Chapter 18
Javier and Ben escort Tommy out of the gym, and I immediately text my lawyer. He assures me everything will be fine. Tommy didn’t want to leave and was combative because he didn’t want to sign the waiver. Nothing he can do will jeopardize me or the gym.
When it comes to Ari, I lose control. When she's nearby, all I can think about is her smile and the way she looks at me when she thinks I don't notice. I notice everything about her, but I'll do anything to show her that I'll never physically harm her. I'll never let her think she has a reason to fear me.
When Tommy talked to her, I could only pick up a few words and piece them together. I was frustrated. I couldn’t hear. I couldn’t protect her when she needed me. When she said she was afraid of me, I could only show her why she shouldn’t. A part of me died inside when she wanted to leave. My silence broke. It broke…for her.
Javier told me how she cries at night. He heard her one night when he passed by her room. I wanted to go in and hold her, but I knew she wasn’t crying for me. She was crying over a man she loved, who wasn’t me.
I tell myself it won’t work. She will never accept me. The same way my father didn’t when he said he fathered an imperfect son. It was why he left. Since then, I’ve spent my whole life fighting to prove that I’m a man. Being deaf isn’t an excuse. I can be a better man and take care of my family. It wasn’t their fault I was this way.
I love knowing I’ll see her at home when I leave for the day. In my house, she’s only a breath away. There are times I forget I’m deaf. She makes me feel normal. Whole.
When I piece together some of Tommy’s comments about Ari, I ask Javier what he said. He said her ex- boyfriend’s name was Jimmy, the one she cried for at night. I want to know who Jimmy is.
Javier’s truck stops at a red light. He is saying something to her. I take out my phone to text Ari.
Rey: Who is Jimmy?
My brother glances at me before the light turns green. I guess he figured out that I texted Ari because she stopped talking.
Ari: My ex-boyfriend. Why?
I watch her expression of lingering unease in the mirror from the visor.
Rey: Who is he exactly?
Ari: My ex-boyfriend is Jimmy Harding. He plays for the Flyers.
Rey: Is he bothering you?
I can tell that he does from the worry that crosses her eyes. The reason she was sleeping in her car.
Ari: I haven’t talked to him since I broke up with him. I won’t lie and tell you that he doesn’t call me because he does, but it’s over between us. I’m sure Tommy will tell him where I’m working. I’m sorry.
I google Jimmy Harding. His picture pops up along with his highlights. He attended Penn State and, like she said, was signed by the Flyers with a hefty contract after completing a year of college. He is blond with light eyes. He reminds me of William Zabka, who played Johnny in part one of Karate Kid .
I shift in my seat and show her the screen from my phone. She nods. If I judge the situation by the kiss we shared, it’s safe to say she is over him.
Rey: Do you think he will show up and cause you any trouble?
She can do better. I want to make sure she feels safe. I want her to know that I’ll protect her from anyone.
Ari: I hope not. We didn’t leave on the best of terms. I’m sorry about everything today. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have had to hit Tommy.
Rey: It’s not your fault. I was wrong for how I treated you. Tommy got what he deserved, and by the way, I’m better looking than Jimmy. ;)
Ari: Fishing for compliments?
Rey: Maybe.
Ari: You kiss me better. You need to work on where you put your hands .
My hands?
Rey: I’m glad you agree. Where would you have wanted my hands, Ari?
Ari: Everywhere.