Page 233 of Champagne Nights

After kissing her forehead, I climbed into the limo, and Christian pulled away from the curb.

“I have to say, Henry, Ellie is a breath of fresh air.”

“She’s the ray of sunshine I never knew I needed in my life, Christian.”

“And your parents?” he asked.

“They’ll either accept her or they won’t. And if they won’t, I’m prepared.”

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I’d forgotten that Kirsten left me a voice message last night. I brought up my voicemail and listened to it.

“I just wanted to let you know that everything’s been canceled, and we lost all of our deposits. The cake, photographer, reception hall, flowers, the band, and my wedding dress. I’m humiliated, Henry, and I hope you’re fucking happy.”

I sighed as I deleted the voice message and dialed my mother.

“Yes, Henry?” she answered.

“Good morning, Mom. How is Dad doing?”

“He’s doing as well as can be expected.”

“That’s good to hear. I’ll be by this afternoon to visit him. Will you let him know?”

“I’ll tell him.” The sound of her voice was harsh.

“Thanks, Mom.”

She ended the call without saying another word, and I knew the inevitable was coming.

Chapter Seventeen

Henry

Picking up my phone from my desk, I dialed Frankie.

“Hey, bro.”

“Hey, Frankie. Ellie told me she’s coming to see you today.”

“Yeah. She is. We’re going over my website design, and she’s bringing in some of her artwork. Why?”

“Just remember she can’t hear you, so you need to look directly at her when speaking. Also, don’t talk fast.”

“I know, Henry. I have a notepad ready just in case.”

“Good idea. By the way, don’t mention Kirsten. I haven’t had a chance to tell her yet.”

“Seriously, bro? That should have been the first thing you told her.”

“I know, and I’m going to.”

“You better do it soon,” he said.

“Listen, I’ll talk to you later. I’m going to visit my dad in the hospital.”

“Okay. I’ll call you later, bro.”

I ended the call, grabbed my suitcoat, and walked out of my office.

---