Page 72 of Quiet Beautiful Things

“Can you talk tome?”

She shakes her head forcefully. It’s the most deliberate, expressive movement I’ve seen her make, alerting me to the fact that I’ve totally overstepped some sort of forbidden boundary.

I don’t ask again. If she were comfortable speaking, she would. And she’s obviously not. I try not to be offended that the gorgeous woman in front of me may not feel the same way about me as I do her.

“Enough talking,” I say. “More kissing. Wait. Show me the sign for kiss.”

She brings her fingers up to her mouth, touching it before she moves them up and touches her cheek.

I do the sign back to her.

She nods her seal of approval.

Silently, I sign, “I want to kiss you.”

“Very good,” she signs with pride like a bonefide teacher.

“What’s my reward?” I ask with words.

She studies my lips, licks her own, then leans forward. I love how she can read my lips. She seems to be able to read mine more than most.A match made in heaven, I hear in my head as I wrap my arms around her and kiss her.

Part of me wants more. Wants what we had the other night. But oddly, another part of me is perfectly content with this. Her lips. Our closeness. Being right here with her in this moment. Savoring every minute we’re together.

Unfortunately, the part that wants more is painfully throbbing against the fly of my pants.

I lean away, wiping a finger under my mouth. “Should I call Allie?”

She considers it for a second, then shakes her head. “I have to go,” she signs.

Me: I’m saying all the wrong things tonight.

Ellie: It’s not you. I’m not in a good headspace right now. Stuff on my mind.

At least after our marathon make-out, I’m fairly sure thestuff on her minddoesn’t have to do with me.

I stand. “See you after school tomorrow?”

“Yes.” She glances at the hallway. “I’m happy for you and Maisy.”

“Me, too. She hugged me again. Before she went to sleep.”

She does the sign for clapping and smiles brightly. Then she signs, “Amazing.”

Me: YOU’RE amazing. None of this would be happening if it weren’t for you.

Ellie: Someone else would have been just as helpful. I’m just doing my job.

I stare her down.

Me: Is that really true, El? Did you stay late tonight because it’s your job?

Ellie: I really do have to go.

“Friday?” I sign.

She does a little jig dance move that makes me laugh.

Me: I’ll be counting down the hours.

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