Page 252 of Champagne Nights

“Hi,” he signed with a smile. “I’ve been instructed to take you home.”

“Thanks, Christian, but I’m fine. I can get home myself.”

“Henry’s not in there. He took a cab back to the office.” I read his lips as he took my bags from me.

Rolling my eyes, I slid into the back, where Henry’s scent filled the space. The same scent that lingered on my sheets even after I’d washed them. Tears stung my eyes like they did every day since we'd broken up. Christian pulled up to the building, climbed out of the vehicle, and grabbed my bags from the trunk. He walked me into the building, and after pushing the button to the elevator, he handed me my bags.

“Thank you,” I spoke.

“You’re welcome,” he signed.

“You’re getting pretty good at that.” I managed a smile.

“Henry’s been teaching me a few of the basics.”

I kissed him lightly on the cheek and stepped into the elevator.

“I’ll see you around, Christian.”

Henry

When I returned to the office, June alerted me that my father was waiting for me.

“Shit.” I handed her the bag with my spinach in it. “Can you put this in the refrigerator in the break room for me?”

“Of course.” She gave me a friendly smile.

Taking in a deep breath, I stepped inside my office.

“Dad,” I spoke as I took a seat behind my desk.

“Hello, son.”

“What are you doing here in the middle of the afternoon?”

“I wanted to talk to you about everything that’s happened.”

“Well, I’m really in no mood to rehash any of it.”

“I’ve put the company transfer on hold for the time being. I’m not sure you’re in any position mentally to take over considering?—”

“If you’re referring to Kirsten, I’m very mentally prepared. Finding out that baby wasn’t mine was the best news I’ve heard in a long time.”

“I’m not talking about her. I’m talking about that deaf girl.”

I stood up and slammed my fists on the desk.

“Her name is Ellie!” I shouted. “And she’s a kind, caring and beautiful woman. But you don’t have to worry about her anymore, thanks to you and Mom, because she hates me and wants nothing to do with me.”

“That was all your mother’s doing. Besides, you’re better off without her. Deaf/hearing relationships never work.”

“Really?” I narrowed my eyes at him. “And you’ve been in how many in your life?”

“Don’t get smart with me, son.”

“Is that what you would have told Abigail if she were still alive?”

“Your sister wouldn’t be stupid enough to date a hearing person.”

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