Page 210 of Champagne Nights
Ellie
It was five fifteen when I grabbed my purse and headed down to my mom’s apartment to fill her in about Henry.
“Hi, honey.” She smiled when I walked through the door.
“Hi, Mom, I can’t stay long. I’m going over to Joni and Pete’s for dinner. What are you making?”
“I’m making that cabbage casserole for James, and I was going to ask you if you wanted to stay for dinner.”
“I love that cabbage casserole. But I promised Joni I’d come over. Next time you make it I’ll stay.”
“Deal. How was your lunch date?” she signed.
“It was wonderful,” I spoke and signed at the same time. “I really like him, Mom. He runs his family’s business with his dad.”
“Which business is that?”
“Walker Capital,” I spoke.
“Walker Capital? They’re one of the biggest venture capitalist companies in the country. Did you find out how he knows how to sign?”
“He had a twin sister who was born deaf.”
“Had?”
“She died when she was nine from a heart condition she was born with,” I signed.
“How awful. Poor guy. That must have been hard on him. Did you pay him back for the groceries?”
“I tried, but he wouldn’t let me.” I rolled my eyes. “He’s so sweet, Mom. He’s taking me out Friday night.”
“I would love to meet him.”
“I’m sure you will soon,” I signed as I smiled. “I have to go.” I kissed her cheek.
“You be careful.”
“You need to stop worrying about me.”
“I will never stop worrying about you, no matter how old you are.”
I kissed her cheek one last time and headed to Joni and Pete’s.
I wasin the middle of dinner with Joni and Pete when my phone lit up, and I received a text message from Henry. Instantly, a smile splayed across my face as I read it.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”I replied.
“What are you doing?”
“Having dinner with two of my best friends. How is the game?”
“It could be better. We’re losing.”
“Oh no. I have faith they’ll make a comeback and win.”
“I hope so. I’ll let you get back to dinner with your friends. I just wanted to say hi.”
