Read Online Next Door Neighbors by Frances Hoelsema - Free Book Online

where the last piece of bread laid, his fingers bumping into Jill’s. The two of them looked at each other and smiled.
                  “You can go ahead and have it,” Brian offered.
                  “Are you sure? It’s so good, but you are the cook!”
                  “I’m sure. I’ll just have more of this fabulous lasagna.”
                  He scooped out another piece and placed it on his plate. He made sure his mom was truly done eating before taking another bite. A small moan escaped Brian’s mouth as his taste buds enjoyed what was just placed inside.
                  “So did you leave me any peanut butter?” Jill teased.
                  “Yes! Don’t let me forget to give it back to you either.”
                  “What did you need peanut butter for, Brian?” Elena asked.
                  “For the dessert I made!”
                  “You made dessert? You spoil me too much.”
                  “Everyone deserves to be spoiled on their birthday, Elena,” Jill replied.
                  Brian took his last bite, scraping every last bit off the plate that he could. “Speaking of dessert, do you guys want some now?”
                  “I do!” Elena burst out.
                  Seeing Elena so happy and excited made Jill feel good.
                  Brian is so sweet to do this for her!
                  “I’ll have a piece now too, if you don’t mind,” Jill said.
                  “Coming right up.”
                  Brian grabbed some of the dirty dishes to bring them to the sink. He also cleared up as much of the table that he could. Walking back and forth from the kitchen to the dining room, he overheard small talk coming from both of the women. Thinking about how well they got along pleased him, and as long as they weren’t talking about him anymore, he was glad they had this time together.
                  Three plates out, silverware in hand and dessert ready, he entered the dining room ready to serve. Elena and Jill were giggling about something, which again put a smile on Brian’s face. “So what are you ladies discussing?”
                  Elena put her right hand on Brian and shared, “Oh, I was just telling Jill about the first time you tried eating spaghetti.” After giving another quick chuckle at the memory, she added, “You had sauce all over your face. It was so cute. I wish I knew where the picture was.”
                  “Mom, let’s talk about something other than me, okay?” Brian pleaded.
                  “I’m sure he was cute,” Jill agreed.
                  Cute?
                  Brian liked the idea of Jill thinking he was cute. He started thinking that perhaps she was warming up to him; that maybe these stories were helping him.
                  “Okay. Let’s have some dessert,” Elena finally conceded.
                  Brian cut a few pieces and dished them out, serving Elena first. Right away she noticed it was one of her favorites.
                  “How did you find this recipe?” Elena questioned.
                  “It was in one of your cookbooks. There were the words ‘very yummy’, a smiley face and, I believe, three stars next to the recipe so I figured it must be good.”
                  “It is. I love chocolate and peanut butter!” Elena shared.
                  The three of them took a bite and they all fell in love with it. Elena ate slowly so that she could enjoy every last bit of it.
                  “This is really good!” Jill told Brian, adding, “I’d say tonight was a success.”
                  “Why, thank you,” Brian said humbly.