Page 73 of Quiet Beautiful Things

She cocks her head as if it’s a foreign concept. As if a man can’t possibly look forward to something as much as a woman.

As if she’s obliviously unaware of these intense feelings I have for her.

Chapter Twenty-seven

27

Ellie

I stare at the clock in my office. 3:30pm.

It’s been almost forty-eight hours since Sierra left. I was sure she’d be back by this morning. All kinds of scenarios play out in my head. What if Grant didn’t go to work yesterday as expected? What if he came home when they were trying to leave? What if he followed them and made good on his threat to kill Tara if she ever left? What if I’ve lost my sister before we even got the chance tobesisters?

What if I just made the worst mistake of my life?

Movement by the door catches my eye. Seth Kingsley, another teacher here, is perched in my open doorway. We crossed paths at Gallaudet years ago when I was a freshman and he was a grad student TA.

“You okay?” he signs.

I nod.

He motions to a chair across from my desk and I invite him in.

“You know what you need?” he asks.

I shut my laptop. “What?”

“Tacos.”

“Tacos? It’s not Tuesday.”

He laughs. “Still. Donovan’s Pub makes the best shrimp tacos I’ve ever had.”

“I haven’t been there yet.”

“How long have you lived here?”

“More than a month.”

He stands. “Nobody should go that long without trying Donny’s famous tacos. I was thinking of heading over after work. Come along? They have killer margaritas too.”

I’ve accepted exactly one work invitation for drinks since moving here. And that was from my boss the first week I was on the job. Seth and a few others have asked, but their days end at four and mine don’t end until six. Which reminds me, I need to start preparing for my appointment with Blake and Maisy.

“Work,” I sign. “I’m on my way out to see a student. I’m sure you’ll have fun with the others.”

“You work too much.” He stands and goes for the door, turning to tell me one last thing. “To be clear, I was asking you on a date, Ellie. There aren’t any others.”

Oh. I scrunch my nose guiltily, feeling stupid that I haven’t picked up on any vibes from him. He’s single. He doesn’t have any exes in rehab. No children from past relationships. He would seem the safe option. He’s tall, dark, handsome… and deaf.

He’s perfect for me.

So then why do I feel nothing when I look at him? I shrug. “Sorry.”

He clutches his chest as if I’ve mortally wounded him. Then he winks and walks away.

My desk vibrates and I look down at my phone. Blake is…calling?I pick up the phone and stare at it. Why would Blake call me? My heart races. Has there been an emergency with Maisy? I go to text him, but before I can compose it, a text from Blake appears. And a picture is attached.

Blake: Look what came in the mail!

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