Page 256 of Champagne Nights

“Welcome aboard, may I get you a drink?” the flight attendant asked with a warm smile.

“I’ll have a vodka and cranberry,” I spoke and then looked over at Frankie.

“I’ll have two of those with very little cranberry juice,” he said, pulling a pill bottle out of his pocket.

I couldn’t help but let out a light laugh.

“You really don’t like flying, do you?”

“I don’t mind it as long as I’m drugged up accompanied by some alcohol.” He gave me a wink.

After the flight attendant brought us our drinks, Frankie took his Xanax and gulped down both of his drinks. It wasn’t too long before it was time for take-off as Frankie gripped the arms of the seat. When the plane started to lift off the ground, I placed my hand on his and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“You’re okay,” I spoke.

“Thanks, Ellie.”

Opening my book, I began reading. I could see out of the corner of my eye that the guy in the aisle seat across from me kept glancing over. I ignored it and kept my nose in my book. Suddenly, and out of nowhere, Frankie leaned over me.

“She’s deaf, you asshole!” I read his lips. “It doesn’t matter if she can talk, douchebag. She can’t hear you!”

Looking over at the guy, I furrowed my brows at him.

“I’m sorry,” the guy spoke. “I was asking you a question, and you didn’t answer, so I just assumed you were?—”

“A bitch?” I signed and spoke at the same time.

“Again. I’m sorry.”

“What were you asking me?”

“I was just curious as to what you were reading?”

I held up my book and showed him. “It’s not nice to make assumptions about people.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“Asshole,” Frankie mouthed.

“Thank you for coming to my rescue, but I’m used to it. It happens all the time with guys. It hurts their ego when they think they’re being ignored.” I smirked.

I went back to reading my book, and Frankie fell asleep.

We landedin Los Angeles and headed to baggage claim. When we arrived, I saw a tall gentleman in a black suit holding up an iPad with my name on it.

“Hi. I’m Ellie Scott,” I spoke.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Craig, your driver,” he signed, and I smiled.

“Did you tell your guy that I’m deaf?” I asked Frankie.

“Yeah, I mentioned it. Why?”

“I was just wondering.”

We climbed into the back of the limo, and Craig drove us to Malibu. When he pulled into the driveway, I sensed a nervousness wash over Frankie.

“Are you okay?”

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