Page 217 of Champagne Nights

“Yeah. It wasn’t working out. There just wasn’t anything there. You know?” She lifted her head and looked at me.

“Yeah, Addy. I know.” I sighed as I thought about Kirsten. “You never told the parents about Garrett, did you?”

“No. How could I? You know they don’t approve of anyone unless they pick them.”

The barbeque went off without a hitch, and I stayed until everyone left.

“I’m going to head out, Mom,” I spoke as I kissed her cheek.

As I was heading towards the door, she called my name.

“Henry?”

“Yes?” I turned and looked at her.

“If you do anything to screw up your relationship with Kirsten, you will not be happy with the consequences.”

I stared at her for a moment before turning my head and walking out the door.

I stoodin front of Ellie’s door. I’d come straight to her place from my parent’s house because I desperately needed to see her. Hell, I didn’t even know if she was home. We’d been texting throughout the day, and she didn’t mention anything about having plans tonight. Holding my phone in my hand, I sent her a text message.

“Are you home?”

“Yes. Why?”

“I’m standing at your door.”

Within seconds, the door opened, and a bright smile graced her face. She looked beautiful with her hair up in a messy bun and her baggy sweatpants.

“Hi,” she spoke. “Come in. Had I known you were going to drop by, I would have freshened up.”

“You look beautiful exactly as you are,” I signed before wrapping my arms around her and pulling her into me.

“Is everything okay?” she asked.

I broke our embrace.

“Everything is fine. I just wanted to see you,” I signed. “Is it okay that I dropped by unannounced?”

The corners of her mouth curved upward.

“Yes. I wanted to see you too,” she spoke as she signed.

I could sit and listen to her speak to me all day and night.

“Have you eaten? I ordered a pizza, and it’ll be here soon.”

“I ate at my parents’ house earlier, but maybe I’ll have a piece,” I signed with a smile. “It doesn’t have any type of fruit on it, does it?” I arched my brow.

She let out a laugh.

“No. I don’t like pineapple on my pizza. Fruit doesn’t belong there.”

“You’re my kind of girl.” I grinned.

Chapter Ten

Ellie

---