’s gonna be something. Hope Dad made a new batch of Aquavit, huh?”


My parents were gonna meet Spencer for the first time.


“It’s gonna be an amazing moment,” Derek, said, rubbing my arm. “Don’t worry so much, Nick.” His faith in me always gave me courage. “Your mom’s gonna love that little boy and your dad is gonna make us all cry with one of his famous sentimental toasts.”


Chapter 40