Page 75 of The Forever Vault

“Language, Lucas. Impressionable young gymnasts,” Heather said, motioning to the crowd of American supporters around us.

I had forgotten she had perfect hearing. “Sorry, Heather.”

“Coach never took my access to the system away. I’m still coaching in Chula Vista, but it's kids, not Olympians. Most days, I’m just a trophy boyfriend.”

“Declan’s busy with his activewear brand?”

“You know it.”

“I do.” I smirked. “I’ve seen you modeling the jockstraps.”

“Did you get the-”

“Yes, we got the package you sent.” I answered.

“I haven’t seen you post on Instagram.”

“Is this your way of asking me to become an unofficial spokesman?”

“I thought that’s what we did when we sent you two the box.”

“I know. There was just this thing coming up on our schedule. Well, two things,” I added. “The Olympics and your wedding.” I had an idea. “Let’s do a few shots when we take wedding photos.”

“Like…in…the jockstraps?” Ty asked.

I shrugged. “In whatever Declan wants. It’s his line.”

“That could work. I can mention it to Grayson.”

“Oh, he’d have a field day with that.”

One of the kids in front of us squealed and pointed down, towards the floor. “It’s him! It’s Zephyrus Jones!”

Sure enough, Zeph and Colton were walking up the stairs.

“About time, cowboys!” Ty yelled out.

Colton’s face said he was flipping him off in spirit since he couldn’t do that for real. Those damn impressionable kids were everywhere.

Zeph was semi-swamped with a few kids asking for autographs and he, like he always did, humored them. After he came out of the closet, he wore the mantle of role model well and put community outreach and fan service at the top of his priority list. It was admirable.

Colton was closer to Cam than me, but I had heard enough conversations between the two to know a lot of their history. While they were quite open about their sexuality and their time apart, they were less vocal about their reunion and other more serious issues.

I suppose that should be expected. It was always easier to joke about dicks or fucking in the locker room at the gym than it was to explain super complicated thoughts and feelings to your peers. Even to your friends.

“Howdy, Mrs. Kane.” Colton tipped an imaginary hat towards her, then looked around at our group. “Austin not here?”

Oh shit.

He wasn’t. Neither was Erika for that matter. I hadn’t even noticed.

My phone vibrated in my hand.

Cam: What’s wrong?

I smiled.

Luke: Stalker.