Page 230 of Champagne Nights

“I just don’t want you to let things slide because of him.”

“Mom, stop! I’m twenty-seven years old. I know what I’m doing, and I know what I have to do. Stop treating me like a little girl. I really like him. In fact, I think I’m falling in love with him.”

“Oh, Ellie.” She placed her hand on my arm. “You really don’t know him to say that yet,” she signed.

“I don’t have to. I know how I feel. Have you ever just met someone, and you connect on such a deep level that they feel like home?”

As she stared at me, I could see the tears spring to her eyes.

“Yeah, sweetie. I have. Your father.” A small smile crossed her lips.

“I miss him so much, Mom.”

“So do I, sweetheart.”

“I just want you to be happy for me,” I said.

“I am, but I think you just need to slow down a little bit.”

While I was getting ready for my date with Henry, my phone lit up with a text from him.

“Hey, beautiful. I’m going to have Christian pick you up and take you to my penthouse. I have an emergency meeting I need to attend, and I know I’ll be later than six-thirty. My housekeeper, Delilah, will be there, and I’ll get there as soon as I can. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I understand. I’ll hang with Delilah until you get there.”

“Thank you for being so understanding. Don’t forget to pack a bag.”He sent the emoji wink.

“It’s already packed.”

When Christian dropped me off at Henry’s apartment building, he walked me to the elevator and inserted a key.

“This will take you directly to Henry’s penthouse on the 19th floor,” he spoke as I carefully read his lips. “Just go on up, and Delilah will be there waiting for you.”

“Thank you, Christian.”

“What is the sign for ‘you’re welcome?’” he asked.

I showed him, and he signed it back to me with a smile. The elevator door opened, and an older woman walked over to me when I stepped out onto the light oak flooring.

“Ellie?” She smiled as she signed my name.

“Yes. You must be Delilah. It’s nice to meet you,” I spoke to her as I signed.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” she signed back.

“You know sign language?” I asked.

“Just a little bit. I had a cousin who was hearing impaired. Forgive me if I get something wrong.”

“That’s okay. I can read lips,” I said as I set my bag down.

I looked around the large penthouse as I followed Delilah to the kitchen. The entire second floor was encased with thirteen-foot floor-to-ceiling windows. The little wall space there was, was coated in a bright white colored paint with light gray furniture as an accent. I’d never been inside a penthouse before, and I was blown away at the luxury of it.

“Wine?” Delilah asked as she held up the bottle.

“Yes, please.”

I took a seat at the expansive marble island as she set the glass down in front of me.

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