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

“Naw. If you hadn’t said it, I think I would have.” I looked at him, not the director, who had likely called “Cut!” by now, not that I’d heard him. I yelled it then. “The truth is I’m in love with Mathis Webber, and pride sometimes kicks you in the nuts.” Devon almost smiled. “Balls?” That got him. He barked out a laugh. “Balls. Pride kicks you in the balls. Dad should have said balls.”


My brother laughed even harder as I wondered what the hell I’d just done, how much trouble I was in, and whether or not my heart would ever start beating right again. It was pumping, for sure, that much I knew, because it hurt like hell when Mathias turned and walked out.


Chapter 128