“Sometimes I wish did. But God saw right through it. Knew I wasn’t a bad boy. I was a scared kid that didn’t have enough money to pay the electric bill.” Curtis sighed a tired breath, not wanting to go too much deeper into that. “Anyway. They helped me after that. Made sure I was focused on school, had what I needed. Eventually gave me a job. Two of the greatest men I’ve ever met in my life. And as they say… the rest is history.
“But Green and Ruxs… they’ve always been different. Me and Green, especially. He’s always been like a dad, ya know.”
“Naw, I don’t. My dad never existed. I don’t talk about him. But it’s cool it worked out that way for you. I heard they like busted you out of a foster home.” Genesis smirked.
Wow. He’d heard that already. There really were very few secrets held amongst those guys, he’d just hoped Genesis hadn’t heard all of the story. Curtis just chuckled along with him.
“I know you and your mom changed your names to Godfrey as soon as you left for school. Does that have something to do with your dad?” Curtis said, coming to sit beside Genesis. He wasn’t laughing, or grinning that bright superstar smile of his. He looked upset.
“My mom and I changed our names because my biological dad was a sick fuck and we refused to continue to carry his name.” Genesis fumed. He really sounded like his brother when he was upset. His voice got all growly and full of bass and authority. But it didn’t scare Curtis. He put his hand on Genesis’ knee.
“I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to dredge up old ghosts,” Curtis said softly. “We don’t need to talk about that.”
Genesis put his hand over Curtis’. Curtis turned his hand over and linked their fingers together and they stayed that way for a while. Neither one talking, just exchanging long glances and endearing smiles. He couldn’t explain it, because although he was still slightly star struck that Genesis “G-Man” Godfrey was sitting here beside him, casually talking with him about their lives. He was quickly turning into just Genesis to him.
“Will you kiss me?” Curtis whispered softly.
“I’d love nothing more,” Genesis answered sweetly.
They met together in the softest, most gentle touching of their mouths. Genesis cupped his jaw, lightly caressing his smooth cheek with his thumb, as held him place. Curtis slanted his head but Genesis was a gentleman. He didn’t take it too much further. He brushed his lips back and forth over his and Curtis thought he felt a quick flick of a moist tongue, but it was gone too fast to be sure. When they pulled back, Genesis stared into his eyes, like he was looking for something. And Curtis recognized the minute Genesis found it. His mouth curved into a charming smile and he pulled Curtis into a tight hug. A hug you could feel deep down in your core. It was what he’d needed, it was what he wanted, and at this moment he truly appreciated Genesis for it.
“Curtis! You up here?” Loud footsteps accompanied the deep voice coming up the stairs.
Genesis eased back from him. “Which dad is that?”
Curtis smiled at him. “That’s Ruxs.”
“Great. The scariest one.” Genesis sat back on the couch.
“Yeah Dad. I’m in here.” Curtis laughed. He knew Ruxs could be a little blunt and heavy-tempered, but he was sure his dads trusted him.
A few seconds later Ruxs came through the door, quickly taking in the scene in front of him. His dad wasn’t stupid – he was a detective – so surely he could put the pieces together. Curtis tried to give his dad a look that said “please for the love of god, don’t embarrass me.”
Ruxs looked over at Genesis. “How’s it going, G-Man?”
Curtis mouth dropped open. Oh hell.
“Pretty good, Ruxs. Long time no see.”
“Yeah it has been a while. It’s a big surprise to see you here with my boy,” Ruxs said eyeing him carefully.
“Dad,” Curtis hissed. Boy? Really?
Ruxs ignored him, maintaining his glaring eye contact with Genesis. “Your team’s off to a damn good start this season. That Florida game was close. Y’all got a tough schedule this year.”
Genesis sat forward but didn’t stand. “I’m up for the challenge.”
“I bet you are.”
“Dad.” Curtis scowled again.
“You just here for the weekend, Genesis? I would think the coach would have y’all on a pretty tight curfew.”
“I got a weekend pass,” Genesis answered with an easy smile.
“So you’ll be leaving soon, right?”
“Dad. Genesis was at the funeral. Did you know that?”
Ruxs tilted his head in question. “Really. No I didn’t realize. All I saw were a bunch of grown. Ass. Men. I must didn’t distinguish.”
Curtis’ eyes bugged out of his head. When he looked at Genesis, he didn’t seem fazed. But he on the other hand was humiliated.