Page 278 of Champagne Nights

Ellie

I was sitting in the kitchen on my laptop doing some work when the lights started to flash, alerting me that someone was coming up on the elevator.

“I’ll go see who it is, Delilah,” I said as I got up.

Walking to the foyer, the elevator doors opened, and I saw Henry’s mother standing there. Instantly, a sick feeling settled in my belly.

“Hi,” I said. “Henry isn’t here.”

“I know. I came to speak to you,” she signed as she stepped off the elevator.

“Can I get you a cup of coffee or some tea?”

“Coffee would be nice,” she signed as she walked to the kitchen with me.

“Hello, Delilah,” Lillian spoke. “Long time no see.”

“Hello, Mrs. Walker.” Delilah glanced over at me, and I gave her a slight nod. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some shopping to do.”

I took a mug from the cabinet, poured some coffee into it, and handed it to her as Lillian sat down at the table.

“I made some muffins this morning. Would you like one?” I asked as I stood across the table from her before taking my seat.

“No. Thank you.”

I sat down and asked her what she wanted to talk to me about.

“Henry told me you moved in the other day,” she signed.

“Actually, I moved in a little over a month ago,” I spoke and signed at the same time.

“I will say that you speak well, considering?—”

“I was five when I lost my hearing, and I went through years of speech therapy.”

“Abigail was born deaf, but we really didn’t know until she was a year old. That was also when we found out about her heart,” she signed.

“I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you. I stopped by Frankie’s gallery the other day and saw some of your artwork. You’re very talented.”

I had no idea what the hell was going on. But the one thing I did know was that coming here wasn’t easy for her.

“Thank you.”

“I’m hosting a family dinner tomorrow night, and I would like it if you and Henry attended,” she signed. “Addison will be bringing that Jack boy she’s been seeing.”

I couldn’t help but smile.

“He’s a great guy, and we’d love to come.”

Suddenly, Henry walked into the kitchen and stopped dead in his tracks with a horrified look on his face.

“Mom? What are you doing here?”

“I was in the area and thought I’d stop by and invite you and Ellie to family dinner tomorrow night.”

“We never have family dinner.” His brows furrowed.

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