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

“It could be fun, like when we raked leaves.” I pictured him throwing me into a mountain of Calloway Klein underwear piled high on his bed, and then falling atop me in nothing but his swim trunks. “And if you see anything you like, you can just take it.”


Then the moment was ruined. He fucking went and said it. I took a deep breath and made myself answer in a semi-civilized tone. “Thanks, but I don’t really need anything right now.” That sounded polite—I hoped.


Chapter 41