Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
ONE MONTH LATER
Ellie
I was sitting in the kitchen on my laptop doing some work when the lights started to flash, alerting me that someone was coming up on the elevator.
“I’ll go see who it is, Delilah,” I said as I got up.
Walking to the foyer, the elevator doors opened, and I saw Henry’s mother standing there. Instantly, a sick feeling settled in my belly.
“Hi,” I said. “Henry isn’t here.”
“I know. I came to speak to you,” she signed as she stepped off the elevator.
“Can I get you a cup of coffee or some tea?”
“Coffee would be nice,” she signed as she walked to the kitchen with me.
“Hello, Delilah,” Lillian spoke. “Long time no see.”
“Hello, Mrs. Walker.” Delilah glanced over at me, and I gave her a slight nod. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some shopping to do.”
I took a mug from the cabinet, poured some coffee into it, and handed it to her as Lillian sat down at the table.
“I made some muffins this morning. Would you like one?” I asked as I stood across the table from her before taking my seat.
“No. Thank you.”
I sat down and asked her what she wanted to talk to me about.
“Henry told me you moved in the other day,” she signed.
“Actually, I moved in a little over a month ago,” I spoke and signed at the same time.
“I will say that you speak well, considering?—”
“I was five when I lost my hearing, and I went through years of speech therapy.”
“Abigail was born deaf, but we really didn’t know until she was a year old. That was also when we found out about her heart,” she signed.
“I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you. I stopped by Frankie’s gallery the other day and saw some of your artwork. You’re very talented.”
I had no idea what the hell was going on. But the one thing I did know was that coming here wasn’t easy for her.
“Thank you.”
“I’m hosting a family dinner tomorrow night, and I would like it if you and Henry attended,” she signed. “Addison will be bringing that Jack boy she’s been seeing.”
I couldn’t help but smile.
“He’s a great guy, and we’d love to come.”
Suddenly, Henry walked into the kitchen and stopped dead in his tracks with a horrified look on his face.
“Mom? What are you doing here?”
“I was in the area and thought I’d stop by and invite you and Ellie to family dinner tomorrow night.”
“We never have family dinner.” His brows furrowed.
“Well, we are now.” She got up from her seat. “Thank you for the coffee, Ellie. I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodbye, Henry.”
“Goodbye, Mother. What the hell was all that about?” he signed with a confused look on his face.
“I don’t know, and I’m not questioning it. Maybe she’s had a change of heart.”
“I don’t know. I don’t trust her.”
I let out a laugh. “It took a lot for her to come over here.”
“Did she apologize to you?”
“No. Give her time. I’m sure she will.” I smirked.
“Don’t hold your breath.” He walked over and kissed my lips.
“By the way, what are you doing home? You just left three hours ago.”
“I forgot an important file in my office. I just came back to get it, and I’m already late for a meeting. I love you, but I have to run,” he signed and began to walk out of the kitchen.
“I love you too. Don’t forget Addison and Jack are coming over for dinner tonight.”
He stopped and turned around. “I haven’t forgotten.” He gave me a wink.
Henry
After my meeting, I headed back to the office and ran into my father on the way up.
“How did the meeting go?” he asked as he pushed the button to the elevator.
“It went good. The company is in serious trouble, but it can be extremely profitable with some capital and restructuring.”
“Good.” He patted my back as we stepped inside the elevator.
“I stopped by the penthouse to pick up a folder I’d left, and Mom was there talking to Ellie.”
“She was?” His brow arched.
“Yes. She invited us to a family dinner tomorrow night.”
“Good.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
“Did you have something to do with that?” The doors opened, and we stepped out.
“We had a talk. I told her about Abigail. She told me I was being ridiculous, but I knew she knew it was real. I may have embellished the story a bit, but I got my point across.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I smiled.
“You’re welcome, son. Now, we need to dig deep into that Jack guy your sister is seeing.”
“Leave him alone. He’s a good man.” I smirked as I patted his shoulder.