by Sandi Lynn
I let out a laugh.
“I’m happy you think it’s funny, but I got the brunt of it for a week. Dad is unbearable at the office. How the hell do you work for him?”
“I’m used to it.”
“Well, I can’t wait until you take over. How did things go with Ellie? Judging by your jolly mood, I’d say you’ve won her back.” She grinned.
“I did. We are together as a couple and she’s the one I’m planning on spending the rest of my life with.”
“OH MY GOD! You got engaged?”
“No.” I put my hands up. “Not yet. It’s too soon. But I do plan on asking her to be my wife at some point.”
“Well, I love her, and this makes me very happy. How are you going to tell Mom and Dad?”
“I’m not going to.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know the dinner at the country club on Friday night?”
“The one honoring Dad as businessman of the year?”
“Yep. I’m bringing Ellie.”
“Oh.” A sly smile crossed her face. “I can’t wait to see their reaction to that. But do you think it’s fair to Ellie. You’re putting her in a bad and potentially embarrassing position.”
“I’ve already talked to her about it, and she knows exactly where Mom and Dad stand when it comes to her. She’s fine with it.”
“Even after Mom stalked her and destroyed her life in the middle of a café?”
“Yeah. She said she’s good with going and not to worry.”
“Well, just so you know, I have both your backs. I’ve been practicing the sign language you taught me, and I’ve been studying it online. I’m getting pretty good,” she signed. “In fact, I may stop speaking to Mom and Dad and just sign to them.”
I let out a chuckle. “You’re asking for trouble.”
“I know. Ask me if I care.” She smirked.
After kissing Ellie goodbye, I headed to the office. I already knew it was going to be a shitshow when I saw my father, and I was fully prepared. Nothing he could say or do would hurt me or piss me off. Those days were over. I held the power now.
“Welcome back, Henry.” June smiled.
“Thanks, June. Come into my office and fill me in.”
“Your father wants to see you.”
“I figured.” I sighed.
“All the paperwork you need to look over and sign for the upcoming investment deals are right over there. And Mr. Carter wants you to call him ASAP. I told him you were out of town.”
“Okay. I guess I better go see my father first and then get to work.”
“Good luck.” The corners of her mouth curved upward.
“Thanks, June.”
I grabbed a cup of coffee and headed to his office. Opening the door, I stepped inside.
“Well look at what the cat dragged in. Have a seat.”
“Hello, Dad.”
“How was California?”
“It was fantastic.”
“Tell me about this company you want to invest my money in.”
“I will as soon as I get the details worked out.”
“I thought that’s why you went out there.”
“There’s still a few kinks to iron out.”
“Does it look promising?”
“It certainly does.” I brought the cup up to my lips.
“Okay. I trust you. You didn’t happen to meet any beautiful single socialites while you were in Malibu, did you?” He smirked.
“No. I didn’t.”
“Well, there’s going to be some at the dinner on Friday. So, look and smell your best.”
“I definitely will.” I smiled.
“There’s actually someone I’d like you to meet. Her name is Gabby Hart. Her father owns the Hart Luxury Hotels around the country. Beautiful girl. Let me show you a picture.”
As he looked at his phone, I rolled my eyes.
“There she is.” He held his phone up to me.
“Yes. She’s lovely.”
“She’s a couple years younger than you and eventually she’ll be running the company when her father retires.”
“Impressive. I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Really? So, then you’re over that—Ellie?”
“Yep. I’ve put all that behind me.” I smiled.
“Good. Good.” He nodded his head. “Okay. You’ve been gone a week and haven’t done a damn thing. Get to work.”
“I will,” I said as I stood up from my seat.
“By the way, Henry. Why did you have your phone turned off the whole time you were there?”
“This investment is a huge life changing deal, and I needed to focus solely on that and nothing else.”
“Okay. I can’t wait to hear more about it. I’m proud of you, son.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
When I opened the door to leave, Addison stood there and nearly fell in. She would have if I hadn’t grabbed her.
“Addison, what is going on?” my father asked.
“I was just coming to run something by you. I didn’t know Henry was in here.”
“Well, you’re going to have to run it by me later. I have a meeting to prepare for.”
“Sure, Dad.” She smiled as I shut the door.
“I heard every freaking word.” She held up her hand for a high-five.
I chuckled as I high fived her and we went into my office.
“This investment is a life changing deal, and I needed to focus solely on that and nothing else. That was brilliant, dear brother.”
“Thank you. I thought so.” I grinned.
“I literally cannot wait for Friday night. I may even record it. Who knows, we might need it some time.” She laughed.
Chapter 33
Henry
“You look stunning,” I signed to Ellie as I walked into the bedroom.
“Thank you. So do you. A black tuxedo suits you well, Mr. Walker.”
Looking down, I noticed she was wearing the heart necklace I’d given her.
“I had it fixed, and I’m never taking it off.”
“I would have gotten that fixed for you.”
“I broke it, and it was my responsibility. Not yours.” She kissed my lips.
“I’m happy you did that because I bought you something,” I signed before walking over to my dresser and pulling a box from the drawer. “This is for you, sweetheart.”
With a smile on her face, she opened the lid and stared at the matching heart bracelet encased in diamonds.
“Oh, Henry. It’s gorgeous.”
“You like it?”
“I love it.”
“Let me put it on you.”
Removing the bracelet from the box, I placed it on her wrist.
“It looks beautiful on you,” I signed.
“Thank you so much.” She threw her arms around my neck.
“You’re welcome. I kissed her forehead. “You don’t have to do this tonight.”
“I want to. I don’t care what your parents think of me. If they don’t like me, that’s their problem, not mine. I actually can’t wait to see the look on your mom’s face when she sees me.”
“According to Addison, she’ll be recording the whole thing. So, you can see it as many times as you’d like.” I smiled. “Shall we head out?” I held out my arm to her.
“We shall.” She smiled as she placed her arm around mine.
The moment we walked into the country club, Addison came running over and gave Ellie a hug.
“I’m so happy you’re here,” she signed.
“Thank you, Addison. You’re getting good at ASL.”
“Thanks. I’ve really been practicing.”
“Where are Mom and Dad?” I asked.
“Mingling around here somewhere. I’ve got my phone handy.” She grinned as she held it up.
Suddenly, a woman walked up to me. It was Gabby Hart. I’d recognized her from the picture my father showed me the other day.
“Henry?” She smiled
. “I’m Gabby Hart.”
“Hi, Gabby. This is my girlfriend, Ellie Scott.”
Her smile fell flat as she looked Ellie up and down, and Ellie gave her a wave.
“I thought you were single. That’s what your father told me.”
“My father was dead wrong. I’m not single at all. I’m in a fully committed relationship with this beautiful woman.”
“Oh. Nice.” She gave a fake smile, turned on her heels and walked away.
“That was priceless!” Addison beamed with excitement. “Oh. Oh. Here come Mom and Dad. They must have seen you from across the room. Look at the looks on their faces.” She held up her phone.
“Henry, what is going on here?” my father asked. “Who is this woman?”
“That’s Ellie, Carlyle,” my mother said in a snide tone.
“But you told us—”
“I lied, and I’m not sorry. But if you wish to cause a scene at your own party with all these influential people here, be my guest.”
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you,” Ellie signed with a smile.
“Don’t do that here,” my mother scolded. “Henry, I swear to God.”
“It’s not nice to swear to God, mother.” I smirked as I walked Ellie over to our table.
I pulled the chair out for her, and she sat down.
“I’m going to get some drinks. Make sure you stay with her. I don’t need our mother saying something,” I said to Addison.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got your back if she tries.”
As I was on my way up to the bar, my father grabbed my arm.
“What the hell is going on here?”
“Ellie forgave me and we’re a couple again. She’s the only woman I want in my life, and if you don’t like it, too bad.”
“There will be grave consequences for this, son. Do you know how upset your mother is?”
“Good. She deserves to be for the way she treated Ellie.”
Suddenly, one of his friends walked over and took him away. After grabbing a couple of drinks, I headed back to the table.
“Any trouble?” I asked Addison.
“Nope. Mom won’t even come over here.”
“Well, she has to eventually for dinner. Are you okay?” I signed to Ellie.
“I’m fine, Henry. Stop worrying.”
Just as I was about to sit down, a family friend walked over.
“Henry, it’s good to see you,” Ken Cambridge spoke as he shook my hand.
“Hello, Ken. How are you?”
“I’m good. I heard about Kirsten,” he whispered in my ear. “Who would have thought.”
“It was a blessing in disguise.” I smiled.
“And who is this beautiful woman I saw you walk in with?”
“This is my girlfriend, Ellie Scott,” I signed. “Ellie, I’d like you to meet Ken Cambridge, a family friend.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“Oh wow. You can speak.”
I inhaled a sharp breath as I could feel the anger rise.
“I-T’-S – V – E- R- Y—”
“You can talk normal, Ken. She can read lips.
“My apologies. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Thank you,” Ellie signed.
Ken hooked his arm around me and turned his head so Ellie couldn’t read his lips.
“It must be difficult to communicate.”
“Not at all. You know I’m proficient in sign language. We communicate better than most hearing couples.”
“Right. Perhaps you do. It was good to see you, Henry.” He patted my back and walked away.
“What’s wrong?” Ellie asked.
“Nothing, sweetheart,” I signed as I sat down.
“Parent alert!” Addison said and pulled out her phone.
“Put that thing away,” I said, and Ellie laughed.
My parents walked over to the table and took their seats across from us. Silence filled the table until Ellie decided to speak.
“Congratulations, Mr. Walker, for being honored as Businessman of the Year,” she said.
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 sakes, 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.
When I was finished and standing at the sink washing my hands, Lillian walked in.
“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.”
He led me to the dancefloor, 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.
“S
eventeen. He’s getting ready to go off to NYU in the Fall.”
“Come on, Jack, let’s go 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 34
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.”
“Just forget about it. I already have. I told you it doesn’t matter what they think.”
“I know, sweetheart.” I kissed her forehead. “But I think deep down it hurts you,” I signed.
“Then maybe you don’t know me as well as you think. This isn’t the first-time hearing people have rejected me, and it won’t be the last.”
“I don’t care. Nobody treats the woman I love that way and gets away with it.”
The next morning, I told Ellie I had to go into the office for a while, but I was really going to pay a visit to my parents. When I walked through the door, my mother came into the foyer.
“Henry, what are you doing here?”
“I want to speak to you about what you said to Ellie last night,” I spoke in a stern voice.
“There’s nothing to talk about.” She turned away and walked into the kitchen where my father was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee and scrolling on his phone.
