put it on speaker.
“Henry, you are to come over tonight. We need to talk. I will expect you around seven o’clock.”
“Sorry, Mom. I can’t. I have plans tonight.”
“Cancel them.”
“No. I’m not cancelling them. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I abruptly ended the call.
“You’re really going to get it now.” Addison laughed.
“I don’t care. She can wait. I have plans with Ellie tonight.”
A bright smile crossed Addison’s face. “What are you two doing?”
“I’m having her over. Delilah is cooking dinner for us.”
“That’s great. I love Delilah, and I know she’s going to love Ellie. Can you sign something to me?”
“Why?” I cocked my head.
“Just do it. Sign anything.”
I did what she asked, and she stared at me with a blank expression.
“It means get to work.” I smirked.
“Very funny. I’ll talk to you later.”
“If you need any help with that project, let me know,” I said before she walked out of my office.
I sighed as I turned my chair around and stared out at the busy city. My mother calling and demanding I came over tonight meant she was going to lecture me about Kirsten. I already knew things weren’t ever going to be the same with my parents, and I needed to put a plan into action. Once my father fully recovered, he’d be demoting me to God knows what and I wasn’t going to accept it.
Chapter 15
Ellie
I made my mom a cup of tea and took a seat at the table. Opening the box of donuts she picked up from my favorite bakery, I pulled out a vanilla iced one with sprinkles. They were my favorite, and I was still a kid at heart.
“How are things going with Henry?” she signed.
“Great.” I grinned. “He’s picking me up tonight and taking me to his place. His housekeeper is cooking dinner for us.”
“Wow. You’ve practically seen him every day since you met. Don’t you think things are moving a little too fast?”
“No. I don’t. I like him, and I want to spend time with him.”
“Are you getting any painting done?”
“Sort of.” I took a bite of my donut.
“Need I remind you that your paintings are part of your income?”
“I know, and I’m fine.”
“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 and notified me I had a text message 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 when I stepped out onto the light oak flooring, an older woman walked over to me.
“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