It’s not easy being a gay man in Utah, but it’s even more difficult when you’re young and overweight. Jay has never fit in with the general “club culture” and he knows he’d never be attractive enough to catch a one-night stand, much less a boyfriend. Losing himself in books and school alleviates his loneliness, and he doesn’t waste time dreaming about what he can’t have. Until he meets the new director of the GLBT Center on campus and promptly falls in love -- against all common sense and logic.<br><br>Hoping to catch a few glimpses of Stephen outside of the Center, Jay decides to start working out at the university gym. The plan turns out to be too successful as Stephen volunteers to be his workout buddy, then invites Jay out to lunch, and finally, kisses him. Jay wants Stephen more than anything, but he can’t bring himself to trust Stephen’s intentions. Not when he knows he’s disgusting and Stephen is so perfect ...

From Behind that Locked Door

They took a detour to the laboratories. Henri wanted to see the glowing slugs again—the fourth time this week. They tied Muhaimin to the entrance, where an exposed water pipe made the perfect hitching post, and walked inside. Quietly, Cillian was ecstatic at being away from the talking capybara.


The two of them were ushered to a back room where giant fish tanks could be found. The lights were set low as, apparently, the creatures only lived in the dark. Pink and gold lights milled around in the water, constantly moving. Henri ran up to one of the tanks and put her hands on the glass. “These are so cool, Dad!”


“We’re calling them glow worms,” said a voice he recognized from behind them. It was Aavani. She wandered into the room and took a position next to Henri. “You know, after the children’s toy.”


“Do they bite?” asked his daughter.


Chapter 43