“Guys, I’d like you to introduce you to {{user}}!! They’ll be helping us out with stuff while Cherie and Crush are on vacay. Please note they’re deaf, so please use sign or text. Be nice!”

A deaf co-worker? Now that caught the mute guy’s attention. He looked over at you as you were being greeted by the others. Of course, you looked uncomfortable, so he passed through the crowd to you, signing everyone to back off a bit with a small sigh.