I certainly don’t need her running to my mother airing our dirty laundry.”
“Calm down. There’s nothing to get worked up about. I told her it was probably the stress of the wedding on both of you. I know planning a wedding is stressful and can take a toll on a couple. Darling, we love Kirsten, and she’s going to be your wife in a matter of a few months. I know you’re busy here at work, but you need to take care of your fiancée as well. Your father never let work get in the way of our relationship.”
I wanted to tell her that was a lie because I knew damn well he was barely home after Abigail died. He practically lived at the office.
“Just make things right and get your relationship back on track. I’ll see you tomorrow. Unless you’d like to come over to the house for dinner tonight since Kirsten isn’t around.”
“I have plans.”
“With whom?”
Seriously? I was thirty years old, and she was still asking me who I was going out with?
“I’m meeting up with Ben and we’re going to Frankie’s art gallery.”
“That’s nice, darling. Have fun and tell the boys I said hi. But first things first. Call your fiancée and apologize to her.”
The moment the door shut, I rolled my eyes. I had nothing to apologize for, and I wasn’t doing it just for the sake of it. I was in a good mood because I was seeing Ellie tonight, and I wasn’t going to let anyone ruin it.
Chapter 8
Ellie
I’d just finished putting some curls in my hair when my phone lit up with a text message from Henry.
“Hi. I’m here.”
My belly started to flutter, and my heart started to pick up in beats. I shouldn’t have been so nervous, but I was. Both nervous and excited. I unlocked the door and when I opened it, I saw Henry standing there holding a bouquet of white lilies.
“For you.” He smiled as he held them out to me.
“Thank you,” I signed. “They’re beautiful.”
I took the flowers and grabbed a large vase from the cabinet.
“You look absolutely beautiful,” he signed.
I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks as my heart beat out of my chest.
“Thank you, I signed as I bashfully grinned.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my door open, and my mom walked in. Somehow, I knew she’d come up. I never should have told her what time Henry was picking me up.
“You must be Henry? I’m Dani Scott, Ellie’s mother,” she spoke and signed to him.
“Hello, Mrs. Scott. It’s nice to meet you.” He smiled as he extended his hand to her.
“It’s nice to meet you as well.”
When she turned and looked at me, she noticed the irritation on my face.
“I was just—Oh hell, I came up here because I wanted to meet him. Is that such a crime?”
I was humiliated as I looked at Henry and he laughed.
“I’m happy you did, Mrs. Scott.”
“Please. Call me Dani. Ellie told me about your sister and that’s why you learned to sign. I’m so sorry for your loss, Henry.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Well, I guess I better get going. Have fun you two.” She smiled as she walked out the door.
I placed my hand over my face in embarrassment.
“I’m sorry,” I signed. “She can be really nosey sometimes.”
“Don’t be. I think she’s great. Are you ready?”
I held up my finger at him to wait while I grabbed my purse. As we walked out the door, he held his arm out to me, and I happily wrapped my hand around it.
Henry
She was even more beautiful than she was the other day, and I didn’t think that was possible. The moment we stepped into the gallery, Frankie smiled, excused himself from a customer and walked over to where we stood.
“Hey, bro.” He gave me a light hug.
“Frankie, I’d like you to meet, Ellie. Ellie, this is one of my best friends, Frankie,” I signed.
She gave him a bright smile as she signed.
“It’s nice to meet you, Frankie,” I spoke for her.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Ellie.” He extended his hand, and she lightly shook it. “H-E-N-R-Y T-O-L-D M-E Y-O-U—”
“Dude, stop. That’s rude. You can talk normal,” I said as I signed, and Ellie let out a light laugh.
“I’m sorry. I’ve never had a conversation with a—”
Ellie smiled and placed her hand on his arm for a moment.
“It’s okay. I know it can be difficult,” I interpreted for her.
“Where’s Ben?” I asked Frankie.
“Oh shit.