Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts

Gr 10 Up–Recent high school graduate Grant Rossi is reeling from being dumped by his latest boyfriend. He believes that this is just another failed relationship brought on by a curse from a wish he made on the Wishing Rose at his family’s vineyard. Once excited about going to design school and becoming a fashion designer, Grant’s latest bout of depression has made it difficult for him to plan for his future. He decides to go to the vineyard in an attempt to help the struggling bed-and-breakfast that has been in his family for generations. When he arrives, he discovers his childhood best friend and reason for the wish, Ben, is working as the gardener on the property. Grant’s struggles with depression and self-acceptance are not sugar-coated; he frequently uses the curse as an excuse for why his relationships end instead of working through his emotions and past traumas. Grant knows that he needs changes in his life but has to figure out what those changes need to be. Ben is Scottish, kind, and has his own life issues he must face, including the fallout from his friendship breakup with Grant. Grant’s big Italian family is supportive but also has to come to terms with the roles they have played in Grant’s depression and reactions to his coming out.