Journalist Paul Bradley reports on an act of heroism by paramedic Drew McGregor and goes on to have him nominated for a bravery award. Drew's heroism is a great story that Paul wants to make the most of, but he has other reasons to want to see the great-looking and openly gay Drew again. Ones he doesn't dare speak about, since he's deeply closeted and terrified of being outed, fearing losing his career.<br><br>When Drew accidentally finds out Paul is gay, he's initially angry at the deception, but he's sympathetic too and his kindness encourages Paul to confess his feelings. Drew likes Paul, but won't date a closeted man, saying that leads to too many lies, too much pain. Paul will have to reevaluate all the choices he’s made for the sake of career and family, if he wants Drew to give him a chance.

Role Model

“They wouldn’t,” Paul said. But he liked the modesty. Everyone liked a modest hero. And maybe McGregor denied the heroism because he wasn’t ready to face how close he’d been to death tonight.


“It’s nice you’re taking such an interest,” McGregor said, “but I have to go home. I need sleep.”


“Okay. Let me give you my card. It’s got my e-mail address. Please tell me what you think of the story and the picture. It’s up on the paper’s website now, and I think it will go national.”


“But you work for the local paper, right?” McGregor said, putting the card in his pocket.


“The Chronicle, yes.” Paul tried not to grit his teeth when he said it. Yeah, the local rag. But every day he was looking for his ticket out. As Paul watched the car drive away, he had to wonder if Andrew McGregor might not be that ticket.


Chapter 3