At a friend’s wedding reception, Strider is berated by a man who assumes Strider is his son’s lover. He doesn’t even know the guy! The man apologizes and offers Strider a sales position at his company. After the reception Ryan, the man’s son, calls to apologize for his father. The two start talking, and Strider confesses his attraction to men, though he’s only ever dated girls. The two find they have a lot in common, and one date leads to another as their relationship deepens.<br><br>On top of the world with a new love and a new job, Strider accidentally comes out to his boss, putting his position in jeopardy. Can Strider learn to accept who he is and come out, celebrating his new relationship with Ryan while working for Ryan’s homophobic father?

Making Wise Decisions

Mr. Marshall lectured, “Ryan, I thought you were going to keep your sex life private. Why is he here?”


Ryan scowled. “First, we’re not having sex here, and second, it was youwho lectured for me to stay in the closet. I never agreed.”


Strider’s surprise turned to anger. He considered the immature action of punching the asshole. The officer’s final words floated by: Make wise decisions.He pushed his wine glass away as Ryan’s sister lectured back.


“Daddy, God made Ryan the way he is, and remember, homosexuality is a genetic issue. Others in the family are likely gay, too.” She seemed pleased to put her dad down.


Chapter 3