Page 57 of The Forever Vault

"How long before the sling can come off, and how long until it's healed? When can I start rehab?"

"Well, Lucas, that depends on your body. Once the pain is gone and you no longer require medication, it would be fine to stop using the sling, though it might make it easier to remember not to try to overuse it. It’s going to take months to fully heal. I can set you up with a physical therapist, but I’m guessing you won’t need help with that,” he said, gesturing to Woodward.

“You’re correct, doctor. As an Olympian, he’ll have access to the best care possible. His boyfriend is also a physiotherapist,” Woodward replied.

“Assistant physiotherapist,” Cam corrected him.

Woodward shrugged. “You’re still gonna take good care of him, and you’re familiar with what recovery is like.”

“Plus, he’s got a sling bro!” Ty spoke up.

“A sling bro?” I asked.

“Yeah, I know what it’s like to be in a sling.” I repressed the urge to call out the innuendo. “I’m here to help you deal with it, to give you a hand if you need it.”

I ignored Cam’s snicker, and asked the doctor, “So what’s the next step?”

“I’ll send your files to the team doctors. Like I said, at this point, you’re in recovery mode. I’d advise caution and patience. There is a chance you can make it worse if you push too fast. I wouldn’t lift anything over five pounds with that arm until you’ve started physical therapy.”

I thanked the doctor, then headed outside with Cam and Ty while Shane and Woodward hung back to talk to the doctor.

“So, you’re gonna give him a hand, huh, Ty?” Cam teased.

“What?” Ty asked.

“He really doesn’t get it. Must be because he’s almost married. He’s lost all perversion,” I said.

“A hand. You’re gonna give Luke a hand,” Cam repeated, motioning with his hand exactly what Luke and I had immediately thought of when he said it.

“Jeez, bro, not that kind of hand. With you around, I doubt he needs help with that. Here I was being genuine and you guys turned it into a porno.”

“To be fair, I’ve literally had a porn star hit on me this week.”

Cam and I explained to Ty what he meant.

“Well, don’t tell Declan. He’ll get super jealous.”

“Isn’t he supposed to trust you? You are getting married,” I said.

“Well, yeah, but five porn stars naked in the pool. I mean, come on…”

“You can tell him he doesn’t have to worry. They’re too busy getting dicked down by Zeph and Colton, and there’s six total, according to Ryan.”

Ty laughed. “I bet they’re in paradise.”

“Don't get me wrong. I’m glad I was selected to compete, but I would’ve loved to see Colton leave Zeph behind at the hotel with all that beef.”

I threaded my fingers through Cam’s. “I’d much rather watch you in the Olympics than Colton.”

“I know that, Luke.” Cam squeezed my hand. “But it still would’ve been hilarious!”

Under normal circumstances, Cam would’ve stayed with me the rest of the day, but he was nervous that he wasn’t prepared enough and I wasn’t going to dissuade him from what he thought he needed. I just told him to listen to his body and not push too hard. I told myself he had Noah to watch out for him, but then I’d remind myself that Shane was watching over me when I got hurt.

Damn it.

Luke: I mean it. Listen to your body. Anything you think is little, bring it up to Noah or Coach.

Jesus!