Page 71 of Ancient Obsession

Dave shook his head. “There’s water and shit ankle deep over everything.”

“What the fuck?” Oliver felt a bit lightheaded. “How did this happen? We haven’t had that much rain.”

“They’ve had two high school graduation parties in a row, and the sewer line just collapsed.”

“High school kids,” Cody said. “They’ll fuck up everything without even trying.”

“Not helping,” Demetrius said.

They’d all been walking fast, and by that time they’d reached the parking lot. Demetrius took Oliver’s arm, bringing him to a stop. “Give me your keys, and I’ll drive your car back to our house. You and Dave go to the hall. Once you’re done, stop by and give us an update and pick up your car.”

“Yeah, okay, that’s a good idea.” Oliver handed over his keys. “Thanks, best man.”

Demetrius hugged him. “We’ll figure it out.”

Robin retrieved their backpack from the car and, telling Oliver to text them later with an update, set off toward the bus stop.

“You’ll be all right?” Oliver called after them.

“It’s the middle of the afternoon, and I’m using public transportation. I’ll be fine.”

Oliver waved and watched them a moment longer before he got in the car. He put his head back and closed his eyes.

“This is crazy.”

“I can’t believe it,” Dave said as he pulled out of the lot, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. He was driving faster than usual. “This whole month has been one long stretch of insanity.”

“Hey, slow down, please. We don’t need a speeding ticket on top of everything else.”

Dave blew out a breath and eased off the accelerator. “Sorry.” He glanced at him. “I don’t mean to take this out on you.”

“I know that.” Oliver let a few seconds pass. “You could always take it out on your brother.”

That earned him a strangled laugh.

“Good one.” He took Oliver’s hand. “Thank you.”

Oliver briefly tightened his fingers. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

The hall was in worse shape than Oliver had imagined. Brown water covered every inch of floor space, more than ankle deep. The smell made both of them gag and cover their noses and mouths.

“I know, it’s awful.” Gina had a face mask with filters hanging around her neck, and the dark curls of her hair were erupting around a headband like surf against rocks. The mask had left indentations around her nose and mouth, and her eyes were wide and still a bit glassy with shock. “I’m so very sorry this has happened. We will absolutely refund every penny of your deposit.”

“Thanks, Gina,” Dave said. He took a few steps back from the entrance, his eyes fixed on the scene visible through the doors. “It’s so terrible.”

“I’m sorry you guys have to deal with this,” Oliver said.

“At least we’re insured, but, God, what a nightmare.” She gave them a miserable look. “Again, I’m so sorry.”

“It can’t be helped. We understand that,” Dave assured her. “I’m sure we’ll be able to find another place. It’s just a tough spot to be in so close to the wedding.”

Oliver managed to hold back a comment. Six days to the wedding and now no hall in which to celebrate it. What the hell were they going to do?

“We don’t want to hold you up any longer,” Dave said.

“There’s so much to clean up. And it’s so disgusting.” Gina sighed and held her arms up. “I’d give you both an apologetic hug, but I’m kind of gross.”