Page 141 of The Forever Vault

“Oh, I know that. I just meant with everything that’s happened this week.”

“True, but O’s always been pretty even-keeled.”

“Are we talking about the same person? Because you should’ve heard the obscenities coming out of his mouth when he got to the hospital the other night. He was ready to go to the police station, drag Dennis Jenkins out into the street, and beat the shit out of him.”

“Okay, that I can see,” I admitted. “But on the podium, he’s never let anything get to him, and I know after London, he knew he could do better and vowed to do so.”

“He’s been driven the last couple years. We both have.”

“I know you’ll do great,” I said, patting him on the back. “You’re right there. Aren’t you top five in the world for your weight class?”

“Yeah, but-”

“No buts. You made it. You’re an Olympian, and no one can take that away from you.”

The Olympic theme song started and the arena quieted as the three medalists walked out from underneath the stands.

26

Camden

I couldn’t help it. The anthem did it every time, and even though it was technically for O, I was still crying. But Luke knew me well enough to wrap the coin in tissues. I pulled one out of my pocket to quickly wipe my face, so I didn’t look like a leaky faucet in all the photos.

And soon, it would be straight to the hospital because now, of all times, was when Erika went into labor. Not that she had a choice, but man…what timing.

The baby’s finally here.

The smile on my face was for the little guy, though I should be smiling because of my bronze medal. I was completely on board with Orion to skip the ceremony, but then Austin convinced him to stay, and I could see that Luke was with him too, so I stayed.

Woodward already said he’d cover the press conference for us, explaining we had a personal matter to attend to. After all, I had two more event finals tomorrow and Orion had one, so we’d be able to answer all the questions anyone had after those.

“…AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE.”

Orion and I sandwiched Rasmus with bro-hugs, shook the hands of the FIG and IOC representatives that handed us our medals and dahlia bouquets for a second time, and made our way off the podium.

“Make sure you give some time for the other athletes and coaches to congratulate you. I know you want to leave,” Woodward said, greeting us.

“Will do, Coach.” Orion nodded.

I went to my bag to pretend to gather my things. It was already packed and ready, but Woodward was right. The sportsmanlike thing to do was accept the congrats of the other athletes. When I turned around with my bag on my shoulder, most of them were there, and in less than five minutes, everyone on the floor that could’ve come over had done so.

“Give Erika, I mean, Mrs. van der Berg, my best.”

“Thanks, Coach. Will do.”

I sent a quick text to Luke.

Cam: You getting an Uber?

“We’re not showering, right?” Orion asked.

“I wasn’t planning on it. I was going to change into street clothes though.”

“Okay.”

My phone vibrated as we went through the door into the locker room.

Luke: Already requested an XL, your mom and Cecelia are coming with.