Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Ellie
My phone lit up with a text message from Frankie, letting me know that he was in the lobby and on his way up. Grabbing my suitcase and my carry-on, I stepped out the door and locked it. As I made my way to the elevator, the doors opened, and Frankie took my suitcase from me.
“Malibu, here we come.” He smiled. “Are you nervous?” he asked as I studied his moving lips.
“No. Not at all. I can’t wait to be on the beach and feel the sand between my toes.”
“Yes! And hear the roaring—oh my God. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s okay.” I smiled. “Nothing you say will offend me.”
When the elevator doors opened, we stepped out of the building and climbed into the car that was waiting for us.
“I never asked you the art dealer’s name,” I spoke.
Instead of answering me, he pulled his phone from his pocket, answered it, and talked until we reached the airport.
“Sorry about that. Work stuff.”
“It’s okay,” I said as we climbed out of the car and grabbed our bags.
The airport was crowded, and by the time we got through security and made it to our gate, people were already boarding. Looking at my ticket, I noticed we were in first class. Frankie was in seat 3C, and I was in the window seat in 3D.
“We can switch if you want to sit by the window,” I said to him.
“If you don’t mind. I’m a nervous flyer as it is, and I don’t like being in the aisle. It feels too open for me. Especially if we hit turbulence.”
“I don’t mind at all.” I grinned.
“Welcome aboard, may I get you a drink?” the flight attendant asked with a warm smile.
“I’ll have a vodka and cranberry,” I spoke and then looked over at Frankie.
“I’ll have two of those with very little cranberry juice,” he said, pulling a pill bottle out of his pocket.
I couldn’t help but let out a light laugh.
“You really don’t like flying, do you?”
“I don’t mind it as long as I’m drugged up accompanied by some alcohol.” He gave me a wink.
After the flight attendant brought us our drinks, Frankie took his Xanax and gulped down both of his drinks. It wasn’t too long before it was time for take-off as Frankie gripped the arms of the seat. When the plane started to lift off the ground, I placed my hand on his and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“You’re okay,” I spoke.
“Thanks, Ellie.”
Opening my book, I began reading. I could see out of the corner of my eye that the guy in the aisle seat across from me kept glancing over. I ignored it and kept my nose in my book. Suddenly, and out of nowhere, Frankie leaned over me.
“She’s deaf, you asshole!” I read his lips. “It doesn’t matter if she can talk, douchebag. She can’t hear you!”
Looking over at the guy, I furrowed my brows at him.
“I’m sorry,” the guy spoke. “I was asking you a question, and you didn’t answer, so I just assumed you were?—”
“A bitch?” I signed and spoke at the same time.
“Again. I’m sorry.”
“What were you asking me?”
“I was just curious as to what you were reading?”
I held up my book and showed him. “It’s not nice to make assumptions about people.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“Asshole,” Frankie mouthed.
“Thank you for coming to my rescue, but I’m used to it. It happens all the time with guys. It hurts their ego when they think they’re being ignored.” I smirked.
I went back to reading my book, and Frankie fell asleep.
We landed in Los Angeles and headed to baggage claim. When we arrived, I saw a tall gentleman in a black suit holding up an iPad with my name on it.
“Hi. I’m Ellie Scott,” I spoke.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Craig, your driver,” he signed, and I smiled.
“Did you tell your guy that I’m deaf?” I asked Frankie.
“Yeah, I mentioned it. Why?”
“I was just wondering.”
We climbed into the back of the limo, and Craig drove us to Malibu. When he pulled into the driveway, I sensed a nervousness wash over Frankie.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“You’re fidgeting as if you’re really nervous.”
“Oh. I didn’t realize. I’m not nervous. Why would I be?”
I shrugged my shoulders as he opened the door and climbed out. Stepping out of the car, I stood in front of the large all-white home and admired its breathtaking beauty. Taking my bag from Frankie, I wheeled it to the porch and waited for him.
“He said just to walk in when we get here.” I read Frankie’s lips.
Placing my hand on the handle, I pushed the button down and opened the door.
“Wow. Wow,” I said as I looked over at Frankie.
“You’re not kidding. Look at this freaking palace.”
“Is the owner home?” I asked as I set down my suitcase in the foyer.
“Oh. He said to take a seat in the living room when we got here.”
“Don’t you think this is weird? And I don’t see any special artwork up anywhere.”
I fell onto the comfortable and luxurious white couch. This was definitely a place where I could unwind and relax. I already felt the stress leaving my body.
I looked over at Frankie, who was standing in the middle of the room. His eyes diverted to the left, and when I turned my head, I saw Henry standing there.
“Hello, beautiful,” he signed with a smile.
I jumped up from the couch as my eyes widened. Looking over at Frankie, I stared into his apologetic eyes.
“I’m so sorry, Ellie. Please forgive me.”
“You little piece of shit!” I shouted. “Did you lie to me?!”
“Damn it, Henry. I told you! I’m sorry, Ellie,” he said as he shook his head and walked out of the living room.
Running after him, Henry grabbed my arm and stopped me.
“He’s leaving, and you’re staying,” he signed with his other hand.
“Fuck you! I am not staying here. This is low, Henry. Even for you.”
I freed myself from his grip and went into the foyer. Frankie was gone, and so was my suitcase.
“Where is my suitcase?!” I shouted at Henry.
“I put it away.”
I frantically ran through the house, trying to find it as tears filled my eyes. Fuck it. I didn’t need it. I ran down the stairs, and as soon as I opened the front door, Henry stood there and gripped my arms as he stared at me.
“Calm down,” he slowly spoke. “I’ll explain everything.”
“So what? You’re kidnapping me?” I tried to get out of his grip as my heart raced.
“No.”
“Really? You secretly have Frankie bring me here, took my suitcase, and won’t let me leave! Sure sounds like a kidnapping to me.” I got in his face and caught a whiff of his scent.
“Please, Ellie. Just calm down. Let me explain things and show you around. If you still want to leave after that, you can. I promise you.”
I stared into his eyes for a moment as I relaxed my body, and he let go.
“Thank you,” he signed. “Come here.” He held out his hand. “I want to show you something.”
I smacked his hand away and folded my arms. “What is it?”
The corners of his mouth slightly curved upward as he turned and headed back to the living room. Following him, he opened the large sliding door, and we stepped onto the patio with a large in-ground pool. Along the perimeter of the house, glass fencing was placed with a gate that led to the beach. Henry stared at me as I stood and admired the gorgeous ocean view.
“It’s beautiful, right?” he signed.
“Yeah. It is.”
“Go down there and check it out,” he signed.
Taking off my shoes, I walked over to the gate, opened it, and let my feet hit the sand. Closing my eyes, I took in the sun's warmth and the saltwater smell in the air.