Page 129 of The Forever Vault

“I guess it’s working if I say I’m gonna work you over and you don’t take advantage of the innuendo to flirt with me.”

Ezra gave me a sad look. “Unfortunately.”

“Well?”

“I’d rather puke in here than out there.”

“No more puking,” Woodward said, entering the locker room alone.

“But I still don’t feel good, coach,” Ezra said with a slight whine for effect.

“That’s why I’ve told Zane to give you the rest of the day off-”

“Really?”

“-though he did not like it, Ezra,” Woodward finished. “Instead, I’m going to have Luke look after you, so Zane can cool off, and maybe you can figure out what to say to him later.” He turned to me, put a hand on my shoulder, and said, “No more throwing up. I don’t want him damaging his throat or aspirating or worse. Plenty of fluids, rest, and bland foods.”

“I’m sure we can find something in the village cafeteria. There’s hundreds of options. Can I say goodbye to Cam?”

“Of course, Luke. Ezra smells like he could use a shower.”

24

Camden

“Looking good, Cam.”

“Thanks, Coach.”

“Ugh, you know I hate it when you call me that. Noah is just fine, thank you.”

I took the offered towel and used it to wipe the tiny beads of sweat threatening to roll down my forehead. “Thanks, Noah. Any advice?”

Noah scoffed. “Don’t get drunk tonight and get a good night’s rest.”

“That all?”

“And if you don’t want Woodward mad at you, take care of Ezra, which means-”

“Which means stay in the village tonight.”

“I’d stay in the village until the event finals are over. Ezra’s with you on the vault and Miles on the p-bars.”

“I HAVE TO GO!”

Our conversation came to a halt as Orion’s voice carried across the gym. Woodward was standing beside him, hand on his shoulder, while O shoved everything into a duffel. He must’ve said something else because O erupted again.

“AUSTIN NEEDS ME!”

That was enough to get Noah and I to head over. I noticed Shane put away his phone and was jogging behind us to catch up. Miles and Hudson must’ve left at some point because I couldn’t see them.

“I understand, Orion. I just don’t want you to go off half-cocked and alone.”

“What’s going on?” Noah asked.

O ignored him. “Are you coming with me then?” He turned, bag over his shoulder, to wait for the answer.

“Until we know a little more, I think the safest place for everyone is the village-”, O tried to leave, but Woodward continued, “-which is why I’m calling Hudson now. He can escort Miles back, same for Noah and Cam. Shane and I will go with you to the hospital.”