Chapter 11 - THE FIRST DATE WITHOUT AN INTERPRETER
Adrian asked Emma to dinner six months after the night at his mansion.
Not through Nolan.
Not through an assistant.
Not through a handwritten invitation delivered by a driver.
He asked her himself.
In ASL.
Would you like to have dinner with me?
Emma smiled.
As what?
Adrian hesitated.
Then signed:
As two people who want to know each other.
She laughed.
No business arrangements?
He smiled.
None.
No mysterious SUVs?
Absolutely not.
No four-thousand-dollar promises?
Adrian laughed silently.
Just dinner.
Emma considered.
Then nodded.
Yes.
They went to a quiet restaurant overlooking Lake Michigan.
Adrian had chosen it because the lighting was good and the tables were spaced far enough apart for comfortable conversation.
Emma noticed.
She smiled.
You thought about this.
Adrian nodded.
Of course.
They talked for hours.
About childhood.
Family.
Work.
Mistakes.
Hope.
Emma told him about Lily.
How her sister had taught her to sign jokes before she could write them.
How Lily used to complain that hearing people talked too much without saying anything.
Adrian laughed.
Then grew serious.
She sounds wonderful.
Emma smiled sadly.
She was.
Adrian took her hand.
Thank you for telling me about her.
At the end of the evening, Emma looked at him.
Adrian?
He nodded.
I don't want to become another person who speaks for you.
His expression softened.
Then don't.
She smiled.
I want to listen to you.
Adrian held her gaze.
May you like
Then signed:
You already do.
