Summary

Mike is instantly supportive and becomes John's confidant and coach. He answers John's questions about sexuality and shares some of his own early experiences. John relates to Ashley, who is also dealing with loneliness and heartache. Later that week, John hears through the grapevine that Matt "has a new man" (177). They met over the fourth of July when Matt was not in Montauk, but Mike assures John that this new relationship will not last. John feels like he has missed his chance because he was too afraid to take it. At Montauk the next weekend, John checks out a cute boy on the beach but tries to hook up with a girl that evening. Revisiting heterosexuality feels hollow. In the pool that night, Colby feels John up in the water but John fends him off.

The next time John and Matt are...