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 never found our swimwear the least bit sexy.” Mathias rose. “Those boxer briefs—yeah. Loose in places…tight in others. Mmm.” He followed me around, brushing against me and my proverbial drawers as I rummaged through the other kind in my itty-bitty john, gathering the shaving stuff, and then making my way back to the living room.


“More light and more room out here,” I said. I went to the kitchen and turned on the tap to let the water run hot—it always took a while—while searching the cupboard for a large bowl or pan to use like a basin.


“Isn’t that what you came for?” I found a large stockpot my mom had sent home with me one time when I’d said I’d like to try to make soup. I never had. “And you wanted to talk. Two birds…”


Chapter 96