26. Lucas #2
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 an advertising campaign shoot?”
“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?”
“Well, we’d already kissed like eight times today. I thought, why not one more?” There was a smattering of chuckles, then Cam continued, “But I think you’re asking about that kiss, and the answer is no, I didn’t plan it. I just went with the moment.”
“Were you surprised, Luke?”
I nodded my head excessively. “Yes, very much so.”
“How long have you two been together?”
“You wanna take this one, Luke?”
He was offering it to me, so he didn’t have to explain what happened.
“Obviously, most of you know we went to college together-”
“Until you abruptly withdrew from Florida University. Were you a couple then?”
I sighed. How do I explain this without coming off like the dick I was?
“Cam and I do have a history, and without getting into the details, there have been some hiccups. We recently started seeing each other again because of what happened with the fire. I thought I lost him. It felt pretty close to it anyway, and that kind of brought us back together.”
“Is that how you would describe it, Cam?”
“I mean, I was unconscious for some of that middle part, but when I woke up, Luke was waiting for me. That’s the part of that story I like the best.”
He reached over to grab my hand.
There were the expected questions about the implications of our kiss and relationship with the team.
We explained they had known about Cam since our first week in London and were supportive when they found out about us.
As for the kiss, we had seen countless athletes kiss their partners all the time after winning their events, so our kiss, while possibly ground-breaking, shouldn’t be a shock.
There were more questions, mostly focused on the kiss. I felt I’d already covered them ad nauseam, but gave the best answers I could.
Cam added, “It’s not that we think we’re special, but until society sees our relationship as normal, there will always be a stigma to coming out, a stigma to a public display of affection. And honestly, a lot of countries have a long way to go regarding LGBT rights.”
“Just one more question, please. These guys need their rest and want to see their families.”
Oh fuck. Please, no one ask about my family.
I thought Coach realized his mistake, but luckily, the last question was-
“Is this relationship serious? Do you see yourselves spending the rest of your lives together?”
Cam stared at me, and I stared back. Our fingers still interlocked.
I didn’t know how serious Cam felt, but that kiss had me imagining that life together, so I opted for humor, and hoped it got Cam to smile.
I pulled the platypus coin out of my pocket. “Flip for it?”
Cam smiled. “Platypus is marriage. Logo is undecided.”
I let go of Cam’s hand and flipped the coin, caught it, and slammed it on the table.
“Well, what is it?” someone yelled from the press pool.
I glanced down at the coin, but before I could answer, Cam stood up, leaned towards the microphone and said, “I guess you’ll have to wait and see.” Then, he grabbed the coin, pulled me after him and out the side door.
Cam led me outside to go find his mom. The coaches followed us.
“I think that went really well,” Noah said.
“It was almost as if you rehearsed it. Your chemistry was remarkable.”
“And that’s good, Shane?”
“Yes, Luke. It’s a compliment. Your banter was as good in front of them as it is in private. People will like that. That coin idea was genius. Twitter will be speculating for weeks.”
Noah explained further. “Every public action will be under more of a microscope now, so be mindful of that. Welcome to being a celebrity couple.”
“I wouldn’t call us celebrities,” Cam said.
“Oh, come on, handsome, we’re at least C-listers.”
“Okay, Hollywood.”
“That is not my new nickname!”
But I didn’t have a chance to solidify that request, because Cam was scooping his mother up in his arms. I just kind of stood to the side awkwardly, until they both reached for me, pulling me into their hug.
And damn, it felt good.