“For Deaf customers? Yeah,” I say, standing and striding over to the counter. “Even got it framed. Does it pass muster?”
He breaks out into a smile. “Yea, that’s great. Perfect. Really welcoming.” He looks at the floor a minute before turning his gaze back on me. “Seriously, I know it seems like a small gesture, but it can really make a difference, you know?”
“The suggestion was all yours, and I thank you. In fact, Dane was in here about an hour ago. So, honestly, thanks.”
“Yea, of course,” he nods, and I get the feeling there’s something he wants to say, but he’s holding back. I wish I had more time to talk but my break’s almost up.
“Well, look, I should go. Just, uh…glad you got the sign up.” Almost before the words are out of his mouth, Booker is out the door, and I’m left standing here wondering what the hell just happened. Did he make a special trip across campus just to see if I followed through on the sign? I mean, I get why it means a lot to him, but something’s off. I can’t dwell on it too long, though. There are lattes to make.
Chapter 13
Booker
Everybody’s headingout of town for spring break and the living room of The Chapel is in total chaos. There are suitcases and laundry baskets and bags filled with towels and toiletries. My friends all milling around, making sure they have everything and making last-minute swaps. By the look of things, you’d think they were planning to stay in Florida a month, or that there were twenty of them going on the trip, but no. It’s just the six of them since I can’t go. I should be jealous. I mean, they’re heading for the land of sunshine and palm trees, while the weather here promises to be rainy and cold all week. Not that it will matter. I’ll be spending all my time at the rink and the gym, which is fine by me, even if they think it’s a travesty.
“Book, are you sure you can’t go?” Phoebe asks, plunking down an overstuffed canvas bag.
“Yeah, it’s Rose’s first trip to Disney. That has to be mandatory, right?” Willa asks. “I mean, she won’t remember any of it, but she’ll see the pictures.”
“She’ll remember it,” Knox assures her. “Our kid’s a genius.”
“Our kid’s barely more than a year old,” Willa tells him, but this logic makes no difference.
“A baby genius,” he insists.
“Who’s a genius?” Whit asks, looking up from the depths of his backpack. “Cause it’s sure as hell not Booker, no offense. Who passes up a trip to see the world’s most famous mouse? And to go on vacation with me?”
Since they hatched this plan a few weeks ago, they’ve been trying to convince me to book a last-minute flight, but I need to stay here.
For lots of reasons.
“Alright,” Whit stretches. “Before we go, I need to ask a serious question, just to make sure you’re all worthy. Who’s the best Disney princess?”
Willa raises her hand. “Belle. It’s the library for me.” Ty high fives her, but his girlfriend, Phoebe is shaking her head.
“Agree to disagree. It’s Ariel.”
“Ariel?” Whit challenges. “The girl who marries a guy whoeats her friends? Yeah, no. You’re on the no-fly list.”
Lucy laughs. “No one’s on a no-fly list. But Pheebs, you are wrong. It’s Rapunzel. Girl can wield a frying pan. That’s enough for me.”
Whit looks down at his girlfriend. “Fair point, but you’re wrong, too.”
Lucy’s hand goes to her hip and she’s clearly poised to argue. “Uh, no, I’m not. How can I be wrong about my own opinion on Disney princesses?”
“Easy,” Whit shrugs. “Because you have the wrong opinion. Gentlemen? Any guesses?”
Ty takes a sip of his beer. “I’m with Willa. It’s Belle.”
“Nah, it’s that one with the sword,” Knox interjects. “What’s her name? Mulan. Yep. She has a sword. She wins automatically.”
Whit stares at Knox. “What the hell is the matter with you? Never mind, there’s no time to answer that. Alright, Book, it’s up to you. What’s your answer?”
Whit and I have been best friends since I was born, as a result of our moms being close. I know how his mind works. I know that he has a definite answer in his head, no doubt. I also know that my answer is the wrong one. I always preferred Flynn Rider’s smolder to any princess’s smile, though I’d never admit it out loud. I take a breath and let it go. “I don’t know, Whit, but I’m going to go with Elsa. She makes ice. Enough said.”
Whit nods. “It’s a cool party trick, sure. Nearly ruins her homeland, but ok…”
“Ok, wise one,” I laugh. “Who’s the best Disney princess?”
