In Dreams He Came

by Trina Lane

  When Gabe’s breathing returned to normal, Nick tilted his prince’s head up so their eyes could meet. “Remember what I told you?”

  Tears pooled in Gabe’s gemstone eyes. The sorrow and fear in their emerald depths broke Nick’s heart. Gabe’s hands trembled in Nick’s grip, and Nick’s thumbs brushed over the back of them, soothing the nerves as best he could. Gabe stared at Nick for a long minute and then nodded. Nick leaned in and kissed Gabe chastely.

  He heard several gasps beside them. Nick turned his head and saw that behind Carmichael and Wilkins several other swimmers had gathered at the end of the row of lockers. Some faces were happy, others indifferent, and there were a couple that didn’t bother to hide their displeasure.

  Nick stood and faced the small audience. “Yes, it’s true. Gabriel Mason and I are partners. I’m sure everyone here has the burning desire to spread this news, but I’m asking you to respect the sport we all love. Don’t make the next three days about the gossip surrounding anyone’s personal lives. Everyone here has worked tirelessly over the past season, and for some of you this will be your last collegiate event. I’m asking you to demonstrate pride in yourselves as well as your school, and refrain from any malicious behavior.”

  “Why should we keep your secret? Your competitors have a right to know who’s sharing the water with them.”

  Nick saw the sneering face of the man in the back of the crowd who called out the challenge. “First of all, my sexuality isn’t a secret. My team members, coaches and many of those whom I compete against are aware of the fact that I’m gay. It’s not touted on the airwaves for the general public simply because it’s none of their damn business. I’ve earned the respect of my peers through hard work, being a team player, and when necessary, leadership. Who I choose to sleep with has no bearing on that status either in my eyes or theirs.”

  Nick saw a significant number of heads nodding in support.

  Gabe stood and linked hands with Nick. “I’m proud to be Nick’s partner. He’s a very loving, intelligent, and talented person. I hope each and every one of you will find someone with those qualities to share your life with, regardless of their gender.”

  The call for the first heats of the morning came through speakers in the locker room. Most of the peanut gallery wandered off. Carmichael, Wilkins, and the sneerer from the back remained.

  “You have something else you want to say to us?”

  “You people make me sick. Unfortunately, fucking another man isn’t grounds for disqualification.” He looked at Gabe. “However, I’d suggest you be very careful walking around the deck, and you’d better hope we aren’t placed in lanes next to each other.” Then he stared at Nick. “And you, I hope your sponsors leave so quickly they create a vacuum and make you suffocate. In my opinion, the fact that someone like you represents our country is a testament to the demoralization of our society.”

  Wilkins turned and faced Nick and Gabe’s verbal attacker. “Oh, shut the fuck up! I don’t want to hear anything about your views on morals. You just threatened bodily injury on another competitor, and not to mention your suspension two years ago for doping.”

  The young man’s face turned beat red, and Nick swore he saw a vein stand out on the side of the flushed temple. The athlete’s fists were clinched so tight, his knuckles were white.

  “What the hell is going on in here!”

  Coach Meran’s voice echoed through the locker room. Nick, Gabe, Wilkins, and Carmichael walked toward the end of the row and stood several feet away from their heckler.

  “We can hear the shouts out in the pool area. I don’t care who started this or what was said.” He pointed at the swimmer standing alone. “I don’t know who you are, or what school you belong to, but I suggest you report to your coach immediately.”

  Nick watched as the furious student turned and strode away. Nick did catch the kid mumbling something about filthy faggots under his breath, and when Nick turned to look at Coach Meran the man’s jaw nearly touched the floor.

  “Did he just say what I think he said?”

  Nick, Gabe, Wilkins, and Carmichael all nodded.

  Carmichael looked at Gabe and Nick. “I’m sorry, guys. This was all our fault.”

  Nick shook his head. “It doesn’t matter how it came about. Gabriel and I were prepared for this eventuality. I’m sorry it happened under these circumstances, but you’re not to blame. We were having a private discussion that became a public spectacle. I suggest we all head out to the waiting area. You three need to concentrate on your swims. Don’t let this incident affect your performances this week. You’ve worked too hard.”

  Carmichael and Wilkins left the locker room, and Nick was left standing there with Coach Meran and Gabe. He slipped his arm around Gabe’s waist and pulled his prince in tight. Gabe’s head nuzzled against Nick’s neck and he felt the soft pants of air caress his skin.

  “I love you, Gabriel. Everything will be fine, I promise,” he whispered.

  Gabe’s arms tightened around Nick’s waist. “Once again you saved the day. My brave knight.”

  They separated, and Nick turned Gabe to face Coach Meran.

  “All right, Gabe, you need to get poolside. Your heat begins in about five minutes. I want you to concentrate on your race. You’ve been working toward this meet all year. Don’t spread this around, but since our Nick moved on to bigger and brighter arenas, I’ve always thought you took his place as the person with the most natural talent and biggest heart on the team. Don’t let one ignorant fucker ruin it for you. Go out there and show them what a Golden Bear’s roar sounds like.”

  Gabe straightened. “Yes, Coach.”

  Nick had never been more proud of his prince than he was in that moment. He knew in his gut that Gabe would go out there and swim his very best. And maybe, just maybe his best would be good enough today.

  NICK stood on the pool deck next to Coach Meran. The area had all the appearance of a madhouse. Officials in blue blazers stood with their hands behind their backs and stern expressions on their faces. Swimmers and coaches crowded the narrow walkway around the edge of the pool. There was a constant buzz in the stands, and he felt more than one pair of eyes boring into the back of his neck. When he’d stepped out of the locker room a few minutes ago, Nick had sworn the noise level had increased, but the change might have been due to the races about to start.

  “You okay?”

  Nick looked over at his former coach and nodded. “The media was bound to find out sooner or later. Gabe and I had discussed how we would handle the situation. It’s a shame that idle gossip will take precedent over what these swimmers will accomplish this week.”

  “You know you need to call Greg. Like it or not, he’ll have to run interference for the next several days. You don’t want him to be blindsided.”

  “I know. I will, once Gabe finishes this first heat. Where’s Phil? Gabe will want him close by as soon as he’s done.”

  Coach Meran picked up his walkie-talkie and keyed the button. “Who has eyes on Alcorn?”

  Nick heard a voice come through the speaker saying that Phil was with the other CAL swimmers in the holding pen.

  “Bring him to the locker room,” Coach Meran responded. He looked to Nick. “What should I have the guys tell him?”

  “Have them say that Nemo needs him. Phil will know what that means.”

  Nick watched Gabe climb on the blocks for his first heat in the two hundred freestyle. With the number of swimmers who’d qualified in the event, six preliminary heats were scheduled before the final later that week. Gabe had also qualified to compete in the individual events for the two hundred yard backstroke and one hundred yard freestyle. He would serve as the anchor leg for the four by four hundred freestyle relay. It was going to be a very busy few days for Nick’s prince, and he sincerely hoped that the morning’s revelations would not distract Gabe from concentrating on accomplishing his goals.

  Nick looked up into the stands and caught sight of Gabe’s
parents. They both waved, but judging by the expression on their faces the rumor mill was spinning frantically up in the stands. Nick pasted a pleasant smile on his face and waved back.

  Gabe climbed out of the pool, and Nick realized he’d been so distracted he hadn’t even watched the race. He took a quick glance up at the board and cheered inwardly when he saw Gabe’s name in bright lights in the number one spot. Now they had to wait and see if Gabe’s time would hold up to be part of the top eight spots. Judging by the numbers, Nick thought it looked plausible. Gabe’s eyes met his, and the smile that brightened his sweetheart’s face soothed all the tight muscles in Nick’s neck. Nick winked back as Coach Meran made his way over to Gabe and the other CAL swimmers who’d been in the heat.

  Nick turned and dug out his cell from his pocket. He quickly dialed Greg’s number and pressed the phone close to his ear to hear through the din of noise surrounding him.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Greg. You have a minute?”

  Nick pushed open a set of double doors at the end of the pool deck behind the diving platforms. Instantly the buzzing that filled his head went silent. He found himself in a dark hallway, and leaned back against the concrete wall.

  “Sure what’s up? How’s the meet going? It’s too early for you to be calling with any final results.”

  “It’s out.”

  “What’s out?”

  Nick pinched the bridge of his nose. “Me.”

  “Oh, okay, tell me what happened.”

  Greg’s voice was calm, but Nick knew that his coach was already in the process of executing the plans they’d made.

  “Gabe and I were talking with two other swimmers in the locker room. They asked if we were a couple and… well… you know how locker rooms are.”

  “You think the media’s already been alerted?”

  “I don’t know, but the entire aquatic center has a buzz that I can’t rationally attribute to the event.” Nick was tempted to start pacing, but glued his feet to the floor and kept his breathing even. There was the sound of a keyboard clacking and papers shuffling through the phone line.

  “All right. Here’s what you’re going to do. Let me handle the media and the sponsors. We have the statement ready to go, and I’ll let you know if any kind of public appearance will be necessary. You handle anything on your social networks.”

  “Guess now we find out if the sponsors really will back us like they said they would. I’m sorry you have to deal with all this crap. I hired you to be my coach, not my publicist.”

  Nick had assured Gabe that his sponsors and endorsements would continue to stand behind him, but when corporations who were more concerned with their bottom dollar than the individual came into play, it wasn’t unusual for empty promises to be made.

  “No worries, it’s all in my job description. Besides, we’re prepared.”

  Nick thought about the meetings he and Greg had with each company he represented. They’d divulged Nick’s sexuality so there would be no shock when and if the situation was brought to light. A couple of offers had been rescinded, but all Nick’s current backers had written into the contract that no changes would occur in the eventuality.

  “Yeah, it feels a little scary now that it’s reality rather than some scenario on paper.”

  “You want me to fly up there?”

  “No, your wife is due any day. Stay home with your family, but I’d appreciate updates as things move forward.”

  “You can count on that.”

  Nick hung up with Greg and leaned back against the wall. In the darkness he could admit that he was scared. He’d always imagined coming out to the general public under his conditions, but right now, Nick felt very out of control and it made him nervous.

  Regardless, he had to pull himself together. He was here to support Gabe. His prince was supposed to be the star these next few days, not Nick’s sexuality. They would concentrate on Gabe’s meet and let the outside world deal with itself, unless it became absolutely necessary to intervene.

  Chapter 14

  GABE sat in the van carrying the team from the hotel to the university’s aquatic center for the last day of competition. Nick sat beside him and held his hand. As they made their way through campus, the number of vans with media station logos painted across the sides hadn’t dissipated from the previous two days. Nick’s outing had served as tantalizing blood for the sharks lurking in the waters. The NCAA officials had done an excellent job of not allowing the circus to disturb the meet. Each of the heats had gone off without a hitch. Today, the finals for the individual events as well as the team relays would occur.

  “Jesus, you’d think they’d have something better to do. It’s not like there’s world hunger to solve or shoddy politicians to harass,” Phil grumbled.

  Tears came to Gabe’s eyes as one by one his teammates in their van put their hands on Nick’s shoulders in support. Over the last couple days, his fellow Golden Bears had circled the wagons, and several of Nick’s peers from the national team had arrived to show their support. Will had been one of the first to arrive, and he’d made a public statement to the vultures in support of Nick.

  Coach Meran pulled the van into the parking lot on the side of the building. Fortunately, they had rented a van with tinted windows that looked similar to many of the other ones being used by athletes from other universities to travel between the hotels and the venue. Gabe steeled himself to run the gauntlet as they’d done the day before, but was surprised when Coach kept driving around the back of the building, instead of parking as Gabe had expected.

  Coach threw the van in park and turned to face the students filling the back of the van. “I asked all the seniors to ride with me this morning because I wanted a moment of quiet to say a few words.”

  Gabe watched as the man he’d considered a second father waited till he had the attention of everyone present.

  “I’ve worked with each and every one of you for the past four years, and while I’ve had many proud moments I can honestly say that your unity as a team has never been greater than over the last two days. Your support for each other both in the water and out has set a new standard for everyone in that building. At some point today each person in this van will swim his last collegiate race. Regardless of the outcomes, all of you should hold your head high knowing that you did your best. In a couple months you’ll graduate, and your lives will take you far and wide. Some of you will be continuing your swimming career and some of you will not, but regardless of what endeavors you take on, I expect you to continue to strive for your personal best with each challenge you face. As Nick can attest, even after you leave CAL’s stomping grounds, I’ll always welcome you home should you need anything. Let the friendships you’ve forged over your time together stay strong, because wherever life may take you, a good friend will be there for you through thick and thin. I can say with absolute conviction that your class has been an honor to work with. Good luck, gentlemen.”

  Phil turned to face those sitting in the back row He put his arm out palm down. “Hands in.”

  Gabe and all the seniors followed Phil’s instructions. They bounced their hands a couple times and then there was a shout.

  “Wait!”

  All heads looked at Klousak who’d made the outcry. “Jackson, get your ass in here. You’re alum. Like coach said, that means you’re family.”

  Gabe turned his head and saw the smile that lit up Nick’s face.

  “Sorry, Klousak, only Gabe is allowed to lay his hands on my ass. You can have my hand, though.” Nick maneuvered so he could join the pile.

  “Why, Nick! Is that a proposal?” Klousak said, fluttering his eyes.

  Phil crowed, “I am so telling your girlfriend that you were trying to score with another dude.”

  Klousak chuckled. “How do you know we haven’t already done that together?”

  Phil’s eyes went wide, and the entire van started to laugh.

  “All right, you clowns. We have a meet
to get to!”

  “Yes, Coach,” they all chorused.

  “All right, bears on the count of three!” Gabe said. “One… two… three! Bears!” they shouted.

  Everyone piled out of the van cheering as they made their way to the back door of the aquatic center.

  SEVERAL hours later, Gabe sat in the ready room, waiting for the finalists of the two hundred yard freestyle to be called to the starting area. His goal for the year had been to get to the finals, and he’d succeeded in being seeded sixth. Anything else from this point on was candy on top. He’d swum well in his other events, placing seventh overall in the backstroke and fourth behind Phil in the one hundred yard freestyle earlier that day. His last swim of the meet would be the team relay, but right now, Gabe had to focus on swimming a personal best, yet again. He’d asked Coach Meran and Nick to give him a few moments alone before the race.

  Gabe focused on his breathing. He concentrated on feeling his chest expand with each breath. Yawning a couple times, Gabe tried to equalize the pressure in his ears. He checked his cap, making sure the silicone was secured over his head, tightened the string on his suit one last time, and adjusted the edge of the material above his knees. All the races of this meet had been important to Gabe, but for some reason he felt as though the next two hundred yards he swam would in some way define his collegiate swim career.

  He stood in front of the mirror, psyching himself up. Gabe stretched his neck from side to side, turning as he would in the water to grab the next breath of air. Warmth lingered in the muscles of his arms from the last event, but Gabe still stretched them over his head, in an effort to keep them loose.

  “Gabe? It’s time,” Coach Meran said from the entrance.

  He got in line with the other finalists. Gabe would be starting in lane four. Four was a lucky lane. No idea why, but the concept sounded good to him at that moment. On either side of Gabe were two swimmers from University of Arizona. Both already had wins to their names during the meet. Gabe was the only CAL swimmer to make the finals in this event, so not only was this swim important toward reaching his personal goals, but he was representing his school. His home away from home. The team that he called family.