Breaking the Silence (Hard Drive Book 2) Read Free Page A

toward the door. She was nearly to the Jeep when Rico caught up with her.
    “That was it? You didn’t even talk to her!” he demanded.
    Chloe spun around. “Yes, I did.”
    “I didn’t see you speak to her.”
    “Rico, you didn’t notice?”
    “Notice what?”
    “That girl, Avery, is deaf.”
    His face went slack with disbelief. “How’d you figure that out?”
    “I watched her sign with the cashier. The cashier talked to me, so she’s not deaf. And when I signed ‘thank you’ to Avery, she signed back ‘you’re welcome.’” She carefully demonstrated each sign to him.
    Rico shook his head. She could see the sudden realization and then disappointment in his eyes. “I don’t know sign language. I’d learn just to talk to her. But I don’t even know where to start. How did you even know she was signing?”
    “My mom had to homeschool me because of my Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. She thought it would be good to learn another language. Instead of Spanish or German or French, I learned to sign.” She shoved her drink into his hands. “Just wait here. I’ll go talk to her again. I can’t promise anything. Do you know how long it’s been since I was in high school? I’ve only signed once or twice since then.”
    She spun on her toe and strode back into the café, not stopping until she reached the pick-up counter. She smiled as the blonde barista turned to her. Chloe lifted her hands and signed, Hi, Avery. My name is Chloe Thomas. I have a question.
    Avery stared at her with a puzzled expression. Then, she responded, her fingers graceful as she formed the words. Yes, what can I do for you? And you don’t have to sign. I can read lips.
    Chloe smiled. “Oh good.” She cocked her head toward the parking lot then turned her mouth back toward Avery. “My friend who was with me, Rico, thinks you are beautiful and would love to meet you. Would you be interested ?”
    Avery looked out the window, watching Rico pace the sidewalk as he waited. Her face flushed pink as she signed. Sure.
    “ Would it be all right if we stop back tomorrow? ”
    Yes. My shift ends at two. Will that work?
    “Absolutely. We will see you then.”
    Chloe waved her good-bye then stepped out of the café. Rico rushed to her. “What did you find out?”
    “You and I are coming back here tomorrow afternoon when her shift is over. I’ll translate, so you can talk to her.” She took her iced tea from his hand then stepped around him. “Now, can I go back to Hard Drive and spend time with my husband? Besides, you need to start fight camp.”
    Rico chuckled as he helped her into his vehicle.

Chapter Two
    Rico brushed a piece of lint from his tight, black T-shirt. He stretched his arm across his broad chest to rub the elbow of his other arm. He winced as a jolt of pain shot through it.
    Before coming to the coffee shop for his date with Avery, he had sparred with his friends at Hard Drive. Dan had locked him in an arm bar for longer than he’d liked. But Rico had been able to escape, and then during the scramble, secure his friend in a triangle. He made Dan tap out, but the scrawny blond was far stronger than Rico realized. His elbow would ache for a couple of days.
    He stepped up to the counter, studying the chalkboard mounted to the brick wall behind the coffee machines to find something to drink. He never was one for fancy coffees. Americano, cappuccino, double shot espresso—none of it looked appealing. The iced tea looked safe.
    As he waited for the barista to return to the register, he glanced over to find Avery preparing a customer’s mocha. As his eyes locked with hers, he flashed a dazzling smile. Her cheeks flushed pink as she turned her attention back to her customer. Yep. She’s hooked.
    The bushy-haired redhead with thick, horn glasses who helped Rico the first couple of times appeared behind the register. “Rico Choate,” he breathed, sounding awestruck. “What can I get you?”
    Rico glanced at the barista’s