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

“I’ll get one hot dish, and you can give it a taste if you want. I like it spicy.” Ryan winked.


“Ryan, why should I look for another job?”


“I recognize your manager’s response. Regardless of how good you are at your job, being gay or bi will trump it. Trust me. I’ve seen it; been a victim. Now I tell them in interviews I’m gay and if that’s an issue, better to not hire me.”


A Chinese waiter glided up with pen and pad in hand. “Hi, Ryan.” His gentle voice seemed out of character for a tall, fit guy.


He tossed a glance at Strider. “Business meeting?”


Ryan shook his head. “Wu, this is Strider, my new boyfriend.”


He nodded. “Nice to meet you. Ryan’s a sweetheart. I hope the two of you will be veryhappy.” His voice seemed flat.


“Uh, thanks.” Strider tilted his head.


Ryan groaned. “Wu is jealous. We used to date. He’ll get over it in a decade or two.”


“Ready to order, sir?” Ice cycles hung from Wu’s words.


Chapter 6