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 headed off, too, after hitting on Booger Fisher.


Ben saw off Cory, then hugged Carrie Ann, then Steven a really long time.


Carrie Ann already had a tiny baby bump, and Steven was retiring from competition to pursue fatherhood and his other life goals, sports medicine. Ben was going to miss him.


“We’ll see each other around,” Steven promised. “I’ll be at the skating and gymnastics show in January,” he said. “We’ll do face time for sure.”


“And we got the internet and the phone, just like always.”


He closed the door, fighting back tears, then finally headed for the kitchen.


Adam was sitting at the table with a drink. “Just soda,” he informed Ben.


Ben hugged him from behind. Adam smelled like cigarette smoke and cologne.


Chapter 48