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

Ben’s questions, luckily, stayed on the topic of his sport and off the topic of his sexual activity. That was, until: “Benjamin, what made you decide to come out at the Olympics, and how has doing so and this morning’s article affected team morale?”


Ben ignored the lead-in question. “That article—” he focused on the second part “—is a bunch of rehashed gossip. I’m here to concentrate on six things—bars, pommel horse, floor, vault, high bar, and rings. My personal life has no effect on how I do it.”


“Do you feel your teammates would accept you if you were to come out as gay?”


“Would anyone else like to answer that?”


No one spoke for the longest time. The silence had every reporter writing.


“Ben…” Richie had to clear his throat and start again. “Ben has been a close friend for years. Nothing could ever change that. I got his back. He’s got mine.”


“Yeah,” Vij said. “Nice, Rich. Same.”


“Goes for me, too.” Steven patted Ben on the shoulder, and Ben got a lump in his throat.


Chapter 21