Page 224 of Champagne Nights

“Ellie, this is my sister, Addison,” I signed. “Addison, this is Ellie. She can read lips.”

“It’s so nice to meet you, Ellie.” She smiled as she placed her hand on her arm.

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, Addison. What are you two doing here?”

“I was going to text you later. Our father had a heart attack. He’s up in surgery,” I signed.

“I’m so sorry. I hope he’s going to be okay.”

“Thank you. So do we. We were just grabbing a cup of coffee. Can I buy you one?”

“Thank you, but no. I’m good. I was just heading to the gift shop to get some flowers and a balloon.”

“I’ll go with you.” I smiled as I signed to her. “Addison, I’ll meet you upstairs.”

“Okay.” She patted my shoulder. “It was nice to meet you,” she spoke to Ellie.

Ellie gave her a nod and smiled as we headed to the gift shop.

“She’s a beautiful girl,” she spoke.

“She is.” I smiled. “I’m sorry I didn’t text you sooner.”

“Don’t apologize. You have a lot going on and need to be with your family.”

After she picked out some flowers and a balloon, we stepped into the elevator together. As soon as it stopped on my floor, I pressed my lips against her forehead.

“I’ll text you later.”

“Okay.” She smiled. “I’ll keep your father in my prayers.”

I stepped out of the elevator, and just as I walked into the waiting room, the doctor walked in.

“How is my husband?” my mother asked him.

“He’s in recovery in the ICU, and he’s stable. As far as we can tell, the triple bypass went well, and with the proper care and rest, I expect him to make a full recovery in about six to twelve weeks.”

“When can we see him?” Addison asked.

“As soon as he wakes up, which won’t be for a couple more hours. But visits need to be brief because he needs his rest.”

“Thank you, Dr.”

“You’re welcome, Mrs. Walker. A nurse will come get you as soon as your husband wakes up,” he spoke before walking out of the room.

“Thank God,” Addison said as she hooked her arm around our mother, and they both sat down.

“Mom, you need to eat. The doctor said it’ll be at least a couple more hours before Dad wakes up. Let’s go to the cafeteria and grab something.”

“I’m not hungry, but you two go.”

“No, Mom. We’re not leaving you,” Addison said.

“Did you ever stop to think that I want to be alone for a while?” she snapped at her.

“Come on, Addison. Give Mom her space,” I spoke with irritation.

“What the hell is her problem?” she asked as we headed to the cafeteria. “The doctor said Dad is going to be fine.”

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