Funny how a few months ago he’d had a different opinion.He hadn’t been Blake’s biggest fan, but that was mostly because the man was hearing and wealthy.Sour grapes and envy didn’t mix together too well.Yet the man had specifically sought Evan out for help winning Carli back after doing some bonehead stuff.Once he’d seen how much Blake truly loved his sister, and what he was willing to do to win her back, Evan had gladly helped.Since one of the things was for Blake to become more proficient in ASL, he’d worked with the man to perfect his communication skills.
Now if only Evan could get his communication skills in better shape and use them to convince the manager to let him stay.If that miracle happened, then all he’d need to do was find someone else willing to live with him and share the expenses.Easy, right?Sure.
Mercedes Martineau stepped through the double doors into the two-story entry hall of the Wentworth home and gasped.She’d known Blake was wealthy, but this was ridiculous.In the foyer alone, they could fit her and Carli’s entire apartment a few times over.
Carli, smiling from ear to ear, rushed her way.
Fancy!Mercedes kept her voice off in case anyone nearby took offense.
Carli looked around, then faced her.“I know.The first time I came here I almost turned around and left.It’s a bit much.Even Blake thinks so.”
“Great place to have a party, though.Thanks for inviting me.”
Carli rolled her eyes.“You’re my best friend and roommate.We’d hardly cut you from the list.”
“Maybe you wouldn’t, but what about his parents?They’re the ones hosting this shindig, and they might not want the riffraff here.”
“You’d still make the list.My brother, Evan, on the other hand, is a different story.He kept saying he wasn’t planning to come.I’m not sure if he was kidding or not.”
“Your parents would skin him alive if he didn’t attend your engagement party.Which is nothing compared to what I’ll do to him if he’s a no show.Who else is here?”
Carli took her elbow and guided her to a large dining room where several tables were filled with enough food to feed most of the state.
“My family, except Evan, are all here already.”Carli’s younger sister, Deanna, and oldest brother, Brian, stood on the other side of the room with her parents.Relief crossed their faces when they spotted her.
So good to see you,Cheryl Jameson, Carli’s mom signed.Her husband, Mike, strolled over next to her and each wrapped her in a quick hug.She loved this family.They’d always been so warm and caring toward her.
Brian and Deanna came next with equally warm embraces.
“Haven’t seen you in a few weeks.How’ve you been, Mercedes?” Brian asked while also signing.Brian was the only hearing one in his family, yet he grew up signing, so he was fluent in the language and used it often even when no Deaf person was around.
“I’ve been busy.Summer is when the college library cleans and sorts the books that haven’t been checked out in a while.Got to make room for all the new ones they order.”
Mercedes had an undergraduate degree in English Literature and had finished her Master’s in Library Science last year.The advanced degree would hopefully help her move up in her position at the college library at Tufts University.
“Where’s Evan?”Mercedes scanned the room, hoping for Carli’s sake her other sibling had found his way here.
Cheryl tipped her chin up toward the opposite side of the room.
Blake sauntered across the foyer heading their way, the prodigal son in tow.Wow.She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen this Jameson clean up so nicely.With his light brown hair and startling blue eyes, Evan was a good-looking guy, and she was pretty sure he knew it, yet he didn’t strut around like a peacock trying to get everyone’s attention.As outgoing and easy as he was to talk to if you knew ASL, he mostly hung out with a small group of friends.
Fancy, she signed again as Evan got closer.Her lips automatically formed a grin to show she was teasing.It’s what she did best around him.
He signed her name, which was a combination of “drink” and “drive”, like Mercedes martini.She wasn’t a fan, but sign names had to be given to you by a Deaf person.It was in bad taste to make one up on your own.
Not bad yourself.He pointed to her dress, scarves, and dangling jewelry.
She made sure to sign so the others could see their conversation.“But I always dress this way.I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you in anything other than work boots or sneakers.”Tonight, he wore a navy button down, open at the throat, and a pair of black jeans that looked new.Black dress shoes peeked out from the bottom of his pants.“Did you steal those from someone?”
Evan rolled his eyes.What did he expect?If she treated him nice, he’d think she’d been inhabited by an alien.
I bought them.Figured I’d need a pair for the wedding anyway.Might as well break them in a little before the big day.
Patting his arm, she nodded.“Good thinking.”
I do that occasionally.His eyes narrowed.
“As long as you don’t do it too often.”
