Naked Hero - The Journey Away

could.
    “So what was it that made the difference yesterday on court? Tell me about him - this man you’ve met.”
    A hush descended and a magazine was set aside as everyone looked first to Jim, startled that he’d dared to broach the taboo subject. Then the focus shifted to Lewis, everyone intrigued to hear how he would respond.
    “You already know what made the difference, Jim. You did the same trick once yourself. He brought it back to me - gave me a reason to sort myself out and fight.”
    “Make him proud,” Jim whispered, enlightening to a degree the one person who wasn’t aware.
    Lewis filled in the gap as he once again leaned back, trying to stay calm over this delicate subject. “Aye – make him proud. But I wasn’t doing a very good job of honouring my father’s memory by crumbling yet again. How Lee knew to say that, I’ve no idea. Well... maybe I’ve an inkling, but he must be very sharp to have put it together from the little I fed him... But anyway – he said it – and he said it boldly, flying in the face of the rabble. Out and proud – that’s Lee Porter... Whereas me!” Lewis exclaimed, rising to his feet to pace back and forwards. “I was out and acting ashamed. So how could I make my dad proud of me with that sort of behaviour? I’ve been doing that ever since I came out, and that makes me ashamed. So they can say what they like now, shout out what they want. I’m not going to let it bother me anymore. Instead I’m going to take a leaf out of Lee Porter’s book... Loud and proud will be the way from now on - and if the tennis establishment and all the fans aren’t happy about that, then tough. So we can expect more shit in the tabloids and more jeering from the crowds, because that’s how it needs to be until people get over it...” Forcing calm again before the punch-line was delivered, Lewis returned to his chair. “...And that’s certainly how it’s going to be come next week. The tabloids are going to have a field day, and I’m going to hand it to them on a plate.”
    “What do mean by that, Lewis?” asked Jim. He had been prepared for most of this, but not for the last statement.
    “I’ve asked Lee to come along to one my matches, as a guest this time. Fourth round, if I’m there.”
    “That could be against Roberts,” said Jim. “On the eve of Australia Day!”
    “Exactly,” replied Lewis.
    Jim mopped his sweating brow. “Okay, but I don’t see why there would be any shit hitting the fan,” he said, more in hope rather than belief. If shit was forecast by this devil of a boy that he loved beyond any other man, then by God they would have it by the bucket load, aimed at everyone’s face.
    Lewis drew a deep breath then he hit them with the worst. “I’ll give you the address of his website. It’s not really your sort of thing, Jim, but you’d best have a look. I suggest you have a whisky at your side when you do it - you’re going to need it, I can assure you! Once you’ve seen what he’s about, then you’ll know what’s in store - and you’ll probably realise the dilemma I’m in at the moment. But be sure of this, I’m not ashamed... of me, or him.”
    “I’ll have a look,” replied Jim, his stomach already churning. It was going to a long evening, and a post-dinner digestif was definitely in order – perhaps more than one!
    “You might want to have a look as well, Scott,” said Lewis, turning to the American. “And then you can decide if you want to stay involved or not. You might already have made that decision, and I’ll understand if you don’t. I didn’t plan this. It was only after you talked to me that I decided that this was the way to go. I really appreciate the advice, and what you’ve done today. More than you’ll ever realise... And I would love it if you were to help out more, but as I said, I’ll understand if you decide not to.”
    Another hush descended as baited breaths awaited a response. They had to wait a few moments as Scott Taylor digested all that had been said. He knew that Lewis was right about facing up to his demons and not hiding away from them. Hiding was not the answer for Lewis, as it had been once for himself, and probably still was. Without another aspect of sexuality to call on, Lewis had different priorities, and had already taken the leap anyway - there was no going back for him. Scott envied the lad’s resolve and his lack of shame in the direction he was taking, but it was tinged with