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 know if I will either.” I would never be dishonest with him. “But I’m going to try it.”


“I wonder if Cal could take your place while you’re gone.”


“As your brother?” He was killing me! “I’m sure he’ll be going to college too, eventually. Maybe he’ll come hang out, though.”


“Reed loves you,” I heard him say. “She loves you too.”


“And we both love you most of all.”


Frick. My mother was standing right there. “I’m starting to, I think.” I still couldn’t lie.


“Cool.” Of all the things I had said, that was the one that seemed to cheer him up. “Good night, Reed.”


“Starting to what?” Mathias asked when I ended the call.


“Oh.” We kissed again. This time, both of our phones chirped—texts instead of calls.


The messages had come from Coach Keller, the same one for both. We stared at our screens, and then at one another.


Chapter 42