Page 77 of The Forever Vault

Knock on wood.

“How did you find him anyway?”

Austin pointed his thumb at his sister.

Erika answered, “Through Isaak’s company. They collaborate with a private security firm for special events and when they travel with…sensitive things,” adding air quotes to the last word.

I hadn’t realized Isaak’s company would have that need, but with all the development and competition in Silicon Valley, it made sense.

The team had moved on to the parallel bars, though after a minute, Ezra seemed to be panicking. He was picking the other guys’ jackets and bags up and putting them back down. After a few more items, he jogged back to the seats by the vault - what is he doing? - and started looking for something there.

The Brits had already settled into that area. I watched as Ezra approached them, a little more tentative now that he was closer. His face quickly flushed pink as he turned towards Jack Davies, who was holding a duffle bag and water bottle. Ezra paused in front of him for a few seconds before grabbing both items and jogging back to Zane and the guys. That kid had immense talent, but his focus definitely needed improvement.

His forgetfulness made his warm-up time almost non-existent, which wasn’t good for him since he was the first up for the team on the bars. Cam had texted me the order.

I watched as Coach and Zane gave him an earful - not that it helped Ezra - as he quickly pulled his shorts down and off, leaving him in his leotard, searching for his pants in his duffle bag. He finally found them and was able to get the bars chalked and a few moves in before the signal for the next rotation.

I don’t know how he did it, but Ezra managed a solid routine.

“That kid is dadgum lucky as shit,” Colton said, musing to Zeph.

I had to agree.

“Cam says he’s very excitable,” Heather added.

I scoffed. That was an understatement.

“He’s pretty handsome.”

I looked at Zeph just as Colton punched his shoulder. “No teammates.”

“Why didn’t you tell him that at dinner?” I asked. “He could’ve used a pick-me-up.”

Zeph shrugged.

“He was too busy lettin’ Miles drool on him.”

“I make time for my fans. What can I say?”

“Preston’s up next,” Ty said.

I’d like to think it was my quick trip to the bathroom and the indecent image I sent to Cam that helped him bounce back on the high bar, and maybe it was. I’d have to ask him later.

He didn’t wipe out on the parallel bars or anything, but it wasn’t his best.

That’s why I sent him some encouragement. With the caption: “Second favorite dick.” He needed to loosen up.

O was checking in with Miles every now and then, even though he had Hudson. Maybe Ezra’s frenetic energy was affecting Cam. Zane was always an option too.

Cam said he dealt with it, but the part of me that worried for Cam - i.e. all of me - was still concerned. He was likely compartmentalizing because this was his last Olympics. He couldn’t afford a meltdown. I’d just have to be there when it hit.

Thankfully, the new arena was ADA compliant and had a few accessible bathroom stalls. I was able to use the mirror in one of them to take a salacious mirror selfie to get a good angle, then I cropped it for maximum effect.

Cam: Thanks for that.

Cam: I needed the laugh.

That confirmed it. It did help.