Page 70 of The Forever Vault

Ezra was having the time of his life. It was as if he had an intravenous caffeine drip and was in one of those inflatable bounce houses people get for their kid’s birthday.

“Say hi to the world, Cam.” Ezra smooshed next to me in the crowd.

“Hi to the world, Cam.”

“Ugh, that joke is so old - he is so old, everybody,” Ezra performed for the camera, “but we love him! Of course everyone knows Orion Ellis. Where’s your boyfriend?”

“With his team. Thanks for bringing it up. Where’s yours?”

Ezra pouted for only a second before harassing Miles for his followers. We were jammed together in a series of tents outside of the Olympic Stadium, waiting for the Parade of Nations to end with us, the host nation.

I didn’t think Ezra was supposed to be filming anything backstage, but I didn’t care enough to stop him and his good time.

I texted Luke.

Cam: Wish we were together.

Luke: At least it’s still one of us.

Luke: You’re going to crush it tomorrow.

Cam: *blush*

Luke: They’re on Uruguay. Almost time!.

Cam: Thank God. Ezra’s about to pop.

Luke: We can see that!

I glanced over and he and Miles were jumping up and down to the music pumping in from the loudspeakers above.

Cam: Kids these days. ;-)

Projection screens and loudspeakers gave us the opportunity to follow along with the ceremony, including the national anthem earlier - Beyoncé did an amazing job. There were several speeches, of course, including the Vice President. I had heard the President was supposed to be here, but it was rumored she had to respond to a last-minute crisis either in the Caribbean or Africa, depending on who you asked.

The Olympics hadn’t been in the United States in decades, so this was a big deal. I’m sure there’d be a formal announcement at some point, but I hoped she’d show up later for something. She was a huge advocate for gay rights, and not just because her son was gay - he had only recently come out publicly. It was because of her entire career that Luke and I had volunteered after London to help her get elected. Florida finally turned blue - for her. She was up for re-election this fall and we were already planning on helping again.

“Hey, guys!”

“Austin!” Ezra practically screamed. “Austin’s here!”

I turned to see Austin approach, a sheepish look on his face.

“You came,” Orion said.

“Yeah, I thought the team would want me with them, but Keion and some of the others told me I was a fool for not being with the man I love.”

Orion leapt into his arms and I decided to let them have their moment.

“Damn, that’s hot.”

“Ezra, you’re still live,” Miles reminded him.

“Oh shit.” Ezra fumbled with his phone, presumably ending the feed.

“Did someone give Ezra extra sugar today?” Austin asked, after breaking off his kiss with Orion.

“ZIMBABWE.”