Page 65 of Wheelie's Challenge
“I’d love to, but right now isn’t a good time. Why don’t you come here? I’d love to meet your wife and I’m sure Mom would love to see you. Colorado Springs is only about four hours from here.”
“I alreadytoldyou that I can’t get away from work. Weren’t you listening?”
Sofia picked up a steely edge in his voice. “I was, but I didn’t mean to comeright now. I meant at some point. We haven’t seen each other in years, so I can wait until you can get away from work.”
A loud sigh came over the phone.
“I wasn’t gonna tell you this, and you can’t tell Mom, but I’ve got stage four cancer. The doctors tell me six months top.”
Her body stiffened in shock and she stared, tongue-tied.
“Did you hear me?”
“Yes… yes I did,” she stammered, swallowing the sadness in her throat. “I’m so sorry. It seems so clichéd to say that, but I don’t know what else to say.” She bit her lip until it throbbed.
“Nothing to say. Life works out that way. I guess we all gotta die.”
“But you’re only thirty-five. Did you get a second opinion?” A tear rolled down her cheek and she brushed it away.
“I’ve been to so many fuckin’ doctors. Always the same result. I even went to UCLA cancer institute. It’s one of the top cancer places in the world. Same thing. I got six months, eight if I’m lucky. Now you can see why I want to see you. I can’t die without seeing my little sister. Traveling is hard for me, and I’m working a lot so I can give money to Kendra so she won’t end up broke when I go.”
“I’m surprised you can even work. Aren’t you too weak?”
“That’s not really the fuckin’ point, is it? I do what I have to. I want her to be secure.”
A stab of guilt sliced through her. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. I hope she appreciates you.”
“She does. Anyway, I want to send you a ticket to San Diego. I need to see you. I want to die knowing I reconnected and made amends with my family.”
Sofia cover her mouth, catching a sob that spilled from her throat. “I just can’t believe this. Of course I’ll come, but you don’t have to send me a ticket. I know Wheelie will get one for me.”
“Don’t tell him. I want to buy your ticket. Let me do this,” Russ said.
“Why don’t you want me to tell him?”
“These biker guys are so damn possessive. He’ll want to come with you. I just want you all to myself. I know it sounds selfish, but it’s been too long since I’ve seen you. He’s got you for the rest of his life. I’ve only got a short time to live. Please.”
Sofia pulled at the skin on her neck. “Send the ticket. I’ll come. You’re right about Wheelie wanting to come.”
“Don’t tell Wheelie about me at all.”
“I already told him you called me and we reconnected.”
Silence.
“Russ?”
“I’m here. What did he say?”
“He said that he was happy and it’s always good to be close to family. He’s close to his mom.”
“Does he have any brothers or sisters?”
“A sister who was murdered by her husband. Isn’t that awful? He’s still very angry and bitter about it.”
Silence again.
“Are you feeling sick?”
