Because I used Alexander’s money to buy this picnic basket, there are loads of snacks and junk food inside.
Alex had wired my weekly pay to me this morning after I left his place. I wasn’t expecting it, especially since I hadn’t even taught him ASL this week. Monday had been a disaster. I’d fallen into his pool, he’d kissed me—my first kiss, by the way—left a hickey on my neck, and then disappeared on a work trip for the rest of the week. He came back yesterday, Friday, and things escalated so fast I’m still reeling.
God, I can’t believe I actually came in my pants just from dry humping. And the size of him—
Okay, stop. Enough.
A nudge on my shoulder pulls me out of the spiral.
“You okay?” Tyler signs, his lips moving with the words at the same time.
I blink, then force a small smile.
“Yeah,” I sign back, “just tired.”
He studies me for a moment, like he knows I’m holding back. But he doesn’t push. Instead, he grins and takes a long sip from his can, eyes still fixed on me over the rim.
“How do you feel about quitting?” he asks finally, hands and voice in sync.
I exhale, my fingers hesitating in the air before moving again.
“I don’t know,” I sign slowly.“Right now… I feel good. Almost free.”
I pause, the weight of it settling in.
“I just don’t know if it’ll last.”
He doesn’t interrupt. Just watches.
“I didn’t even like the job,” I admit, my hands sharp with the confession.“But it was the only place that took me in. Every other door was shut. Even if it was loud, even if it was hard—it was… something.”
Tyler’s mouth lifts into a soft smile. Then, without warning, he ruffles my hair. I scowl, jerking back. My curls are a nightmare when someone ruffles them, and he knows it.
He smirks, unapologetic.
“I’m glad you quit,” he says. “You were starting to look like a walking corpse.”
I punch him lightly, and he barks a laugh.
I look down at my lap. And lick my lips nervously.Here goes nothing
“I have something to tell you.” I sign.
He sees the seriousness in my eyes because he drops the fries he’s about to munch on and gives me his attention.
His brow furrows. “Okay…”
I hesitate, my chest tightening.
Then I sign, slower this time,
“I’ve been communicating with Alex. Using my voice.”
He looks at me, confused for a while, then realization glints in his eyes. I can see the surprise settle into his face before it twists into something more complex.
“You mean… talking? Like actually talking?” He asks
I give a hesitant nod, and I can see his shoulder stiffen.
