554 V2 ch26 (1/2)

”Would a camp be like this..?” I asked Noah, staring at the ceiling of their garage. We were both splayed out like starfishes, huffing.

”I don't know.” He answered, also staring at the ceiling. ”One thing I do know...We're going to be in the best shape of our lives after this summer.”

”I doubt it.” Dave said from the garage door, looking down at the two of us. ”You're still growing. You better hope you don't peak your sophomore year.” He laughed.

”Why didn't you work out with us this morning?” Noah asked, glaring at him.

”I can't risk getting injured before the summer.” Dave answered. ”There are no refunds for all the camps that Mom and Dad have paid for. Not including the flights. And, I would look so unreliable to all the coaches we've set up meetings with.”

Noah lifted his hand and waved it. ”Go away. I get it.”

”Okay, fine.” Dave shrugged. ”Guess you don't want to know why I came out here for.” He headed back inside.

”Wait! What?” Noah called out after him.

Dave paused and glanced back. ”Two things. One, Zeke said you only have thirty minutes left if you guys want to eat breakfast.”

Noah jumped up. ”You should have said so sooner!” He moved like he wasn't tired at all.

I, on the other hand, got up much slower.

”Two, if you want to go to the A's game this evening, you better hurry and shower.” Dave added.

”Wait! Wait! What?!” Noah backtracked, completely forgetting about second breakfast. ”We can go to the A's game today??” He looked at me like I had something to do with it.

I shook my head. ”Not because of me.”

”Rhys got tickets from his dad and invited Zeke last night. He had enough tickets for all of us.” He grinned. ”Too bad for Kyle. He's missing out.”

”What time are we leaving?” Noah asked.

”After you guys shower, we'll go meet up with Rhys at his house. He said he wanted to hang out for a bit before we go to the game. His mom would order pizza for lunch. It'll be fun.”

”Does Mrs. Atkins know..?” I asked. Just two days ago their parents didn't like the idea of Zeke driving us to and from the game. And now we're going to do it so soon?

”Zeke already got the green light from her before she went to work.” Dave gave me two thumbs up. ”You guys better hurry. I wouldn't be surprised if Zeke left you two kiddos here if you take too long.”

Noah looked at me. ”You shower first while I get something to eat!”

Dave laughed. ”So selfish.”

”Jake can eat while I shower!” Noah yelled as he ran to the kitchen.

I didn't mind. I don't think I could eat anything at the moment. I tried to smile at Dave as I passed by him.

”Hey, what's up?” Dave saw right through me, stopping me from going inside.

I shrugged. ”Nothing.”

”Cmon Jake, you're too easy to read. What's wrong? Do you not like Rhys?”

Dave was stunned. It seemed like he thought back from the first day I came to live with them. I didn't have any other friends besides them. ”It'll be fun!” He told me. ”You like Rhys so why wouldn't you like his home? He's an only child so there's nothing to be afraid of.”