20. Lucas #2
“Now don’t overreact. You’re too sentimental, Lucas. If Shane isn’t pushing you hard enough, it’s time to move on.”
I knew how to manage my father. “I promise I’ll do better.” Everything had to be his idea, and I wouldn’t be able to dissuade him. I’d have to figure something out.
“That’s my boy. Use the car service to take you back to the village.”
“Good night, Lucas.”
“‘Night, Mom.”
There were several lounges available for all athletes throughout the village.
I hadn’t seen them all and probably wouldn’t get the chance.
They built some of them for hanging out or relaxing; others seemed designed for parties.
There was even one with a large indoor pool.
But there were also quieter ones, like the one I was heading to.
Cam texted me easy-to-follow directions and was waiting for me on a couch. It was fully reclined, and he looked comfy. The lounge was designed like a miniature movie theater.
“How are you?” he asked, quietly.
“I’m okay. We can talk more later.”
Cam nodded.
Ty and Grant were messing with the media tower at the front of the room. It reminded me of the lecture halls at Florida University. The projection screen came to life, and the menu appeared, filled with icons.
“You guys want Netflix or a DVD or something else?” Grant asked, opening the cabinet near the console.
“What do they have for DVDs?” I asked. “I don’t even recognize half of those apps.”
“What don’t they have, bro?”
“Pick something with a cute guy, Ty,” I teased.
“How do I know if they’re cute?”
“Hilarious.”
“How about this one? I think Natalie’s hot.”
“Is that Ashton Kutcher?” I asked.
“Is that ‘No Strings Attached’?” Cam asked. “I wanted to see that, but couldn’t find anyone that wanted to go. Let’s watch that!”
“Any dissenters?” Grant asked.
Ty found a dimmer for the lights, so Cam and I could snuggle together without feeling exposed since a few people came in and out periodically. Some stayed to watch the movie with us, but overall, it was quiet and relaxing. Cam nestled into my side and absent-mindedly stroked my leg.
I saw Graham on his phone a bit. It looked like he was messaging.
I assumed he was texting Jake. I couldn’t help but wonder if they were dating, and if so, for how long.
It was clear he was further in the closet than Cam.
I didn’t see how Graham could keep it from Grant, but maybe he had.
I mean, he kept it from me, and if anyone on the team could’ve helped him, it would have been me.
At least, I thought I was approachable. Hopefully, I’d get a chance to talk to Graham more about it. If he wanted to, of course.
“Hey,” Cam whispered. “You sure you’re okay? Ashton was just half naked, and you didn’t make a comment.”
“Yeah, sorry. Thinking.”
I could see him looking at me, so I turned to meet his stare. “Really, I’m alright.” I ducked my head down to give him a quick kiss. He smiled in return and resumed nestling against me.
The movie was pretty good. I couldn’t help but compare it to me and Cam.
He and I wanted to try dating from the start, even though we tried to be casual at first. They wanted to keep it physical, like the title.
Well, it turns out that didn’t quite work for them, because they loved each other and finally admitted it.
Clearly, the physical was there for me and Cam.
I just hoped everything worked out for us, because I could see a future with him. And it looked fantastic.
Not that I had any idea how to tell my parents.
“Did you like it?” I asked.
“Happily ever after,” Cam said. “What’s not to like?”
“Why do girls always look so hot in a guy’s clothes?” Ty asked.
“No idea,” I said.
“Men’s clothes are sexier?” Cam suggested.
“I don’t think it’s a men’s clothes versus women’s clothes thing. I think it works for anyone. If you wear something that’s your partner’s, it’s just hot.” Graham answered.
I saw Grant glance over, surprised.
“I’ll agree,” I said. “We may have some experience with that.”
I saw the flush creep up Cam’s neck, and he playfully punched me in the shoulder before shushing me.
“They’ve seen us both naked, Cam. I’m not sure there’s much else that can shock them.”
“Well, you don’t need to give them all the details now, do you?”
“Please don’t,” Grant said.
“I guess not,” I relented.
“I might want some details,” Ty said, while he put the DVD away.
Some other athletes came in and said to leave the projector on, so we headed outside. It was a clear, breezy evening.
“Thanks, guys. I kind of needed a low-key night,” Graham said.
I agreed.
“That’s okay. I know you Midwest boys don’t have my party stamina. Save yourselves for after the rest of our medals. Then we can really go crazy.”
“Sure, Tyler,” Grant replied. “Whatever you say.”
“I’d hate to see you really go crazy,” Graham teased.
“Only if you’re lucky,” Ty stuck his tongue out.
“Good night, guys,” Cam said to the twins.
“‘Night,” in unison.
“I don’t even need to ask,” Ty moaned. “See you tomorrow, boys.”
I winked at Ty as he exited on our floor. As the doors closed, Cam grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him.
“We should really try to find Ty a girl,” I said.
“Oh, really?”
“I don’t know. Sometimes I think he forces his overconfidence.”
“Have you seen his brothers?” Cam asked.
“Yes,” I said, tentatively.
“They should all be extremely overconfident, including Tyler.”
“Do I need to be worried?” I asked.
He shook his head ‘no’ while punching in the door code and roughly pulled me into his room.