Page 2 of Big Britches
“Who can say? She summed it up best. We were dealt a hand, we played it. Game over. I loved her, and I love Tucker more than anything else in this world. He’s a result of our love.”
“And now she’s giving you permission to live your authentic life.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t know about that.”
“What do you mean you don’t know? Titus, her intent is clear. She wrote it down because she knew you’d react this way and wanted you to have it on paper. She knew you’d never throw it away… that you could always take it out and read those words.”
“I thought the same.”
“She’s giving you your freedom… from beyond the grave.”
“Tucker’s my priority. You heard it yourself. She said to raise our son right.”
“And to live your life. Be happy.”
“Barb, we’ve known each other since we were little. I’ve known you longer than anyone outside of my parents. Do you honestly think I’m going to put myself before Tucker’s needs?”
“No, but you don’t have to. You can do both.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think so.”
“Titus, you’ve got money. Daddy owns half the town. You haven’t worked at the printing company since Violet got sick.”
“I plan to devote myself to Tucker the same way.”
Barb scoffed. “It’s unnecessary. He’s a healthy child, and you have Roz to help. You’re young. You need to get back out there.”
“And what, Barb? Start dating again? Men?”
“Yes.”
“You’re not dating any women.”
“No, but given the opportunity, I would. We’ve shared this secret for a long time, T. I think what Violet is trying to tell us—you—is clear. Life’s short. Fuck what other people think.”
“Agreed. But she was my wife and I’m not gonna go gallivanting around town with anyone while the dirt’s still fresh on her grave—especially when there’s a child to consider.”
“Understood, but you’ve got to get out of this house, T. You’ve been a hermit for over two years now.”
“So what? Alden can run the business without me. I have a home. I’m happy here.”
“You still worry about what this town thinks of you.”
“And you don’t, Barb? I mean, I don’t see you out there, living an alternative lifestyle.”
She rolled her eyes at his use of the trendy phrase. “It’s not a lifestyle, T. You know that. The only choice you’re making is suppression—and we’re both guilty of that. I’m going to take what Violet said to heart. I hope you do too… eventually.”
They sat there, quiet for a while, listening to the drone of crickets and frogs. Titus’s property was a few miles outside of town, and he cherished nights on the porch like this, away from civilization.
“Do you care what this town thinks about you?” Barb asked.
“Nope. Not anymore.”
“So, this is about Tucker.”
“Mostly. I also think about other folks. Like Mason.”
“Mason?! Why in the hell would you think about him?”