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

“You look a little tired, Nicolai.” Dad flipped and moved around the various pieces of meat on the grill. “You work too hard, both of you. Work is good, Nico, but a man needs to rest, too.”


“It’s the summer rush, Dad,” I said, defensively. “Things will quiet down in the fall.” Truth was, O’Reilly and I were finding out that we were both workaholics. We were almost competitive about it, too. I wouldn’t let him catch me resting too long and the same went with him. It did wonders for our business, but how long could we keep up this crazy pace?


“Oh, man, Dad,” Boone said, joining us. “This smells so good. Anything ready on here? I’m starving.” He grabbed a fork, poking around the meat.


“Hey, hey, don’t touch.” Dad ruffled Boone’s hair. “It’s almost done.”


Chapter 45