my mother use sign language when she spoke to at the café?”
“Yes, she did.”
“Interesting.” I narrowed my eye. “Can I pour you some more wine?” I pointed to her empty glass.
“No thanks.” She let out a long yawn. “I’m tired as it is. Actually, I think I’m going to head to bed.”
“You’ve had a long day. Go get some rest and I’ll see you in the morning. By the way, the remote control for the blinds is sitting on the nightstand.”
She gave me a smile as she got up from the couch.
“Good night, Henry.”
“Good night, Ellie. Sweet dreams.”
I watched her walk up the stairs and then she was out of sight. Taking my scotch out to the deck, I leaned over the railing and stared out at the dark water, listening to the sound of the waves crash against the shore.
Ellie
I climbed in bed, grabbed the remote for the blinds, pressed the button and watched as they came down. A feeling of sadness rushed through me when Henry told me about his parents. I could tell he was ashamed and that explained why he never said too much about them before.
I was exhausted and my brain was tired from too much thinking. Plus, I was still on New York time and jetlagged. So, I closed my eyes and peacefully drifted to sleep.
The next morning, I awoke to the smell of something burning. Climbing out of bed, I went downstairs and saw Henry in the kitchen.
“What is that smell?” I asked as I walked over to him.
“Good morning. That would be me burning the pancakes.”
I cocked my head and gave him a smile.
“Why do you even try?” I asked.
“I wanted to make you breakfast, and I know pancakes are your favorite. Go sit down, I’ll make some new ones and I promise not to burn them this time,” he signed.
“I have an idea. Why don’t you go sit down and let me make them?”
“But then I won’t be making breakfast for you,” he signed.
“I like to cook. You know that. So go.” I shooed him away.
“At least let me pour you a cup of coffee,” he said.
“I’d love some.”
After Henry gave me my coffee, he took a seat at the island and watched while I made another batch of pancake mix.
“How did you sleep?” he asked.
“Really good. You?”
“Good. I was thinking we could drive to Santa Monica today and check out the Pier. I think you’ll like it there.”
“Sounds fun. I’d like to go.”
“Okay. Then we’ll head out after breakfast,” he signed with a smile.
After I poured the batter in the pan, he walked over and stood next to me.
“Don’t you think you should turn the heat up? It looks too low,” he signed.
“That is why you burned the pancakes.” I pointed the spatula at him. “Go sit down. They’ll be ready soon.”
After they were done, I set Henry’s on a plate, grabbed a can of whipped cream from the refrigerator and drew a smiley face.
“There you go.” I set the plate down in front of him.
“That’s great, Ellie. Thank you,” he signed with a grin.
“You’re welcome. Thank you for attempting to make me breakfast.”
“Next time, I won’t burn them. I promise.”
“We’ll see.” I laughed.
Suddenly, my phone lit up with a text message from my mom. Picking it up from the counter, I read it.
“Hi, honey. How’s Malibu going so far?”
“It’s beautiful here.”
“And the art dealer guy? What did he want to talk to you about?”
Shit. I didn’t know what to tell her. I hated lying to her, but she wouldn’t understand.
“He’s interested in my work and would like to purchase some paintings.”
“I don’t understand why he flew you out there.”
“He likes to meet the artist first.”
“Is he a nice guy?”
I glanced at Henry and bit down on my bottom lip as he gave me a smile.
“Yeah. He is.”
“And Frankie is there with you?”
“Yes, Mom. Everything is fine. I have to go. We’re going to breakfast now. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Okay. Have fun. You know how I worry.”
“I know. But please don’t.”
“Let me guess, your mom?” Henry signed.
“Of course. She’s all worried about me being here with a strange art dealer.”
“Did you tell her it was me who flew you out here?”
“No. I’ll tell her when I get back. She wouldn’t understand.”
“I’m sure she hates me,” he signed.
“I wouldn’t call it hate.” I grinned.
Chapter 30
Henry
I took her to Santa Monica for the day. We visited the pier, Pacific Park, grabbed some tacos from a taco truck and walked along the