Chapter 167: Sheldon's Hug
Ten minutes later, Toretto said goodbye to his new girlfriend, who had just become his ex-girlfriend, and walked out of the room with determination in his eyes: "Okay, I'm in. I want to know everything you have, all the intel you've got."
"Bring your crew and I'll tell you everything." Hobbs leaned against the car, unmoved. This was a negotiation, and an impatient hunter never catches his prey.
Toretto shook his head: "No crew, just me."
"You're thinking too small. This convoy vanishes the second they pull a job. Going solo, you don't stand a chance. I've chased these guys across four continents and twelve countries."
"So trust me, the last thing I want is to be standing on your doorstep trying to con you into helping me. I need your help, Dom," Hobbs said earnestly. "I need your family."
Toretto wrestled with the decision for a moment before finally making up his mind.
Immediately, a chain reaction began spreading across the globe: a private jet bound for Miami changed course, a legendary street racer from Detroit left with his crew's blessing after one last underground race...
Ron, upon receiving Toretto's text message saying "Hobbs came to see me," glanced at it briefly before pocketing his phone and looking up. Compared to the significant progress Hobbs had made, he was more interested in what Sheldon's Christmas gift exchange would bring.
Knock, knock, knock~
"Merry Christmas~" He opened the door to Penny's beaming face.
"Merry Christmas. I bet I'm the last person you wanted to see today, right?" Ron smiled. He'd heard from Leonard that yesterday, when Leonard went to comfort Penny after she'd run into yet another jerk, she'd actually kissed him.
This had thrilled their little nerd so much that he'd dragged both Sheldon and Ron along to celebrate for nearly the entire night.
That's right—even after two previous dates, Leonard still hadn't kissed her. Ron had to admire his restraint.
Penny didn't respond, hurrying past Ron to stand in front of Leonard. "Leonard, how's your leg feeling?"
Ron could tell these two were about to have a moment.
"Thanks for asking," Leonard said, clearly flattered.
"Oh, Penny, you're finally here to exchange gifts with me," Ron's neurotic roommate Sheldon appeared. "You'll be pleased to know that I have something for you, regardless of what you give me."
"Okay, here you go," Penny thrust the gift into Sheldon's hands, her eyes still focused on Leonard.
"Just so you know, I'm experiencing some digestive issues right now, so don't be alarmed if I suddenly have to leave."
"What's Sheldon up to this time?" Ron, having missed the earlier conversation, whispered.
Leonard rolled his eyes. "Sheldon bought three different price ranges of bath products. After he opens his gift, he'll go inside and give Penny the one in the corresponding price range. He'll return the other two."
"Brilliant strategy."
"Oh, it's a napkin," Sheldon said, opening the gift and sighing with relief.
Penny's eyes were sparkling, and Ron could actually see a bit of his mom Mary in her expression now. "Turn it over."
The moment Sheldon saw the signature, he instantly went limp and collapsed onto the couch. "To Sheldon, live long and prosper. Leonard Nimoy."
"Who's that?" Ron asked.
"The actor from Star Trek who played Sheldon's favorite character, Spock," Leonard explained. "You're his roommate, and you don't know his favorite character?"
"Do you think I look like someone who has time to sit around watching sci-fi? My high school years were way more eventful than you'd think." Ron shrugged, and Leonard immediately lost interest in talking to this jock.
Indeed, in any American high school, or even college, who commanded more respect than the star quarterback?
The answer was nobody.
"Yeah, he came into our restaurant. Sorry the napkin's a little dirty," Penny pointed to a stain. "He wiped his mouth with it."
"What?!" Sheldon nearly dropped the box in shock. "I have Leonard Nimoy's DNA!"
"Um... Sheldon, all I gave you was an autographed napkin."
"Do you realize what this means?" Sheldon held the napkin with trembling hands. "All I need now is a healthy egg cell, and I can grow my own Leonard Nimoy!"
"Leonard, promise me you'll keep an eye on Sheldon for the next few days," Ron said, his eye twitching. "Don't let him near the university labs or anything like that."
"I don't want to wake up one day to headlines about actor Leonard Nimoy running around naked on campus. With Sheldon's obsessive energy, it's totally possible!"
"Don't worry, I've got it covered," Leonard patted his chest confidently.
"Hold on, I'll be right back." Sheldon regained his composure and rushed back to his room.
"Here's something for you, Ron. A tie," Penny began distributing gifts. "And Leonard, this one's yours. Go ahead and open it."
"Oh, a motorcycle safety course?" Leonard's voice pitched higher. "That's really thoughtful!"
Leonard was walking with a slight limp now. He'd been hit by a motorcycle while test-driving one. Coincidentally, the owner of that bike was the same sleazy scientist who had just cheated on Penny.
"Hahahaha!" Ron couldn't help but laugh.
"Well, I think my gift for you will be just as impressive," Leonard pulled out a present for Penny from beside him.
"'100 Awesome Science Experiments for Kids'?" Penny read in surprise.
"Exactly. Who's got you so interested in science lately?" Leonard reminded her.
A "deep fascination with science" was exactly the excuse Penny had used to justify her fling with that sleazy scientist. These two were really something else.
Just as everyone was laughing, Sheldon finally emerged from his room carrying an armload of items: "I know these aren't enough, right?"
Sheldon covered his face in embarrassment and stood there for a long moment before making his decision: "Oh, and this."
Sheldon walked over and gave Penny a gentle hug.
"Oh my God! Did you see that? Sheldon is hugging me!" Penny exclaimed in amazement.
Everyone knew that Sheldon was a germaphobe who absolutely despised physical contact.
"This really is a Christmas miracle," Ron took a sip of hot cocoa and said with wonder. "I remember he used to wear rubber gloves when we had to hold hands for grace at family dinners back in Texas. I must be seeing things."
Ron drained his mug in one gulp.
(End of Chapter)
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