Chapter 110

“It’s been a while,” he admitted.

“I love you, you know.”

“I know.”99: I Think He Likes You

“Mama, this is Tony,” I said.

She came forward to the edge of the bed, smiled at him.

Little T., this is your grandmother. Say hello?

He offered a shy wave.

“He’s so small,” Mama said.

“He’s only seven.”

“Let me see if I remember…”

She smiled again at Tony. Then:

Hello. How are you?

You sign? he asked, his face full of surprise.

“What did he say?” Mama asked, looking at me.

“He asked if you sign.”

She looked at him, shook her head. Then she signed, A little. Not…good.

Tony beamed at her.

“He understood me?” she asked.

“Of course he did.”

“Tell him it’s very nice to meet him, and I want him to get better and come home and have dinner with us. I’m going to make fried chicken. I’ve already talked to Lydia, and she’s going to buy what I need. Tell him that.”

Grandma says she wants you to come home so she can make fried chicken for you. Would you like that?