After a lifetime of devotion, Ben Thornton tries to focus on gold at the 2012 London Olympics. Unfortunately, a British tabloid reporter sets his sights on outing a famous athlete, namely Ben, who is just now accepting his sexual identity himself.<br><br>Meanwhile, someone crushing on Ben reveals himself via a mysterious love note. Is best friend and teammate Richie Stoker the one, or maybe Richie’s twin brother, Adam? Team members Steven, Vijra, or Cory could have authored it. Then, there’s Ben’s ex; the exe’s sibling; friend with occasional benefits, Booger Fisher; and also Ukrainian weightlifter Iggy, who follows Ben around the Olympic Village. It could also be a trick perpetrated by the gossipmonger, Ben fears.<br><br>Will the pressure of the media circus interfere with Ben’s competitions, or will Ben leave London with gold and the man of his dreams?

Double Flip

Tyler Hin wrapped his arms around Ben. “You doing okay?”


“It’s just bullshit.” Ben shrugged, pretending it was no big deal. “Coach’ll eventually chill. It’s been out there before. Not on this large a scale…”


“I dunno. Maybe no one. Maybe this jerk who wrote the piece for the sports page just made it all up, like that Omlet guy seems to do. Why would they use a blog like his as a reliable source?”


“Story says they talked to a real one.”


Ben suddenly realized he and Tyler were still hugging. He broke free. “Three people know I’ve been with a guy sexually. Four, I guess. Five? Six? I guess it depends what one considers sex. Fuck.” Ben stopped counting. “None of them would throw me under the bus.” He honestly believed that.


“Six people you know of,” Tyler countered. “Sometimes, people know stuff you don’t know they know.”


Ben sighed and waved it all away. “How are you doing?” he asked.


“All’s well in my hell.” Tyler took off his backpack.


Chapter 17