I just relaxed and laid out and worked on my tan because I knew he was handling things. And that’s the way it is at home. Now, he can’t do the bills and things like that. But he handles everything else that needs for the family. I just kind of show up now. He never bitches or complains about it. He just does it.
He’s at all the kids’ events when he can make it. The only time he can’t make it is if he is working and just can’t get away. He’s now the primary parent in their lives.
Mr. Harrison walked around his desk. He leaned back on it and crossed his arms. “I want you to know I saw Bobby yesterday. Damn, is he not in shape? What a tan. I guess working outdoors has been good for him. I wanted you to know I saw him as he was fitted for a suit yesterday.
I was a little concerned about him buying a suit at the same place I shop. I know you said he works a lot of overtime. But some of those suits cost over S10,000. I asked Steve Morrison, a friend of mine, that owns the place, what was up? I had concerns for you. He bought about the cheapest suit he carried in return for a sprinkler system installation installed at cost at his home.” Chuckling, “I wish I looked half as good in my suits as he did in his suit tailored for me.”
That evening after the kids were down. Mary cornered. Bobby. “What’s going on. What are you up to? I am not taking a chance of you doing something that can hurt the kids. I talked to Mr. Harrison today, and he saw you in the most expensive men’s store in the city buying a suit.
Are you doing something illegal?” Staring into his eyes.
He turned red, and with embarrassment, he sighed. “I bought a suit for my graduation next week for Jefferson County Jr. College. Amanda found out about it and wanted to go, so I decided to do it for her.
Mary looked hurt. “Why didn’t you tell me?”.
“Mary,” I spoke above a whisper as if I was ashamed, “It’s no big deal. It’s just an associate degree. I needed it to get my State License to buy and handle pesticides and herbicides. It’s embarrassing, a 40-year-old man graduating with a bunch of teenagers.
Mary smiled, “I want you to go and help you celebrate. I’m proud of you, Bobby.”
“Mary,” It’s just a two-year degree. Hell, you got a four-degree, and you’re going after your Law Degree now. It’s not that big a deal. Really it’s not.”
‘Listen to me, Robert Lee Baurs, I’m going. I know how you struggled with schoolwork with your ADHD and dyslexia in high school. Every time I’ve seen you recently with a minute of free time, you weren’t out drinking or partying, you were studying, and I admire that.
You didn’t give up. That’s what makes me proud of you. I want all the family to be there. And there’s nothing you can do about it.”
I chuckled, “Since you used my full birth name, I guess you’re coming.”
“You’re damn straight I am,” she yelled over her shoulder as she walked away.
Saturday afternoon, I heard Robert Lee, Baurs, announced from the podium. I walked up a shook the President’s hand as I received my degree. I looked out into the Gallery. I saw my family, as well as my mother and Mary’s parents, and the old whore herself, Mary’s Grandmother. I better keep that to myself.
I met them outside them after graduation to receive hugs and congratulation. “Everybody let’s go to Red Lobster for dinner,” I smiled. “My Treat.”
….
Mary walked into the house to see Bobby nervously waiting for her. She didn’t like the way Bobby was looking at her.
“Mary, can we talk, please?” I asked.
Mary knew she wasn’t going to like what she was about to hear.
Bobby meshed his lips and said, “Mary, have quit my job and starting my own company called, THE YARD lawn care service.
Mary gasped, “Bobby, how could you do that to me, to us? I’ve depended on you anchoring us until I graduate.”
Bobby straightened up and faced her down. “Mary, this is not a get-rich scheme. I have a business plan that Ralph and I put together. I’ll show it to you.
As of right now, I have twenty projects lined up with down payments. They total around 200,000 thousand dollars. I’ve rented a space at an old warehouse for an office from Peter Hunt. He is a friend of mine. I am going to install a sprinkler system at cost for a year’s rent.
That’s just the projects I have now. I now have my own company web page. I am planning on doing a bunch of repair work as fill-ins. We are going to incorporate it to protect us personally. You will be given half the shares that makes you my partner. Partner.” I gave Mary a big smile trying to calm her down.
“I am going to do it differently than everyone else. I want to do high-end clients when I get big enough. Until then, I’ll take any business.
I promise there will be no cheating on taxes or anything. As my pay increases, I’ll pick up more of the expenses. I have at least six months saved to cover my half of the house’s cost.
Most companies give a one-year warranty. I’ll give a five year, with a performance bond to back it up. How can I do this? Furnish only the best quality products.
I will then expand into lawn care. I want to be a one-stop shop for people. I will not only be in town here, but I’m going to expand to the whole Birmingham metro area.
I’ve talked to the state, and if I hire ex-cons, they will pay half their salary up to $7:50 an hour for two years. I have hired a young man that was handpicked by my friend Dutch. And if Dutch says he’s a good guy, then he’s a good guy. We’ll be wearing Go-Pros for security, and they will automatically download to the web. I can’t afford any mistakes, Mary.”
Mary thought and was scared, “Bobby, please don’t let me down. I know you are working as hard as you can, and I have been proud of the way you’re taking on more and more responsibilities. So please, please don’t let down again.”
Bobby got a big smile on his face and reached over and kissed Mary on the cheek. “Thanks for your support. I won’t let you down.”
Mary would have liked to have a little more than a kiss on the cheek. She asked, “Bobby, where are you going?”
He stopped and turned, “I’ve got to get to bed. When you’re the boss, you have to get up early to see who comes in late.”
Mary had a confused look on her face, “You’re the only employee.”
Bobby laughed, “Yep.”
………
I was now a business owner and was working harder than I ever had before in my life. Money was rolling in, and I had taken on five more employees.
John had graduated from high school and had signed a D-1 football scholarship to play football at Alabama. The family was sitting at the dinner table when John dropped a bombshell on them.
“Mom, Dad, I have decided I’m not going to college. I’m tired of studying. I am planning on taking off from school for a year. I’ll see where I stand after that. Dad don’t tell me I need a college degree. You’re doing good without one.”
Mary was in shock and gave me the death stare when I replied, “I think your right John, some people are not cut out for college.” I turned his head so John couldn’t see me wink at Mary.
I went on to explain, “Since you’re not going to college, you’ll need a job, and I need help.”
“I don’t want to go to work right away, Dad. I just want to relax for a while and enjoy life.” John replied.
“Oh, and how are you going to pay rent that is due two weeks? I asked. “And yes, pay rent. You can start tomorrow, or you’re out the door. Be ready to go to work at 6:30.”
The following Friday, John walked into his office complaining about his paycheck. “Dad, what is this shit? I worked over 40 hours last week and should have been paid a little over $600. You paid me about $375. What’s this FICA shit?”
Bobby laughed look at the pay stub John held in his hand, “I had to take out state and federal taxes, Unemployment insurance. Welcome to being a grown-up. Oh, by the way. I have to match your social security.” And you owe your mother one hundred dollars rent for the week.
John groaned, rubbing his back, “Dad, do you have something for a hurting back and knees?”
“I do,” I replied, “It’s called a good education.”
That night at the table. John spoke, “Mom, Dad. I talked to the coach at Alabama today, and they really want me. So I promised him I would report in July. I hope I don’t put you in too much of a bind, Dad, but I am willing to work up to the time I go.”
Bobby looked at Mary as she got up and left the room in a hurry with a smirk on her face as she tried not to laugh. “Well, John,” I replied, “I’ll get by. But remember this, education and knowledge are two separate things. You were educated this week, and you didn’t waste 20 years of your life doing it.”
Mary caught up with Bobby later that night, “Wow, Bobby, that brilliant.”
“Thanks,” as he hurried away.
……
“Hey, Bobby, it’s that time of year again. I want you to go to the Christmas Party with me.” She could see Bobby’s gears turning in his head trying, to get out of it.
Mary smiled, “Bobby, you have nothing to be ashamed of. I know you are doing quite well with your company. I’m very proud of you. I’m begging this time.” I nodded my head, yes.
I sat at a table watching my wife dancing with everyone when he heard my name spoke. Bobby, may I sit down? “It was Lori Harrison, Mary’s boss’s wife.”
“Huh,” I replied, taking a second to understand what she asked. “Yea, sure, as I stood and pulled a chair back for her to sit down.
She smiled, “God, Bobby, you look great. You look like you’re in your early 30’s again. Mary says you are doing quite well with your company, and she brags about you all the time.”
Bobby just smiled. “Bobby, what are you drinking? I thought you were a beer man. You always said hated hard liquor.”
I picked up my glass, tilted toward my lips, and replied, “Diet Coke. I don’t drink anymore. It kills the smart brain cells. And God only knows I only have so many left, and I didn’t have that many to start with. Not to mention it gets me into too much trouble.”
“I want to dance,” demanded Lori. “Mary is out dancing with everyone, and you’re just sitting here like a knot on a log.” She stood up, not taking no for an answer.
I took her hand in his and glided her around the floor. I could feel Lori adjusting her hands in mine. “I’m sorry, Lori, my hands are a little rough. They get wet and chapped. I bang them up, carrying and installing pipe and fittings. And getting the glue off them is a nightmare.”