Page 272 of Champagne Nights

“According to Addison, she’ll be recording the whole thing. So, you can see it as many times as you’d like.” I smiled. “Shall we head out?” I held out my arm to her.

“We shall.” She smiled as she placed her arm around mine.

The momentwe walked into the country club, Addison came running over and gave Ellie a hug.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” she signed.

“Thank you, Addison. You’re getting good at ASL.”

“Thanks. I’ve really been practicing.”

“Where are Mom and Dad?” I asked.

“Mingling around here somewhere. I’ve got my phone handy.” She grinned as she held it up.

Suddenly, a woman walked up to me. It was Gabby Hart. I’d recognized her from the picture my father showed me the other day.

“Henry?” She smiled. “I’m Gabby Hart.”

“Hi, Gabby. This is my girlfriend, Ellie Scott.”

Her smile fell flat as she looked Ellie up and down, and Ellie gave her a wave.

“I thought you were single. That’s what your father told me.”

“My father was dead wrong. I’m not single at all. I’m in a fully committed relationship with this beautiful woman.”

“Oh. Nice.” She gave a fake smile, turned on her heels and walked away.

“That was priceless!” Addison beamed with excitement. “Oh. Oh. Here come Mom and Dad. They must have seen you from across the room. Look at the looks on their faces.” She held up her phone.

“Henry, what is going on here?” my father asked. “Who is this woman?”

“That’s Ellie, Carlyle,” my mother said in a snide tone.

“But you told us?—”

“I lied, and I’m not sorry. But be my guest if you wish to cause a scene at your own party with all these influential people here.”

“Hi. It’s nice to meet you,” Ellie signed with a smile.

“Don’t do that here,” my mother scolded. “Henry, I swear to God.”

“It’s not nice to swear to God, Mother.” I smirked as I walked Ellie over to our table.

I pulled the chair out for her, and she sat down.

“I’m going to get some drinks. Make sure you stay with her. I don’t need our mother saying something,” I whispered to Addison.

“Don’t worry. I’ve got your back if she tries.”

As I was on my way up to the bar, my father grabbed my arm.

“What the hell is going on here?”

“Ellie forgave me, and we’re a couple again. She’s the only woman I want in my life, and if you don’t like it, too bad.”

“There will be grave consequences for this, son. Do you know how upset your mother is?”

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