Chosen by a former Olympic swimmer to train for the 2016 Games as a pre-teen, Reed’s journey begins. Along the way, he develops feelings for two childhood friends: neighbor Cal and lifelong rival Mathias. Cal’s struggle with his sexuality brings tragedy. Mathias’s wealth makes Reed feel as if they’re from different worlds.<br><br>As Rio approaches, Mathias becomes a gay sports icon, while Reed must hide his sexuality for a lucrative endorsement deal important to his family’s future. Reed’s unresolved desires for both men remain, and so do the things that have kept them apart. Has Reed grown enough to navigate rougher waters, to find truth, pride, victory, and love?

Truth, Pride, Victory, Love

“Get over it,” I replied. I was far too cool and manly to get mushy back, though honestly, I missed her too. I missed her a lot. I’d made a few buddies on the swim team, but none were as awesome as Caryn or Cal.


Eventually, I missed the competition too. I creamed my opponents way too easily, and that made swimming lose a bit of its luster and appeal. I stuck with it, though, and my junior year in high school, some sort of synergy between the school and the town pool suddenly resulted in Dover High having a team as well. Finally our mascot made sense! The Dover High Sharks were about to compete in water, and I was damned excited.


Chapter 7