He smiles at me, and suddenly, it’s like no time has passed at all. He signs my name—his own unique way of greeting me. It’s something he’s done since I was a kid, even if my name sign has changed three times over the years.
‘You look good.’
He rolls his eyes. ‘You mean tired.’
I shrug. He does look tired, but he looks happier now that he’s semi-retired. ‘Tell me what’s going on. Your message seemed serious.’
His shoulders rise and fall with a sigh. ‘I’m selling our international shares to a new company.’
I blink at him, too shocked to respond.
‘I want to downsize, and the offer I got will be more than enough for your inheritance.’
‘I don’t care about inheritance.’
He laughs. ‘Maybe not now, but you will.’
I swallow heavily. ‘Am I being fired?’
His eyes go wide. ‘What! No! Ridiculous. This just means I want you to come home and head up the office here. Local. Easy.’
Something shifts in my chest. Home. Like,homehome. Like where everyone I left behind is. I swallow, but my mouth feels weirdly dry. ‘Okay.’
‘You look upset. You meet someone? Don’t want leave?’
I burst into laughter. I can’t help it. I seemed to have mentally fucked myself into celibacy after the disaster with Thom and Robbie, and then meeting and screwing Thom’s brother…
‘No. No one. Not worth my time.’
He studies me for a long time. His well-trained eyes havealways worked against me. He spent years learning to be as observant as a Deaf person. I could be the world’s best actor, but he’d always know how and why to call me out.
‘Robbie?’
He uses Robbie’s less offensive sign name. The one Robbie uses with his students and professional acquaintances. It looks all wrong on his hands because Robbie has been in our lives for as long as I can remember, and I know he’s choosing not to use the silly one.
‘I’m over him.’
My dad stares at me, but this time, I’m actually telling the truth. Yes, I’m still a little bitter that I didn’t pull my head out of my ass and realize I was capable of falling in love before Robbie gave up on me and moved on, but he’s happy.
And because I loved him once, I’m happy for him. Thom hasn’t given up on ASL. He’s integrated into Robbie’s family and with our friends. Everyone tells me they’re voice-off at home. His heart is Deaf now.
That doesn’t mean I have to like him, but I can be at peace with it.
I turn my attention back to my dad. ‘I’m excited to come home.’ As I sign it, I realize it’s true. It must be showing on my face because his tense expression relaxes. ‘I need to find a place though. The people I’m renting my condo to have a lease through the end of the year.’
‘Your aunt Hélène will help.’
Makes sense. She does real estate and insurance, so she gets amazing deals. ‘Can’t wait to hug you.’
He laughs and shakes his head. He’s not used to me being sentimental, but it has been three years since I’ve seen them in person. We’re not the most affectionate family. We show love in different ways. It always put Robbie off because his family isa walking cuddle pile, and maybe that’s yet one more reason he and I would never be compatible.
‘When can I buy a ticket?’ I ask.
His grin widens. ‘As soon as you want to start packing. The office will shut down on Friday, and I’ll fly out next month to sign the papers. I can’t wait to see you.’
He’s said that more than once now, but there’s affection in his hands that’s almost tangible. ‘Me too. I’ll book my flight tonight and head in Saturday.’
‘Let me know what time to pick you up.’
