Page 71 of Beyond the Cage

Dad’s ears perk up, and Mom looks up from the magazine she’s reading. I’ve already told them all the basics. I just omitted onelittledetail.

“Cameron…he…”

“He what?” he asks impatiently.

“Dad…he doesn’t talk.”

“He’s a mute?”

“No. Hecantalk, he just…doesn’t.”

“What?”

“Why?” Mom chimes in.

I turn to Mom and answer her question. “He hasn’t shared that with me, but it’s not really a big deal.”

“How do you communicate?”

“We’ve got our own little system.”

“What kind of man doesn’t talk when he can?” Dad inquires, a sneer on his lips.

“Pleasedon’t do anything to scare him off, Dad.”

“Well, how am I supposed to talk to him?”

“Just phrase your questions so you’ll get a yes or no answer. He’ll either nod or shake his head.”

“Of all the –”

“David,” Mom warns. “He’s obviously important to her. Just give him a chance.”

“Hmph!”

That doesn’t sound encouraging but…I’m out of time. There’s a knock at the door. I shoot one last pleading look to my father then answer it.

“Hi.” I smile at Cameron nervously.

He looks surprisingly calm…and gorgeous, as usual. He dressed up – black slacks and a white dress shirt. After kissing my cheek, he steps inside. I lace my fingers through his and lead him into the living room.

“Cameron, these are my parents, Sharon and David Carter. Mom, Dad…this…is Cameron.”

Mom extends her hand first. “Pleased to meet you, Cameron. I’ve heard great things about you.”

With a smile, he takes her hand, placing a soft kiss above her knuckles. She places her other hand on her sternum and giggles.

“Oh, my.” She glances at me, already impressed.

My father clears his throat in irritation. Cameron turns to him and extends his hand. Dad takes it, staring him down, but Cameron seems unaffected by his glare.Time for me to intervene.

“Can I get anyone something to drink? Dad…another beer?”

He nods, releasing Cameron’s hand.

“I’ll help you, sweetheart,” Mom offers.

On the way to the kitchen, I glance back at them, seeing they’ve moved to a far corner of the room.