Page 73 of Big Britches
“Hell, no. I can’t imagine staying home and doing nothing. I want my own business. Nothing big or fancy, just something of my own that I can nurture and be proud of. It’s more about a sense of accomplishment with me than money. However, supplemental income is a plus. I mean, James is a teacher. It’s not like he makes high-dollar.”
“Is everything else good between you two?” Titus asked, finding it hard to mask suspicion.
“It is, T. Honestly. We love each other. James is just old-fashioned and hard-headed. What you said about small-town mentality struck a chord with me. He’s a black man in a long line of black men from south Georgia. Despite his education, he still clings to outdated notions from previous generations - in his case, chivalrous notions. Donna Reed is what he wants. But I’m here to tell you right now I’m not staying at home like that. I will not depend on a so-called knight in shining armor. And I’ll teach that little girl on the diving board over there the same.”
There was a blaze in Roz’s eyes that made Titus grin.
“What about Macon or Atlanta?” Barb asked. “Maybe a scenery change would convince James that the world has moved on.”
Roz’s sardonic expression was answer enough to that question.
“That’s another part of what I’m leading into,” Titus said. “All three of us have been in our own little ruts since we graduated. Roz always wanted to get out there and make a name for herself but wound up married with a kid. Same with me, only I wanted to continue with football, maybe go pro. Barb, you wanted to further your education, but ended up with the Hawthorne House—a money pit, to say the least.”
“WATCH!”
The three of them observed as the kids demonstrated their aerial aqua-batics once more. Predictably, Shelly bounced, lobbed leisurely, and landed with maximum splash. Tucker, red-faced and overcompensating, imitated her efforts with minimal results.
“OK, that was good,” Titus said. “But now, I want you two to think of yourselves as a team. Shelly, you’re the coach. The only way you can win this game is if you can get Tucker to a splash-level equal or greater than your own. Are y’all up for the challenge?” The kids looked at each other, then back at Titus, nodding enthusiastically. “Great. Now, pretend we’re not here while you practice. Once you’re ready to show us your absolute best, let us know and we’ll watch.”
“Yes, sir,” they both said, eyes wide and hyped-up for the challenge. They turned, heading back to the diving board. Shelly put her arm around Tucker, whispering strategies.
“You’re slick, Mr. Man,” Roz said.
“Maybe I’ll get finished this time.”
Barb spoke, “So, according to you, we’re all in the same boat?”
“Not to the same degree,” Titus said. “I mean, I was a complete and total hermit–but yeah, we all have our crutches.”
“And this is why you invited us to lunch–to enlighten us about our downfalls?”
“I don’t know about you, Barb,” Roz said, setting her cup down on the table. “But what T is saying describes what I’ve been feeling for quite some time–like life may be passing me by.”
“Some of that’s my fault,” Titus said. “I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me and Tucker, but if I’m Planet Stagnation, then you’re a moon in my orbit.”
Barb scoffed. “Well, I’m not orbiting either of you. Contrary to what you may have heard, Hawthorne House has been a blessing.”
Titus and Roz called her bluff with matching eye-rolls.
Barb’s indignant expression cracked, collapsing into the melodic chuckles of the girl they’d grown up with. “OK, OK. Since you brought it up, I guess things haven’t gone exactly as I’d planned either.”
“That’s why I wanted you both here today,” Titus continued. “You two were vital to my survival as a teenager. Violet and Alden, too. But this, right here–the three of us–is what gave me the strength to overcome my insecurity back then. I’m hoping we can bring that magic back and maybe accomplish some new things. Bigger things. Things like getting both of you back to your original goals, and me being mayor of Spoon.”
“Gay mayor of Spoon,” Barb added.
“Baby steps, remember? I haven’t figured out that part just yet.”
“Maybe it won’t matter,” Roz offered.
“Oh, it will,” Barb countered. “Those kinds of things always do–especially in politics. The key is to be out and open every day, everywhere. Just like Harvey Milk. Don’t let people use it against you like it’s some dirty secret.”
“Isn’t your father conservative?” Roz asked. “Now that he knows about you and Pedro, I’m a little surprised he’s backing this.”
“I asked him the same thing. He said he’s still fiscally conservative, but–” Titus glanced at Barb, “–his mind is changing regarding social conventions.”
“He sees that you’re happy,” Barb said.
“Yeah. Mama helps out in that department as well. She adores Pedro.”