Genesis turned and called for the slim man that was currently fake boxing with Green. As soon as Genesis called his name, he dropped what he was doing and came to him. Genesis’ smile stretched clear across his face. He held his hand out to him and the young guy slid easily under Genesis left arm. “Judge, this is my partner, Curtis Jenkins. Baby, this is my brother’s friend, Judge Josephson. He served with God in the military. He’s a big ass bounty hunter now.”
“No shit.” Curtis’ eyes sparkled when he was excited.
“Judge, Curtis is also Green and Ruxs’ adopted son, but he belongs to me now,” Genesis said, smugly.
“I heard that,” Ruxs grunted, but Genesis ignored him.
Judge watched the young lovers interact. They really made a sweet couple. Genesis was lost in Curtis’ big blue eyes, the young man’s face was almost androgynous, but he had a neatly trimmed, brown goatee around his mouth. The facial hair made him look older but no less pretty. Judge stuck his hand out to shake Curtis’ and was surprised by the strong grip.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Curtis responded.
“Likewise,” Judge countered. He turned his attention back to Genesis. It was amazing to have a celebrity in his house, getting ready to help him paint his deck. But anyone who met Genesis quickly saw that he was just a normal guy. The fame didn’t go to his head. “So Gen, I hear you’re going in the first round of the draft this year.”
“Naw. Not me,” Genesis drawled. “I’m opting out of the NFL draft. Some may think I’m crazy but I don’t want to play ball professionally. Football got me a college degree and I’m blessed for it, but football never has and never will be my life.” Genesis looked down into Curtis face and leaned in to lightly kiss his mouth. “This is my life right here. With this man in my arms.”
“You guys are too mushy. Jeez.” Ruxs shook his head.
“What are your plans then?” Judge questioned.
Genesis continued to hold Curtis close to him but he looked Judge in his eye when he spoke. “I’ve interned at Apple for the last three summers. They’ve already offered me a great engineering position at their corporate office in DC.”
“Y’all are going to be separated?” Michaels asked, curiously.
“Are you kidding?” Green scoffed. “They wouldn’t survive a week apart.
Genesis actually nodded his head in agreement. “Curtis will finish his senior year and continue with his master’s degree at Georgetown.”
“Of course.” Judge laughed. They weren’t making bad decisions. Georgetown was one of the best schools in the country.
“That is wild, dude. I’ve never heard of anyone turning down millions and a career in the NFL,” Michaels chimed in.
“Actually there are plenty who have. That kind of life isn’t for everyone. I’ve always wanted to be an engineer,” Genesis added. Turning to look at the food table, he nudged Curtis towards it. “Let’s eat so we can get to work.”
Everyone sat down and stuffed their faces, Curtis automatically sitting on Genesis’ wide lap. Judge turned to God. “He came out alright, didn’t he?” He was one of the very few men in the world that knew God’s history with his family.
God was full of pride, looking at his baby brother. “Yeah, he did.”
They’d just slid the industrial-sized double oven gas range into the newly carved out space. It was all black and sleek stainless steel. Beautiful. Next would be mounting the microwave above the stove and they’d be finished for the day. Next month Austin’s new marble countertops would be delivered. By the time all his renovations were done, he’d have his own gourmet kitchen.
“This is looking good, buddy,” Furi said, triple checking the gas line before he turned it on. His long hair flowed over his shoulder as he leaned over the appliance. “I might come over here and cook with you when it’s all finished.”
The other guys were out on the porch with their loud rock music, shooting the shit, having finished the painting an hour before. “Let’s order a few pizzas and call it an evening,” Day said, dropping the manual to Michaels’ new stove in one of the drawers in the kitchen.
“Sounds good to me.” Michaels popped open another beer, and was tilting it back when something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. Judge was watching him through the window. Michaels laughed quietly, trying not to draw any attention to them. Judge was pointing upstairs. He nodded discreetly and put his beer down on the table.
“Ro, order the pizzas, I’ll be right back.” Michaels slipped out of the room without another word.
Taking the stairs two at a time, he hurried down the hallway, but was hauled by his arm into the bathroom. Michaels barely refrained from bursting out laughing. “What the hell is your crazy ass doing?”