Page 20 of Tameron

‘A couple of years,’ I said. If he was level four with ASL, it had to be at least two, if not longer. But I had a feeling his hearing loss was more progressive than all at once. I didn’t know many veterans, but my dad had taught them for years when he was doing community center classes, and he’d talked about their struggles from time to time. ‘Do you know anyone named Simon?’

His brow furrowed, and then he shook his head. ‘You know me. Hermit.’

I rolled my eyes. He was one of the most social guys I knew. But I didn’t call him on it. ‘That’s his ASL teacher. He gave him an assignment to talk about language and failed him when he said he preferred spoken English.’

Dad made a noise of understanding. ‘That-that.’

“Would you have done the same thing?”

He shook his head. ‘Of course not. I wouldn’t even have that as an assignment. If he’s trying to teach Deaf culture’s relationship to ASL, that’s not a good way to do it.’

I felt a bit vindicated in what I’d said to Tameron. ‘He’s struggling because it’s hard for him. He’s still recovering from his injury, and I don’t know if it’s more than hearing loss. He’s struggling to learn the language because he doesn’t have any Deaf friends. His roommates are learning with him, but it’s not the same.’

Dad nodded. ‘He needs immersion.’

‘He doesn’t want immersion. I think he wants to know he can communicate, but he doesn’t want a new identity. Did you ever feel that way?’ My dad was born profoundly deaf, but he hadn’t been given the chance to identify himself as a Deaf man until he was in college and met my mom.

Dad smiled. ‘Yes. But I’ve always been profoundly deaf,’ he reminded me. ‘I never fit into the hearing world. When I went voice-off, it was a relief, not a chore. Tell him it’s okay if he doesn’t give up what he knows. He doesn’t need to sacrifice more than he already has.’

I bit my lip. ‘If I invited him over, wouldyoutell him?’

Dad laughed. ‘Always. You know me. I always want more children.’

I grinned and felt a warmth course through me at the thought of Tameron being welcome here. It was a ridiculous thought, of course. The man was bound and determined to hate my guts. But maybe, if I was patient enough, I could soften him. I could show him he could have the best of both worlds and not give up any part of who he was.

I’d just finished pouring a bowl of food for Knives when my phone buzzed three times in a row. I took my time putting the bag away and making sure she was content before grabbing it off the counter. I sat and got comfortable, and then I swiped open the screen.

Sorry for being a dick.

Nash is making me apologize.

But I am sorry. I was having a bad day.

I could tell. Water under the bridge.

Would I be a bigger asshole if I asked for ASL help?

I dropped my phone, laughing a little because I’d made a mental note to remind him I was still more than willing to help him with his assignment. I took a beat, then answered him.

When are you free?

Would you hate me if I said tonight? Uhh…because it’s due the day after tomorrow.

LMAO! Come over. I’ll ping you my address. Are you hungry? I have some stuff Nash brought me that your buddy Bean cooked.

I ate.

But thanks. See you in a bit.

I sent Tameron the location pin to my place, then stared at his name, wondering how often he had to remind himself not to be a total asshole when he was asking for favors. I couldn’t really relate. I had plenty of bad moods, but I’d never been that guy. I suppose that was my privilege though. I’d never been in the position he had been. I’d seen people die, of course. I’d failed in rescue attempts. I’d heard the devastating silence when the screams stopped.

Hell, I’d even pulled three babies out of the Safe Haven box and held them in the cold, sterile ER until a social worker came to take them. My life wasn’t all sunshine and roses. But I would never be able to relate to what Tameron had seen, and maybe that was okay.

He had his guys to commiserate with. But maybe he could use a friend who was different, and I wouldn’t mind at all if that’s the person I ended up being to him.

Even if, deep down, I wanted a little more.

CHAPTER SEVEN

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