9. Lucas
Lucas
‘One thing that’s clear from our day with Lucas Rivera and Camden Kane is that they both want to win. Looks like there may be an ‘I’ or two in team after all. From London, I’m Ryder Stevens.’
What a prick. He made me look like a complete asshole, and Cam looked like a cross between a cinnamon roll and a himbo. I got out of bed, threw some shorts on, and headed to find Cassandra. She was sitting at the table, eating lunch.
I held up my phone. “Have you seen the video?”
“It’s not as bad as you think it is.”
“Are you serious? They made me look like a jerk.”
She shrugged. “As long as you stay focused on the competition. Nothing else matters. You’re not supposed to like Cam, anyway. You are competing against him.”
Everything she said was technically correct. “But he’s still my teammate. They didn’t have to be so-” Blunt. Rude. Asshole. “-direct about it.”
She put her phone down and looked at me. “Lucas, all that matters is what you do in that arena. Everything else is just...noise.”
“Well, this certainly won’t help with any sponsorships.”
“Companies want people to buy their products. People like winners, which means companies also like winners. All you have to do is win. At the end of the day, they won’t care what type of person you are.”
Well, that sounded like an oversimplification, and they might not, but I did.
Woodward: Team meeting. 9am tomorrow. We’re coming to the village. Olympic Hall, Conference Room A.
Well, that’s about the video.
It would be interesting to see Coach’s take on it. He’d probably pulled the rest of his hair out.
I headed back to my room, but I was too antsy. I changed into some Under Armour boxer briefs, running shorts, and a tank, and slipped on some running shoes.
“I’m going for a run. Be back in a few hours,” I called out to Cassandra.
“You have your phone?”
“Yes, boss,” I replied. And I was out the door and headed to the village, hoping to somehow run into Cam.
Security scanned my ID card and allowed me in.
I made a beeline for the main gym, hoping to see Cam’s familiar blonde head.
It wasn’t very busy, and it didn’t take me long to see he wasn’t there.
I headed to the practice track next. There was a small possibility he was there, but if not, I could clear my head with a few miles.
I didn’t see him immediately, so I stretched for a few minutes, turned some music on, and eased into a steady jog.
I wondered how he reacted to the video. I had watched it a few more times on the Tube and it wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t for the commentary.
A lot of it seemed like a reach on Ryder’s part.
I didn’t even see or hear Iris in the video.
But the bottom line was that Ryder’s angle was juicy and I’m sure that’s what the public would focus on.
As it was, I hadn’t checked into social media today. I didn’t want to deal with that yet.
After the first mile, my thoughts started settling, and I got into my music a bit more.
When a Janet Jackson song hit next, my stride became more relaxed and my pace picked up.
I started mouthing the lyrics and couldn’t help the smile that appeared on my face.
I switched the music over to my Just Janet playlist and ended up running another three miles.
Six more songs had played before I called it quits.
My tank was plastered to my chest with sweat, and I had already cleared the wet curls from my eyes many times.
I cursed myself for not bringing a towel or water.
“Hey bro, you look thirsty.”
I did a double take into the stands trying to identify the voice and was semi-blinded by Ty’s big goofy smile. He was holding up a bottle of water. I made my way over.
“Thanks, Ty. When did you get here?”
“I’ve been here the whole time. You looked like you were having fun.”
I took a big sip and nodded. “Just trying to clear my head.”
“So, how is the president of the He-Man Cam-Haters Club?”
“Jesus.” I picked at my tank top. “Not you too.”
“Sorry, but I figured you’d seen it. Wanna talk about it?”
“Not really. I was hoping to run into Cam here, actually.”
“I guess you forgot. His mom flew in this morning.”
Damn it. “Yeah, I did.”
“I’m sure they’re hanging out.”
“No shit.” I dropped my head between my knees and felt Ty’s hand on my back.
“Ew, gross.” He jerked his hand away. “You are soaked.”
I chuckled. “Where’d you get the water, anyway?”
“The machine over there.” He gestured to one “They’re all over the village and it’s free.”
“I had no idea. What are you doing here?”
He motioned toward the field with his chin. “Watching Declan.”
I hadn’t seen him earlier. I searched the field and found him working on his long jump. “Think he’ll repeat?”
“No one’s defended their title successfully ever. I know he can do it. He’s been training hard.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“What?”
“I’m sure he’s been-” I held up my fingers, “-‘training hard’.”
“Jeez, bro. I am not talking about my sex life with you again.”
“I don’t need to hear it. Though, if you want to share…”
“Nope.” Ty’s knees were bouncing.
“Alright, alright. I’m just happy you found someone.”
“It’s amazing!” he yelped. “But I’m so horny.” He was practically whining.
“Really? So, he’s amazing, but…not putting out?”
“Declan doesn’t like to...you know. Come on, bro, don’t make me say it.”
“I kind of want you to though.”
“We don’t mess around during competitions. It’s...uh...been a few days.”
“Well, try four years.”
“Well, it’s pretty sucky when it’s almost every day and then not at all.”
“Is that why you’ve been grumpy lately?”
“I haven’t been grumpy.”
“Okay, bro. I’ll call it distracted then.”
“Whatever.”
We chatted more about him and Declan and then he asked about the opening ceremony that night.
“Nah, Cassandra doesn’t want me to go.”
“Has that ever stopped you before?”
“A few times actually.”
Ty laughed. “You know, Cam will be there.”
Well, I’d broken her rules before, so it might be time for a repeat.
I hopped in the shower when I got back to the hotel. After drying off, I collapsed onto the bed. It was time to see the damage.
‘Rivera versus Kane: London Grudge-match.’ Okay, I could see this person’s a fan of UFC.
‘A Tale of Two Gymnasts.’ Creative. Including a British literature angle added a little decorum.
‘Luke the Fluke: He Won’t Win...Again. Here’s why.’ Well, that one was just plain mean.
Well, these were outstanding. I had a missed call from my dad. And a voicemail, too.
Hola mijo, it can’t be helped, but your mother and I won’t be making it until the second week. We have to take care of something unexpected at the main office. Happy to see you’re taking it more seriously this time. I’ll let you know when we’re on our way.
I grabbed a pillow to muffle my scream and held myself back from punching something. I would’ve injured myself if I hit something as hard as I wanted to at that moment.
After a bit, my initial annoyance subsided and logical thoughts could form in my brain again. I would probably do better with my parents not there to piss me off, and if I was going to talk to Cam soon, it would be best if my parents were far, far away. That...actually didn’t seem so bad anymore.
Orion: Hey man, my mom and sis just got in. Wanna get some dinner with us?
Luke: You sure?
Orion: Of course, she’s already asking about you.
Well, this was good timing. Orion’s mom, Cecilia, felt like more of a parent to me than mine ever did.
And his sister, Nia, was hilarious. She was still in high school, but wanted to be an actress.
Cecilia had some talented kids. Obviously, O was an Olympic gymnast, but he was also pre-law.
He wanted to be an immigration lawyer and was probably the smartest guy on the team.
He just wasn’t very confident, unless he was around his family or me.
Luke: Sounds good. Send me the details.
Other than some awkward questions about the video and my supposed rivalry with Cam, dinner with Cecilia, Nia and O was just what I needed after my dad’s voicemail.
“So, now that you’ve graduated, what do you think you’re going to do?” Cecilia asked.
“Uh, well...with a degree in biology, I was still hoping to work with animals somehow. Though with training, I’ve had no time for internships or volunteering, so without experience, I’m not sure what’s out there for me.”
“I’m sure you’ll find something, honey. You have a way about you,” she said, pointing one of her long, manicured nails at me.
“You always know the right thing to say, Mrs. Ellis.”
“I told you to call me Cecilia.”
“Okay, Cecilia, are you trying to rival Halle Berry with that new haircut of yours? Short works wonders for you. It lets those cheekbones come to life.”
“Now, you’re just asking me to marry you.” She winked.
“Oh, my god.” Nia banged her head against the table.
“How come some cute young man hasn’t scooped you up yet?” she asked me. Turning to O, she asked, “What’s wrong with you? Have you asked him out yet? Did he say ‘no’?”
“Mom, you’re embarrassing me. Luke and I are just friends.”
She turned back to me. “So, there’s no one else, Luke? I find that hard to believe.”
I shrugged. “It’s complicated, uh...my parents don’t really want me dating right now.”
“You’re a grown-ass man. What the hell do your parents have to do with it?”
She had me there. They had nothing to do with it.
Oh, fuck it.
“They didn’t approve of my last choice.”
“Mm-hmm. And what happened to him?”
“He’s...still around.”
“And do you still like him?”
I nodded.
“And does he like you?”
I bit my lip and tilted my head.
“Jeez, Ma, leave the poor guy alone. He’s dealing with enough right now.”
“Oh Nia! I’m only trying to help him, baby.”
I was done thinking. “I think he does. Still like me, that is.”
“Well, then go for it, honey! You chase that man down and pounce. Tell - him - how - you - feel!” She gestured at me with each word. “Then help this one get a man,” she said, aiming her thumb at O.
“I’m back,” I called out to Cassandra.