That was my first test of the new me. “Sorry, Chuck. I have to report to my parole officer Monday. I have things to do before my first week of work. I’ve given up drinking for the time being. Tell the guys I’ll catch up with them later.” He wasn’t happy when he left, but I didn’t care.
….
The next day I snuck out at 6 o’clock and headed to church. It was one of the promises I made to God. I was going to keep.
I arrived back home at 8 to see my wife cooking breakfast. ” Where’d you go, Bobby. Stay out all night?” she asked.
“No, Mary, just went for an early morning walk,” I replied. “After breakfast, I’m going to see if the old truck is running.” My dad bought me a 1957 F-100 Step side pickup
I was pissed off about it, but it was a gift. The old Fix Or Repair Daily. I wanted a Chevrolet C-10. He loved Fords. I hated them. Give me a Chevrolet any day.
After spending a couple of hours trying to get the truck started, I finally gave up. The old 272 cu inch. V-8 needed some work. It wouldn’t even turn over. The battery was dead, and the battery leads were corroded and needed replacing. I went through the truck part by part. I determined it needed new belts, spark plugs, points condensers, and all the fluids had to be flushed and replaced. I will have to take the alternator down and have it tested. That was to make sure it was charging.
Each day I got up and took the bus at 5:30 to work every day and returned home at eight each night for the two months. I finally saved enough money to get the old girl running. I knew I would need new tires, so I headed down to the local salvage yard. I went in to see is if I could find some cheap used ties to fit my $4000 rims. What a waste of money. Mary almost killed me when I bought them. She should have.
It turned out I went to school with the kid that now owned the salvage yard. His father had sold my dad the 57 Ford truck. I told him what I was looking for, and he asked to see my pickup truck.
He asked me if it was for sale. Hell yeah, I thought to myself. It was, but I didn’t want him to know that.
“Nah, I think I’ll keep,” I said.
He explained, “That was my Dad’s truck. He had to sell it to pay for my mom’s medical bills. I’ll give you $20,000 cash for it right now.
“Nope,” I replied. Besides, I paid $4000 for rims.
After twenty minutes of haggling, he said, “$30,000 cash. Come on. It was my dad’s.”
I looked over and saw a 1990 rusted-out Silverado, “Does it run?” I asked.
He smiled, “It runs great,” he replied. “It just needs a little bodywork and new upholstery.” I took the truck and the cash and headed for home.
Mary was surprised when I returned with a different truck. She asked where my truck was. I told her, and she asked why did I sell it?
“It was just a toy, Mary,” I explained. “Time for me to grow up and put my toys away. Here’s $20,000. I want you to go out and buy yourself an newer SUV. That Kia is dangerous and worn out. With the extra money I’m providing every week, you will easily be able to make payments.”
“Do You remember Dave Vought from High School?” She nodded her head, yes. “It was his old man’s, and he wanted it. He gave me $30,000 for it, plus the truck. You take the $20,000 and find something you like. I don’t think you’ll want to use my credit.
We need a new roof before we get leaks, and it does more damage. I want you to go down to Home Depot and pick some colors to paint the exterior. The house looks like shit. I’m taking the last $2000 and installing a sprinkler system.
Mary, I know you’re embarrassed every time you pull into the driveway. You won’t even invite people over because of how the house looks. I am going to fix that. I’ve talked to my company, and they will let me use the Ditch Witch to lay pipe. They’re allowing me to buy materials for the same price they pay. Mary, for once, I want you to trust me. I definitely have a plan.” Mary shook her head.
Over the next four Sundays, Bobby worked installing the new sprinkler systems. Mary looked out the window to see the neighborhood women watching Bobby installing the sprinkler heads. It was in the nineties that day. Bobby had removed his shirt and was wearing shorts.
Roslyn and two other neighborhood trollops were bracing themselves against the chain-link fence, that separated the houses. They were admiring Bobby’s well-defined sweaty body. Especially when he bent over adjusting the sprinkler heads.
The women were gigging, making lewd remarks to each other about Bobby when they heard the voice come from behind them, “Maybe I should sell tickets and popcorn, ladies.”
“Hey, Mary,” replied Roslyn. “We’re admiring, Bobby laying his pipe.” Everyone laughed except for Mary.
“Mary,” smirked Roslyn. “I hear Bobby is sleeping in the basement. If he needs a warm bed, send him over my way. I got plenty of room in mine,” smiling at her friends.
Mary hated Roslyn. In high school, Roslyn was always throwing herself at Bobby. Then the fight when Roslyn accused Mary of sleeping with her ex, caused their friendship to evaporate.
“Don’t give me any shit, Mary,” Roslyn hissed. “I know what I am. I know you and Bobby are in an open relationship. Bobby cheated on you one time, and you’ve fucked half the city. Just because they drive nice cars and wear suits, you’re still married. So you don’t look down on me.”
Mary stiffened at the comment. She replied, “He’s free to do whatever he wants. For the first time she caught Bobby with Patti, she felt a pang of jealousy.”
Later that day, Mary looked out the back window to see Roslyn offering Bobby a beer. He shook his head. Bobby turned to walk away. Roslyn grabbed his arm and lightly touched his pecks, moving her hand to his washboard’s abs. She saw Bobby shake his head and mouthed, “I’m too busy, but thanks anyway.”
…….
It was August, and the centipede grass that Bobby planted back in June, was just about filled in. Then all hell broke loose. Goddam crabgrass sprung up. He stormed into the house, yelling for the kids to get outside now for weed pulling duty.
“Dad, we don’t want to do. It’s too hot,” complained John.
“Everybody except your mother is outside now. I’m tired of you guys sitting on your ass while your mom and I are busting our asses. Now outdoors.” Pointing his finger towards the front door.
“What are you doing, Mary?” Bobby asked. After seeing her grabbing her hat and shoes.
“I am coming outside and helping,” she replied
“No, you are not. You work your ass off a week and then do housework. The kids are not doing shit around here, and that’s stops now. You stay in and rest. You could make us some sweet, iced tea or lemonade if you feel like it. If not, they can drink water.”
Five hours, later three whining and complaining kids followed Bobby into the kitchen. Mary had ordered pizza and had it waiting on them. “Thanks, Mary,” smiled Bobby. The kids dove into the pizza.
Bobby slammed the palm of the table, making a loud slapping sound. Bobby bristled as he spoke, “You three will be assigned choirs to do. If they’re not done, on time, and correctly, there will be consequences like losing your phones and computers.