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

Cillian went to the church once a week and sat by himself for an hour or more.


On his way out one day, he ran into a man he didn’t really know. Short, pale, and a little round, the stranger nearly walked past him without saying hello. Cillian stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. The man looked up with dull green eyes. Surprise was written on his face, but it soon turned to cheerfulness. “Hi there!” he said.


Cillian let him go. “Come to pray?”


The man shook his head. A few strands of what remained of his hair fell into his eyes. “Somewhat. I’m here to preach.”


Cillian took a step to the side. “You’re not a priest.”


“You’d be right,” he said, nodding slightly. “I’m a pastor.”


“Um-hmm. I teach the Holy Trinity in the Lutheran tradition. My flock is very small, but since no one is using this space, I figured I’d check it out to see if it’s viable.”


Chapter 50