18. Camden #2
“So, do y’all think Miles has a secret boyfriend, or is it just me?” Colton asked.
“Nah, he was all over me at dinner.” Zeph practically preened.
I didn’t want to feed into the gossip, but I agreed with Colton. As someone who had hid a relationship from his teammates, it was fairly obvious. Miles was seeing somebody.
Through gritted teeth, Colton said, “No teammates, darlin’, remember?”
“Oh, put your dick away, babe. We only flirtin’.”
“I think you were the one flirtin’,” Luke said. “Miles just likes football.”
“Amen, Luke.” Colton gave Zeph’s massive bicep a little slap. “You behave when he gets here.”
We didn’t have to wait much longer. Miles ran up to us, sex hair and all. He looked like he had been utterly used, but he gave us all a big smile.
“Hey, guys. Sorry if you’ve been waiting long.”
Colton practically leapt onto Zeph to cover his mouth, and kept him from saying something to embarrass Miles.
I could see at least two hickeys on Miles’ neck, and no one needed to point that out to him right now.
I’d find time later to make sure he got some concealer for the competition tomorrow.
Under the bright lights of the arena and with the zoom capabilities of the cameras nowadays, the bruises would likely go viral.
“Let’s head in, gentlemen,” Ty said, leading the way.
Luke grabbed my hand and we brought up the rear of the group. I could tell Miles knew the hickeys were there. His hands kept touching them, absentmindedly, and then as if they were on fire, he’d drop his hand away and try to keep them occupied with something else.
When no one said anything to him, I spoke up. “We weren’t waiting too long.”
“Oh good, we, I mean, I, yeah, I lost track of time.”
“Last minute training?” Zeph teased.
“Ju-just took a nap. Forgot to set an alarm.”
Thankfully, Zeph let that slide. Likely because Colton was flicking his nipple or pinching his butt as a distraction.
We were, in fact, not booed, but welcomed by many fans.
It took us so long to get to our seats that we missed the first event, not that I needed to pay much attention to the women.
Despite the lack of Olympic experience on the team, the other countries didn’t have a chance at overtaking them.
They would definitely finish the qualifying round in first place.
I took advantage of our seating arrangement to chat up Orion, to see how he was coping with Austin’s situation.
After I was met with a heavy sigh, I quickly apologized. “If you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to. I’m sorry I said anything.”
“It’s not that, Cam - I appreciate you asking - I’m just worried about the whole thing. What good was a restraining order last time?”
“You have Remy this time?” I suggested. “And the Olympic Village is as secure as it gets.”
“I know. Still doesn’t stop me from worrying.”
“It’s not like Austin’s the type of guy to just call it a day and go home. He made it to the Olympics. He’s gotta see that through. You guys can’t live the rest of your lives hiding.”
“That’s easy to say for someone who doesn’t have a deranged stalker obsessed with their boyfriend.”
“Yeah, it is. But you’re not alone. You don’t need to carry this burden all by yourself.”
“Thanks, Cam.” Orion squeezed my leg, then pulled me in for a shoulder hug. “We’ll let you know if we need anything. You hear from Erika lately?”
“Just some more venting about her parents, and a few false contractions. You excited to be an uncle?”
“I should ask you and Luke the same thing.”
“Of course, we’re excited,” I answered.
“Yeah, me and Austin are too, though with the Olympics and now the stalker shit, he’s a bit all over the place.”
“Understandable. He can only do what he can do. Tell him not to worry about Erika too much. Isaak’s a great husband, and she has her parents too.”
“I will.”
Our team finals weren't until later the next day, so we were able to stay for the entire women’s event. I said a quick goodbye to Luke, Ty, Zeph and Colton, then headed back to the village with the guys.
We didn’t make it very far before my phone vibrated.
Luke: Miss you already.
Before I could reply, Ezra latched onto me, and lamented, “Am I the only single guy left on the team?”
“What about me?” Miles asked.
Here we go.
“Those hickeys say you’re not single,” Ezra teased,
Sure enough, Miles' hand went straight to the darkest one. “Y-you noticed?”
“Don’t worry. You don’t need to explain if you don’t want to.” I put my arm around Miles, and pushed Ezra away. “But I’m going to give you some concealer for the competition tomorrow. They’ll look like bullseyes on camera tomorrow if you just leave them.”
“Thanks. I told him to stop, but- Shit! I mean, I-”
“It’s fine, Miles. I can understand keeping a relationship a secret.”
Miles pulled away to look me in the eye. “How’d you know it was a relationship?”
“So it is!”
“Give it a rest, Ezra,” I said, pulling him away from Miles. Clearly, he wasn’t getting it. “Good night, boys. See you tomorrow.”
I let O and Miles get into the elevator first, so I could have a chat with Ezra.
“Why didn’t we go up with them?”
“Ezra, would you like me to tell them about Tadashi?”
“Fuck, no! You said you wouldn’t tell anyone!”
“So, imagine you’re Miles, and your puppy play is his secret relationship.” I let that sink in for a few seconds. “I’m guessing you wouldn’t want Miles asking you twenty questions about it in front of the whole team, would you?”
“Fuck. You’re right,” Ezra said. “I should apologize.”
I patted him on the back. “Just send him a text. I don’t think he’s that upset, but it’s still the right thing to do.”
As soon as we were in our room, Ezra asked, “Who do you think it is? Someone we know?”
“What did Jack say to you when he handed you your bag during qualifications?”
“Uh, good night, Cam. See you tomorrow.”
I knew that would shut him up.