One thing Derek has always searched for is perfection. And in Nick's love, he thought he'd found it. But marriage is rarely perfect and Nick Lund isn't a myth, but a human being, faulted as anyone. With their relationship on the rocks, Derek faces loneliness and doubt, estranged from the man he's adored for most of his life. When he learns that he has a cousin living in the city, a young man named Myles he never knew existed, Derek seeks him out. The two men begin a beautiful friendship that provides Derek with some solace and perspective. But in spite of the affection he feels for Myles, Derek's heart belongs to Nick, who's willing to do anything to get them back on track. Nick is ready to forsake his restaurant Split, the city life he adores and all of his ambitions to win Derek's trust again. Derek is convinced that a quiet existence in the burbs is the solution to all of their problems. Or will it be the biggest mistake of their lives?

Red Dreams

It’s on the third floor, no air conditioning, and I tell you, when that midday sun hits those old windows, the place turns into a sauna. I must have lost ten pounds just sitting there on his double bed stripped of sheets, watching Myles get ready for our little country escapade.


His bedroom, I have to say, is clean and quite pleasing, decorated in a Japanese style, very minimal, black, white and a touch of persimmon red, but then he has these great big posters that bring a burst of color to the room. One is of Mount Fuji at sunset. And the other is of a Japanese cherry orchard. He also has a laughing Buddha in the corner of his room where he burns this exquisite incense that I smell on his clothes sometimes.


“This one or this one?” He held up two sleeveless T-shirts. One white. One dark blue.


Chapter 22