“Oh, you know that. I can smell that mac and cheese too. I need my pan to-go please.”
I playfully rolled my eyes because I had already made hers. Every time I cooked, she had something separately. I cut her offbecause she wanted something all the time. Between her and the kids, you’re lucky if I make spaghetti.
I bit into one of the ribs and moaned against my will.
“Damn, that’s how you feel?” Rayzor asked, coming behind me.
I was caught red-handed.
“It doesn’t make no sense how good this is.”
“I want you to slurp me just how you doing that bone.”
“You know I ain’t scared of a challenge,” I flirted back.
As the house filled up, the energy was all love. Of course, everyone knew that I was with Rayzor so when the bit of family and friends I had come through, they couldn’t stop themselves. Rayzor, of course, didn’t want to make it about him.
We had more than enough kids running around the backyard and into the house. It was a madhouse, but in a good way. I laughed and smiled so much my cheeks hurt. It’s been a while since I had a house full. To see Levi having a ball, Erin being in the phone as her and her friends went back and forth between in the house and outside, I was proud that I could make my family happy.
I sat down at the table taking it all in when Rayzor’s strong hands melted into my shoulders as he massaged the kinks out. Leaning into his wrists, inhaling the smell of smoke and barbecue, I exhaled.
“I’m glad you came and sat down because I was about to make you.”
“That makes two of us. Take a seat.”
He had a beer as he rounded in front of me and sat next to me.
“Sorry for the bombarding my family’s doing.”
“It’s cool. I keep telling you I know when to turn that shit off.”
“You know what? I see you all the time, but I don’t see you like everyone else does. It’ll never get old to see people fawn over you.”
“And that’s what I need. Someone that don’t see me for all the other shit. I’m Courtland at the end of the day.”
“And Courtland’s so pleasant,” I joked.
“I like the reminder of humility you bring me, pretty teeth. Fuck what the cameras say. Boxing’s a job. I want to turn that shit off and be with reality.”
“You’ll always get that with me.”
“And that pussy you got between your legs gon’ always remind me.” He winked.
The moment was short lived when Levi ran outside and ran up to Rayzor.
“Rayzor, I want to box,” his little voice stated.
“Now?” he asked.
“Yes. I told my cousins you’ll show us.”
“Levi, not now. Let him relax.”
“But, Mommy,” he sulked.
“Don’tmommyme.”
Levi’s feelings were hurt, but I meant what I said.
