Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Daniel is holding little Asa Bires as he sleeps. The baby was fussy when we first walked into Kelly’s home. It was clear from the look on Romy’s face that she was flustered.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, and although she blamed those on the happiness she felt at meeting me, I suspect they were grounded in lack of sleep and being a first-time mom.
I saw that look on Bella’s face in the first few weeks after Luisa was born. Even though she had Barrett and our entire family to help her, she still felt overwhelmed at times.
I made a point of visiting them a few evenings each week at their apartment in Brooklyn. I’d show up without an invitation with bags of food from Calvetti’s in hand and an offer to take care of the baby while they both slept.
I know my sister appreciated the sleep more than the food because I could see the gratitude in her eyes after she napped and showered.
I feel a tap on my shoulder, so I shift my attention away from my husband holding a tiny baby to the young woman at my side.
Romy Bires is a petite blonde-haired, blue-eyed graduate of Yale.
Her mom filled me in on that right after introducing us to Romy and Asa. I could hear the pride in Kelly’s voice and see embarrassment redden Romy’s cheeks as her mom listed her accomplishments.
I admire you. Romy signs.
I nod in gratitude before I sign my response to her. I admire you. Yale and a baby. You graduated when you were pregnant?
Six months pregnant. She responds with a smile.
I look at Daniel to find him staring at the bundle of wonder in his arms. I try to push the thought of what he’ll be like as a father out of my mind.
I can’t go there.
I’m going to Las Vegas tomorrow to get an annulment because we both want that.
Don’t we?
Romy steps closer to me before she signs another question. Not to pry, but is he your boyfriend?
This is the first and only chance I may have to tell someone that the gorgeous man standing across the room is my husband, but I shake my head and sign back. No, a family friend.
She nods before her hands move to ask a question I sensed was coming. What was it like growing up with a deaf parent?
I look at Daniel and Asa again as I hear the baby starting to wake. When I shift my gaze back to Romy, I see she’s focused on them, too.
I give her a minute before lightly tapping her hand and signing my response. It was wonderful. I learned sign language at the same pace as I learned to talk. My dad is my hero. He’s the strongest person I know.
Tears well in her eyes again, as she signs with effortless grace. I want Asa to be proud of me, too. I want that more than anything.
He will be. I assure her before I shed a tear, too, thinking about the special moments I had growing up and how my dad was front and center for all of them.
She looks at her baby again before she turns back to me. Thank you, Gina. I’m shocked that you’re standing here. I never thought I’d have the chance to meet you.
I watch her hands closely, before I raise mine. I’m honored to have met you. Maybe when you’re back in New York, we can have lunch at my grandma’s restaurant?
Her entire face lights up as her hands move swiftly in response. Are you serious? I love Calvetti’s. Your grandma is always so kind to me.
Marti is kind to everyone, but she takes extra care with her deaf customers. She makes sure they feel welcome and comfortable.
I nod. My grandma is the best.
I turn when I hear the front door open. A brown-haired woman around Romy’s age walks in carrying a tote bag over one shoulder.
Her eyes widen when she spots Daniel holding the baby, and when her gaze lands on me, she lets out a small shriek. “You’re Gina Calvetti!”
I nod, making sure to not only speak but also sign my response. “I am. It’s nice to meet you…”
“Bria,” she says and signs her name before continuing, ensuring she’s standing where Romy can see her. “I’m Asa’s nanny and Romy’s bestie. I can’t believe you’re standing here.”
Believe it. Romy signs.
I volley my gaze between both women as they grin at each other.
“That video of you and your dad touched Romy,” Bria says as she signs each word. “It helped her through her pregnancy, and now it’s a dream for her to meet you. I know it is.”
Romy nods as she signs her reply. It is a big dream.
I’ve posted tens of thousands of images and videos. Yet, right now, it feels like a stranger’s video showcasing a private moment between my dad and I made the biggest impact of anything related to me online.