“Well,” I said as I took the last bite of chicken off my fork. “I’m not a modest cook with truly mad skills. The fish will be dry, but the wine will be delicious.”
We clinked glasses. “I look forward to it.”
“I’ve got the dishes,” I said grabbing his plate.
“I’ll let you.” He grabbed Disco and nodded his head toward the door. “Going for a walk.”
I nodded as my hands shook in the dishwater.
This is not good, Koti.
Half an hour later, I was browsing through a painter’s magazine of canvas templates and accompanying paints while Ian set up his computer.
“Shit, the Wi-Fi here is barely catching with next door.”
“Waiting on a call from your daughter?”
“Yeah. I may have to go elsewhere.”
The glowing blue light flashed in front of him and I saw his eyes light in recognition. He waved at the screen.
Uncomfortable with the intrusion, I gestured toward my bedroom. “I’ll just go.”
“You don’t have to.”
He signed fluidly at the screen. “Stay.”
“Okay.” I sat back down in my seat and he began talking with his hands. I watched fascinated.
“I’m telling Ella,” he said as he flicked two fingers out and closed them at his heart, “that I’m staying at my neighbor’s as the paint dries at her grandmother’s house.” He twisted the computer and I saw his daughter wave at me excitedly. I straightened in my seat and waved back.
Ella waved a hand over her face and closed her fist before she began frantically signing.
“She wants to know if you’re my new girlfriend.”
I shook my head and wound my index finger next to my ear and pointed at her father to let her know I thought he was crazy. She laughed on screen. Ella was a beautiful little girl with long blonde hair and deep-water eyes. I assumed she favored her mother. And then she spoke. “Dad, what have you done to her?” Her English was clear but tainted in the way where she sounded as if she spoke through her nose.
He mocked offense and then spoke. “Nothing. I’ve done nothing to her.”
“Does she read lips?” I asked.
He looked between us as Ella spoke up. “Yes, Koti, I read lips.”
I moved in so she could get a better look at them.
“He’s lying to you. He’s an awful neighbor. I only let him come here because of this.” I lifted Disco up and heard her loud squeal. Though her voice wasn’t completely clear and she had a slightly off point tongue, she had mastered her speech. “Oh wow. Please, Daddy, tell me that puppy is for me!”
“She belongs to Koti and you’ll meet her when you come,” he signed as he spoke.
“What’s her name?” Ella asked animatedly.
“Disco,” Ian and I both answered before sharing a smile.
“I love it,” Ella said, beaming.
“I’m going to give you some privacy. It was nice meeting you.” I told Ella directly.
> “Nice to meet you,” she waved. I was close to leaving the room when she spoke up again.