Page 110 of Floored By Love

“Don’t bend over like that! Who knows what I’ll do next?”

“Alright, what have you done with the real Cam?”

We headed off the podium to where our coaches were waiting.

“I’m assuming you didn’t plan that?” Shane asked.

“He started it!” I pointed to Cam.

“It’s a good thing Coach and I already discussed this in Brisbane, and held onto it,” Noah said. “Ford only had to make a few tweaks to the press release.”

“Ford?” Cam asked.

“Woodward texted him the second you locked lips. He wants the world to know you have the support of the team and USA Gymnastics,” Noah explained. “Also, I hope you're fine being an official couple-”

“Like boyfriends?” I asked.

“Yeah, like that. Because that’s what the press release says.”

“We’ll let you sort out the details with the press,” Shane said. “You know, like, how did you meet? How long have you been together? Who’s the big spoon?”

I slapped him on the arm. “Maybe you guys should come out as a couple too, Shane?”

“And take away from your spotlight? No way. You guys will be the talk of the town for the rest of the games.”

Shane wasn’t wrong.

The torrent of flashes in our face before heading to the locker room was only the start of it.

We had to silence both of our phones because the calls and notifications were nonstop. We had requests from the three major networks and Fox, ESPN, E! and more. Out, Attitude, and DNA were just some of the magazines that offered photo spreads and requested interviews. If one gay gymnast was old news, two gay gymnasts on the same team that were dating and had outed themselves to the world with a live-on-television kiss was apparently another level.

Shane’s phone had blown up, too.

“Andrew Christian wants to know if Cam can join you on location for the advertising campaign shoots?”

“Really?” Cam asked.

I was happy to reach the relative quiet of the locker room. “Oh, we’re totally doing that.”

“So, I’ll get paid to be mostly naked with you? Where do I sign?”

“Before you boys shower,” Woodward said, “I wanted to let you know how proud I am of you. For the medals, of course, but also for the courage to be yourselves. I know you’ve had a rough road to get here, though I don’t know all the details, and I don’t need to, but it’s plain to see you have something special. I’m not entirely sure you realize the scrutiny you’ll be under now, and I know I’ve said it before, but I’m always here if you need me.”

Cam and I both hugged him at the same time. “Thanks, Coach. That means a lot to us.” I said.

“You’ll join us for the press conference?”

“Of course, Cam.”

I had never seen the press room as full as it was.

“Before we get started, I’d like to say something,” Coach said. “Camden and Lucas are two of the best athletes on Team USA. They’ve proven that with their performance in London, but I knew they were special even before today. They were part of the team that started what I’m going to call a renaissance of American men’s gymnastics with their actions in Brisbane, and I hope they are part of the team in San Francisco four years from now. As for what the world saw today in the arena that wasn’t quite gymnastics related,” he paused, looking over at us, “I have been aware of their relationship for some time. I’ll let them handle the details on that one.”

He winked, then continued, “While the sexuality of my athletes is none of my business, Luke was out before qualifying for the team. With as confident and caring as he is, he quickly became an advocate for LGBT athletes. He knows not everyone has the same opportunities he does. While America isn’t as open and accepting as we’d like it to be, there are other places that are far worse. And I think they’ll both agree that going public is an effort to help break down those barriers, those stereotypes, and change people’s minds. Love is love, so the saying goes.”

“I guess we’ll take questions now.”

“Did you plan on kissing Luke today?”