Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
Ellie
I made my mom a cup of tea and took a seat at the table. Opening the box of donuts she picked up from my favorite bakery; I pulled out a vanilla-iced one with sprinkles. They were my favorite, and I was still a kid at heart.
“How are things going with Henry?” she signed.
“Great.” I grinned. “He’s picking me up tonight and taking me to his place. His housekeeper is cooking dinner for us.”
“Wow. You’ve practically seen him every day since you met. Don’t you think things are moving a little too fast?”
“No. I don’t. I like him, and I want to spend time with him.”
“Are you getting any painting done?”
“Sort of.” I took a bite of my donut.
“Need I remind you that your paintings are part of your income?”
“I know, and I’m fine.”
“I just don’t want you to let things slide because of him.”
“Mom, stop! I’m twenty-seven years old. I know what I’m doing, and I know what I have to do. Stop treating me like a little girl. I really like him. In fact, I think I’m falling in love with him.”
“Oh, Ellie.” She placed her hand on my arm. “You really don’t know him to say that yet,” she signed.
“I don’t have to. I know how I feel. Have you ever just met someone, and you connect on such a deep level that they feel like home?”
As she stared at me, I could see the tears spring to her eyes.
“Yeah, sweetie. I have. Your father.” A small smile crossed her lips.
“I miss him so much, Mom.”
“So do I, sweetheart.”
“I just want you to be happy for me,” I said.
“I am, but I think you just need to slow down a little bit.”
While I was getting ready for my date with Henry, my phone lit up with a text from him.
“Hey, beautiful. I’m going to have Christian pick you up and take you to my penthouse. I have an emergency meeting I need to attend, and I know I’ll be later than six-thirty. My housekeeper, Delilah, will be there, and I’ll get there as soon as I can. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I understand. I’ll hang with Delilah until you get there.”
“Thank you for being so understanding. Don’t forget to pack a bag.” He sent the emoji wink.
“It’s already packed.”
When Christian dropped me off at Henry’s apartment building, he walked me to the elevator and inserted a key.
“This will take you directly to Henry’s penthouse on the 19th floor,” he spoke as I carefully read his lips. “Just go on up, and Delilah will be there waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Christian.”
“What is the sign for ‘you’re welcome?’” he asked.
I showed him, and he signed it back to me with a smile. The elevator door opened, and an older woman walked over to me when I stepped out onto the light oak flooring.
“Ellie?” She smiled as she signed my name.
“Yes. You must be Delilah. It’s nice to meet you,” I spoke to her as I signed.
“It’s nice to meet you too,” she signed back.
“You know sign language?” I asked.
“Just a little bit. I had a cousin who was hearing impaired. Forgive me if I get something wrong.”
“That’s okay. I can read lips,” I said as I set my bag down.
I looked around the large penthouse as I followed Delilah to the kitchen. The entire second floor was encased with thirteen-foot floor-to-ceiling windows. The little wall space there was, was coated in a bright white colored paint with light gray furniture as an accent. I’d never been inside a penthouse before, and I was blown away at the luxury of it.
“Wine?” Delilah asked as she held up the bottle.
“Yes, please.”
I took a seat at the expansive marble island as she set the glass down in front of me.
“How long have you worked for Henry?” I asked.
“About five years now. I came to work for him when he moved into this place. He’s a wonderful man to work for and a great guy.” She smiled.
“He is very sweet.” I grinned.
I saw her turn her head to the side, and when I looked over, I saw Henry walk into the kitchen.
“There you are,” he signed with a smile as he softly gave me a kiss. “You look beautiful. It smells delicious in here, Delilah.” He walked over to where she stood and kissed her cheek.
Delilah told us to take our seats out on the terrace at the table while she served us dinner. Oven baked Salmon, red skin potatoes, green beans, a loaf of freshly baked bread, and a tossed salad graced the table.
“This looks wonderful, Delilah,” I spoke as I signed. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. I’m going to head out. You two enjoy yourselves. I’ll clean all this up tomorrow.”
I placed my napkin on my lap and picked up my fork. When I looked at Henry, I found him staring at me from across the table with a smile on his face.
“What?” The corners of my mouth curved upward as I could feel myself blushing.
“I’m just happy you’re here with me tonight.”
“Me too. I love your penthouse. At least this floor.”
“I’ll take you on a tour after we eat,” he signed as he gave me a sexy wink.
The view from the terrace was amazing as the sun began to set. We talked a lot during dinner. I mostly read Henry’s lips, but every now and again, he would sign while he ate.
“You’re very skilled at signing only using one hand.” I smiled.
“I was taught well. My parents paid good money for the best teacher.”
“Tell me more about Abigail,” I said.”
I saw him inhale a deep breath as he set down his fork and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
“She was such a happy kid. She was so full of light and laughter despite her illness. She was in and out of hospitals all the time. Even when she was in the hospital for extended stays, she was always smiling, and everyone loved her. Abigail and my father were very close. They shared a special bond, and when she died, a piece of him died with her. He was never really the same after her death. Then, as you know, they had Addison.”
“I really like her. By the way, how is your dad doing?”
“He’s doing okay. He’ll be in the hospital a few more days and then spend the rest of his time recuperating at home.”
As we were in the middle of talking, Henry pulled his phone from his pocket, and I noticed the strange look on his face.