Deaf Night Out was packed tonight.As Evan scanned the crowd, he realized only a portion of them were Deaf.There must be another group in the bar today.Adam waved him over to the corner where several other friends stood around a high top, signing.He waved back but peeked down at Mercedes to see what she wanted to do.
“I wish Brian, Carli, and Deanna would have been able to come tonight,” she said.“Aside from Adam, I don’t know too many of the other people here.Oh.”
At her exclamation, she tilted her head in the direction of the middle of the room.A group of well-dressed adults stood around the bar.He recognized some of them, especially the man who looked ready to board a yacht.
“Aren’t some of those the people you had at your party?The ones you work with?”
“Yes, Gracie, Ayanna, Wardell, and Vikram.I didn’t know they’d be here.”
“It’s not too far from the Green Line, so it’s possible they came here after work.”Mercedes had come home first, where she’d made a quick meal for them.They’d taken the train into the city together.“Do you want to go over and talk to them?”
“Not right now.I’ll make sure to say hello later.The ASL instructor at the community college is here.I always enjoy chatting with her.”
They wended their way through the crowd and settled near the Deaf group.Mercedes started signing to Patty, the ASL teacher, so Evan sidled up to Adam.How’s it going?
Adam rolled his eyes and took a big swallow of his beer.He could use one of those.He caught the attention of Mercedes and signed,Want a drink?
“Yes, red wine, please.”
Evan went to the bar, managed to get the attention of a bartender, and ordered the drinks.When he finally made it back to Adam, the man had finished his drink and was grabbing the one Evan had brought back.Good thing he’d gotten two.
“Here you go,” he said as he handed Mercedes her wine.She reached out and touched his arm with a, “Thanks,” then returned to her conversation.
Find a place to live yet?he asked Adam when he got back to him.
No.While I’m not thrilled with sleeping on the couch, I like that there’s a meal every night and I have extra money for fun stuff.Like beer.He held up his drink and took a sip.
Your parents aren’t ready to toss you out yet?
My mom doesn’t like when I leave my clothes all over the place, but my dad enjoys having someone to watch sports with.Adam frowned at his now empty beer.Let me get the next round.
Thanks.When Adam toddled off to the bar, Evan peered around to see who else he knew.A small, dark-haired Asian woman focused on him and made a beeline in his direction.This was the woman who always chatted up Brian.What was her name?He never could remember.
Hi, Evan.Remember me.I’m Sue Chang.Is your brother here tonight?She searched the room but came up empty.
No, Brian had some work he had to finish up for our parents.
Her eyes strayed to the door, like she was hoping he’d walk in anyway.That’s too bad.I was hoping to talk to him.I’m wondering, does he have a girlfriend?Don’t tell him I asked.
Evan stifled a chuckle.Not that I know of.None he’s ever brought to the house.Are you interested in the position?
Her eyes fell to the floor, then lifted again as she shrugged.I love having discussions with him.He’s smart and really knowledgeable regarding tech.
I would hope so, considering that’s his job.
Mine, too.It’s not often you find people like us in an advanced tech position.It’s great to compare our jobs.
Evan thought he knew the answer to this, but he still had to ask.People like us?
She nodded.You know, Deaf.
Just as he suspected.Sue thought Brian was Deaf.Wouldn’t she be surprised.Should he say something to her?Would it curb her infatuation with him?Nah, it was too fun to let his brother deal with it.
You don’t want to go out with someone who’s hearing?
She played with some hair that had sprung from her ponytail.My parents would love for me to bring home a hearing guy.They hate my hearing loss and basically insist I speak and read lips.No sign language for them.Me, I’m all about embracing Deaf Power, Deaf Pride.Why would anyone want a hearing person?They don’t understand us.
My girlfriend, Mercedes, is hearing.My sister Carli’s husband is hearing.They do all right with understanding us.
