Page 275 of Champagne Nights

He led me to the dance floor, and we swayed back and forth.

“I love you,” his lips spoke.

“I love you too.” I smiled. “People are staring at us.”

“Let them. They know a good thing when they see it.” He gave me a wink. “The song just ended, and I think it’s time we leave. I’ve had enough of this place,” he signed.

“Good idea.”

We walked back to the table, and I grabbed my purse.

“Oh my God, if you’re leaving, so am I. You can’t leave me alone with them,” Addison spoke.

“Hi.” A handsome young man smiled as he approached Addison. “I’m Jack. I’ve been wanting to introduce myself to you all night.”

“Well, aren’t you handsome. I’m Addison.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet such a beautiful woman. I saw you signing. You know sign language?”

“I’m learning. My brother’s girlfriend is deaf.” She pointed to me.

“My brother is deaf,” he signed to me.”

“How old is he?” I asked.

“Seventeen. He’s getting ready to go off to NYU in the Fall.”

“Come on, Jack, let’s get to know each other.” Addison smiled as she placed her arm around his.

“I thought you were leaving with us,” Henry said.

“I changed my mind.” She grinned as the two of them walked away.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Henry

Ellie was staying at my place for the weekend, and when we got home from the country club, we went upstairs and got ready for bed.

“I have something to tell you, and I don’t want you to get mad,” she said.

“What is it?” I asked with concern as she took off my bowtie.

“Your mother came into the bathroom when I was in there and told me that I wasn’t the woman for you and to name my price and walk away.”

“She said what?!” I signed in anger.

“I asked you not to get mad. I handled it.”

“How?”

“I told her that I live a more fulfilling life being deaf than she ever will,” she spoke as she signed.

“You said that to my mother?”

“Yes. That woman needs to be knocked down a few notches. Your mother or not.”

I smiled as I kissed her lips. “I’m proud of you. But she had no right.”