Witnessed?He raised an eyebrow.As in a crime?
She rolled her eyes.Dramatic as always, Evan.No, I happened to notice you and Mercedes and the little kiss you laid on her behind the gift table.
That’s an observation not a question.You said you had a question.He was hoping to give himself a little time to figure out what to say.
Why are you and Mercedes kissing?Was that the first one, or have there been more?
Lots more, but how much did he tell his sister?It wasn’t the first one.
Carli’s eyes narrowed.How long has this been going on?
By this, do you mean the kissing?A few weeks, if you don’t count the accidental one the day before her parents’ anniversary party.
How do you have an accidental kiss?
He was getting interrogated here.After I helped the boys at the construction site, she got excited and went to kiss my cheek.I didn’t realize and turned my head at the last second.Her lips landed on mine.And he’d spent the next few weeks dwelling on that kiss.
I don’t want you to hurt her.
Heat speared through him at the accusation.Why would you think I’d ever hurt her?She’s been a good friend for a very long time.
Do you deny that you never see a girl longer than a few dates?
He shrugged.No, but Mercedes is not the kind of girl you sleep with, then dump.
Definitely not if you’re still living together.She planted her hands on her hips.
He glared at her.Yeah, it’d be a spectacular mess.I respect Mercedes too much to treat her like a bad decision, and we’re nowhere near crossing any lines.Also—pretty sure this isn’t any of your business.
Carli’s eyes seared him.She’s my best friend and was my roommate for years.I’m making it my business.I’m glad you’re moving slow.
Evan peered toward the living room to see if anyone was nearby.It was clear.I’ve had a crush on Mercedes since we were little.I mean, come on, she’s gorgeous and a beautiful person inside and out.Who wouldn’t?
Carli nodded.True.I thought you’d gotten over your little crush.
You knew about it?Evan swallowed before he signed the next thought.Never mind.It doesn’t matter, because I’m not good enough for her.
Freezing, Carli said,Did she tell you that?
She’d never say something mean, but she’s a college librarian, for Pete’s sake.I read at a second-grade level.
Anger crossed his sister’s face.You communicate very effectively in ASL.
He shrugged, not really having an answer to that.
Stepping closer, she patted his shoulder.Just because you struggle with English, it doesn’t mean you can’t communicate.I seriously doubt Mercedes has ever thought that.She’s never said anything even remotely like that to me.
How much should he tell his sister?With a sigh, he said,No, she says I have something called Concentration Fatigue.He went on to explain what it was, or at least what he could recall of the information Mercedes had brought home.
She said being the only Deaf person in a public school of all hearing students and teachers made it extra difficult.
Carli grew thoughtful.That makes sense.I struggle with those same symptoms myself at work, especially when Joy decides to play lip gymnastics with her words.
He was taken aback at this.But you have CIs.
And they help a lot, but I’m still Deaf.I still have to read lips and look at facial expressions and body language.When I’m with Blake and a bunch of doctors, and they’re all discussing medical terms, I get exhausted.Often, if the acoustics are poor, sounds get all wacky and it gives me a huge headache.It’s one of the reasons I don’t wear them at home or when I come here.Everyone signs, so I don’t need them.
He knew where she was coming from.
