by Sandi Lynn
Rolling my eyes, I slid into the back where Henry’s scent filled the space. The same scent that lingered on my sheets even after I’d washed them. Tears stung my eyes like they did every day since we'd broken up. Christian pulled up to the building, climbed out of the vehicle and grabbed my bags from the trunk. He walked me into the building and after pushing the button to the elevator, he handed me my bags.
“Thank you,” I spoke.
“You’re welcome,” he signed.
“You’re getting pretty good at that.” I managed a smile.
“Henry’s been teaching me a few of the basics.”
I gave him a light kiss on the cheek and stepped into the elevator.
“I’ll see you around, Christian.”
Henry
When I got back to the office, June alerted me that my father was inside waiting for me.
“Shit.” I handed her the bag with my spinach in it. “Can you put this in the refrigerator in the break room for me?”
“Of course.” She gave me a friendly smile.
Taking in a deep breath, I stepped inside my office.
“Dad,” I spoke as I took a seat behind my desk.
“Hello, son.”
“What are you doing here in the middle of the afternoon?”
“I wanted to talk to you about everything that’s happened.”
“Well, I’m really in no mood to rehash any of it.”
“I’ve put the transfer of the company on hold for the time being. I’m not sure you’re in any position mentally to take over considering—”
“If you’re referring to Kirsten, I’m very mentally prepared. Finding out that baby wasn’t mine was the best news I’ve heard in a long time.”
“I’m not talking about her. I’m talking about that deaf girl.”
I stood up and slammed my fists on the desk.
“Her name is Ellie!” I shouted. “And she’s a kind, caring and beautiful woman. But you don’t have to worry about her anymore thanks to you and Mom, because she hates me and wants nothing to do with me.”
“That was all your mother’s doing. Besides, you’re better off without her. Deaf/hearing relationships never work.”
“Really?” I narrowed my eye at him. “And you’ve been in how many in your life?”
“Don’t get smart with me, son.”
“Is that what you would have told Abigail if she were still alive?”
“Your sister wouldn’t be stupid enough to date a hearing person.”
It took everything I had not to grab him by his shirt and punch the shit out of him, father or not.
“All I’m saying is you’ll thank your mother at some point. Anyway, I have to go. We’ll discuss the transfer another time when things and you calm down. As for now, things will remain the same. We’re going to the country club tonight. Why don’t you join us? Maybe you’ll meet a nice girl that will help you get over Ellie.”
“I can’t. I’m going out with Ben and Frankie tonight.” I lied.
“Another time then.” He got up from his seat. “Now I have to go talk to your sister who ran up a monstrous charge at the Plaza.” He shook his head as he walked out of my office.
Grabbing the coffee mug I had sitting on my desk, I threw it in a fit of rage, hitting a picture on the wall as both the picture and the mug shattered.
“Henry, are you okay?” June asked as she came running into my office.
“That man infuriates me,” I shouted.
“I’ll give maintenance a call and get them up here to clean that up.”
“Thanks, June.” I let out a sigh.
I needed to get Ellie alone somewhere and talk to her. Somewhere where it was just the two of us without any distractions. I couldn’t live my life knowing she hated me. I’d already hated myself for hurting her so badly, and I needed to make things right. Either the plan I was crafting was going to work or she’d end up hating me even more.
Chapter 26
One Week Later
Ellie
I’d woken up with a heaviness in my heart. The same heart that was trying to heal but couldn’t. My mom told me that time heals all wounds. This was more than a wound and I was certain that no amount of time could piece it fully back together. I was in the kitchen making a cup of coffee when my phone lit up with a text message from Frankie.
“Morning, Ellie. Can you stop by the gallery today? There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
“Good morning. Sure. I can come by. What time?”
“Whenever you’re ready. I’m here all day.”
“Okay. I’ll get dressed and see you soon.”
I took the subway to the gallery and when I stepped inside, Frankie smiled and held up his finger to let me know he’d be over in a minute for he was on the phone. I was walking around looking at the new art pieces he got in when he walked over and placed his hand on my arm.
“How are you?” he asked.
“I’m good. I see you got some new pieces in.”
“Aren’t they beautiful?”
I smiled and nodded my head. “Why did you want to see me?”
“I had an art dealer in here the other day, and he saw some of your paintings. He would like to talk to you.”
“Okay. Do you have his number?”
“Um. He wants you to come to Malibu.”
“Malibu, California?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?”
“He just said he was very inspired by your artwork, and he wants to meet with you and talk. He didn’t go into much detail.”
“That sounds kind of creepy,” I said.
“He’s a really great guy. He’s been in here a few times, and we talked. I’d go with you, so you don’t have to travel alone.”
“I’ve traveled alone plenty of times. Do you think I can’t because I’m deaf?”
“Oh my God, Ellie. No. That’s not what I meant. I just thought you’d feel safer if I was there. In fact, I insist.”
“What about your gallery?”
“I have staff here who can watch it while I’m gone. It’ll only be a few days.”
“A few days?”
“It’s Malibu, baby. You don’t go to Malibu for one day. You soak up the sun, run the beach, check out the sights.”
“I don’t know, Frankie.” I bit down on my bottom lip.
“It’ll be an adventure. When was the last time you had one of those?”
“True. I guess a change of scenery would do me good.”
“So good, Ellie.” He gripped my shoulders.
“Okay. When do we leave?” I grinned.
“I’ll give him a call later, tell him we’re coming, and I’ll let you know.”
“Okay. I guess I better go start packing.”
Henry
As I walked out of the building, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my ringing phone.
“Well?”
“She’s going. But I had to persuade her a little bit. She thought it was fucking creepy, bro. Just like I told you it sounded.”
“I knew you could do it, Frankie. Are you traveling with her?” I asked as I climbed in the back of the limo.
“Yeah. I told her she’d feel safer if I came.”
“Good. I’ve already booked you two a flight for the day after tomorrow. Check your email for the details and your tickets. When you get to LAX, there will be a driver holding up a sign with Ellie’s name on it in the baggage claim area. After you get to Malibu, there will be a rental car waiting for you in the driveway.”
“Bro, I hate lying to Ellie like this. She’s going to hate me.”
“She might be mad, but she isn’t going to hate you. She’ll get over it.”
“Right. Cause you’re doing all this because she got over what you did.”
“It’s not the same, Frankie, and you know it. Thanks, man. I owe you big time for this.”
“You do, Henry. But you’d do the same for me.”
“Damn right I
would.”
“Are you flying out tomorrow?”
“Yeah. First thing in the morning.”
“Okay. Have a safe trip and I’ll see you in a couple days.”
I ended the call and stared out the window.
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing, Henry?”
“We’ll find out, won’t we?” I sighed.
Ellie
“Who is this art dealer?” my mom asked as I packed my suitcase.
“I don’t know. Frankie knows him. He says he’s a great guy.”
“I’m worried, sweetheart.”
“I’m a grown woman, Mom. There’s nothing to worry about. Frankie will be there with me.”
“How long are you going to be gone for? You sure seem to be packing quite a bit,” she signed.
“It’s Malibu.” I grinned. “I need to soak up the sun, run the beach, and check out the sights. I’ve never been to California so since I’m there, I’m going to take advantage of it.”
“You better call me the second you land so I know you made it safe,” she signed before giving me a hug.
“I will. Stop worrying so much.”
After she left, I ran the water for a bath. Climbing in, I sunk down into the bubbly water and closed my eyes. Getting out of New York, if only for a few days, was exactly what I needed right now. Seeing Henry again reopened the wound that was trying so hard to heal.
Chapter 27
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 La Guardia 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 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 and then pulled 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 while Frankie closed his eyes. 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 in 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 the breathtaking beauty of it. 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.
“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, you took my suitcase, and you 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. As I stood and admired the gorgeous ocean view, Henry stared at me.
“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 warmth of the sun and the smell of the saltwater in the air.
Chapter 28
Henry
I watched her walk down to the shoreline as the water swept over her feet. I’d done a bad thing in her eyes, and I had one week to make her see why I did what I did. She was still here. That was a good sign. Walking down to where she was, I stood next to her and took in the serenity of the ocean water.
“I can still hear the sound of the waves lapping against the shore,” she spoke.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Before I completely lost my hearing, my parents took me on a trip to Florida. One quiet night, when nobody else was around, my dad woke me up in the middle of the night and took me down to the beach. I remember us sitting on the sand and in-between his legs as his arms were wrapped around me. He told me to listen and listen carefully. He said if I listened long enough and concentrated on the sound of the ocean, I would always remember what it sounded like when I couldn’t hear it anymore. He was right.” She glanced at me. “As I stand here, I can hear it in my mind.”