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

“I don’t mean to.” Coach Keller gripped my forearms, maybe so I wouldn’t punch him in the mouth. “Listen, there’s this saying.” He waited until my eyes met his. “There’s the Olympics, and then there is everything else.”


“It doesn’t mean we don’t care about Cal. It just has to be about making that dream a priority. Don’t youwant to follow this, Reed? To try? If you’d really rather quit, I’ll walk away. See, I’ve wanted it for me my whole life. The more we trained, though, the more I wanted it for you. If you don’t anymore…”


I thought only a moment. “I do. I want it.”


“That kid who beat your time at our first meet…”


“Webber. Yes. I’ve been in touch with his mother. I’m going up there this afternoon to talk to her about bringing him down to Dover. I’d like you to come.”


Chapter 34