said as we climbed out of the car and grabbed our bags.
The airport was crowded and by time we got through security and made it to our gate, people were already boarding. Looking at my ticket, I noticed we were in first class. Frankie was in seat 3C, and I was in the window seat in 3D.
“We can switch if you want to sit by the window,” I said to him.
“If you don’t mind. I’m a nervous flyer as it is, and I don’t like being in the aisle. It feels too open for me. Especially if we hit turbulence.”
“I don’t mind at all.” I grinned.
“Welcome aboard, may I get you a drink?” the flight attendant asked with a warm smile.
“I’ll have a vodka and cranberry,” I spoke and then looked over at Frankie.
“I’ll have two of those with very little cranberry juice,” he said and then pulled a pill bottle out of his pocket.
I couldn’t help but let out a light laugh.
“You really don’t like flying, do you?”
“I don’t mind it as long as I’m drugged up accompanied by some alcohol.” He gave me a wink.
After the flight attendant brought us our drinks, Frankie took his Xanax and gulped down both of his drinks. It wasn’t too long before it was time for take-off as Frankie gripped the arms of the seat. When the plane started to lift off the ground, I placed my hand on his and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“You’re okay,” I spoke.
“Thanks, Ellie.”
Opening my book, I began reading while Frankie closed his eyes. I could see out of the corner of my eye that the guy in the aisle seat across from me kept glancing over. I ignored it and kept my nose in my book. Suddenly, and out of nowhere, Frankie leaned over me.
“She’s deaf, you asshole!” I read his lips. “It doesn’t matter if she can talk, douchebag. She can’t hear you!”
Looking over at the guy, I furrowed my brows at him.
“I’m sorry,” the guy spoke. “I was asking you a question and you didn’t answer, so I just assumed you were—”
“A bitch?” I signed and spoke at the same time.
“Again. I’m sorry.”
“What were you asking me?”
“I was just curious as to what you were reading?”
I held up my book and showed him. “It’s not nice to make assumptions about people.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“Asshole,” Frankie mouthed.
“Thank you for coming to my rescue, but I’m used to it. It happens all the time with guys. It hurts their ego when they think they’re being ignored.” I smirked.
I went back to reading my book and Frankie fell asleep.
We landed in Los Angeles and headed to baggage claim. When we arrived, I saw a tall gentleman in a black suit holding up an iPad with my name on it.
“Hi. I’m Ellie Scott,” I spoke.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Craig, your driver,” he signed, and I smiled.
“Did you tell your guy that I’m deaf?” I asked Frankie.
“Yeah. I mentioned it. Why?”
“I was just wondering.”
We climbed in the back of the limo and Craig drove us to Malibu. When he pulled into the driveway, I sensed a nervousness wash over Frankie.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“You’re fidgeting as if you’re really nervous.”
“Oh. I didn’t realize. I’m not nervous. Why would I be?”
I shrugged my shoulders as he opened the door and climbed out. Stepping out of the car, I stood in front of the large all white home and admired the breathtaking beauty of it. Taking my bag from Frankie, I wheeled it to the porch and waited for him.
“He said just to walk in when we get here.” I read Frankie’s lips.
Placing my hand on the handle, I pushed the button down and opened the door.
“Wow. Wow,” I said as I looked over at Frankie.
“You’re not kidding. Look at this freaking palace.”
“Is the owner home?” I asked as I set down my suitcase in the foyer.
“Oh. He said to take a seat in the living room when we got here.”
“Don’t you think this is weird? And I don’t see any special artwork up anywhere.”
I fell onto the comfortable and luxurious white couch. This was definitely a place where I could unwind and relax. I already felt the stress leaving my body.
I looked over at Frankie who was standing in the middle of the room. His eyes diverted to the left, and when I turned my head, I saw Henry standing there.
“Hello, beautiful,” he signed with a smile.
I jumped up from the couch as my eyes widened. Looking over