Page 90 of The Forever Vault

“Sorry about that. The guys are just as curious as I am. Everything okay?” I realized that sounded ridiculous as soon as it left my mouth. “I mean, obviously everything isn’t okay, but are you doing alright?”

“Yeah.” He let out a huge sigh. “It’s been quite a morning. Another awkward piss in front of a stranger. Although this one introduced himself, which made it marginally less uncomfortable. I was the last one to show up, so when I met the rest of the guys, we figured it was Preston. He wasn't there, and then Coach confirmed it a few minutes later.”

“And then the story leaked?”

“Exactly. We’re staying here for a bit longer. They’re bringing someone in to do an interview with us now. Distance ourselves from him, mention the new round of tests and make sure to reiterate that our other ones came back clean.”

“Why did Preston’s take so long?” I asked.

The guys were nearby, listening.

“His original test was flagged for something additional that took longer, I guess. At least, that’s what they told us and what they want us to say in the interview.”

“So, no press conference?”

“Coach said it would be too chaotic. They don’t want some drama-chaser to stir up shit. They’re giving the interviewer a list of questions, and then she can come up with three of her own that need to be pre-approved.”

I grunted in reply.

“Agreed. We didn’t do anything wrong, so I’m not sure why they’re being like this, but the reputation of American gymnastics is on the line, according to Georgina Madsen.”

“How is Her Royal Highness?” I had met her once. She reminded me of my parents: married into new money, but accompanied by the ego of old.

“Oh, she’s been a delight.”

“I bet. Is Woodward joining you for the interview?”

“Of course. Coach and the four of us,” Cam answered. “On the plus side, Preston getting the boot pushed me, Ezra and Miles into additional event finals. I’ll be in the pommel horse final now.”

“Congrats! That’s amazing!”

Colton flexed and Ty was giving me two thumbs up.

“The guys are happy for you. We are finishing up breakfast.”

“Uh, I could kill someone for some breakfast. I think someone’s running to get us some pastries and fruit.”

I almost forgot. “Did you still make the team finals?”

“Barely, but yes. We went from the first seed to seventh. As much as it sucks to admit, Preston was really good.”

“Because he was doping!”

“Yeah, sorry. It’s still hard to wrap my head around that. I mean, I know he was an asshole, but Dmitry disappeared, and Coach said Preston seemed as shocked as us.” Cam paused. “I-I don’t think he knew he was on anything.”

“Well, if that’s true, that’s awful. Is that what Coach wants you guys to say?”

“I think we’re going to defer to him to answer that. It’s pretty much speculation and none of us have talked to Preston. I did text him, but didn’t get a reply.”

“You’re such a good guy, Cam. That’s more than he deserves after the way he treated the team.”

“Yeah…I know, but he was concerned for you after, you know.”

My poor Cam sounded so dejected.

“Of course, if he didn’t know, then that’s awful.”

“Yeah.”