“Let me. Are you wearing the implants or not?”
Her eyes flew to Mercedes as she took them from the case where she’d put them during her shower. “Of course. I need to be able to understand everyone as best I can. Hopefully, there won’t be loud music blaring in the background.”
Scanning the ceiling, Mercedes said, “Rich people? They’ll probably have harp music or something.”
Thank God for her friend. She always knew when to toss out a joke.
After getting her CIs on and adjusted, she sat back in the chair by her dressing table, Mercedes combed out her curls, then redid them with a curling iron and spray so they’d wouldn’t frizz.
“Do you want some of the curls pinned up?”
“No, I don’t want my CIs to be obvious.”
“You shouldn’t be embarrassed by them.”
“I’m not,” she lied. Usually, she wasn’t, but for some reason she didn’t want people knowing she was deaf. Blake hadn’t known at first until she’d shown him. Of course, the teasing her family always did regarding her CIs didn’t help her confidence either.
Mercedes glared and crossed her arms. Curse the woman for reading her so well.
“Okay, maybe I’m simply tired of people giving me the poor baby routine. Like there’s something wrong with me.”
“There’s nothing wrong with you, sweetie, and you know it. Now, let’s find you some killer earrings. Something gold and dangly that will show under those beautiful curls.”
“Look who’s talking about curls.” Mercedes had the most gorgeous hair. Her curls were a bit tighter than Carli’s but so soft. She also had these gorgeous golden highlights that accentuated her deep bronze skin tone.
“These should be perfect.” Mercedes held up a pair of intricate scrolls that almost touched her shoulders when she put them on. They looked great with her hair and the dress. Obvious without being too flashy.
“I guess I’m ready. What time is it? Blake should be here at six.”
Mercedes turned her head when the doorbell rang. Carli adjusted her CIs, then tucked her remote into the tiny purse she’d borrowed from her sister. When she got to the front door, Mercedes had already let Blake in.
The smile that sprang across his face when he saw her wiped away any trace of doubt. Well, most of it.
You are beautiful.
Thank you. You look very handsome, also.
His expression twisted into confusion. “Um, I’m not sure exactly what you said. I’m still in the signing really slow and simple stage.”
“No worries, Blake. I’m happy to speak and forget about sign language for the night.”
Huffing out a relieved breath, he held out his hand. “Are you ready?”
“Don’t I look ready? Did I forget something?”
“He just said you look beautiful.” Mercedes retrieved her long winter coat from the closet and handed it to Blake. “Go and have fun.”
When she reached out to take her coat, Blake held it up and slipped it on her shoulders. Wow. Was this the way he treated all his dates? Such a gentleman. After tucking in her scarf, she started to do up her buttons. Blake stepped closer and tugged her collar around her ears. As he leaned in, she held her breath. Was he going to kiss her? With Mercedes standing in the doorway to the living room? Did she even care?
“It’s chilly out. I don’t want you to be cold.”
With him touching and looking at her the way he was, she didn’t think she’d be anywhere near cold. Before she took his extended elbow, she waved to her roommate.
I won’t wait up.Mercedes smirked as she silently signed.
It’s our first date.Seriously, did her friend think she’d jump into bed with the guy?
But he’s so hot.
