Page 91 of Carson

He’s not normally quite this possessive. He lets mom live her life, but I know he’s scared for her now that her hearing is going.

I don’t know how I didn’t notice it before.

The way her lips move as she listens as if she’s trying to put together all of the pieces of what we’ve just said. The tilt of her head as she turns her ear toward whoever is speaking to her.

I wonder how long she’s known. When did it start? Is there nothing they can do?

Dad reaches over and silently takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. He’s not trying to get me to stop feeling whatever I’m feeling. He’s just letting me know he’s here.

I know my father well enough to know that he’s looked at every option. He’s more than likely still searching. And if there is no cure … you can be damn sure we’ll be having a fundraiser soon to fund the research for one.

Dad tells me about mom’s condition as she listens on.

When they’re finished, I’m devastated. There’s nothing that will stop her from losing her hearing.

“But Luna has offered to teach us and anyone in the club sign language. We were thinking about getting together at the warehouse for lessons.”

I look at Luna. She’s been quiet all through breakfast.

Of course, she knows sign language. How else would she have communicated with her mother?

I’ve done a lot of things over the years to disappoint my parents, but I’ve also done a lot that’s made them proud. This is the proudest I’ve ever seen them.

They’re happy I chose Luna.

I waited for the perfect girl, trusting she’d find me, or I her.

She smiles and dips her head, clearly humble about all of the attention we are giving her.

“Ah, that’s a great idea, but what I’m wondering is if I get private lessons,” I say, embarrassing her and my mom like they did me earlier.

Mom throws her napkin at me. “Carson Ray.”

It makes me laugh.

Chapter Thirty

Cole

Carson came up and apologized for hitting me.

I apologized for hitting him back.

He said we’d talk more later, but fuck that.

In fact, I think I’ll move to the warehouse permanently. I don’t need to talk about anything.

After the announcement my mom made about Luna offering to teach the club sign language, I headed outside. Everyone else is signing up for “classes.”

Of course Luna knows sign language. Why wouldn’t she? She’s “perfect.”

Okay, I know I need to stop with the air quotes.

I’m being childish.

I always knew Carson would find a nice girl. He deserves it.

Me, not so much.