Page 53 of Big Britches

“Speaking of our parents. When are you going to tell them about Pedro?”

“Jesus Christ. I knew better than to call you.”

Barb chuckled. “If it’s as serious as you’re letting on, I can’t imagine it hasn’t crossed your mind.”

“Every day.”

“Well, don’t stress too much about it. You’re their sole heir, so it’s not like they’re gonna cut you off.”

“I’m not their sole heir.”

“Yes, you are. I’m just the foster kid, the butch ragamuffin going-on spinster.”

“This conversation just keeps getting better and better.”

“You gave them a grandchild, T. Lineage. That’s gotta count for something. Hawthorne House is my legacy. Sucking my soul like Hill House.”

“If you’d just let us help?—”

“Nope. It’s my cross to bear. So, how do you think Mama and Daddy will react… to Pedro, that is?”

“You can change the subject all you want. But we will readdress this.”

“Not today, we won’t. Maybe they’ll surprise you.”

“Maybe. But you know Mama. She’s a social butterfly. Daddy too, lunching on the square every day.”

“They could be your PR agents. Save you some legwork.”

“It’s gonna affect them too, Barb.”

“Yes, it is. Unlike you, though, I think it’s gonna be a good thing.”

“I appreciate your optimism.”

“Hm. That almost didn’t sound sarcastic.”

“That’s because I’m trying to end this phone call on a positive note.”

“What about Roz? How did she take it?”

“She saw it all from the beginning. You know how perceptive she is. She confronted me two days in.”

“And?”

“I think she’s relieved. She’s moving on, you know?”

“Pedro mentioned it.”

“Yeah. I’m not letting her go completely, though. We’re talking about starting a daycare business. I can’t imagine not having her in my life somehow. She’s been my rock for a long time.”

“And she approves?”

“She does, in her own reserved way. You know her as well as I do. She’s got a great poker face.”

“She’s worried.”

“She’s no stranger to racism, Barb.”