Page 9 of Big Britches
“Fuck people.”
“James also says he doesn’t like me being your maid.”
“You’re not my maid. You’re my housekeeper… and Tucker’s nanny.”
Roz sipped from her cup. “It is pretty much the same thing, wouldn’t you say?”
“So, he’s ashamed. Doesn’t want his wife working for a gay white dude.”
“A rich gay white dude. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.”
“What about you, Roz? Do you feel that way?”
“Hell, no. You know me better than that. I don’t care what people think. You and Tucker are family to me. But I’m not gonna leave him, T. James may have his insecurities, but I love him. He is Shelly’s father, you know?”
“Well, the offer’s open, and I’d still pay you for all that you do. You know I can’t cook more than eggs unless a grill is involved. You don’t want us starving, do you?”
Roz stood, mussing Titus’s dark hair. “You’ll be fine.” She took her cup to the sink.
“So you’re considering it? Leaving us?”
Roz turned. She leaned back against the counter and sighed. “Not immediately, but I told him this would be my last year. Shelly and Tucker are growing like weeds. They’ll start preschool next year, and you won’t be needing me near as much as you think.”
“I’ll always need you, Roz.”
“What you need, Titus Shepherd, is to stop being such a damn recluse. Violet died over two years ago, and how many times have you left this property since? You don’t want Tucker to think it’s normal behavior, do you, holing up on the homestead, being antisocial and all?”
“I told you I’d start going to the grocery store for you.”
“Well, that’s something, I guess. But not really what I mean. You’re young, T. You should be living life. Meeting folks… dating.”
“Yeah, I don’t know about that.”
“Why not? Violet pretty much gave you carte blanche.”
“I wouldn’t know where to start, Roz. Meeting someone, some… man.”
“What about Macon? Augusta? That’s where Barb goes, right?”
“I don’t like it and she knows it. It’s dangerous, and too far to drive for a chance meeting in some dark and sleazy bar.”
“I’m sure it’s not that bad. Barb has nerves of steel, though. That’s for certain.”
“She doesn’t have a child.”
Roz paused, considering. “I see your point there. But there’s gotta be some way, T.”
“I tell myself that all the time. Think about it every day–how nice it would be to love someone… to be loved.”
“It’ll happen. When you least expect it, so the cliché goes.”
“I keep hoping maybe a guy will show up on my doorstep one day. You know, like pizza delivery.”
“I don’t think it’ll be that easy. But you’re a catch, T. If you get out there, someone’s bound to take notice.”
“Maybe. But will that someone love Tucker too?”
“It’d be impossible not to. He’s the sweetest child on earth. So much sweeter than mine.”