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

“Oh. Sorry. Um, the truth is swimming is my life, and pride is representing my country at the Games.”


“Okay. But make sure you say ‘the United States’ and definitely say ‘Olympics,’ right? Because that is what it’s all about. ‘There’s the Olympics, and then there is everything else.’”


“Oh.” There was that phrase again. “The truth is swimming is my life, and pride is representing the US at the Olympics.”


“Yes! Perfect. ‘US…’ I like that even better. I need a little more excitement from everyone, okay? Your name just came up, Reed.” He raised his hands in celebration, and I spun around to look. “Oh. Sorry. Not yet. That’s the feeling I want. It’ll be there. Any minute now. And when we see it, we celebrate!” Oliver threw his hands up like one of those wildly flailing windblown characters at a car lot. “Yay! Look alive, everyone.”


Chapter 127