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

“Hey, Cal.” I tried to act all “So what?” I even held up my fist for a bump, but Cal left me hanging. “This is Cal,” I told Mathias. “My best bud.” Could I have been any more affected and phony macho?


“Nice to meet you.” Mathias offered a hand.


“Wanna help rake, Cal?” Devon offered his—his hand, not his rake. Cal shook it. Cal was awesome too.


“We just have to lug them down,” I said. “We’re almost done.”


To my surprise, Cal kicked in. We finished quickly, and once we had, Mathias offered to hit up the Dunkin’ Donuts in town to get everyone coffee. “You drink coffee, right?” he asked me.


“Sure.” I’d had chocolate milk for breakfast.


“We could all go,” Mathias said. “But whoever gets stuck in the back won’t be very comfortable. Oh.” Something suddenly dawned on him. “I brought a surprise.”


Chapter 22