Page 76 of Big Britches
“It’s still only one rental, assuming Pedro will move out shortly.” She shot Titus an inquisitive glance.
“I’m hoping. He’s reluctant though.”
“Appearances?”
Titus nodded. “That, and he doesn’t want to take money out of your pocket.”
“Aw,” Barb cooed. “He’s so sweet.”
“Yes, he is. But I’m keeping him. Don’t get any ideas. Besides, you didn’t let me finish. We would rent more than one room. We need a lot of kids to make money, and Roz would need substantial space to operate. That means a higher rate. Plus, there’s another candidate to consider.”
“Who?”
“Me. If I run for mayor, I can’t imagine a better place for a campaign headquarters. It’s town central, and a historical landmark. Perfect backdrop for a former high school football champ to run for office, wouldn’t you say?”
Barb opened her mouth to speak, but words didn’t come. A rarity for her.
“We’re stronger together,” Titus continued, taking their hands in his. “Let’s help each other make our dreams come true.”
Roz spoke up. “I’m grateful, T. There’s no denying it. But I’m not convinced that being mayor is your dream.”
“It’s Daddy’s dream, and I want to give it to him.”
They were quiet for a while, watching Shelly coach Tucker. Eventually, Titus spoke again.
“I told Daddy I wasn’t interested unless I could for real change things up. He wanted to know in what way–genuinely, mind you. No politics. Just honest conversation. I told him about my frustration with the Clinton administration, and how any step forward led to two steps back. Daddy said that he’s always favored small government, letting states steer progress. I asked him why we couldn’t make Spoon more like big cities–inclusive and diverse. He said nothing’s out of the realm of possibility, but prosperity was key… that when businesses thrive, the town thrives, and thus its people do. So, I proposed we figure out how to bring more diverse businesses to Spoon. I suggested we scout and recruit women, gay, and minority-owned businesses to consider locations here, maybe offer some kind of incentive.”
“What did he say to that?” Barb asked.
“I had him with the word business. That, and Daddy fears Mason as mayor would diminish everything Spoon has already accomplished. I mean, have you seen Morehead lately? Spoon is a metropolis by comparison.”
“I was there yesterday,” Roz said. “Half their town square is vacant and unkempt. Maria’s is the only decent restaurant–Mexican owned, mind you.”
Titus grinned. “Guess it would be mean for me to steal them away, wouldn’t it?”
“Do you think this is solely Milton’s idea, that he’s really using his son as further–” Barb struggled for a word, “–harassment toward your father.”
“Not solely,” Roz said. “Truman may have inadvertently broken Milton’s heart, but Titus marrying Violet pretty much did the same to Mason.”
“Fuck Mason,” Barb said, enunciating for emphasis, yet whispering the words to prevent the kids from hearing. “T loved Violet.”
“We all did,” Titus said.
“Do you think they’re conspiring?” Barb asked. “Both father and son.”
“Well, I don’t think Mason is paying for that house to be built, that’s for sure. His degree was in theology.”
“Theology?!” Barb exclaimed.
“Yeah. No money there. And those lots are expensive. Unless Elizabeth has money, I’d bet Milton is paying for that house.”
“She teaches at HOCO with James,” Roz said. “Her parents were teachers, too.”
“So, it’s not in-law money. And it’s highly unlikely that Milton would have told Mason about his feelings for Daddy.”
“Wow.” Barb’s eyes widened. “Milton is using his son as a tool. He’s still obsessed with Daddy after all these years.”
“It certainly appears that way.”