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

rack.
                  Jill grabbed a clean dish towel so that she could begin drying. “Your mom seemed so happy tonight.”
                  “She had a really good day. And I’m sure the good food helped,” Brian joked.
                  Jill chuckled, and then commented, “I guess I know who’s going to make my birthday dinner.”
                  “If you say it, I’ll do it,” Brian quickly replied, smiling and washing the next dish. He noticed a smile spread across Jill’s face from the corner of his eyes. He thought he might have seen her blush a little too, but it could all very well be just the lighting in the kitchen.
                  “That’s sweet of you.”
                  The two of them kept going on with their chore, enjoying each other’s company. Brian imagined them doing this for years to come. She felt right to him, and the way they worked together was impeccable. How could he show her he wanted her? How would he let her know that what he wanted was her to be by his side forever?
                  Brian was brought back to reality when Jill asked further on his mom and how things were going around here. “Thankfully she’s had a lot of good days lately. I hate seeing her with the pain she’s experiencing, and what makes me so mad is that there are many people out there, some doctors included, that don’t believe her!”
              “Really? I didn’t know that, although I can see why I suppose.”
                  “Yeah, but I can tell she’s not like she used to be. It boggles my mind the things she’s going through and what other’s think about it.”
                  “Wow,” was all Jill could think to say. Then a question hit her. “So what are her plans or your plans for her? I mean, does she want to be living on her own for a while yet?”
                  “I really don’t know, Jill. I’d hate to see her leave this home, but some days I’m not sure she should be alone either. I certainly can’t stay forever with her, though.”
                  It surprised Jill that Brian’s words bothered her. Maybe it was because he had been here long enough that to see him leave would be a bit sad, especially for Elena.
                  “When do you plan on going back?” Jill questioned.
                  “Permanently? I don’t know. But I do have to head back in a couple of days to take care of a few things and get some more of my belongings.” After a small pause, he added, “I have a feeling this is what it’ll be like for a while.”
                  “What do you mean?”
                  “It means I’ll probably be going back and forth from time to time.”
                  Brian rinsed off the bowl that held the Caesar salad, turned the water off and dried his hands. Then, turning to Jill, he put a hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes.
                  Jill had just grabbed the bowl Brian rinsed off when he touched her. Immediately she stiffened up, not sure what he was about to do, but, nevertheless, she gave him her attention. There was a pleading seriousness in his eyes; whatever he was going to say was important.
                  “I have a favor to ask of you.”
                  “What is it?” Jill asked, confused.
                  “When I go back in a couple of days, would you be willing to watch over my mom a bit closer for me? Make sure she’s okay?”
              That’s it? Jill thought.
                  “Well, yes. Of course!”
                  A big sigh of relief escaped Brian’s mouth, and he felt the tension leave his body. “Thank you so much. You don’t know how much it means to me knowing she’ll have someone here that she trusts – that I trust