Chapter 6 #2
While he concentrated on his food, he eyed the crowd.
No one paid much attention to them while they ate.
When he asked her a question in ASL, more people stopped to stare.
Since they were eating, their signing was mostly voice off so they could chew.
He hated being the center of attention, so he simply nodded at her questions.
The barbecue chicken had been excellent, but now his hands were covered in grease. She was still working on her fish and chips. I’ll be right back. I need to clean up. Don’t move from here.
At her nod, he tossed his paper goods in the trash and made his way to the public bathrooms. It didn’t take long to finish up and return, but when he did, he found another man chatting with his girl.
His girl?
For today, yes.
Who was this guy who thought he could simply move in and take over? He wore expensive dress slacks and leather shoes. His shirt was casual yet nothing like anything Evan owned. Definitely not from Wal-Mart or the thrift store.
Replaced me already, huh? He joked when Mercedes glanced up at him.
Something in her eyes showed discomfort. Because he’d caught her with another guy? They were here as friends, so she was hardly cheating. Or because Mr. GQ was a far better choice, and she was embarrassed by Evan’s t-shirt and cargo shorts?
The man barely gave him a glance as he continued to take up her attention. Mercedes waved her hand toward him. “Evan, this is Callum Bray. Callum, this is Evan Jameson.”
Callum’s face squished up, and he fluttered his hands in the air. Evan wasn’t sure, but he thought he’d asked what the hand gestures were for. Mercedes continued to sign.
“It’s American Sign Language. Evan is Deaf.”
The man sneered, and Evan only caught a few words on his lips. “… anything … won’t …”
“He won’t hear you, but I’m interpreting your comments, so he’ll know what you said.”
Evan nodded at Callum but pretended to search the area for something. Yeah, his pride and sanity. Why did he think he could have a day with a beautiful woman like Mercedes?
Mercedes slowed her interpreting, mostly showing him what she was saying, or not saying even though Callum seemed to be doing most of the talking.
Did she not want him to know what the other guy was talking about?
What he could read of his lips, he was asking to get together soon.
Evan didn’t need to see someone else setting up a date with the woman he was spending the day with.
Glancing around, he saw the empty plate Mercedes had been eating from.
With a quick sign, he picked it up and meandered away to toss it in the trash can.
When he returned, Callum had picked up one of Mercedes’ hands and looked like he might kiss it.
Did people still do that? The smile on her face wasn’t a real one, and he had to wonder why.
Did she regret coming out with him today, or was she embarrassed that she was making a date with someone while out with him?
Callum strode away without even a glance his way. Not that Evan cared one bit. He cared that Mercedes now looked upset.
She pulled out her trolley map again and pointed toward the stop to hop back on. While they were waiting, Evan decided to try and break the ice.
Sorry he caught you slumming.
She narrowed her eyes at him. What? What are you talking about?
How am I slumming it? He could tell she was voicing off.
Too many other people also waiting for the trolley.
She stroked her hand down over her hip. These shorts are name brand and so is this shirt.
My mother bought them for me. It’s casual elegance.
Is that what she thought he meant? No, you always look nice. But I don’t. This is about as good as it gets. Clothes without rips or dirt and grease all over them.
You looked amazing at Blake and Carli’s engagement party.
It pleased him that she had a good impression of his outfit then, but he responded with his typical sarcasm. Kind of a shock, huh? Should I have worn that today?
Her lips pursed. Black pants and a dark long-sleeved shirt on a hot day outside.
Maybe you wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen with me.
Her face grew dark. You need to get over this lack of self-esteem.
He planted his hands on his hips. I thought you always said I was too cocky.
That got her face to lighten up. Hmm. Yeah, I did.
So what is it? I’m conceited or I’m a loser?
The anger came flooding back. What is up with you?
You seemed upset to be seen with me when you met your old boyfriend.
She didn’t have time to respond before the trolley pulled up. Once they were in their seats and the vehicle had pulled away, instead of interpreting the tour guide’s spiel, she asked, How did you know he was an old boyfriend?
The way he checked out your fine figure. It was familiar. As was the way he looked right past me.
Mercedes rolled her eyes and glanced away for a moment. When she faced him again, she signed, You thought I was embarrassed. No, that guy was a total jerk when we dated and always thought his farts didn’t stink.
Really? So you wouldn’t rather be with him?
God, no. I was upset because he was being pompous as always and wanted to rekindle things. I told him no.
Evan nodded. He wasn’t sure what else to say. Their comfortable bond had been dented.
Mercedes tipped her head as if listening to something, then she shifted his way again. I’m here today, with you, because I choose to be here. With you. I enjoy your company, most of the time, when you’re not being ridiculous and condescending about yourself.
You like being with me, huh? He had to get their fun dynamic back, so he raised his eyebrows up and down. Why is that?
She wrinkled her nose. Because sometimes you’re charming and funny and I get a chance to talk about normal things. Unlike with the people at work, where all the academics want to do is show off their big fat brains.
If she didn’t like arrogant, smart people, maybe he might have a chance. He turned on some of that charm she seemed to like.
My brain would never be fat. It would be totally jacked in all the right places. He flexed his arms in a muscle pose.
Laughing, she doubled over and fell into him. Exactly where he wanted her to be.