Naked Hero - The Journey Away by J. K. Brighton Read Free Book Online Page A

evening!!!” said Lewis, too loudly into the microphone, causing the speakers to crackle with distortion.
    He tried to calm down and control the familiar nerves, but it wasn’t so easy without a racket in his hand to do the talking for him. Instead he had an envelope, which could have made life easier... and Lee Porter in the room, which made it a darn sight harder but helped to make up his mind. Lewis held the envelope up and showed it to his audience as he found a level voice.
    “I have some words here,” he began in Chamberlain fashion waving his farcical treaty. Then thankfully he showed some Bulldog spirit more akin to the appeaser’s successor. “But they’re not my own,” Lewis continued. “I’m sure they’re very good words. More eloquent sentences than I can string together… But they’re not mine. So if you really want to hear me say something, then I think it would be best I use my own words, no matter how badly they might come out...
    “Sometimes… things like words... they do come out badly. Sometimes… people come out badly, and I’ve met my fair share of them. But at least they come out… and that’s the important thing...
    “I think it’s safe to presume that most people here tonight are gay or lesbian, and in some way involved in sport. So you’ll know that there can be difficulties... being gay... in sport. But you’ll also know that there can be difficulties in anything we undertake. Our sexuality should not be a barrier in any of these undertakings… including sport...
    “But sport… and especially men’s sport… is proving to be one of the more impregnable areas where acceptance still seems to be a long way off. Gay men and lesbians have had to fight for the level of acceptance that most of us now take for granted. Their success… and our heritage… were not gained by hiding away, but by standing up and demanding our rights. And one of those rights is surely for us to participate in our sport of choice, at whatever level our capabilities allow… without prejudice… or shame...
    “There are people out there who will try to impose their prejudices on us. There are people out there… straight and gay… who will try to bring us shame. It is their prejudices they bring… not ours: their shame… not ours...
    “I know a bit about shame you see. I know it’s a shame I don’t get to spend more time in this wonderful city of yours, that’s for sure. And it’s a shame I haven’t played better this week… and for that I apologise… especially to any tennis fans who attended the Sydney Open. I made a misjudgement… and for that I’m sorry... but not ashamed...
    “Thank you for inviting me.”
    In another daze to the sound of applause Lewis started to move away, but Sebastian Collins rushed over to detain him by placing a hand on Lewis’s arm.
    “Thank you, Lewis. That was fabulous, sweetie. Now before you go, would you mind taking a few questions?”
    Lewis nodded to him, and then looked at the hand which was quickly removed. “A couple would be okay.”
    Using his own hand that contained the now crumpled envelope, Lewis pointed to an eager looking man at the front of the room. “Yes, sir?” he asked.
    “It’s not a question, Lewis. I just want to say on behalf of everybody here, that it is a shame you don’t get more time in Sydney. And if anything… it’s this city that should apologise to you, not the other way round... Good luck in Melbourne, mate! And please! Come back!”
    Lewis forced a smile. “Thank you. That means a lot… and I will.”
    The crowd was happy with the exchange, and it seemed a good point to end on, but there was one hand still raised. Lewis looked at the owner for a few moments before speaking, trying to bring in check his fluttering heart... “Mr. Porter.”
    Now m ost people would have asked their question regardless, and then wondered later. But not Lee! He simply locked eyes on Lewis, whilst his mind raced. The question came out