Page 18 of The Forever Vault

“If you’re there, I’m up for anything.”

“Total cheese, but I’ll take it.” I shoved at his shoulder but moved closer. “I missed it. Give me more cheese.”

Luke’s fingers threaded into mine and we headed down the sidewalk.

The server left to put in our order. It was dim inside and busy, so I wasn’t surprised we weren’t recognized. It was about fifty-fifty most of the time anyway.

“How was your first day in the gym?” I asked, hoping Luke had talked to Woodward about the Preston situation.

“Good, a little tightness in my chest but I worked through it.”

I nodded, took a sip of my soda, then asked, “Did you talk to Shane or Woodward?”

“Yeah.”

“How’d that go?”

“About as good as you’d expect.”

“So…bad?”

Luke nodded. “Uh, yeah. Coach spoke with all the guys including Preston, then immediately ended practice and told us to go back to the village. Shane said the coaches were going to have an emergency meeting.”

“Did Shane tell you what happened?”

“Like you have to ask! I texted him to call me as soon as their meeting was over. He met me at the village afterward. Basically, if Preston says anything like that again to anyone on the team, he’s off the team. Coach was adamant. Apparently, Dmitry tried to deny everything, but Coach said Preston admitted it, so Dmitry kind of looked foolish. Preston’s keeping his room and Miles will stay with O. Coach didn’t want any of us to have to live with Preston after that. Press conferences will be closely monitored and if Preston doesn’t support the team, he’ll be reprimanded. Whatever that means. But I doubt anyone’s going to ask him about his feelings on sexuality.”

“I still say he’s repressing something.”

“Well, whatever he’s doing, he can stay the fuck away from me and the guys.”

I rubbed his leg under the table and offered a sympathetic smile.

“I’m too old for this shit. You’d think being on a team with a two-time Olympic veteran, the reigning Olympic all-around gold medalist, that that would garner some respect, but God forbid, I stick my dick in the wrong place-”

Of course, it was at that moment the server arrived with our food.

“Here we are, gentlemen,” he said, setting our plates down. “Just know that we don’t discriminate based on where you stick your dicks.” He winked. “Can I get anything else for you?”

I asked for more soda. Luke shook his head. I didn’t hold back my laughter as the server turned to leave. Luke’s cheeks pinkened up as he started picking at his chicken tacos. “Shut up!”

“I didn’t say anything!” I held my hands up. “I’m glad it’s been dealt with and hopefully, he’s not a shithead again.”

“One can only hope.”

“Do you want any dessert?” Luke asked.

We were on our way back to the hotel. I squeezed his hand and replied, “I’m good for now, but maybe later. Wanna see my room?”

Luke laughed. “Of course.”

We enjoyed the balmy weather. San Francisco in July was close to Florida’s winter. It was almost cool enough that I needed a sweatshirt, but Luke’s proximity and the expectation of the sexy times ahead were enough to keep me warm.

The street was fairly busy. I was surprised since it was a Tuesday. Just six more days until the opening ceremony. It was still hard to believe that I wouldn’t walk in another one. London had been my last. I certainly couldn’t complain. I left London with a gold and three silvers and a steady long-term relationship with the sweetest man ever.

This must be the acceptance stage of grief.

“What are you thinking about? You went quiet. I was expecting a sex joke. Something raunchy about dessert.”