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

“Life is going to be filled with difficult choices, Reed. Sometimes we have to do what’s best for others even if it feels like shit.”


“Other times, we have to do what’s best for ourselves even if it feels way worse.”


I considered that non-advice as I trudged up the road toward my house. I was still only halfway there when my ride arrived, having moved only thirty feet in ten minutes. It was a good thing I wasn’t hanging my gold medal hopes on speed walking or long-distance running.


Eighties music was already blaring from the speakers in Coach’s SUV when I got in. I liked some of the stuff my mom and dad put on from time to time, but his choices left a bit to be desired. Too much synthesizer, not enough soul. He turned it down for a while but then jacked it back up when I couldn’t hold up my end of the conversation. He’d asked me what classes I’d signed up for.


Chapter 35