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

“There’s outright discrimination, and then there’s the subtle kind. Now, dig this, remember that whole Chick-fil-A controversy a while back…how people got up in arms because the restaurant CEO supported certain antigay causes and stuff?”


“Well, this company has been known to send some cash to some of those same organizations. In the past,” Eric stressed. “The whole conglomeration is under new leadership now, and things have become much more inclusive. That much I’ve been able to glean and prove all on my own. Now, I have to assume the head of the PR agency went to Mr. Bank Man with his ‘pride’ concerns, and as far as I know, the theme of the commercial remains the same.”


“Last I heard.” I’d gotten a packet just that morning with my lines.


“So, maybe there’s no story there…no discrimination.”


Chapter 116