Page 40 of The Forever Vault

“Yeah, we’re good,” I answered.

“Great,” Woodward said. “Let’s get out there then. We’re already fifteen minutes late.”

After my warm-up, Noah had me on the rings. We only had a few days before the opening ceremonies. It felt good to be back in the gym. Last month, I had come to terms with never being an Olympian again, and now, here I was. I tried to clear my head as I pulled out another giant front handstand into a straddle L-sit. The rings had been my most challenging event years ago, but I had been nailing this routine for years. It wasn’t going to dazzle the judges, but it was enough.

My core events had remained the vault and the floor. My innovation and creativity had been focused there. Luke had helped me spice up my parallel bar routine since that was his strength.

Despite the suddenness of it all, I felt prepared physically. It was my brain that was playing catch up. With the combination of Luke’s injury, its probable effect on our relationship, and the revelation that Zane Hunter was involved with the gymnastics team, I was on information overload and struggling to compartmentalize everything so I could focus.

“That was good, Cam, but you can do better.”

“Thanks,” I said, grabbing the offered water bottle.

“I figured we’d do some high bar work and call it good for the morning. I’d like you back here for an afternoon session since you’ve missed a few days. I know that’s a lot, but I can get an ice bath ready later if you think you need it. Also, I’ve got all your official team gear being delivered to the locker room.”

“Sounds good.”

We made our way to some chairs along the wall of the gym. The team was training in one of the smaller gyms on campus. The Olympic events themselves would be held in the Chase Center along the waterfront.

“So, I’m guessing Zane took your V-card?”

I knew this was coming.

“Nothing gets past you.”

“And you had no idea he was here, which means Luke didn’t recognize him.”

“Yup.”

“Have you told Luke yet?”

“No, I was saving that for right before the press conference. What’s his last name now?”

“Korhonen. I’ve met his husband, Torben. Seems nice.”

“What kind of name is Torben?”

“He’s Finnish, played semi-pro ice hockey. I’ve met him a few times over the years. I’ve seen him at meets before, in the stands. And Shane and Zane-”

“Sounds like a terrible crime-fighting duo.”

“The coaches have gone out a few times while you athletes were doing whatever it is you do when we’re not around. Torben’s been out with us, Hudson too. We’ve even dragged Cassandra out with us this week.”

“Huh.”

“We can have friends too, Cam. We’re not old hermits yet. I’m only a few years older than you.”

“Five. You’re five years older than me.”

“Oh, okay. That’s so much older. Where’s my cane?”

“He’s a good coach?” I changed topics.

Noah glanced over at Zane, who was going over something with Ezra on the pommel horse.

“Ezra seems to like him. I’ve never seen them at odds. I’m sure Ezra will have more to say to you later.”

I smiled. “I don’t know what you mean.”