Olympic Dream Read Online Free

was completely broke, so he decided it
     was time for
him
to change the subject now.
    “Yup, those are really great bikes you have there. Get to race them much?” The question just popped out of his mouth.
    “You know what?” said Red. “I think it’s time we headed for home. Think you can make it back?”
    It was obvious that racing wasn’t a subject Red wanted to discuss. So Doug just nodded. He wasn’t looking forward to climbing
     onto his old three-speed bike for the return trip. But he wasn’t going to let Red know that now.

3
    On the ride back, Doug noticed that Red was pacing himself so that they arrived back at the carriage house within moments
     of each other. The only difference was that Doug was huffing and puffing for all he was worth. Red got off his bike and looked
     as fresh as the morning breeze. Doug didn’t want him to see how worn out he was, and luckily, Red didn’t get a chance to notice.
    There was a small group outside the carriage house waiting for them. Doug could see his folks, his sister, Terry, and a bunch
     of their friends. There were a few people Kate and Terry’s age he didn’t recognize. Probably friends from school, he guessed.
     They all looked happy and healthy, just like Kate and Terry—and Red.
    “Hey, it’s a housewarming party!” said Red.
    “This guy is going to be one great doctor!” said Terry. “What powers of diagnosis!”
    “Where have you been?” asked Kate. “Terry, get these guys something to eat and drink.”
    Mrs. Cannon had brought out some patio furniture and extra tables. Mr. Cannon was tossing lettuce leaves sprinkled with dressing
     into the air over a big salad bowl. There was also a buffet table already heaped with food that different people had brought.
     Doug could see some of his favorites: fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw. Over to one side there was a scooped-out
     watermelon with all kinds of fresh fruit in it. Right next to it were mounds of cookies and brownies, plus an assortment of
     pies.
    It didn’t take him long to dig right in. After draining a big glass of lemonade, he heaped a plate with a little of just about
     everything.
    As he munched on a chicken leg, Doug heard Red talking to Kate. “Your brother’s a pretty strong kid,” he said. “I didn’t think
     he could make it on that old three-speed, but he did fine.”
    “That’s great,” she said. “Did you tell him what a bike freak you are?”
    “What a freak
I
am?” Red pointed his finger at herand said, “You could be right up there with the champs.”
    Kate rolled her eyes to the sky. “I love riding for
fun
—and that’s all.”
    “But you’re a real fan,” said Red. “You watch the races and check the results in the paper.”
    “Okay,” said Kate. “I’ll admit that—and nothing else. Anyhow, I’m glad you’re getting to know my kid brother, since you’re
     both going to be in the wedding party.”
    The wedding! There it was, thought Doug. It was just like some big mountain that had to be climbed. And there were two giant
     steps to be taken on the way to the top: he had to come up with a wedding present, and he’d probably have to squeeze into
     one of those penguin suits. He groaned at the thought of both.
    Kate came over and sat down next to him.
    “What’s the matter, mopey?” she said. “Such along face. Aren’t you having fun?”
    “Oh, sure,” said Doug. He couldn’t tell her what was really on his mind. “There just aren’t a lot of kids my age around here.”
    “That’s right,” said Kate. “Mom said that most ofyour gang was going off to hockey camp. How come you didn’t go?”
    “Just not interested,” Doug mumbled, pushing a blob of ketchup around on his plate.
    “So what are you going to be doing all summer?” she asked.
    “Oh, I don’t know,” he said. “Helping out around the house, I suppose.”
    “Did I hear the word
help
?” asked Red, wandering over to where they were