Page 67 of The Forever Vault

“I still maintain I’m half an inch bigger,” Cam said, strutting out of the bathroom.

His shirt was halfway up his arms, but I was focused on his flushed face. I was happy to have given him pleasure, though I was the one that came twice.

“Let me help you,” he said, noticing I was still half-dressed.

“Maybe you can ask Declan for a re-measure at the wedding?” Ty suggested.

“We can hit up Baker Beach later. Get some sun on these buns,” I said, dropping my towel.

“You guys are way too comfortable with each other,” Cam said before giving my ass a little slap.

“You love both of us and you know it.”

“I don’t know about you, Ty, but I definitely love this one.” Cam helped me resituate my sling and then I was ready.

“Let’s get something to eat.” I checked my watch. “Then it’ll be time to pick up your mom, right?”

* * *

“Oh, Lucas!”

I just had a second to prepare for the avalanche that was Heather’s hug. Somehow she had spotted us first. She squeezed the breath right out of me and pressed my head against her shoulder. I relaxed and enjoyed it. There was just something nice about a hug from someone taller than me. After a few seconds, she exchanged me for Cam.

“And my little Cam Cam. I’m so happy for you. Well, shit, you know what I mean.” She smiled through her happy tears. “If it’s this weird for me it must be ten times worse for you two. How’s it going? How does your chest feel?”

“It’s getting better.”

“And yeah, it’s pretty weird,” Cam answered. “For both of us.”

“I’m just happy he was selected as the alternate. It makes it a little easier to handle,” I said.

“It’s been a little less - elevated - now that we know he doesn’t need surgery, and there’s a good chance he’ll completely recover with therapy.”

“Has it helped you decide to pursue physical therapy full-time?” Heather asked. “Knowing you could help athletes like your boyfriend regain their strength back.?”

“Wow, Mom. Hit the nail directly on the head for me, please. How about we get through the Olympics first and then decide what to do with our future?”

I couldn’t help but notice he said ‘our future.’

“So, I need some lunch, but I’m guessing you two just had breakfast? I know Cam is on a strict diet right now, but would either of you mind sitting with me while I grabbed something to eat?”

“We can take an Uber to the wharf,” I suggested. “If there’s nothing there you like, we can ride the cable car until we spot something good.”

“That sounds lovely, Luke, but I’ve got to pace myself. I’m here for two weeks.”

I tried not to laugh, but she was right. “Yeah, I suppose after that flight, you want to relax a bit, huh?”

“Let’s get you to your hotel and we can see what’s around there,” Cam said.

* * *

Cam and Heather both protested, but after her lunch, I excused myself to give them some time alone before the Olympics started and Cam was in competition mode for the next two weeks.

I had almost forgotten we still needed tickets, but Cassandra had finally come through for us that morning with two tickets, though they weren’t anywhere near the rest of the team’s friends and families.

I didn’t care where we were sitting. I was just glad to be going at all. The rumored line-up of musicians alone was enough to push resale ticket prices past three thousand and out of my price range.

I had Ty meet me back at the hotel and suggested a dip in the pool.