All American Senior Year: Volume Two

Chapter Six: Arcade Games, Vanilla Milkshakes, and French Fries

"Ah Spencer James, the man I've been wanting to see!". Wearing a blue apron, Billy welcomed him with the warmest of smiles, opening the door. Ever since they cleared the air a few days ago, things have started to feel normal again. "Did you bring me everything that was on the list that I had sent you?".

Billy asked rubbing his hands together in anticipation when Spencer held out a paper bag. Just before leaving his home, Billy had sent Spencer on a grocery store run wanting him to grab a list of ingredients to make his famous barbecue sauce.

"I even threw in your favorite chocolate bar,". Spencer handed over the bag. "My man!". Billy grinned from ear to ear seeing that Spencer did in fact buy everything on his list including the chocolate bar he had bought him. "You really needed nutmeg and cinnamon?". Spencer asked with a questioning eyebrow a bit confused as to why when Billy pinched his fingers to his thumb kissing them.

"It adds the perfect amount of sweetness with a bit of a kick that makes my barbecue sauce so good. It was my mom's recipe. Passed down from generations. Maybe someday I'll give it to you since Jordan and Olivia cook as well as Laura,". Billy joked when a clear of a throat came from behind him. Mrs. Baker rested her head on his shoulder giving him a warm smile.

"I heard that. And for your information, I'm not a terrible cook. I just choose not to. It's easier to order out,". Billy softly laughed. "Right, right, right, and what happened to the lasagna you tried to make last week?". He asked when Laura shrugged. "You told me you liked your lasagna extra crispy,". She flashed him a wink as she couldn't help but giggle knowing it had been true that she wasn't the best cook. She usually left the cooking to Billy. Spencer and Billy chuckled. "Fair enough,". Billy spoke when Laura now turned her attention to the flowers Spencer had been holding in his hand. Her smile only brightened even more seeing how thoughtful Spencer had been to buy Olivia flowers.

"Are those for Olivia?". She asked pointing to the bouquet of flowers and roses when Spencer shook his head. "The roses are for Olivia. These are for you,". Spencer handed Mrs. Baker the bouquet of flowers he had just bought her. "Spencer you know you didn't have to. We already said yes,". Mrs. Baker teased him taking the bouquet of flowers in her hands and bringing them up to her nose. "But thank you,". Spencer smiled.

"I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to. Besides my momma would smack me if she knew I came empty-handed. I can already hear the lecture all the way from Crenshaw,". Mrs. Baker chuckled. "I'll make sure to tell her when we go over later for game night. Let me go put these in water. I'm sure Olivia is going to love these,". Mrs. Baker spoke. "Besides shouldn't we be the ones to buy you flowers with your big news?". She wrapped him in a hug congratulating him.

"Ah yes. Olivia told us about the Ohio offer. She said you'd be leaving in two weeks if you'd accept it?". Billy asked crossing his arms. Spencer shrugged still unsure if he was going to accept the offer. He wanted to get his coach's advice before signing to make sure he was making the right choice. "Seems like it. The coach is in town until tomorrow so I'd said I'd give him an answer by then,".

Mrs. Baker squeezed Spencer's shoulder. "I'm sure whatever you decide will be what you think it's best for you,". She fought back the tears of the overwhelming joy she'd felt at that moment. "Just know that we're proud of you,". Mrs. Baker walked towards the kitchen to put the flowers in water.

"Laura's right Spencer, we're proud of you. I know it's not UCLA. But it's still a nice offer. A great offer even. You don't get asked to be a starting freshman every day,". Billy spoke inviting Spencer inside knowing Olivia was going to take more than a couple of minutes. "Olivia! Spencer's here!". Billy called up the stairs as he passed them. "In a minute!". Olivia's muffled yell was heard from behind her closed bedroom door.