Page 110 of The Forever Vault

“I know.”

“Looks like Ty has an admirer. Should we warn him?”

I turned in Luke’s lap to see what he meant. Through the haze, I could just make out a large silhouette approaching Ty from behind.

“What the fuck, bro!”

By the time Luke and I made it over to Ty, he was smiling and I could now see why.

It was Declan.

“Jesus, you scared the shit out of me. I thought we were about to have a naked throw-down in the pool,” I said.

Declan pulled me in for a hug. “I hope you didn’t shit in the pool, Cam. That’s gross.”

Luke pulled us apart, but got sucked into his own Declan hug, then asked, “You finally made it. You get the tuxes sorted?”

“All sorted. How’s your arm?” Declan gently moved Luke away to look him over. “Ty said you were on pain meds, but haven’t been taking them lately, but I see you’re still wearing the sling. I’m sorry it all happened in the first place.”

Ezra swam up, interrupting. “What’s going on?”

“The arm’s alright, thank you,” Luke answered Declan first, then turned to Ezra. “Ty’s fiancé surprised him.”

“Literally,” Ty added.

“Oh.”

I made the introductions. “Ezra Barnes, this is Declan Moore. Declan, Ezra.”

“Congrats on the gold medal, Ezra.” Declan held out his hand, which Ezra shook gently. “And you too, Cam. Brought back some memories, for sure.”

Declan yawned, and stretched his arms over his head. “Sorry, early flight.”

I noticed Ezra staring at the same time as Declan.

“It’s a dick, kid. I can get out of the pool if you want a closer look.”

“Really?”

Oh my God. “He’s kidding, Ezra. Don’t mind him, Declan. He had a big night last night. Still recovering.”

I’m not sure Declan heard me though because he had Ty wrapped up in his arms again.

21

Lucas

Noah called Cam to the gym for some basic run throughs and what I guessed would be the pep talk of Noah’s career. Cam was so close to achieving what no American male gymnast had ever done before - that is, an all-around gold and a team gold. And likely more than that because of the event finals, which wasn’t something I’d be pointing out to him; he had enough pressure.

The quiet moments - like this, still in the pool, left alone for a moment - were the toughest. They were when I remembered I should be in the Olympics. I should have that chance at something no American male gymnast had ever done before.

I knew I’d be fine. I’d make it through for Cam. He’d be distracted if he had to deal with…this.

But this didn’t matter. Because now was Cam’s last shot. And I wasn’t going to fuck that up with my feelings. My body would heal in time, and so would my heart. Plus, I was still considering proposing to Cam, but I wasn’t sure when to ask.

“Hey!” Ty swam up to me. “You good?”

I nodded.