Page 210 of Champagne Nights

Ellie

It was five fifteen when I grabbed my purse and headed down to my mom’s apartment to fill her in about Henry.

“Hi, honey.” She smiled when I walked through the door.

“Hi, Mom, I can’t stay long. I’m going over to Joni and Pete’s for dinner. What are you making?”

“I’m making that cabbage casserole for James, and I was going to ask you if you wanted to stay for dinner.”

“I love that cabbage casserole. But I promised Joni I’d come over. Next time you make it I’ll stay.”

“Deal. How was your lunch date?” she signed.

“It was wonderful,” I spoke and signed at the same time. “I really like him, Mom. He runs his family’s business with his dad.”

“Which business is that?”

“Walker Capital,” I spoke.

“Walker Capital? They’re one of the biggest venture capitalist companies in the country. Did you find out how he knows how to sign?”

“He had a twin sister who was born deaf.”

“Had?”

“She died when she was nine from a heart condition she was born with,” I signed.

“How awful. Poor guy. That must have been hard on him. Did you pay him back for the groceries?”

“I tried, but he wouldn’t let me.” I rolled my eyes. “He’s so sweet, Mom. He’s taking me out Friday night.”

“I would love to meet him.”

“I’m sure you will soon,” I signed as I smiled. “I have to go.” I kissed her cheek.

“You be careful.”

“You need to stop worrying about me.”

“I will never stop worrying about you, no matter how old you are.”

I kissed her cheek one last time and headed to Joni and Pete’s.

I wasin the middle of dinner with Joni and Pete when my phone lit up, and I received a text message from Henry. Instantly, a smile splayed across my face as I read it.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”I replied.

“What are you doing?”

“Having dinner with two of my best friends. How is the game?”

“It could be better. We’re losing.”

“Oh no. I have faith they’ll make a comeback and win.”

“I hope so. I’ll let you get back to dinner with your friends. I just wanted to say hi.”

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