Best Friend Next Door (Love Next Door Book 2) *Rough Draft*

Chapter 2

“Good game. Good game.” Isaac shook everyone of the kid’s hands resisting the urge to gloat about their landslide win. His team was getting better, even that kid that couldn’t hit to save his life actually hit the ball. Even though, it was foul ball it was a hit none the less. Confirmation that he was doing something right.

He loved his team and they loved him, they were like his kids, some of them he even taught so he got to see them twice. After the little barracudas swam off of the field the little Spartans celebrated jumping up and down with glee. He slapped hands with each of his players.

“Alright guys, you played well.” Isaac said, “Jack way to hustle out there. Henry, you finally got a hit dude!” He smiled offering his hand again and he hit it. His greenish-blue eyes that were magnified with his glasses lit up.

“Have to win one more game to put us in the bracket for the championships.” Dorian, the head coach spoke. He was a tall ridiculously built dark haired guy, he was pretty cool. He really didn’t hang out with him outside of baseball. They just had nothing else in common, he was a body builder, boxer, and his physique said everything. With him it was about the kids and having fun, this was all competition to Dorian, and that wasn’t a bad thing. They had won the trophy last year and he had high hopes that the Spartans would this year.

Last year was their first time in years. Regardless, him and Dorian were a tag team to be reckoned with, and his kids were awesome.

“But let’s not think about that, now.” Isaac added, “Let’s celebrate a good game and get some ice cream.” Dorian’s mouth then but he quickly cocked his head and smiled. He’d guess Dorian remembered that these were kids.

Issac looked up and noticed in the stands his dad, Valerie, Cam, Christian,Jake and…Dee, along with the kids. Dee lived in California with her son, Isaac knew that Dee being in Vincentville meant one thing and that was that the wedding date between his dad and Valerie was getting close and they had finally set a date, that meant she would be in town soon.

He strolled over with a big grin on his face. “Hey family.”

“Great Game, Issac.” His dad smiled pridefully wearing a Vincentville Spartans t-shirt. He had gotten everyone one, he looked down and scratched Garth on the head who had a Spartans jersey with his name on the back. He had been their unofficial mascot.

“Thanks Dad!” He smiled.

“That was a great game.” A light voice said from behind him.

He turned and noticed a petite blond hair beauty walking toward him. He smiled, “Thank you for coming.”

Her tanned skin turned a shade redder as she approached he reached for her hand. “Thank you for inviting me.” She smiled pushing a strand of her blond hair and tucking it behind her ear.

“Good to see you again, Penny.” His dad smiled approaching them as the family surrounded them.

She giggled nervously, “Hi Mr. Goodwin.”

“I told you call me Abe.” He smiled sliding his hand around Valerie’s waist.

“Dad, I’m going to take the team to Nelly’s for ice cream.” He said, then looked at Valerie, “I should be home in time for dinner.”

Valerie giggled. “You know I have ice cream too.”

“Val, come on you know it’s tradition.”

“I know.” Isaac knew she was kidding. Nelly and Valerie always joked about being competition in town, especially since Valerie used to be Nelly’s best waitress when she was raising her younger sisters. Nelly’s was a diner, and Valerie had more of a fine dining approach to soul food. Too fine to bring a pack of wired dirty kids.