Talk to Me (A Love Story in Any Language)

by Pat Simmons

  “Mr. Norton, this is Noel Richardson. I need to speak with you as soon as possible, sir, concerning your daughter,” I signed to the interpreter.

  “What’s wrong with Mackenzie?” The interpreter’s facial expression let me know that panic was heard in Mr. Norton’s voice.

  “Mackenzie is fine, but I do need to ask you the question in person man to man.”

  “If I say, no, will that keep you from asking Mackenzie a question?”

  “Mr. Norton, please, I just need a few minutes of your time. I can leave work early and stop by.”

  “Never mind that,” the interpreter’s expression showed irritation heard on the line. “Tell me where you work and I’ll stop by as soon as I can while I’m out.”

  I gave him my company’s address and waited.

  ***

  When the motion sensor under my door mat alerted me that I had a visitor, I glanced up to see Mr. Norton strolling through the doorway. He didn’t wait for an acknowledgement.

  His soon-as-soon arrival turned out to be a later-than-late appearance, as if my work day revolved around him. That day, it did.

  He scrutinized my furniture and every device. Finally, he dragged a leather cushion chair to my desk and sat. He waited; I waited. Taking an exaggerated visual breath, he twisted his lips. “Okay, let’s get this talk on, Richardson. Talk to me.”

  “I love Mackenzie. She trusts me to be there for her and to make her happy.”

  Mr. Norton held up his hand to stop my rehearsed speech. “Can you be there for her really? What if she falls and you can’t hear her? What if you two have a child, can you hear your baby crying? She may trust you, but I don’t, Richardson.

  “She’s a grown woman and stubborn like her mother. I could never talk her mother out of anything either once her mind was set.” He threw his arms up in frustration.

  I stole his temporary reprieve to defend myself. “If she falls, I pray God will pick her up. My hearing may be zero, but my love is more than one-hundred percent. As for children, Mackenzie will use her ears.

  “When she isn’t home, I’ll depend on God and the baby cry analyzer, which tells me if my child is sleepy, hungry, or wet.” I raised my finger. I wasn’t finished. “Then there’s this thing called portable video monitor with infrared night vision. People who hear use something similar to it. Also, hearing parents teach their babies sign language as an early form of communication even if they aren’t deaf.”

  “Humph. Mackenzie believes in you, but frankly I don’t. You’re black, you’re a male, and you’re deaf. That’s three strikes against you.”

  “Without Mackenzie, that’s four strikes. Mr. Norton, you fail to acknowledge I hold undergraduate and graduate degrees. I don’t use my deafness as a crutch. It’s my motivation from the time I wake each morning.

  “I’m the CEO of this organization that has assisted local, federal, and state governments, company vice presidents, and small business owners form a better relationship with the community. I own property and stocks. I’m physically and spiritually healthy. Mr. Norton, I’ve sought the Lord on this, and I love your daughter.

  “I want your blessings, and man-to-man, you’ll have to give me a better reason than my deafness to say no. Admit it. I have an impressive resume. I’m more than qualified to take care of my woman. Plus, with Jesus, there are no strikes, because I can do all things through him.”

  “I don’t have to admit anything. You’ll only have one shot at protecting my daughter. You fail, I’m coming after you.” He stood and stalked out my office.

  I’ll take that as a yes, I thought, grinning.

  CHAPTER 28

  That evening, I stood confidently on the Norton’s’ front porch and knocked. The dusting of snow glistened on the sidewalk. Mackenzie opened the door, smiling. Her head was covered with a fur ball. Upon closer inspection, it was a globe-shaped hat that reminded me of a squirrel’s coat.

  A long, black coat with a fur collar hid what she was wearing. I couldn’t help it, but yes, I did a glove check. I was thankful that she hadn’t lost one or the set. I stepped up into the foyer, forcing her back.

  “Happy Valentine’s Day, Noel Richardson, will you be my Valentine?” Mackenzie methodically slid a card from her coat pocket. The longing in her eyes made me want to drop to my knee, ask her to marry, and have somebody open City Hall to wake up the Justice of the Peace.

  Begrudgingly, I broke eye contact to take her card. The black man on the Mahogany Card didn’t look like me, but his bare chest with firm abs and his biceps did resemble my body.

  The only difference was I had the burn scar and this guy didn’t. Plus, the woman in his arms wasn’t as beautiful as Mackenzie. I read the words: I never knew what I was missing until you. Your smile…your walk… and your hugs. You’re my Valentine all the time. Then in the corner of the card, Mackenzie had scribbled “Yes.”

  I grabbed her in a hug and squeezed until she fought against my embrace. “Woman...” I paused when her father made an appearance. I released Mackenzie, but kept her close. Extending my hand, I acknowledged him. “Good evening, Mr. Norton.”

  Surprisingly, he gripped my hand in a shake. “Call me, Fred.”

  ***

  Fred? Who would have thought? Let patience have her perfect work. My steps were lighter as I escorted Mackenzie to my Cadillac. Behind the wheel, I pushed the play knob where I had the radio programmed to Mackenzie’s favorite station.

  As my chest vibrated, I frowned, but kept driving. Mackenzie said she liked instrumental gospel. It didn’t feel smooth to me. Maybe the song was an upbeat and a rejoicing tune.

  We hadn’t gone a block when Mackenzie tapped my arm. “Why are you playing heavy metal on FM 97.6?”

  No wonder it didn’t feel the same. “I thought it was the jazz station FM 96.7.”

  Mackenzie shook her head. A smile peeped before a contagious laugh. She found the station, leaned back, and crossed her arms in triumph. A few minutes later, she tapped me again. “Where are you taking me?”

  “It’s a surprise,” I answered, glancing at her before I got on the highway. I appreciated every beautiful thing God used to create her. She was stunning, more gorgeous than a woman had a right to be, and soon she would be mine.

  Mackenzie’s eyes twinkled in merriment. She didn’t ask any more questions until I exited from Interstate 70 to Grand Boulevard. Weaving through deteriorating neighborhoods in North St. Louis city, I turned onto Randall Place.

  Our destination was no longer a surprise. I parked, shut off the engine, and faced Mackenzie whose eyes were misty.

  “Noel, I haven’t been here in a long time.”

  “You wanted the whole nine yards. I hope tonight I’m giving you ten.”

  A single tear created a trail down her face. I wiped away the wetness with my thumb. “For the past seventy-four days, your smile—” I paused, tracing her lips until she smiled. I responded with a cocky grin. “—your presence—” I stopped again, intertwining her fingers with mine and bringing them to my lips “—and these incredible hands God gave you enchant me.” Another tear spilled.

  “Mackenzie, for the past month, you haven’t mentioned anything about theater projects, and I know you put that on hold because of me, so tonight is yours.” I braced my muscles when my sweetest, weaker vessel of a woman bowled me over in a gripping hug. I received my blessing with enthusiasm and laughter. “Ready?”

  “Yes,” she signed.

  Outside the car, we walked hand in hand a few yards to the steps of the former mansion converted to a theatre. The commanding brick structure reigned on a hill, overlooking the interstate.

  City records showed that Captain Lewis Bissell built it in the 1820s, and it was possibly the oldest home in St. Louis.

  Bissell Mansion was considered St. Louis’ original audience-participating comedy/mystery dinner theatre. Mackenzie leaned into me, smothering her face in my coat in an attempt to shield herself from the harsh elements.

  �
�Cold?” I asked, looking down as the wind danced in her fur-ball. When she nodded, I held her tighter.

  Once inside the old mansion, an unassuming older gentleman welcomed us. “Good evening sir, madam. These are your characters for the evening, Eloise and Sebastian.”

  He leaned closer. “Keep your identity a secret.” Nodding our understanding, he continued, “Someone in the audience will be randomly called to act out their parts. Who knows, one of you could be the murderer, or a suspect, or a witness to the deed. Hope it’s not you,” the man warned, wiggling his brushy brows.

  What Mackenzie didn’t know was that she would be in the spotlight tonight. The staff was more than willing to be included in the scheme.

  Anticipation lit Mackenzie’s face as we entered a large living room that had been transformed into a restaurant. I helped Mackenzie remove her coat. She was about to take off her fur ball when I stopped her.

  “Don’t. I like it. It matches your sassy attitude.”

  She looked at me with a glint in her eyes. Wrinkling her nose, she prepared to respond. I smacked a quick kiss to stop her. “Sassssyyyyy,” I teased.

  White-linen tablecloths were draped over numerous tables. Thick wood-paneled double doors matched the mantle-top fireplaces. Choosing a table, I pulled back Mackenzie’s chair and waited for her to be seated before I sat across from her.

  Her eyes sparkled as she glanced around. Folding her hands, she leaned forward, prompting me to meet her halfway. “Noel, this is so exciting. This was a wonderful idea. Just think, we’ll help the detectives solve a mystery.”

  “Yeah.” Her shoulders slumped as she covered my hands. They were so soft. “Noel, I wanted to prove to you that you mean the world to me.”

  I swallowed as my heart pounded faster. Who was proposing to whom tonight? “Mackenzie,” I stopped. I didn’t know what to say because that’s exactly what I wanted her to do, prove to me she could live in my world. I dropped my head in shame.

  She tapped my arm to get my attention. “For the record, Noel Richardson, it’s a good thing I love you.” She grinned. “Since you’re such a winner, I think I’ll keep you.”

  Our flirting ceased as the room filled to capacity for the performance. Attendants began serving the appetizers of crab Rangoon, toasted ravioli, and a cheese ball with zucchini bread. I reached across the table for her hands. “My Valentine, would you do the honor of blessing our food?”

  Batting her lashes, she bowed her head. I followed. When she squeezed my fingers, I looked up and together we mouthed, “Amen.”

  We feasted on the finger foods until our main course of baked white fish with an unusual seasoned sauce, Greek salad, sautéed vegetables, and twice baked potato arrived. Twenty minutes later, the lights dimmed for the production of Mayhem in Mayberry.

  The theater actors were hilarious. Although some guests received character cards when they arrived, their lines were altered. Yet, they were encouraged to play their roles convincingly.

  Those who didn’t receive character cards were still informed of tonight’s surprise and be on the lookout for the mystery couple. Sinister eyes bounced from table to table. Nobody was above suspicion as victims of Cupid’s bow.

  Just when the audience thought they had the plot solved, there was a new development. A woman screamed for the police. When heads turned, I turned around to see a man across the room stand. “I’m the sheriff.”

  He definitely fit the profile with an emotionless face, but he stumbled over his lines, almost incriminating himself. The crowd laughed. I laughed, too. Not because I got the joke, I simply read the man’s facial expressions. While most guests applauded, Mackenzie and I raised our arms in the air and wiggled our fingers.

  A man dressed in a head-to-toe jailer costume with a ridiculously long, questionably fake mustache and goatee raised his hands to hush the crowd. “Not so fast. It appears we have another possible suspect. With his hand shielding his eyes, he looked out in the audience. “Eloise McDuffy where were you the night Miss Bea was kidnapped?”

  Surprised, Mackenzie jumped, and then looked at me for what to say. I simply shrugged as a spotlight formed around Mackenzie as she was summoned to turn herself in to the jailer.

  All eyes were on her, including mine as I leaned back, praying this was the special moment Mackenzie had waited for all her life.

  The room grew darker until the guests’ faces faded. Mackenzie’s eyes searched for mine, but I was no longer seated. I slid from my seat and squatted as I moved from table to table until I stood by the door.

  Don’t ask me why, I just thought when she looked for me it would add to the mystery. When the lights flickered briefly as a petite elderly woman with silver hair ambled her way into spotlight.

  She thrust a gift box into Mackenzie’s hands. “Are these not the jewels you stole from my bedroom, Eloise?” She pointed for Mackenzie to open it, and she did.

  Even when I’m an old man with trifocal lens, I’ll always recognize my name on your lips. Whatever is asked of you tonight just say yes, my note read. Her hands began to shake when she realized this wasn’t about Mayhem in Mayberry, but her. “Oh, Noel.”

  The jailer pulled out toy handcuffs. That was my cue that “Here and Now” was playing. When I had dropped off the Luther CD earlier, the manager and I agreed that the handcuffs would be my signal. Pierce came through for me.

  Reading the words to the song inside the CD jacket expressed what was engraved in my heart. I couldn’t look into her eyes without seeing what she meant to me—happiness, sweetness, faithfulness, and making my dreams come true.

  Mackenzie’s spotlight shut off. As the flames from candles danced throughout the room, I squatted to weave between the tables, making my way to the front until I bumped into a chair, and dropped the ring box.

  In the dark, crawling on my knees, I fumbled for the velvet-covered square. I guess when I missed my cue, the lights flashed. Three guests, including one woman, were scouring the floor, helping me find the jewel box. I bumped heads with one man. When the room went dim again, I clashed with more bodies as they joined the search under tables and chairs.

  When lights flickered a third time, a very pregnant woman lifted her hand in the air with the ring box. Thinking the mystery was solved, the audience clapped as Mackenzie looked in the direction of the commotion. The mommy-to-be slammed the treasure into my fist before the room went black again.

  With the prized possession clutched in my hand, I stood. Composed, I straightened my suit. I prayed that no one or any other object got in the way of my proposal mayhem.

  Exhaling, I was feet behind Mackenzie when the lights brightened the room. Gently I wrapped my hands around her arms. She jumped as I coaxed her to turn around and face me.

  On one knee, I carefully laid the box next to me and patted it for good measure. Lifting my hands, I began to sign, “Mackenzie Norton, there’s only one you. No other woman could ever occupy the space in my heart, but you. Here and now on this Valentine’s Day, I’m asking you as a man who is only complete with you to marry me. We’ve been together for months, but I need a lifetime. Say, yes, baby.”

  “Noel Richardson, thank you for walking out of my dreams and into my heart. Yes.”

  My eyes never left hers as I lifted the box, fingered it open, and gripped the ring from its spot. With urgency, I slid it on her finger before standing. In the background, hands waved in the air instead of clapping.

  I’d have to thank the owner later for instructing patrons to lift their hands and wiggle their fingers as a silent applause. I wanted to kiss Mackenzie as if it was our wedding day, but she had me constricted in a bear grip. As she cried, her fur ball tickled my nose.

  CHAPTER 29

  The news of the Norton and Richardson engagement traveled fast. Pastor Coleman tracked me down on Sunday morning before service. “Make your prenuptial counseling appointment soon, Brother Noel. I only marry couples who plan to stay together, and who are willing to compromise, forgive, and love un
til the end,” he advised then congratulated me. “I wish you both so much happiness.”

  “I will and thank you.” Instead of shaking my hand, he slapped me on my back and bumped his fist with mine then he walked away.

  As Pastor Coleman preached on “The New City” from Revelation, praise rose continuously throughout the sermon. Since Valerie was signing, I opted to lip-read the sermon.

  Less than an hour later, the pastor finished by asking, “Do you have permanent residence? If not, hurry, there are limited vacancies left before the flight takes off.” People rejoiced and repented. Many were baptized after they changed into white garments. The benediction came some time later.

  Nick approached me, pumping my hand. In a friendly retaliation, I squeezed his hand until he winced. Since I had spent so much time with Mackenzie the past months, I hadn’t noticed Nick’s transformation. It must be true what they say. Love is blind. Nick had dropped weight, buffed up, and sported a shaven head. Even Nick’s teeth looked whiter.

  “Congratulations, man, on your engagement. You know I’m in love with Valerie. I’ve been working my charm, but man, it’s going pretty slow.”

  I frowned at Nick’s worried look. Stroking my chin, I debated. Did I consider Nick close enough of a friend to share my concerns? I shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t see Valerie as being your type.”

  “You notice that, too, huh? Nick shook his head. “I hear ya, man. Right now, she’s not the woman I want yet, but I love her. Love is patient, love is kind, love is longsuffering, and more, so I’ll wait for God to change her. At least she let me take her out a few times.”

  Let patience have her perfect work. I didn’t want to discourage Nick, nor be a stumbling block to his patience for Valerie. I listened.

  “I think I’m close though, Noel. Casually, we talked about prayer, hopes, dreams, you know. She’s adamant that God has a man for her whose name begins with the letter ‘N.’ He elbowed me in my side, grinning. “That’s me man, that’s me. It may seem slow, but Valerie and I will get there. Who knows, we may beat you and Mackenzie to the altar so start praying for us, especially Val.”