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

Ryan shook his hand and held eye contact longer than customary and let out a gentle smile. The mother hugged Strider, and Mr. Marshall grabbed Strider’s hand with both of his, shaking it.


“I apologize again for my earlier conduct. You call me about that job.”


Strider left and made it home, luxuriating in the memory of Ryan.


The next morning, Strider showered and made it to work early instead of his occasional fifteen minutes late. His voicemail had a new message.


Hi, Strider, this is Ryan. We met yesterday at the wedding. I’m the gay guy who my dad hates. Uh, I took the card you left for him and wanted to apologize for his attitude, and thank you for being so cool about it. Uh, okay, thanks.He left his phone number.


Strider listened three more times with closed eyes, recalling Ryan’s smile, his sexy cologne, his pink tie, and the hurt of his father’s rejection. He saved the message and left for his presentation.


Chapter 4