NovelEnglishChapter 33 Jessica sat beside her on the antique wooden settee.
The two of them faced each other across a small coffee table, which was scattered with all sorts of delicate paper cuttings.
"Jessica, I'm just not satisfied with any of these decorations," Latonia sighed. "It's a pity your grandmother passed away years ago. The neighbors toldyou're quite talented too. Could I trouble you to make sfor me?" Jessica nodded silently.
She didn't speak a word.
Latonia had heard from Herbert that Jessica still hadn't regained her voice.
Latonia led Jessica around the villa, asking her to help spot the best places for the decorations. Jessica took her time, studying the rooms, and snapped photos on her phone of the spots that needed scolor.
Communicating in gestures and notes on her phone, Jessica let Latonia know she could finish everything in about two days.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLatonia, who hadn't seen Jessica in so long, insisted she stay for dinner.
Afterwards, Latonia had Herbert drive Jessica home.
Once Jessica climbed into the car, Herbert glanced over. "Where do you live?" Jessica signed quickly, her hands moving with practiced grace. "I'm not heading home. I need to buy smaterials-could you dropat the fabric market on the south side?" "Fabric? For paper cuttings?" Herbert was genuinely surprised.
Jessica smiled and signed again.
"Yes, lots of materials can be used for cutting designs. Your house has a classic look-if I use ordinary paper, it just wouldn't fit." Her hands moved with effortless elegance, her fingers nimble and wrists poised, making her sign language almost look like a dance.
Herbert found himself looking forward to seeing her finished work.
Jessica had learned the craft from her grandmother as a child, often lending a hand with intricate projects. Now, it seemed, she had blended old traditions with a modern touch.
Perhaps she'd even surpassed her teacher.
Herbert dropped her off at the fabric market, but instead of leaving, he got out to follow her.
Jessica tried to wave him off, insisting she could manage alone.
"You can't speak-it'll be hard to communicate with the sellers. Lethelp with the signing," Herbert offered. Jessica relented, letting him tag along.
They had barely stepped inside when Jessica spotted Timothy's older sister.
Sallie Lawson was carefully inspecting bolts of fabric.
Not wanting a confrontation, Jessica ducked down another aisle.
Sallie and Timothy were twins, both twenty-nine this year.
But unlike her brother, Sallie was single-a hard-charging career woman. After college, she'd used her degree to launch a boutique fashion label, now with stores all over the country.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmShe'd always looked down on Jessica, seeing her as nothing more than a mute girl unworthy of Timothy.
Jessica scanned the racks, searching for vintage linen that would suit the dlass house's classic decor.
Meanwhile, Sallie finished with one vendor, dissatisfied, and moved on, glancing around as she walked. In the bustling crowd, she thought she glimpsed Jessica- and next to her, a man.
Unbelievable, Sallie thought. A mute girl like Jessica was lucky just ton have Timothy, and yet here she was, cozying up to sother guy in public. Sallie hurried forward.
Just then, her phone rang. Phelps was calling.
"Sallie, chearly tonight, all of Timothy's family will be there." "I will. I'll head back after I check out a few more fabrics." She hung up and looked around, but Jessica had already disappeared into the crowd.
Frowning, Sallie dialed Timothy.
"Timothy, are you with Jessica?" "No. Why?" Sallie hardly ever took the initiative to ask about Jessica.
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