Page 98 of Big Britches
“I mean,” Titus continued. “You’re practically a preacher, right? What else can you do with that degree of yours? Teach maybe, over at the college in Milledgeville? Unless, of course, Milton wants you to be mayor of Spoon.”
“Leave my daddy out of it.”
Did Mason know? Could he? Titus wondered, then thought–Wait. Are you gonna tell him?
As Mason glared at him with angry, vengeful eyes, Titus knew he’d reached a crossroads. Mason wore his guilt like a badge of honor, prideful of the havoc he was wreaking on Titus’s life. Hell, not only his, but, if they succeeded with their plans, the lives of those he loved and all of Spoon. Silas, already defeated, sat dazed at his desk. Mason waited, though, as if expecting Titus to lash out and strike him down. Again. After all, he’d lost to Titus before, hadn’t he? And something primal in Titus wanted to do just that. Why not? If he couldn’t lash out physically, why couldn’t he simply strike the blow by outing Milton Barksdale to his son? The effect would be the same as a gut punch. He was certain. He could do it, too. It would be so easy. But–
No.
It was Pedro’s voice in his head this time. Just one syllable, but enough.
Titus didn’t know Milton Barksdale, but he knew about being in the closet. He’d lived the lie himself, fearful of what people would think if they discovered the truth. He may have loved Violet, but she had also been his shield. And even after she was gone, he’d still cowered another five years, substituting Tucker as his defense.
Now he was free. He’d opened the door, was stepping through, and there was no looking back. He was young and had a lifetime of truth and happiness with Pedro before him. Milton Barksdale, however, had remained behind. Whatever reasons he had–they were his own. It was his decision, and not Titus’s, to make.
“Go on,” Mason prodded. “What are you waiting for?”
Titus eyed him, lip curling into a slight grin. “Nope,” he said. “I’ve said what I came to say. I’m done.”
Titus turned to go, and Mason’s words stopped him. “Enjoy it while you can, Big Britches. When I’m mayor of Spoon, things are gonna change.”
Titus turned back. “Don’t get your hopes up. You’ll be running against me.”
Mason’s grin wavered. The color drained from his face.
“That’s right,” Titus continued. “That’s the second thing I mentioned. I was gonna let it go. But since you can’t seem to shut up, now you know. There’s something else I want to tell you. I’ve detested that nickname, Big Britches, for a long time. I did everything I could to prove I was worthy despite the Shepherd name or the family money. And those two words served as my primary motivation for self-sufficiency. I even allowed those I love to continue with the label as a reminder of what people like you always believed, that I’m nothing more than an heir. Well, today’s your lucky day, Mason. You too, Silas. Because what you’ve always believed has finally come true. I am Big Britches, and I’m embracing it. I have friends and family that love me regardless of what people like you think. That’s all I need. But guess what? I have more. I do have the Shepherd name, and I do have lots of money. And when I’m mayor of Spoon, I’m gonna do everything I can to reverse the evil doings of crooks like you two. I’m gonna diversify this town so much your head will spin, Silas. And I’m gonna nurture it, Mason, and it’s gonna grow and thrive, just like it always has. So, don’t be practicing your victory speech too soon. Big Britches is officially in the house… and you know what? He’s gonna crush you.”
Titus turned to go.
This time, Mason didn’t stop him.
Twenty-Three
Titus was back home by noon. Pedro waved. He was sitting outside with the kids, waiting for him. Lunch by the pool had become a ritual now that Pedro was living there. He would monitor the kids for morning pool play while Titus worked in his study, on the phone with either Alden, Tuttle or Barb. At noon, Roz would take the kids inside to eat, giving them some time alone.
Titus waved back, reaching into his truck and pulling out a cardboard tray loaded with takeout. “Who wants cheeseburgers and milkshakes?” he hollered.
“We do! We do!” The kids shouted, running to meet him. Titus lowered the tray, so that they could take two of the cups he was balancing. When they reached the table, he set the tray down.
“Well, this is a surprise,” Pedro said.
“I told Roz not to bother with lunch, that I’d stop by the Dream.” He handed Shelly another cup and Tucker one of the bags. “That’s your mama’s tea and y’all’s lunch. Be good now and take it to her. There might also be a surprise in there for you.”
Tucker and Shelly’s eyes grew wide. “What kind of surprise?” Tucker asked.
“Well, if I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it? Now, run along.”
They did as told, giggling and speculating about what the surprise was. Titus winked at Pedro, who raised his eyebrows with inquiry.
“Brownies,” Titus answered.
“Ooh. Do I get a brownie, too?”
“Of course.” Titus sat down next to him, reaching into the bag and distributing their lunch. “Everybody gets a brownie.”
“I was wondering where you were. When I woke up, you were gone.”
“Sorry. I, um–I had some errands I needed to run, and I didn’t want to wake you. You looked so peaceful. What’s the news here? Did I miss anything?”