“I think I heard that,” he responded with an easy shrug, trying to sound as if he wasn’t Genesis’ biggest fan.
“I’ll probably be at Georgia. They have a great undergrad pre-law program and law school. I’d like to stay close to my dads too. Come home on breaks and weekends. Being only an hour-and-half away sounds nice.”
“Is it me or is this pie simply the best? It’s divine Momma Godfrey.” Vickie broke in, making Ms. Godfrey blush at the compliment.
“Gonna be a lawyer and study at UGA. I’m so proud of you, sweetie,” his grandmother said, squeezing his arm.
“Think you got what it takes to be a Bulldog?” Genesis’ country, bass-filled drawl permeated the large dining room. It was the sweetest aphrodisiac. He sounded almost like his big brother, but in a younger, sexier kind of way. Curtis tried not to let his body react, but it was like trying not to breathe a gulp of air when you’re suffocating. Oh god he was handsome. So big. He sauntered into the room, his gaze never leaving Curtis’ as he bent and kissed his mom on the cheek.
He’d shed the suit for a pair of track pants, sneakers, and one of his practice jerseys.
Curtis had to clear his throat before he could answer Genesis’ snarky question. He tried to keep his tone even and confident. “I’m pretty sure I have what it takes.”
Genesis raised one eyebrow. “I bet you do,” he said smoothly. The undertone couldn’t have been missed.
The room was silent and Curtis could feel his face heating.
“Meaning I heard you’re extremely smart. A highly-awarded honor student,” Genesis added.
“I do okay,” Curtis said, struggling to maintain eye contact. He couldn’t lower his eyes, he wanted to be respected. His dad – Ruxs, told him to always look any man in his eye; otherwise that man will easily dismiss you. However, it was intimidating looking at the man that he’d seen barrel through three-hundred-pound linebackers on National television.
“Oh, he does better than okay. He has his pick of any school in the country, full scholarship.” Vickie chimed in, breaking his and Genesis’ eye contact.
“Impressive,” Genesis commented, picking up a leftover piece of ham from his mom’s plate. She slapped his hand.
“Genny get a napkin. Eating like a caveman,” she said sternly, trying to hide her shy smile.
“Manners, Genny,” Curtis said, his voice dropping a couple octaves. What the heck? Why had he said that? Called the man by the nickname his mother called him. Oh god, let me die here and now.
Genesis looked at him with shock and amusement. “Very funny. Come on. You gonna sit here with the ladies all afternoon sipping tea and discussing pecan pie recipes or do you want to toss the ball with me?”
Genesis didn’t have to say it twice. Curtis was pushing his plate back and standing before the mothers could protest. The man in front of him might be an NFL pro one day, and Curtis would get to say, “Hey, I played catch with him. He’s a cool dude and I know his mom calls him Genny. But on Sports Center he was known as The G-Man”.
“Curtis honey, don’t think you have to jump and do something you don’t want to. If you’re not up to being around the guys, it’s okay. You’ve had a lot on you these past few days,” his grandmother said, clamped onto his arm.
“It’s okay grandma. I’m fine really.” He gently took her hand off, patting it a couple times. He gave her a soft kiss on her cheek and quickly fled the room.
Genesis walked behind him. Curtis was on his way to the back door when Genesis clamped his massive hand on his shoulder, stopping him. Curtis looked back and up. Genesis was so much taller than him it was almost comical.
“Leo. I’m gonna get something for Curtis to wear, he’s coming out too,” Genesis yelled through the screen over Curtis’ head.
Genesis steered him towards the living room and up the stairs. Curtis’ heart was beating wildly in his chest. He walked down the hallway to God and Day’s room. Of course he knew where it was. He’d had to pick up their dry cleaning many times. He just didn’t know how he felt about being in their room with Genesis.
“You know I can’t fit Day’s clothes,” Curtis said, standing in the center of the floor while Genesis rummaged through one of Day’s dressers.
“You can fit a pair of basketball shorts with a drawstring. Then all you need is a white tee. You know Leo wears all his shit two sizes too tight anyway. His jeans are so tight you can see Lincoln smiling on the penny in his pocket,” Genesis drawled, looking back and winking at him. Curtis laughed so hard his eyes watered. It felt real good to do that.