Page 89 of The Forever Vault

I tried calling Cam again. Nothing.

The server brought our breakfast plates out, but I didn’t feel like eating. I needed to be with Cam. I needed to know how he was feeling. I needed to be there for him.

Ty’s hand on my leg brought me back to the room.

“I’m sure Cam’s fine. He’s with the team. They’re gonna have to address this now that it’s out. Coach is probably setting up a press conference or an interview as we speak.”

“Why?” Colton asked. “There’s no point closin’ the barn door. The horse already ran.”

“You know why, Colt. They have to try to control the story, put on a unified front, like when our QB was caught with that male escort.”

“The prostitute, you mean?” Colton replied.

“This is a little more serious than that,” I said.

“It was pretty serious for the quarterback’s wife!”

I smirked at that. I bet it was a shock for her, but at least her husband kept playing. I wondered if Dmitry was just as surprised or if he was the one pushing Preston to dope.

“Well, let’s just try to enjoy breakfast,” Ty said. “We can head back to the hotel and relax there. I’m sure Cam will call or text before long, and I can try Martin as well, though I doubt he’ll answer.”

“Okay.” I nodded and cut into my chocolate chip pancake. At least not being an Olympian tasted good. I felt like I had already gained five pounds and it had only been a few days. To be fair, I had gone from training my ass off every day to just getting my ass fucked. And while my sex life may not have changed much thanks to Cam’s strength and ingenuity, I missed the gym.

Even knowing this was going to be my last Olympics, I hadn’t planned on letting my body go. That was kind of why this pancake felt so decadent. My love of chocolate overrode my worry. Besides, one pancake wasn’t going to unravel a lifetime of muscles.

I took a deep breath and another bite while the others speculated about Preston. I knew I could pursue my love for animals in the nearby parks system - the Tampa Bay area had so many opportunities - but I also thought about starting a gymnastics camp or helping out our college’s team. I hadn’t fully decided yet. I’d have to see how recovery went now. That might limit my choices.

I practically leapt onto my phone when it buzzed, but it was Heather.

Heather: Have you heard from Cam?

Heather: I just saw the story about Preston.

Luke: He didn’t answer when I tried him.

Heather: Same. Let me know if you hear something.

Luke: I’m worried too. I’ll let you know.

Heather: Love you.

Luke: Love you too.

She always texted that at the end of the conversation, and you had to text it back. I had learned that the hard way. Well, Cam told me to and I ignored him, and then I didn’t hear the end of it the next time I saw her. Over time, the words had come true. I did love her and it was clear that she saw me as a second son.

I almost dropped my phone, grabbing it off the table. It was Cam’s ringtone.

“Hello?!”

“Hey, tiger. I'm guessing you've seen the headlines? They just told us it leaked.”

“Yeah, you okay? How’s the team?”

“Is that Cam?”

“What’s he-?”

I made a slice across my neck and gave them my best death glare. I could barely hear Cam over their chorus of inquiries.