Page 60 of Big Britches
“Yeah, I know.” Alden paused. “I heard you might be seeing somebody.”
Titus was wondering when he’d have to cross this threshold with Alden, and it didn't surprise him it had happened so soon. Spoon was tiny. Word got around pretty fast.
“Listen, T. You know we’re friends. I just want you to be happy. You’ve had your share of hardship. If you’ve found love with someone else, then I’m happy, too.”
“Even if it’s a guy?”
“I gotta be honest. It didn’t surprise me all that much. I mean, we’ve always had a somewhat intuitive relationship, ever since high school. Touchdown Telepathy, remember? That’s what coach called it.”
“Yeah.” Titus grinned. “How did you hear?”
“Kay told me. She said y’all had been over to the Dream a few times.”
“I wanted to show him our old hangout.”
“It’s all good, T. No judgment. I look forward to meeting him.”
“Thanks, Alden. And thank you for being my friend.”
“Always. Now, let’s go make lots of money.”
“I’ll let Tuttle know what’s going on with us selling. He’ll want to go over any papers they send over.”
“For sure,” Alden agreed. “That old bulldog won’t let anything shifty happen.”
“You know it. Talk to you soon.”
“Thanks, T. Take care.”
Titus hung up the phone, smiling. Roz stuck her head in the study. “Sorry to intrude, but I was waiting for you to finish.”
“No worries. What’s up?”
“Um…” she began, her face perplexed. “Your father’s here.”
“Here? Now?” Titus couldn’t mask his surprise. “You’re kidding?”
“As much as that expression on your face tickles me, I wish I was responsible. But I’m afraid I’m telling the truth.”
“Okay,” Titus said, emphasis on the latter syllable. He began straightening the few papers on his desk as if it would help him regain composure. “Thank you, Roz. Send him back here, I guess.”
Titus reclined again in the swivel chair. Through the window, he saw Tucker and Shelly playing in the yard. He yearned to be out there with them. He’d only come to the study to take Alden’s call. Now, his father was here, and he was pretty sure he knew why. Outdoors was much more appealing, playing with the kids… and Pedro. He missed Pedro on his off days. Today, Silas had him working on some new project out on Hog Mountain Road.
You’ll see him soon enough.
He looked at his watch.
Truman Shepherd walked into the study. He was still relatively young, only in his fifties, but Titus noticed he was moving a little slower than usual.
“You alright, Daddy?”
Truman waved him off. “Yeah, I’m fine. Slept weird. Woke up with a crick in my back. It only hurts when I breathe.”
Titus stood and came around the desk, helping his father to sit.
“Don’t fuss over me. I’m fine. Seriously.”
Titus backed off, hands raised. He returned to his seat behind the desk.