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 took you long enough.” His hand was on the doorknob, about to close it from the wrong side. “Jesus.”


“I got stuck in my drawstring. Long pants are complicated.”


“I thought you were going to let me leave again.” He tried to kiss me.


“I can’t.” I turned away. “It feels wrong now. Like…like you bought me.”


He gruffly brought me back around. “That’s fucking ridiculous.”


“I know, but that’s how it feels. Coach Keller told me once to buy a hooker. I guess you think you got one.”


“Reed…” He had me by the elbow. “Coach…what?” Mathias grunted. “Never mind. I don’t even get where the sex part of it’s coming from.”


I reclaimed my arm and walked away. Not too far, but away. Not back into my apartment, but a short distance down the hall. “Yeah, I guess not, because all these years you were paying my way for no return. You want my ass?” I offered it to him. “At least that way you’ll be getting some sort of payback.”


Chapter 103