Page 101 of Dickathlon

“Second place overall and two events left. I have to ask, d’you actually follow my advice?”

“Of course, I did. I’d never consider ignoring you.”

Yuri laughed. “I know. You’re a good man.” He glanced up in the stands. “How long did Tyler last?”

“Straight into our bathroom after dinner. Took a long shower.”

The guffaw that Yuri unleashed caused those around us to look over. “That man. He’ll keep you on your toes.” After a pause, he added, “It’s a good fit.”

“Even though he has no self control?”

“You already know in your heart, Declan. He is a good match for you.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“Let’s get you out of the sun and inside. Rehydrate and stay loose. Javelin starts in”—Yuri checked his watch—“about three hours. You’re in the first group.”

“Sweet.”

I pulled my phone out.

Dad: Hope today goes well for you. Just woke up, trying to find some results.

Declan: Moved into second for now. Doing great!

Tyler: You were so good!!! I’ll be back this afternoon.

Declan: Where you heading?

Tyler: Gonna grab lunch near the Vatican.

Declan: That sounds infinitely better than almonds and a protein bar.

Tyler: I’ll be sure to get you a souvenir.

Declan: A papal jockstrap?

Tyler: Something like that.

I tried to keep to myself in the showers, but apparently Ulisses had other ideas.

“Nice job this morning, Moore,” he said, walking up to the shower next to me and turning it on.

“Oh? Yeah, thanks. I told you to call me Declan.”

He was a few inches shorter than me, but just as muscular. I had never been sure about his sexuality, but I had a theory. Ty tried to tell me that not everyone was gay, but I’d caught him checking me out before. I stretched my arms above my head, then ran them over my buzzcut and face. I kept my eyes closed, but made sure to face him. Sure enough, when I opened my eyes, he was looking down. At my dick.

“I have a boyfriend now.”

“Oh, I wasn’t- I’m…that’s great. I’m happy for you.”

He turned away from me and continued soaping. I wasn’t trying to make him feel bad. I wanted him to know he wasn’t alone.

“You’ve been great the last few days. Doing my best to catch up.”

“That’s nice of you to say, but you’re the greatest at this. You’re just having an off day.”

“That may be true, but I’m not in the lead right now. You are.”