Chapter 5

“I’ve struggled for a long time with my sexuality. My family isn’t accepting.” Ron smiled, though it was more like a grimace. “They’re Southern Baptist.”

Joe shuddered.

“And the ROTC program doesn’t exactly welcome gays with open arms.”

“No, guess it wouldn’t.”

“Whereas you, you’re so out and proud, so…confident. Having rainbow bumper-stickers on your car, joining the college’s GLBT group, marching in rallies for equal rights. I could never be that brave.”

Joe didn’t think of himself as brave, he was just…him.

“When you said what you said that time in philosophy class, God, that was the ultimate example of…” Ron shook his head.

“I don’t know where I got the courage.”

“I’m glad you did, because it was what I needed to get the ball rolling to set up the ambush in the bathroom. Your willingness to trust me today was the final proof I needed. You showed me that you were worth pursuing.”

Joe was elated at gaining acceptance, at being chosen, at having passed an unknown test.