11. Lucas #2
“You can tell him he doesn’t have to worry. They’re too busy getting dicked down by Zeph and Colton, and there’s six total, according to Ryan.”
Ty laughed. “I bet they’re in paradise.”
“Don't get me wrong. I’m glad I was selected to compete, but I would’ve loved to see Colton leave Zeph behind at the hotel with all that beef.”
I threaded my fingers through Cam’s. “I’d much rather watch you in the Olympics than Colton.”
“I know that, Luke.” Cam squeezed my hand. “But it still would’ve been hilarious!”
Under normal circumstances, Cam would’ve stayed with me the rest of the day, but he was nervous that he wasn’t prepared enough and I wasn’t going to dissuade him from what he thought he needed.
I just told him to listen to his body and not push too hard.
I told myself he had Noah to watch out for him, but then I’d remind myself that Shane was watching over me when I got hurt.
Damn it.
Luke: I mean it. Listen to your body. Anything you think is little, bring it up to Noah or Coach.
Jesus!
“Whoa, bro! Take it easy.”
All Ty had done was put his arm around my shoulders and I nearly jumped twenty feet in the air.
“Sorry. Just…got a lot going on up here.”
“That’s understandable, but I’ve never seen you this jumpy. We gotta loosen you up.”
“Are you trying to sound sexual today, or is it just a happy coincidence?” I asked.
“Really? I can’t say ‘loosen you up’ without you getting horny?”
“I didn’t say I was horny.”
“Okay, Mr. Everything’s Dirty, you’re not horny, you’re a sixth grader. What are we doing today?”
“I feel like I should be asking you that. Don’t you have anything to do for the wedding up here?”
Ty sighed. “Well, Declan did give me a checklist,” he said, pulling out his phone.
I looked over his bare shoulder. Despite the cooler weather, Ty liked his tanks.
“You have a wedding planner?!”
Ty gave me a blank stare. “I forget. You haven’t met Declan’s parents that live in Beverly Hills. Does a wedding planner seem unexpected for people like them? Imagine your mother-shit.” Ty winced. “Sorry, bro.”
“It’s fine. I can imagine what that would be like. And you’re right, my parents would’ve hired one too,” I admitted. “Have you met them? Do you like the plan?”
“I’ve met him…twelve times.”
“Twelve?!”
“He’s a perfectionist.” Ty shrugged.
“How complicated is this wedding that you need twelve meetings to get it perfect?”
“Complicated enough to be wanted for, like, three magazine covers?”
“Wow. Um…I guess I forgot how famous you two have become.”
“I wouldn’t say we’re famous.”
“Oh okay.” I shoved him with my good arm. “Where are we walking, anyway?”
“Ah, Grayson’s office is just down the street. You okay or you want me to get an Uber?”
“I’m fine. I forgot you’re pretty familiar with the city.” I said. “I’d get lost without my phone here. It’s a lot bigger than Dunedin.”
“Is that how you say that? I always pronounce it wrong.”
“You’ve been to our house a few times,” I said. “How could you not know?”
“It’s not like I need to say Dunedin when we visit. I just say Tampa.”
We entered a large foyer, but before the receptionist could greet us, I heard, “Tyler! Mi amor!”
Ty leaned over to whisper, “He’s a hugger, by the way,” as a slim and attractive man approached us through an ornate archway to our left. As he walked across the entryway, he held his arms out to Ty and went in for a hug.
Grayson, I presumed, was taller than me, but shorter than Ty and had short, dark hair. His skin was lighter than mine and flawless. I thought he might have been wearing a little makeup.
“Oh, Lucas. I heard about this.” He pointed to the sling and shook his head, his other hand clutching the top buttons of his shirt.
“I’m so sorry this happened.” And then as if a switch went off.
“Where are my manners?! I am Grayson Vega, event and wedding planner. I am so honored to meet you. You are the other best man, yes?”
I nodded and managed to croak out a reply. I don’t know why I was surprised someone had heard about my injury. I did just have a press conference after all. I guess it was just a shock to randomly bump into someone that cared enough to apologize.
“Where are my manners? I shouldn’t have brought it up. I just feel like I know you.” He gestured to Ty. “This one, if he’s not busy climbing up his fiancé, he’s talking about you or Pierce or Freddie. How is Declan, by the way?”
“He’s good. Waiting on the tuxes,” Ty answered.
“Oh, thank you. That reminds me.” Grayson pulled out his phone. “I’ll give them a call. Light a fire under their asses. They should’ve been ready last week. We still have to double check the fit.” He turned to me. “All the muscles you guys pump up, they’re a nightmare for the tailor!”
“I’ve also got a list of stuff from Declan to go over,” Ty said, waving his phone.
“That’s right, honey. Keep me on target. That’s what I’m being paid for. Let’s head to my office.”
And then he turned and walked briskly away from us. I heard him say something about Declan being a perfectionist and scurried to keep up with them.