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

“No, Nick,” he protested, moving his foot out of my hand to rub it. “You were on your feet longer than I was.” He tucked a lose strand of my hair behind my ear. “You did so great. Everyone said so. The plates looked amazing and I know it was insane in that kitchen.”


“Thank you.” I kissed his hand and stood, looking down at him. My beautiful man. “Waiters must be swimming in tips, though, right? How about Andy, how did he make do?”


“He’s closing up the bar. Dancing from one spot to another, singing to himself. So, yeah, he did good, I think. I’ll check everything in a few—”


“No, no, it’s almost midnight. We’ll balance everything tomorrow, okay?”


“I prefer to catch any mistakes quickly.” He turned his chair around to face his laptop. He was squinting, looking so dashing in his black suit, red hair slicked back. What a class-act he was. “Go make sure our staff isn’t eating its way through tonight’s profit, will you, my love?” He was typing, serious again.


Chapter 43