There Goes the Neighbourhood: Neighbours: A Contemporary Christian Romance Series 1, #9

By Tracy Krauss

Lester puts on a brave face for the bull riding competition, but can he survive the physical punishment after his near brush with death? Sherri Chan and her brother Sherman confront their mother one more time, but if they can't convince her to recant, it could be the end of their family. Steve Russell uncovers the truth in the Nudara Oil scandal, but not before he and friend Vinny Kirkpatrick face another menacing figure. Add a few more romantic twists as well as some friendly competition between Jacques the bartender and the always colourful Jed Malloy, and you've got a delightful recipe for comedy, drama, romance and fun. In this last instalment of the NEIGHBORS Series, all your favorite characters from the neighborhood come together for a final farewell – but not before Jed's brother Zeb appears on the scene. With more Malloys set to arrive, the only thing left to say is, "There Goes the Neighborhood!".

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tracy Krauss
• Release date: Aug 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781988447087

Tracy Krauss

Tracy Krauss is a best selling and award winning author and playwright. "Fiction on the edge without crossing the line"

Book preview

SCENE 1

The general hum of voices, accentuated by the occasional burst of laughter, almost drowned out the country music playing in the background. A waitress sidled between two full tables, a large tray laden with glasses lifted surprisingly high as she maneuvered through the crowed bar. Just another night at the Urban Cowboy. Or not.

Mind if I join ya?

Lester looked up to see his friend and neighbour Jed Malloy standing over him. Of course not. Have a seat. He grabbed the cowboy hat that rested on the empty chair beside him and set it on the table instead.

Jed lowered himself into the empty chair and nodded to the women also seated at the table. Good to see you both. Here to cheer on our b’y, eh?

Since I couldn’t talk him out of it, I thought I better be here to pick up the pieces. Sherri Chan, Lester’s girlfriend, smiled at Jed. Her straight black hair framed her petite face, and she and Lester were holding hands on top of the table.

Atta girl. And sis is ‘ere, too, I see, Jed directed at Patsi with a wink. Not letting any grass grow under yer feet now that you’re legal.

I used to watch Lester ride broncs when I was a kid. A mechanical bull should be easy. Patsi gave Lester a sly smile. As long as he isn’t too out of shape, now that he’s so old. She put her lips around the straw protruding from a frothy pink drink and took a sip.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Lester snorted. I’m not sure how I got talked into this in the first place. He looked pointedly at Jed. He still suffered from a stiff neck after his accident on the construction site, and entering the mechanical bull riding competition at the Urban Cowboy was probably a really bad idea.

Don’t look so nervous, b’y! Jed slapped Lester on the back, nearly sending him off his chair. I knew ya’d enter after all, and you’ll take the prize, too, if you don’t let nerves get in the way. Let me buy ya a pint of liquid courage.

Lester shook his head and laughed. His big Newfie friend had already had more liquid courage than was necessary. After, maybe. I might need it to kill the pain.

Jed shrugged one shoulder. Suit yerself.

I distinctly remember the first time I saw you ride that thing, Sherri said, her mouth forming a petite bow. You scared me to death.

I only fell off cause you distracted me, Lester replied. An intimate look passed between the two, not lost on the others at the table.

Lester counted the day he’d first met Sherri Chan – and subsequently been tossed off the mechanical bull – a blessing. He’d take more knocks for her, if necessary, although entering the competition was not her idea. Sherri didn’t care about that kind of thing. Showing off wasn’t her style. It wasn’t his, either, but Jed’s incessant hounding had whittled his resolve. At least that’s what he told himself. The lure of competition might have had something to do with it. Or pride.

At least ya got yer cheering section. Jed gestured to the group. That ought to soften the fall.

And there are lots more people coming, Sherri said. My brother Sherman and his girlfriend are on their way, as well as a few other people we know.

Lester rolled his eyes. Great. Maybe he could use some of that liquid courage after all.

SCENE 2

S o, the big day is finally here. Steve Russell sat up to the bar and leaned his elbows on the polished counter. He’d shed his suit jacket and tie earlier, and had his shirtsleeves rolled up. His version of relaxed.

Just hope it pays off. I was expecting a bigger crowd. Cory Roberts had his dreadlocks pulled back into a clump at the nape of his neck. The ends bobbed in time to the shake of his head, visible