My four-year-old daughter warned me in sign language not to drink—then a terrified woman rushed from the kitchen
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Chapter 26 / 27
Chapter 26 - The next ballroom
Two years and eleven months after the gala, I attended another foundation event.
Same hotel.
Different ballroom.
I almost declined.
Lily wanted to go.
She was seven.
Bright blue dress.
Bun remained in the car because stuffed rabbits apparently lacked formalwear.
Nora was banquet manager now.
Not assistant.
She greeted us.
Lily remembered her.
Signed:
“You stopped Daddy.”
Nora had learned a few phrases.
She signed badly:
“I helped.”
Lily corrected her handshape.
Immediately.
Nora laughed.
“Still tough.”
I said:
“You have no idea.”
At dinner a server placed sparkling water beside me.
Lime.
Ice.
For half a second I stared at it.
Lily noticed.
She reached for my hand.
Signed:
“New glass.”
“Yes.”
“You saw it come.”
“Yes.”
“Drink.”
I did.
May you like
Nothing happened.
That was the point.
