Page 274 of Champagne Nights

He looked at her, turned his head so she couldn’t see his lips, and thanked her. That was a dick move on his part, and it pissed me off.

“You know damn well she can’t read your lips when you’re not looking at her,” I said as I signed it.

“Henry, it’s okay,” Ellie said. “Mrs. Walker, your dress is beautiful. What designer is it?”

“No one you would know,” she replied.

“It’s Francesca DeMage,” Addison signed, and my mother glared at her.

“Since when do you know sign language?” she asked her.

“Since Henry taught me,” she signed without speaking. “In fact, I think this is the way I’m always going to talk to you.”

“The hell you are!” my mother voiced loudly. Thank God the music was loud enough so nobody around us could hear.

“Lillian,” my father placed his hand on her arm. “Settle down. It’s not worth it. Not here.”

“You’re being a bitch, and you need to stop,” Addison signed, and I chuckled.

“Carlyle!”

“For God's sake, Addison. Knock it off already.”

She smiled as she picked up her glass of champagne.

Ellie

We made it through dinner without any more verbal attacks. They were as awful as Henry said they were.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to the ladies’ room,” I said as I stood up.

“I can go with you,” Henry signed.

“Don’t be silly. I’ll be right back.” I smiled.

Lillian walked in when I was finished and standing at the sink washing my hands.

“How could you forgive Henry after what he’s done to you?” she signed.

“People make mistakes, and they deserve a second chance, Mrs. Walker.”

“You’re a weak woman if you think that. There is no way I’m going to stand here and allow my son to date someone like you,” she signed.

“He’s thirty years old. I don’t think you have a say.”

“Oh, I do. You are not the right woman for him. I’ll give you anything you want to walk away right now. Name your price.”

“I know you don’t like me because I’m deaf. But let me tell you something, lady. I am more fulfilled in my life being deaf than you’ll ever be. I love Henry, and he loves me. Deal with it.” I stormed out of the bathroom and went back to the table.

“Is something wrong?” Henry signed the moment I sat down.

“No. Nothing.” I smiled as I took hold of his hand.

After Carlyle was awarded the Businessman of the Year award, he gave his speech, and he and Lillian mingled with the guests. They made sure to stay as far away from us as possible.

“A slow song just came on. Would you like to dance with me?” Henry signed with a smile and held out his hand.”

“I would love to.”

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