Page 71 of Wheelie's Challenge
A wave of nausea assaulted her and she rushed toward the bathroom.
“Hang on. Where’re you going?”
“I feel sick.” Sofia turned on the light and cockroaches scattered across the floor. She cried out then rushed to the toilet and threw up. The rust stains in the bowl coupled with the mold growing on the tiled walls made the nausea even worse and she heaved again.
“What’s the matter?” Russ asked. The smoke of his cigarette making her stomach queasier.
“I’ve got the flu,” she lied.
“After you’re done in here, you gotta call Wheelie and make up with him. Tigger says you know how to get your way with a man.”
Her stomach churned and she bent her head over the toilet again, praying that the roaches didn’t crawl on her.
An hour later Sofia sat near the window and held a damp washcloth on her forehead. She rested her feet on the bed and called Wheelie. Russ sat at the edge of the mattress, chain smoking and watching her intently.
“Are you okay, baby?” The sound of his voice comforted her, and the ache that she’d had since she’d left lessened.
“Not really. I’m sorry about last night. I shouldn’t have left.”
“He’s with you.”
“Yeah. I didn’t mean to run out like that.”
“I know you’re in trouble. I’m coming to get you. Stall.”
“I miss you so much,” Sofia’s voice hitched. Russ motioned her to cover the phone. “Hang on a sec, okay?”
Russ came over to her. “Is he buying it?” Sofia nodded. “Tell him we had a fight and you’re stranded. I took your money and you only got a little for a shitty motel. Tell him you’re scared and he has to come get you.”
Sofia shooed Russ away and he perched back on the bed. “I’m back,” she said to Wheelie.
“I heard the sonofabitch. Go ahead and tell me the shit he just said, and I’m gonna answer with what I’m gonna do. Got it?”
Fifteen minutes later, Sofia knew that Breaker, Dixie, Iceman, and Easy were outside watching and that Wheelie was ready to board a flight to San Diego.
“Tell the fucker that I’ll be there tomorrow night. Stay strong for me. The Insurgents have your back. I love you.”
“Tomorrow night? You do?”
“Yeah, I do and when this is over, I’ll show you.’
Sofia covered the phone. “Do I tell him where I am?”
Russ shook his head. “No. Tell him to call when he gets in town.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Wheelie.”
“I gotta board. I’m just two hours away, baby.”
The phone went dead, but she pretended they were talking for another twenty minutes, and then she hung up.
A wicked smile crossed Russ’ face. “Good job, sis. I’ll let Tigger know.”
As Russ talked on the phone, Sofia’s body tingled.Wheelie loves me! He’s coming to get me. It’s all good.
“How the fuck did you ever put up with Tigger?” Russ threw his phone on the bed. “He’s a real pushy sonofabitch. He’s insisting on coming over and seeing you.”
Fear curdled in Sofia’s stomach. “What did you say?” she asked in a barely audible voice.
