Page 213 of Champagne Nights

“It’s nice to meet you as well.”

When she turned and looked at me, she noticed the irritation on my face.

“I was just—Oh hell, I came up here because I wanted to meet him. Is that such a crime?”

I was humiliated as I looked at Henry and he laughed.

“I’m happy you did, Mrs. Scott.”

“Please, call me Dani. Ellie told me about your sister, and that’s why you learned to sign. I’m so sorry for your loss, Henry.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“Well, I guess I better get going. Have fun, you two.” She smiled as she walked out the door.

I placed my hand over my face in embarrassment.

“I’m sorry,” I signed. “She can be really nosey sometimes.”

“Don’t be. I think she’s great. Are you ready?”

I held up my finger at him to wait while I grabbed my purse. As we walked out the door, he held his arm out to me, and I happily wrapped my hand around it.

Henry

She was even more beautiful than she was the other day, and I didn’t think that was possible. The moment we stepped into the gallery, Frankie smiled, excused himself from a customer, and walked over to where we stood.

“Hey, bro.” He gave me a light hug.

“Frankie, I’d like you to meet Ellie. Ellie, this is one of my best friends, Frankie,” I signed.

She gave him a bright smile as she signed.

“It’s nice to meet you, Frankie,” I spoke for her.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Ellie.” He extended his hand, and she lightly shook it. “H-E-N-R-Y T-O-L-D M-E Y-O-U?—”

“Dude, stop. That’s rude. You can talk normally,” I said as I signed, and Ellie laughed lightly.

“I’m sorry. I’ve never had a conversation with a?—”

Ellie smiled and placed her hand on his arm for a moment.

“It’s okay. I know it can be difficult,” I interpreted for her.

“Where’s Ben?” I asked Frankie.

“Oh shit. I forgot to tell you. He texted me earlier to say he couldn’t make it. His mom is sick, so he had to go over to her place and bring her a few things from the store.”

“I hope she’s going to be okay.”

“Yeah. Me too. Ellie, Henry told me you’re a website designer.”

“Yes, I am,” I interpreted for her.

“I’m looking for someone to redesign the website for the gallery. Can you give me a quote?”

“She said she’d be happy to,” I spoke.

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