Love and Forgiveness: A Christmas Story of True Love

By James F. Hunt

Buck Strong was a handsome man. He loved his beautiful wife, Judy, and his three children as much as any man could. However, Buck had a serious problem. He was an alcoholic. When he drank, he became a different person. Judy was a preachers daughter and a devout Christian. She tolerated his drinking for years, because she loved him truly; however, when she caught him in adultery, she divorced him. Buck, realizing what he had lost, became depressed. Although Buck went through treatment and conquer his addiction, he faced an even harder challenge; how could he prove to his wife that he was a different person and convince her to allow him to come home and marry him again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984521149

James F. Hunt

About the author James F. Hunt is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. He holds a Masters plus thirty degree in education. He has served the public all his adult life as a teacher, coach, principal and supervisor. He was elected to the parish government for twenty four consecutive years, serving as president for seventeen years. James taught Bible study and counseled parish and state prisoners for thirty years at the parish prison. James built a golf course in Clinton, Louisiana, after retirement from the school system and runs the golf course. In his spare time, he writes novels. He has written seven novels and one childrens book. He lives in Clinton, Louisiana, with his wife, Ginger, a nurse practitioner. Both he and his wife are in their late seventies and still working. Novels written by James F. Hunt A four part series titled, Providence and Hard Work, The Story of Caleb Morgan Book two, You Shall Know the Truth Book three, The Truth Shall Set You Free Book Four, In His Time Book Five, A Perilous Journey of Destiny Book Six, The Death of Old Dixie, A Story of Forbidden Love Book Seven, Love Faith and Forgiveness, A Christmas Story of True Love Book Eight, Pedro the Donkey, His Quest for Love and Acceptance

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Near Baytown, Texas, 1985. Buck Strong grabbed his coat and walked out of his office into his receptionist’s office. Mrs. Betty Kirkpatrick, his private secretary said, Have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year holiday, Mr. Buck. I’ll see you in two weeks after your vacation.

Oh! Buck said, I almost forgot. He reached in his coat pocket, took a small present out and handed it to Betty.

You didn’t need to do this, Mr. Buck, she said brightly. Can I open it now? Buck smiled and nodded. Betty ripped the paper away and opened the box. It was a beautiful and expensive gold bracelet. Oh! Mr. Buck, this is too much. This’ll cause talk all over the office. She laughed.

Nothing is too good for the best secretary in Texas. Tell Carl it was from a secret admirer. It’ll run him crazy until he makes you tell him who gave it to you.

Betty grinned and said, You’re so bad, Mr. Buck. Oh! What did you get Mrs. Judy?

Buck shrugged and said, Nothing yet.

Mr. Buck, You have to get her something very nice. Why don’t you give her this bracelet? She’ll love it, and I wasn’t expecting anything.

I’ll come up with something for her. He left his office at the Ringgold Refinery near Baytown, Texas at five p.m. and walked out to his new Chevrolet pickup. He drove through Bay Town toward the small town of Oak Grove, a twenty-five minutes drive north east of Bay Town. Buck held a degree in petroleum engineering. He was a brilliant young man; highly regarded by all the employees of the refiner. Buck knew where every nut, screw, bolt, and valve, went in a refinery. He could usually detect a problem before it became critical. He was Mr. Charles Ringgold, the owner of the refinery’s, right hand. The joke around the plant was that Buck could run the refinery by himself if necessary. Buck was a man’s man in every sense of the word. He was handsome, tall, built like a statue, and strong as an elephant. The single girls, and ladies, had always flocked to him.

After graduation from the University of Houston, Buck married Judy Clementine Brewer, the homecoming queen and campus favorite at the University of Houston. She was the most the beautiful girl on campus, or possibly in Texas. After he and Judy married, Buck worked for a few years for an oil company near Houston. He was recruited by Mr. Ringgold after hearing what a genius he was in the refinery. After he was employed by Mr. Ringgold, he and Judy moved to his hometown, Oak Grove, Texas.

During his college days, Buck had been a member of the track and field team at the University of Houston. He had been an all-state high school football player as well, recruited by ever major college in the nation. However, he blew a knee out his senior year and the repair of the ACL wasn’t very successful; it ended his college football aspiration. Buck had thrown the shot and discus in college, and came within inches of qualified for the1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, Mexico, his sophomore year.

Buck and Judy had three children, Will, age 14, Sarah Catherin, 12, and Clementine, 10. They were beautiful and intelligent like Judy and Buck.

That Friday night, Judy’s Sunday school class had been invited to Buck and Judy’s home for a Christmas party; no presents, however, everyone was to bring their favorite Christmas treat or a dish. Judy was a devout Christian lady, the daughter of a Baptist minister from Victoria, Texas. Judy and her children never missed a Sunday service. Buck, on the other hand, never attended church service with his family. He always managed to have something planned for Sunday morning—a hunting trip, a fishing trip, a golf game, a trip to Huston to watch the Oiler football game, or he was too hung over to get up. For years, Judy had tolerated his drinking problem. However, the marriage had been on shaky ground the last few years. Buck would come home at three a.m. so inebriated he would stagger into their bedroom, insisting that they make love. Judy had become so appalled over his drinking problem, she had moved her things into the guest bedroom and locked the door at night.

Fifteen minutes out of Baytown, Buck pulled over at his favorite watering hole for a quick drink, although there was no such thing as a quick drink when he started drinking. He hopped out and walked into the bar. Sal, the bartender, and owner of the bar barked, You’re early, Buck.

Christmas holidays, Buck responded. I have two weeks off.

From what I’ve heard, they might have to close the plant without you, Sal quipped.

Oh no, Sal, the black gold will keep boiling in the cat cracker with or without me, but don’t tell Mr. Ringgold that.

The first drink’s on the house, Sal said. You know, Christmas spirit and all that jive. He took a bottle of Scotch, poured the glass half full, added ice and a little water, and sat it on the bar in front of Buck.

Buck turned the glass up and drained it. Ahhh, Buck said. I needed that. I have to go home in a while and face the wrath of Judy, not to mention her Bible thumpin’ Sunday school class. It’ll take more than one drink to endure that joyful occasion. One drink led to another as the time passed. At dark the local patrons began to boil into Sal’s bar. Before long, the place was packed. Some local boys Sal had hired played music and sang for tips and free drinks. A few minutes later the country band arrived and began to play. They actually sounded pretty good to Buck after a few quick glasses of Scotch. Around eight p.m. a few ladies came in together. It appeared they had just left their office party. They had indulged a little more than usual, decided to stop for a nightcap, and have a few more laughs before going home. One of the ladies was planning to get married over the holidays, and that added to their merriment.

Buck looked them over, as was his M.O. One looked pretty darn good to him. She was very attractive, and her figure was a knockout. A few of the ladies looked Buck over as they sat at the only vacant table in the place. He saw them whispering. He was sure they were talking about him. A minute later the attractive lady walked to the bar to order their drinks. She eased up to the bar between Buck and a man sitting beside him. The man finished his drink, thanked Sal, and walked away. The lady sat on the stool by Buck. She looked at Buck and gave him a smile and said to Sal, I’ll have what he’s having, and the same for the girls over there. Sal looked at Buck, raised his brow, and grinned. She reached for her purse. Buck put his hand on her hand, shook his head, and said, My treat, beautiful lady.

She smiled at Buck again and asked, Are you a regular here?

It’s obvious that you aren’t, Buck said, or you’d know that. I’m Buck. What’s your name, Sweetheart? Sal looked at Buck and rolled his eyes as he poured their drinks.

My name’s Gloria. She glanced at Buck’s hand, still on hers. Buck had stopped wearing his wedding ring after Judy moved out of their bedroom. No ring, I see, she said.

Would it matter if I was wearing one? Buck asked.

Glory was offended by his remark, and snapped. I’m not on the make, if that’s what you’re insinuating.

I wasn’t insinuating anything. Would you like to dance?

You didn’t ask if I was wearing a ring, Gloria said.

It wouldn’t matter if you were, Buck said. Most ladies like to dance.

She smiled, took a sip of her drink, frowned, and said to Sal, Sir, would you take these drinks to my friends. I’m going to dance with this tall handsome gentleman. She reached for Buck’s hand and they walked to the dance floor at the far end of the bar.

Sal shook his head and laughed. Buck put his hands around her waist and pulled her close to him. They danced to a slow country tune.

You’re pretty smooth, Buck, and I’m not referring to your dancing. Buck let his hands slide down her back, and pulled her closer to him. She laid her head against his shoulder. They danced until the song ended, Are you ready to get out of her? Buck asked.

I’m with my friends. What will they think?

Do you really care?

Actually—no.

I’ll get us a bottle, Buck said.

That’s not necessary. I’m not much of a drinker.

There’s a motel down the road a few miles. Are you game?

She looked at Buck, pondering his suggestion before responding, I suppose so.

Where do you live? Buck asked?

About five miles south of here in Shadow Ridge Subdivision.

I’ll have you home before midnight.

I live by myself now. We can go to my house. As they walked off the dance floor, Gloria said, I’ll go over and tell the girls that you’re an old friend, and I have a headache, and you’re taking me home. She went to the table where her friends were and said, I think I’ve celebrated enough. My head’s spinning, and I feel a migraine coming on. Buck’s an old friend, and he’s going to drop me off on his way home.

One of the girls quipped, I imagine you’ll be feeling much better in a few minutes. The girls had a big laugh. Gloria and Buck went to his car and started to her home.

They drove silently for a few minutes before Buck asked, What’s your story, Gloria? Everybody has a story. A lady as beautiful as you doesn’t usually do this kind of thing with a stranger.

It’s my first time. I haven’t looked at a man since my divorce. I was married for six years until this time last Christmas. He came home two days before Christmas, packed his things, and said he was leaving me. I managed to get the truth out of him before he left. He had a good job in Houston, and he and his secretary had been getting it on for months. He decided she was young, and satisfied him more than I did. That’s my story. He was the only man I’ve ever been with. I was getting a little depressed. Actually I was getting very depressed. I’ve read that this time of the year can have that effect on some people, especially if they’ve lost a love one.

Well, Sweetheart, you won’t be able to say that after tonight. We’re going to make up for lost time.

As they neared her home, she became fidgety and obviously very nervous. Buck realized it. She pointed to the street where she lived, and tears began to stream down her cheeks. They drove to her home and pulled into her driveway. She began to cry uncontrollably.

I think we’ve made a mistake, Buck said. You don’t want to do this, do you?

Yes—and no, Buck. I’ve known only one man in my life, and I’m afraid of how I’ll feel tomorrow. I’m so lonely. I need someone in my life. He didn’t want children. I’ve never felt so depressed and alone.

Believe me, I’m not one to be giving advice, beautiful lady, but here goes. I am married, and I’m a first class SOB. I have a beautiful wife at home expecting me. You’re not like me, and you don’t want to ever be like me or your X husband. There’s someone out there who’s looking for you. He’ll love you and take care of you. I’m not going to take advantage of you in your frame of mind. There are a million women out there just like me looking for a good time, but you’re not one of them. Don’t give up on men, and don’t give in to temptation. You’ll be able to sleep at night. I know I’m doing my wife wrong, but once you start, you can’t seem to stop. Buck got out of the truck and escorted her to the door.

Buck, you’re a better man than you give yourself credit for. I believe you’ll get your life straightened out someday. Thank you for being such a gentleman.

I’m going to hurry back to the bar, and make sure you friends see me. That’ll let you off the hook when you get back to work after the holidays.

Gloria put her arms around Buck’s neck, gave him a big kiss, and said, I’ll think about what you said and probably regret that you didn’t come in. She smiled and thanked him again.

Buck went to his car and flew back to the bar. He walked in, and all the ladies at the table seemed surprised to see him. Buck walked over to their table and said, You ladies might want to call Gloria over the holidays. She’s depressed because she has no one at home with her over the holidays. You know the suicide rate goes up over the holidays. She’s a good friend and a very fine lady.

The girls thanked Buck for telling them what was troubling Gloria. They said they would all call or visit her. They left the bar a few minutes later.

Sal gave Buck a queer look and said, Did you strike out, Buck?

I never got to the plate, Buck said, grinning. He thought about what Gloria had said to him. Give me a double, he said to Sal.

Don’t take it that hard, Buck. He poured the Scotch. It happens to everybody.

It never happened to me, Buck said. I must be losing that Midas touch.

The bar was still packed. Sal said, Look around, my friend. The place is full of fine looking young women looking for a good time. Take your choice.

Nah, Buck said. My ego won’t take another disaster tonight. Keep the drinks coming.

Sal and Buck walked outside together at two a.m. Sal locked the door. Sal lived behind the bar in a small house. You want to come into the house with me and sleep it off a while? I don’t want you driving home in your condition.

Sal, I’ve driven home in this condition a thousand times. The secret is to keep one eye closed when you meet a car. That way you see only four lights instead of eight coming at you, and he laughed. I’ll be fine, but thanks for the offer. Sal walked around the building to his home. Will managed to get into his truck without falling. He crawled in the seat and laid his head back. He was asleep in seconds. He awakened shortly after daybreak and started home.

Twenty minutes later, he pulled into his driveway and prepared for the wrath to follow. Judy was preparing breakfast for their children. Buck walked into the kitchen and said, Sorry I didn’t make the party last night. We had a big office party after work. The boss insisted that I attend. I had too much to drink; I was in no condition to drive home, so I slept on the couch in my office.

I’m quite sure you did! Judy retorted. The phone didn’t work at the office?

Clementine, his youngest daughter, chimed in and said, We had fun, Daddy. We sang Christmas carols, and we walked down the street and sang to all the old people in the neighborhood. The kids played games, and the food was delicious. You missed a wonderful party.

"I’m happy you enjoyed it, Sweetheart. I wanted to be here. Judy gave him a scathing look. Buck served his plate and ate with his children.

Daddy, Sarah Catherin asked, Will you take us Christmas shopping today? We want to buy you and Mother something nice with the money we’ve earned.

Certainly, Kids, but you keep your money. I’ll pay for the present.

Judy gave Buck a scowl and said, "They saved their money to buy us presents! It wouldn’t be their gift if you paid for it. They need to learn the value of money, and how important it is to save it and spend it wisely."

Buck shrugged and said, Whatever.

Yeah, Judy echoed, whatever.

The stores are already open, Daddy, Clementine said. Can we go now?

I don’t have any money, Will said.

And just what did you do with all the money you earned cutting the neighbors yards all summer? Judy asked. And I know your father gave you a hundred dollars for your birthday a month ago.

I don’t know, Mother. I spent it, I guess.

On what! Judy snapped.

Leave him alone, Judy! Buck barked. "He probably spent it on a present for a girl. I was young once; that’s what I would have done. He is my son, you know. Your allowance is due in a week, Son. I’ll advance you some money if you want to buy your mother a present. I don’t want one."

And I don’t need a present either! Judy barked. What I need is a husband at home occasionally to help me raise our children.

Alright! Buck snapped.I get the message. I’ll try to find more time for them. I do have a stressful job, and I make a damn good living for you and these Kids. I need a little space occasionally.

Money is not our problem, Buck. Your absence is the problem.

Oh! Money is not the problem. I tell you what I’ll do then. I’ll quit my job, come home, and get a job at Walmart for minimum wages. Of course we’ll have to move out of the biggest house in our neighborhood, sell your new Oldsmobile, rent a mobile home, and get on food stamps. If I do that, I should be home for dinner every night, if we have money for food.

Have you forgotten that I have a nursing degree? Nurses make a decent living now. That kind of life would be better than the one we have now. Tears began to stream down Judy’s cheeks.

Clementine began to cry. It was always this way when Buck came home late. Clementine ran to her room crying. Will and Sarah Catherin lowered their heads. They had heard this argument too often. Judy ran after Clementine.

I’m sorry Kids, Buck said. I should have been home last night. I’ll try to do better. You two get dressed, and we’ll go into town and you can buy your mother a present. I’ll add a little to your allowance to cover the cost of your presents. Tell Clementine to get dressed. They went upstairs to their rooms to dress. Buck pounded his fist into his palm and barked, Damn that woman, what does she want from me? I do need a little space. I work a seventy hour most weeks for her and the kids. She doesn’t appreciate a thing I do for them. What I need is an apartment near work and come home on weekends. Maybe I’d be a little more appreciated if I did that.

Judy stomped back into the kitchen and said, We need to have a serious talk when you get back.

We have a serious talk every time I get home. I’m a little sick and tired of your serious talks. I don’t know what you want from me. You try working over 70 hours a week, and then you might understand why I need some space.

I’ll say one thing before you go. If things don’t change soon, you’re going to have all the space you want—permanently.

Are you threatening me with a divorce—again?

The children rushed into the kitchen. We’re ready, Daddy, Clementine said. Judy turned and rushed out of the kitchen.

I’m certainly ready! Buck snorted. They went out to Judy’s car and drove down town. There was a small mini mall in town, a Wal-Mart, a jewelry store, and a number of other small stores.

Where do you kids want to start? Buck asked. I have a thought. Why don’t we combine our money and buy your mother something nice and expensive like jewelry? She wears the same couple of pieces of jewelry to church every Sunday. The kids looked at each other, smiled, and nodded their agreement. If we’re agreed, let’s try the jewelry store, Buck said. They drove past Walmart a few blocks to the jewelry store, pulled in and went inside. Let’s find something nice that we can all agree on, Buck suggested. The children began to look in the glass counter at the large display of beautiful jewelry.

A gorgeous gold bracelet caught Clementine’s eye. Everyone come look at this, she said, excitedly. They walked down to the end of the counter. Clementine pointed at the bracelet under the glass counter.

Clementine! Sarah Catherin retorted, do you see the price? four-thousand dollars!

Oh! Clementine winced. I didn’t notice that.

Do all of you like it? Buck asked.

Who wouldn’t like it! Sarah Catherin said.

What about you, Will, do you like it? Will had been silent since Buck returned home. Buck realized something was bothering him. Yes, Daddy, I like it. You know I don’t have any money to help pay for it.

How much did you girls intend to spend on your mother’s present?

I made thirty dollars babysitting for Mrs. Carol this month, Sarah Catherin said. I can spend most of it. I need to save a little for your present.

Mother gave me ten dollars for vacuuming the house, and I still have most of my allowance for the month, Clementine said. You can have it all to buy the present.

Mr. Steinberg had been waiting on a customer. After the sale, he rushed over to Buck. He had noticed them eyeing the most expensive gold bracelet under the glass counter. Buck knew everyone in town, and they all knew him and his family. Buck, Mr. Steinberg said, You’re obviously in the market for a nice gift for your beautiful wife, Judy. Right?

Possibly, Buck said, but not at that price.

For Judy, we can certainly work something out, Mr. Steinberg exclaimed, salivating over the prospect of unloading the expensive piece of jewelry.

Buck pointed at the bracelet. What’s your bottom line?

Mr. Steinberg took the bracelet out of the glass counter and held it up for them to see. He took a deep breath and said, I suppose I can sacrifice for the most beautiful lady in Oak grove, and let you have it for, say, three-thousand dollars. That’s cutting my profit to the bone.

Huh! Buck snorted. You haven’t even trimmed the fat off the edge yet. I’ll give you 2500 bucks.

Aw, Buck, it cost me more than that.

I doubt that, Buck retorted, but that’s my bottom line. If you don’t sell it to me, you’re stuck with it for another year, with Christmas only two days away.

I’m sorry, Buck. I need to make a few bucks out of the sale.

Okay. I’ll give you 2500 and 2 dollars. That allows you to make a couple of bucks. Take it or leave it.

Mr. Steinberg shook his head, realizing Buck had him by the throat; he had no choice. You’d take a penny off a dead man’s eye, Mr. Steinberg remarked. I suppose it a deal. I guess you want me to have Helen wrap it—too? Buck grinned and nodded.

The children stood there, amazed at the way their father had negotiated the purchase. Buck wrote a check and they waited for the present to be wrapped. After they received it, they walked outside.

We still have our money. We can buy you a present, Daddy, Clementine said. Let’s go to Walmart.

Keep your money and spend it on something you want, Pumpkin.

No, Daddy, Mother wouldn’t like that. We want to get you something.

Okay, Pumpkin. They went to Walmart. Buck stayed in the car. They came back with the present in a bag so Buck couldn’t see what they had purchased for him.

We can go home now, Daddy, Clementine said. They returned home and everyone ran inside. The kids put Judy’s present under the Christmas tree. They went to Sarah Catherin’s room to wrap Buck’s present. Will went to his room upstairs.

Buck sat down in the den. Judy walked into the den. She had a small brown paper bag in her hand. She sat down by Buck and said, This is why I said we need to have a serious talk. She handed the bag to Buck. Buck gave her a curious look, opened the bag and took out a small pack of Marijuana. I found this under Will’s mattress when I was changing his sheets yesterday morning.

Did you confront him with it? Buck questioned.

"I thought that might be your responsibility as head of this family!" Judy retorted.

It’s not the end of the world, Judy. Kids will be kids, and they will experiment with things. I’m sure he’s not the only kid at school trying it these days.

Is that your answer to this? kids will be kids. This is a criminal act. It’s dangerous and it may lead to hard drugs.

Judy, half the kids in college are doing it now. Hell, I’ve even heard that some states are considering legalizing it to get the tax revenue. They say it’s no more harmful than drinking a few beers. When my gang was Will’s age, we used to get some adult to buy us a sack of beer. We went to the creek, sat around, and drank it, and we smoked cigarettes too. It didn’t kill any of us.

No, it hasn’t killed you yet, but it turned you into an alcoholic. Is that what you want for your son?

I’m not a damn alcoholic. I drink to relieve stress, most of which comes from your badgering me.

So you’re saying we should just ignore this?

No. I’ll have a talk with him. However, I doubt it’ll do any good. I’ve read that peer pressure is stronger than parental guidance.

When is the last time you did anything with your son? He wants to play football next year. Did you know that? How many little league ball games did you attend over the years?

Again, I’ll ask you, would you like me to give up my job and stay home? It’ll be hard to eat and maintain our standard of living without my income.

No. What I want is for you to come home every night; stop going to the bars after work and getting home after midnight. The only time you have a meal with your family is on Sunday, when you’re not on the golf course, or fishing, or at an Oiler game. Your son is going to grow up to be just like you. God have mercy on the girl that marries him.

I don’t need all your criticism. I’m tired of hearing it. Buck hopped up, went to his truck, and drove away. He rode downtown, stopped at the Oak Grove Bank and Trust and went inside. Cal Miller was the bank president, and he and Buck had been friends since childhood. They were roommates in college and graduated together. He was actually Bucks best friend and only confident. Buck went into the bank and asked Mrs. Carter, Cal’s secretary, if Cal was still at work.

She nodded, saying, He has no one with him now, Mr. Buck. You can go in and see him. Buck patted her on the cheek and walked into Cal’s office.

Buck, Cal said, jumping up and shaking Buck’s hand. You’re home for the holidays, it appears.

Yep! Merry Christmas, my friend, Buck said. Do we have a game at the club this afternoon?

Absolutely! It’s Saturday, isn’t it? I’ll meet you and the gang on the first tee at one sharp.

We need to talk, Cal.

Cal raised his brow. He knew Buck better than anyone. He saw the concern in Buck’s eyes. Then take a seat and spill it.

Can you review my portfolio?

Sure. Is there a problem?

It’s Judy. I think she’s going to divorce me. I need to know how much money I have in my portfolio as of today.

I looked at it yesterday, Buck. You have a little over three-quarters of a million. You’re not thinking of doing something—insane, are you?

Hell no, Cal! You know me better than that. If I have to move out and get apartment, I was wondering if I’d have enough money to make sure my family would be taken care of.

Buck, I’m going to tell you something you should realize. If Judy divorces you, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about supporting her for long. She’s the best looking woman in Texas. And I don’t need to tell you about her figure. She has the figure of a seventeen year old high school queen. Now why in the hell would she consider divorcing you after putting up with you for fifteen years? Or do I need to ask? I know you like to party. Has she’s finally caught you in an infidelity?

Not yet, but she has her suspicion. It’s just a matter of time. She threatened me with divorce again today, and I think she’s serious as hell this time.

Buck, if I treated my wife the way you treat Judy, she’d have left me after the first month. I know your wife is a devout Christian, and she’d never leave you for drinking and playing cards ‘til dawn, but adultery is a horse of a different color. It’s the one sin that the Bible condones divorce, and she knows that. Do you still love her?

Certainly I love her, Cal. My problem, as you know, is that I want every good looking woman I see. I never saw a beautiful woman that I didn’t want to make it with.

That’s no secret, Buck. You’ve been a hound since puberty. But when you have a queen like Judy at home waiting for you to come home at night, I don’t know why you’d be interested in anyone else. I don’t want to be too personal, but is there a problem in the sack?

I don’t know. She moved out of our bedroom over a year ago and locks her door at night. But to answer your—not too personal question, she was fantastic in the sack, and you know I was. We had three children the first six years we were married. Cal, I know it’s entirely my fault. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can’t seem to help myself.

Buck, you’ve been my best friend ever since you snatch that bully, Billy Joe Thompson, off me in the third grade and whipped his ass, Cal said, laughing. I’m going to give you some brotherly advice. Buck raised his brow to listen. Give up the Scotch. You’re not the same man when you’re drinking. I saw you with your hands all over Pearl Courtney at the Christmas dance a few years ago. Your hands were like an octopus all over her butt.

Did you notice her whisper in my ear? I had heard the talk about her, and later that week I confirmed the gossip.

And you’re proud of that? She hadn’t been widowed much over a year.

I couldn’t help it. She was lonesome and invited mo over to her house for a drink. I gave her a little attention. It didn’t last long. She got married again.

Oh, Buck! I don’t blame Judy for contemplating divorce. Doesn’t that frighten you?

Yeah, it scares the hell out of me. I love my children, and Judy’s right, I don’t spend any time with them. But Cal, I’m who I am. I don’t know how to change. I don’t know if I want to change. Most of the women I make it with are lonesome and love starved. You can’t imagine what it’s like to make it with a love starved woman.

No, and I don’t want to know. I’ve heard enough, Buck. I’m disappointed to hear all this, although I already knew it. I’m even more disappointed that Judy knows what’s going on with you. The only thing you have going for you is that she must still love you, or she’d be gone by now. To set your mind at ease, with your salary and savings, and good investments, you can easily take care of your family if she divorces you, and after hearing all this, I’m sure it’s just a matter of time. What you don’t seem to realize is that your wife is one of those love starved women with needs just like the ones you take advantage of. Someone will be doing your homework pretty soon unless there are some drastic changes. I’m your friend, Buck, and I’m going to tell you how to save your marriage. You need to join AA and attend the meetings regularly. Then you need to find a good psychiatrist and get in treatment. Maybe it’s not too late to salvage your marriage. You need to come home at night in time to have dinner with your family. Take your wife and children out to the movies and dinner, and get involved in their school activities, and their lives. If you’ll do that, I’ll guarantee you that it won’t be long before the door will be unlocked and your gorgeous wife will be snuggling next to you in your bed again. That’s my advice, and if you want to save your marriage, you better heed it. Now, I have a little work to do if I’m going to make the golf game by one p.m. Oh! I almost forgot. I’m chairman of the Christmas committee to raise funds for those less fortunate kids in town and the community so they can have something nice for Christmas. Can I count on you for a substantial donation?

Cal, you know how I feel about charity. The parents should get off their lazy asses and go to work. You know my mother and I didn’t have anything when I grew up, but we both worked and she managed, and I’ve worked since I was ten years old. I worked and paid my way through college. There’s too much giveaway in this country now. Everybody’s looking for a handout. No work, no eat. That’s my philosophy. I think I heard one of those preachers on television say that the Apostle Paul said the same thing?

Buck, we’re in a recession. People are being laid off all over the nation. We had two small plants go out of business in this county this year. Some of these people are really stressed financially. My bank holds the mortgage on their homes. Times are bad, Buck.

That aint my problem, Buck said, shaking his head. I busted my rear for what I have. They need to do the same. Everybody’s got their hand out.

Well, we’ll manage without your money. Judy always comes through with a substantial donation. She and Dr. Greg’s wife, Marie, ramrod the project. They bust their butts for weeks collecting old toys and donations from business and individuals so the poor kids can have at least one present at Christmas.

That figures, Buck said. Judy’s always been a soft touch for a charlatan.

Yeah, Cal said, that’s why she wound up with you. She deserves better. There’s no wonder Judy called you, Mr. Scrooge.

Buck laughed. See you at the first Tee, Cal, and thank you for letting me bend your ear. I’ll give your advice some serious thought. Buck returned home. He went into Will’s room and asked him to walk out on the porch with him. Will knew what it was all about. He had looked for the bag of pot and realized that his mother had found it. That’s why he had been so sullen that morning.

Judy heard Buck ask Will to go to the porch. She went into the living room, and stood near the window to listen to their conversation.

Take a seat, Son, Buck said. They both sat down in the rockers. Will, your mother showed me the bag of pot you had hidden under the mattress. Will lowered his head. Where did you get it, Son?

You can get it anywhere, Daddy. Some of the boys at school sell it to buy more for their use.

Have you sold any?

No.

How long have you been smoking it?

Only a couple of times.

"Son, you’re an A student. You’re too intelligent to do that. You know it’s illegal to buy and use it. And you could do some jail time if you sell it. What happened to kids slipping around and drinking a few beers? It’s not legal to buy it but they never put anyone in jail for drinking it. You mother’s worried sick about it. It has to stop now!"

Daddy, are you saying it’s alright for me to drink beer, but not smoke pot?

That’s not exactly what I said, but I’d certainly prefer that you drink an occasional beer rather than smoke pot. Judy’s face hardened and she shook her head.

You need to promise me and your mother that you won’t smoke it again.

Alright, Daddy, I’ll do that.

Then go into the house and tell your mother you’re sorry and you’ll never do it again.

Will nodded and went inside. Judy went to the kitchen. Will found her, and said, I’m sorry if I worried you Momma. I won’t do it again, I promise.

Judy put her arms around Will and embraced him. Son, I don’t want you to drink any form of alcohol either. You’re only 14 years old. If you start this foolishness at 14, what will you be doing at 18? I have an alcoholic husband, and I won’t have an alcoholic son. Do you understand that?

Yes, Momma. I’m sorry.

CHAPTER TWO

Buck remained on