6. Lucas #3
“Second, unfortunately, you have to be smart. If you can come out and not be adversely affected financially or otherwise, then I say go for it. But there are circumstances, which I understand, whether it be the country you live in or the family you have, where it might not be that easy. I would never push or shame anyone into coming out. It’s not my place.
Just because it worked out for me, I’m not so dumb as to think it will be the same for everyone, even if I wished it were so.
So take your time with the decision. It can have consequences. ”
“Lastly, despite the previous point, try not to worry about it too much. The time will come eventually when you will be free to be yourself. You will find the right people, and you will know it’s okay to be you.
In the meantime, the internet is a great place with a lot of helpful ears out there, where you can post questions, ask advice, and anything in between. ”
“Thanks, Luke. Last question. Is there anyone special in your life at the moment?”
I stared at him for too long. Even Shane piped up, “Luke, you okay?”
I tried to stop thinking about Cam. “I’m gonna say no?” Ugh.
“It sounds like you’re not sure. Would you care to elaborate?”
“Not at this time.” What am I doing?
“Alright, alright. Interesting answer.”
“I’ll say it is,” Shane said, throwing me a look.
The reporter left, and Shane grabbed my arm before I could leave.
“Is there someone?” Shane asked.
“What if there is?”
“You’re a terrible liar, Luke,” he paused and rubbed his chin.
“And it’s certainly not affecting your gymnastics, but you know what your parents think of anything serious.
Try to think with this if you can,” he said, tapping my head.
“And you don’t have to go to the internet to find ears that will listen. I’m here for you if you need to talk.”
“I know, and thank you. I’ll let you know,” I said.
“You don’t have to. It just caught me by surprise.”
“Me too, Shane.” Me too.
I went back to my room and pulled on an Andrew Christian swim bikini covered in rainbow-colored pineapples. I was glad I brought it, especially since the place was gay-friendly. Ty and the twins were in the sunroom as I walked past. It looked like Cam was the last to be interviewed.
“Where are you headin’?” Ty asked.
“Can't you tell, Einstein?" I teased, motioning to my package. "Thought I’d check out the pool.”
“Sweet! Mind if we join?” Graham asked.
“Only if you brought Speedos,” I said on my way out the door.
The path to the pool had lots of interesting plants.
I could identify some gingers and tree ferns, but not much else.
I made a mental note to ask Adam or Peter later.
My major was still undecided, though I had been leaning toward natural science.
Biology was my best subject, but I wasn’t sure where to focus.
I could get really specific and choose either plants or animals, or go with something broader like ecology or environmental science.
The pathway opened up and the sun burst through a hole in the canopy, throwing a spotlight onto a kidney-shaped pool nestled in the rainforest. I draped my towel on a chair and stepped down the stairs, lowering myself into the warm water. It felt nice.
Floating face up, watching the sun dance through the trees, I heard them before I saw them. Whooping and hollering, I knew Ty would be in the lead before I even looked toward the path. I should’ve expected it, but it was a pleasant surprise.
“Of course, you all brought Speedos,” I said, smirking.
“Excuse me, bro, but I think you’ll find that here in Australia, if you do some research, they are called ‘budgie smugglers’.”
“Just keep your budgie to yourself,” Graham said as he pushed Ty into the pool.
We horsed around for a bit and played shoulder wars.
Me and Ty versus the twins. The twins won.
Not a surprise. They were older and stronger than me, at least. Ty wanted a rematch, but before we could go at it, Shane found us and told us to get out of the water.
“Cam finished his interview. It’s massage time. ”
“Suh-weet,” Ty said, rushing out of the pool.
We gathered as a group in front of the Gymnasium, a little way from the pool. Me and the guys were still in our swim briefs. Cam’s eyes widened when he saw all of us, but I noticed they spent most of their time glued to my package.
I willed myself to stay soft. It took a Herculean effort.
We didn’t have to wait long for Peter and Adam, who showed up with a small army of massage therapists.
“The company we work with to get massages for our clients was a little strapped today despite the sizeable group you see with me, but as luck would have it, Peter and I are also trained massage therapists, though perhaps a bit rusty.”
“Wait, the coaches are getting massages too?” Ty asked.
“Of course, Tyler. Our muscles are so sore from putting up with all your hijinks,” Noah said.
“Only, we are paying for ours. NBC paid for yours,” Coach clarified.
“Now I know where to send a thank you basket. Thanks, Coach!” Ty said.