Page 66 of Wheelie's Challenge
“I was for a minute. What was his sister’s name?” Russ asked in a low voice.
Sofia shrugged. “I don’t know. He didn’t say and I didn’t ask. I can tell it still hurts him a lot and he doesn’t want to talk about it.”
“I want our relationship just for us. I don’t want to share you, and I don’t want people knowing about me. Don’t tell him anything about me, even my name.”
“I can’t lie to Wheelie about going to San Diego. I understand you don’t want people to know about the cancer, and I respect that, but I don’t get why you don’t want Wheelie to know your name.”
“You’re arguing with a dying man?” Coldness laced Russ’ voice.
“Sorry. Okay… I won’t tell him your name.”
“Or that you’re coming out to see me? Just tell him you’re going to Colorado Springs to see Mom. I’ll make the ticket from Colorado Springs. Mom will be happy to see you again. She told me it’s been years for the two of you.”
“It’s been too long,” she said softly, regret weaving through her.
“So it’s settled. I’ll send you a ticket, and you don’t tell Wheelie you’re coming to see me. This isourtime. Look at it as a dying man’s last wish.” Russ coughed.
“Okay.”I have to tell Wheelie. I can’t lie to him, but I know he’ll understand. I think all the meds are affecting Russ’ thinking because he’s acting real strange.
“I’ll text you the information. I want to see you real soon, so expect to leave in the next day or two.”
“That soon?”
“I’m fuckin’ dying here. I got cancer, or don’t you getthat?”
“No, I do. I just thought you were going to say next week. Don’t get upset. I’ll be ready to come. I do want to see you.”
After Sofia hung up, she covered her face with her hands and sobbed. Russ was too young to die.He won’t be around when my baby is born. All the years we didn’t see each other were wasted.She sat crying and remembering the past for a long time until she finally dried her tears and decided that she’d be the best sister she could for Russ during the time he had left. Glancing at the time, she stood up and went into the kitchen to start preparing for dinner.
As Sofia finished brushing olive oil and oregano on the sliced zucchini, the roar of Wheelie’s bike pulling into the garage surrounded her. As always, her stomach fluttered in anticipation of seeing him and she hopedthatwould never stop.
The door opened and the scent of soap and leather curled around her as Wheelie came in. Sofia stood by the counter and he came up behind her, hugging her close to him. He bit and kissed her neck, whispering in her ear, “Mine.” Her skin pebbled and she craned her neck and their lips pressed together in a deep intimate kiss.
“I’m going to put you to work,” she said.
Wheelie chuckled. “I kinda figured that when I saw the steaks on the platter.” Nuzzling her shoulder, he held her close. “I’m gonna wash up then we can pick up where we left off.” His hands cupped her breasts and he kneaded them lightly. “You’re so damn beautiful. I love coming home knowing that you’ll be here, babe.”
His words ignited desire and love in Sofia and she almost told him about the baby, but Wheelie untangled his arms and, after a quick pat to her rear end, he was gone. She looked out the window as a cacophony of emotions swirled inside her: love, excitement, apprehension, and sadness. Telling the man she loved that she was carrying his baby should be one of the happiest days of her life, but Sofia didn’t know how Wheelie would react, and the heartbreak in learning that Russ was dying filled her with deep sadness. Forcing herself to concentrate on making dinner, Sofia finished the zucchini then began husking the corn.
Small sparks of light lit up the backyard as fireflies crackled in the night air. A warm summer breeze gently rustled through the trees carrying the low rumble of a freight train as it cut through the town.
“That was a great dinner, babe.” Wheelie held her hand and brought it to his lips and kissed it. “Thank you.”
Sofia’s skin tingled as love filled every part of her. “You make a mean steak. Way better than any I’ve ever had at restaurants.
“I agree with you.” Wheelie winked at her. “You seem kinda down. Did Tigger contact you?”
Shaking her head, she slid her hand away and took a deep breath. “No. Today’s been a strange day. I have great news and some very sad news.”
“What’s making you so sad?” Concern laced Wheelie’s eyes.
“Remember I told you that my brother called me a couple of weeks ago? Well, he called me today and told me he has stage four cancer and the doctors have only given him six to eight months to live. I’m still numb about it. I just can’t believe it.” Sofia brought her hand to her throat and pressed at the lumped that was starting to form.
“Fuck, baby, that’s tough. I’m so sorry.” Wheelie stood up and came over to her and cupped her chin, tilting her head back. “Let me know what I can do to help.” He kissed her gently.
“And we just reconnected after all these years. This fucking sucks.”
“I know. Life can really bite you in the ass when you think everything is going good.”
