Fifteen

A mazing how a person’s whole life could flip in less than two months. Surprisingly, what was happening didn’t totally freak her out. The winds of real change had started when Genesis’s company downsized and she found herself out of a job. Then, she hadn’t been worried. There was money in the bank to cover almost six months of expenses and she hadn’t thought work would be hard to find.

She’d been wrong.

The economy was on a downturn. Companies tightened their purse strings. When Lance came to her with grand plans for a great business, one where she’d receive her initial investment back in thirty days along with a future percentage of what was destined to be the next great franchise, think Hard Rock Cafe, the timing had seemed perfect. Until it wasn’t.

Cyrus dying and leaving her the farm hadn’t felt right either. Still didn’t, but what could she do? Most of her apprehensions about country living had been eliminated, thanks to her DDI neighbors. And Jaxson, the biggest surprise flip of all.

Genesis glanced at her watch, stretched and got up from the dining room table that was also where she worked. She grabbed a bottle of water and retrieved her tablet, then went outside to sit on the sturdy new porch, now one of her favorite places. She opened her Notes app and pulled up the list she’d made last month and felt pleased to cross most items off the list.

Creating My Life To-Do List:

1. Send 30-day notice to vacate condo.

2. Find cheap moving company for relocation.

3. Put rest in storage.

4. Find job working from home.

5. Call cousins. Update?

6. Clear out Uncle Cyrus’s things.

7. Donate? Garage sale? Ebay? (Ask Hazel)

8. Put loan to Lance in writing.

9. Talk to Jax re minor renovation. Cost?

10. Talk to Jax about Hank...the TRUTH.

She wanted to completely cross out item number 5. Since announcing that she’d be moving into Cyrus’s home, she hadn’t heard from her cousins. Wishful thinking suggested they’d decided to honor their dad’s decision, but common sense told her those chances were slim to none. She reached for the cell phone and called Clarence, then Cleo. Both calls went to voicemail. Continuing down the list to items 6 and 7, she scrolled through her contacts list and called Hazel.

“Good afternoon, Miss Hazel. It’s Genesis. How are you?”

“If I was any better, they’d have to hog-tie me.” Both women laughed. “How are you doing, baby? I meant to call you last week and invite you to church. But I got a call about one of our members being in the hospital and the thought slipped my mind. When you get my age, child, there’s a lot of slipping going on.”

Genesis laughed. “I think that sometimes it’s not age. I forget things, too.”

“That ankle still acting right?”

“So far, so good.”

“Continue to be careful. From what Granville tells me, there’s still a lot of work over there to do. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Let Jax take care of the heavy lifting. Speaking of my play son, is he over there?”

Hazel was fishing and Genesis smelled the bait. “No, ma’am. I think he’s in Memphis.”

“Oh, that’s right. Working on houses now with his friend from school. What’s his name?”

“Blake.” Genesis smiled. The woman couldn’t help but be nosy, bless her heart.

“That Jaxson King is a go-getter. I think he has a little money coming in from those football years, but he doesn’t rest on his laurels. At any given moment, he’s got three or four irons in the fire. That’s the way you want to do it. Never know which one will get hot.

“But you probably didn’t call me to talk about Jaxson,” she continued, with a little chuckle. “Did you?”

“No, Miss Hazel.”

“Well, darn. I told Jaxson the two of you needed to get together, combine households. You could live in one place and rent out the other. Lord, here I go, getting all up in your business. What can I do for you?”

Hazel was quickly becoming one of Genesis’s favorite people, like the grandmother she never had. “I have a question. Do you think it’s too soon for me to get rid of Uncle Cyrus’s belongings?”

“That depends, Genesis. What are his sons’ opinions on the matter?”

Good question, and a tricky one to navigate. Hazel had a good heart but a mouth for gossip, so Genesis trod carefully. “I’ve called and left messages” was her vague answer. “They haven’t called back.”

“Give them time. They’re still grieving. Clarence and Cleo didn’t spend much time down here. Can’t imagine they’d want everyday items such as clothes, shoes and things not sentimental to the family. I don’t see any harm in boxing up those items and storing them in the shed, just to get started. Cyrus can’t use them anymore—God bless the dead. There’s thirty or forty years of living in that house, though. Going through it is going to be quite an undertaking.”

“That’s another reason I called you, Miss Hazel. If you have time, I could really use your help. I was also wondering if your church accepts donations, or if you knew any local places that did.”

“Absolutely! I’m so glad you thought of donating to the church. You know we run a thrift shop on the outskirts of Memphis.”

“No, ma’am, I didn’t know that.”

“We can pretty much take anything you don’t need off your hands.”

“That would be great, as there is likely to be quite a bit to donate. I’m going to try and sell some of the larger items myself, the farming equipment, his truck, stuff like that. A lot of repair work has to be done on this house. Whatever money I make from those sales will help cover the cost.”

“Of course, baby. Go ahead and do what you’ve got to do. Cyrus would be happy to see how you’ve stepped up and are handling everything. And while he wasn’t a regular church attendee, I know he’d be pleased with having some of what he owned helping to do the Lord’s work.”

“I think so, too.”

“I’ve been to Cyrus’s house a time or two and know that cleaning it out will be no small task. Don’t you worry. I’ll put the word out to some of my church sisters who will be more than happy to pitch in. Let me know when you want to get started.”

A beep sounded in Genesis’s ear. She looked at the phone screen.

“I’ve got a call coming in, Miss Hazel. I’ll get back with you, and really appreciate the help.”

“All right, baby. If it’s Jax, tell him I said hello.”

Her neighbor’s radar was right on the money. She answered the phone, laughing. “Hello.”

“What’s funny?”

“I was talking with Miss Hazel. When I told her I had to take another call, she thought it was you.”

“Miss Hazel is psychic.”

“She also shared a rather interesting suggestion...that you and I should move in together and rent out whichever house is vacant.”

“Trying to play matchmaker again, huh?”

“This isn’t her first time?”

“Not at all. She’s tried to hook me up with every single church member under the age of fifty, and a couple who’ve topped that milestone.”

They shared a laugh.

“To Miss Hazel, living together means marriage. She’s old-school. It doesn’t matter what year we’re in and how times have changed. She doesn’t believe in shacking up.”

“That’s what she calls it?”

“Yep.”

“Ha!”

The conversation shifted to Cyrus. Jaxson told her not to worry about hearing from her cousins. Everything Cyrus had left belonged to her now. He encouraged her to do what she wanted.

“What are you doing this evening?” Genesis asked, changing the subject again.

“Going fishing down at the pond. That’s why I called. I want you to join me.”

“Um, let me think about it. No.”

Jaxson laughed. “You said the area was peaceful and nice.”

“I love the water’s tranquility, and the view of trees and pines. But the only fish I want to see are already cooked pieces served on a plate.”

By the time the call ended, they’d reached a compromise. Genesis agreed to join him at the pond, but she’d be watching, not fishing. Turned out it was a pleasant way to enjoy the mild weather. She could see why people liked it, yet marveled at the patience it took to sit quietly and wait for a bite. All kinds of thoughts swirled in her mind as she watched the man who just months ago hadn’t been a blip on her radar, and an enemy at that. Most of what she knew about him dealt with the past. What made up the man he was now?

“Hey, Jax.” She liked how the name Hazel preferred popped off her tongue.

“Yes, Gen.”

She also liked the way her nickname sounded on his lips.

“Tell me more about your daughter, Jazz.”

At the mention of his daughter’s name, she saw a smile that seemed to light up his whole body.

“She’s amazing,” he said simply.

“Chip off the old block?”

He glanced over and caught the twinkle in Genesis’s eye. “She’s way better than me.”

“Did you name her?”

“No, that credit goes to her mom. It’s crazy because before Abby got pregnant, I was adamant about not having children. Having my daughter changed all that. Now I can’t imagine not having Jazz in my life.”

She was surprised and pleased that Jaxson spoke openly, from the heart. He seemed genuinely happy to spend time with his daughter. Some little girls weren’t as lucky.

“Don’t get me wrong. I love kids. I’d just planned to be settled, more mature, done with football, married. I know firsthand how pro sports can wreak havoc on relationships. Abby knew it, too, and that I didn’t want kids yet. But the second Jazz looked at me with those big bright eyes, my whole world shifted. The love was instant.” Jaxson repositioned a rod. “I’d climb a mountain, fight a lion, take a bullet for that little girl.”

It wasn’t lost on Genesis that the closest she’d come to having that feeling was with the man holding a fishing rod in his hand.

“How often do you get to see her?”

“Not often enough. We video chat almost every day, but there’s no chat or video app in the world to replace physical presence. That’s why I was so grateful to spend that unexpected week with her. She’ll be here in August and stay for a month.”

“I’m happy for you,” Genesis said, and meant it.

He nodded. “Me, too.”

His line jerked. Genesis watched as the bobber, her new word for the day, went under water. Jaxson moved the fishing line right to left, all the while turning the handle attached to it. He took what he labeled a “small catch” off the hook, threw it back in and rebaited.

He pulled the second lawn chair he’d bought toward the water’s edge and sat. “What about you? Do you want children?”

Genesis shrugged. “My answer used to be a definite no. Over time that turned into a maybe. One thing for sure, though. I’d want to be married and for the pregnancy to be planned. I wouldn’t want to bring a child into the world who wasn’t wanted. I know from personal experience that’s not a good place to be.”

It was also a topic she didn’t want to talk much about. “Any plans for the Fourth?”

“I’ll be in town,” he said. “There’s a concert happening on the town square lawn. A casual affair. Picnic baskets, folding chairs, blankets, that sort of thing. You ought to come with me. Silence all the wagging tongues by publicly showing up as a couple.”

“Are we a couple?”

“At the very least, we’re friends and neighbors. People with less in common have gotten together to have a good time.”

“Who’s going to be there?”

“Some of my favorite country singers.”

“Country? You’re kidding, right?”

“I take it you’re a hip-hop head.”

“Not just hip-hop. I like R & B, and some jazz and pop.”

“You forgot the blues.”

“Too many sad stories. Just like country.”

“But told so eloquently. And they’re not all sad.” Jaxson reached into the small cooler he’d brought down, took out a beer for himself and gave Genesis the sparkling water she’d requested.

“Did you know that country music came out of the blues?” he asked.

Genesis watched a butterfly float across the pond. “No idea.”

“True facts. A combination of the blues and traditional sounds created by the banjo, an instrument brought over from Africa.”

“Well, I’ll say. You learn something new every day.”

“I was just as surprised as you. Turned my nose up at my grandfather’s favorite genre until he schooled me on the history. I began to listen with a different ear. Hear the stories. Feel the pain. Same cooking as the blues, but a different flavor. I think you should try it,” he said. “You might like it.”

Last year, she and Lance had gone to Atlanta for the Fourth, to hang out with Hank and his family. This year, celebrating with family was all but out of the question. Especially her brother who’d technically admitted that the whole story about Jaxson breaking his arm had been a lie, then minimized what telling it had cost her. Though still angry at the deception, she’d tried to help him make it right by texting him and demanding an apology. He didn’t respond. They hadn’t spoken since.

“I attended the event last year,” Jaxson told her. “It’s not just the music. It’s the atmosphere. Like a big party. A family reunion. Almost everybody knows everybody. People are friendly whether they know you or not.”

Jaxson’s offer was tempting, especially given the Hunter family dynamic. Hank was and always had been the star child. That he was angry with her meant that by default the rest of the family would have attitudes as well. Spending the day with Jaxson sounded like more fun.

“Okay, I’ll go with you.”

“Nice! Now come over here and help catch your dinner.”

Genesis didn’t bait a hook or catch a fish, but the afternoon of the Fourth found her engaged in something equally foreign, attending a country music concert. Jaxson had purchased her a cowboy hat for the occasion. At first, she’d balked about wearing it, but once she saw how cute it looked on, she thanked him.

From the time they arrived and connected with Blake and his girl, Pilar, beyond the VIP ropes until after the concert, when they met some of the acts backstage, Jaxson made sure that Genesis felt included. She met some of his former classmates and others he’d worked with since returning home. While listening to a list of talented acts that included the Chicks, Darius Rucker, Chapel Hart and, to Genesis’s delight, Kane Brown, they feasted on Hazel’s award-worthy spread of perfect finger food that would put any chef to shame: crispy fried chicken, BBQ meatballs, mac-n-cheese puffs, a green bean salad, homemade rolls and a container of fresh fruit. There was enough food for several of Jaxson’s friends to enjoy the hearty fare.

Shortly after eleven that night, the two couples parted ways.

“Want to spend the night at my place?” Jaxson asked. “You haven’t been back since I rescued you. I’m beginning to feel slighted.”

“We wouldn’t want that.”

That night the love was slow and easy, like a country song. The fun-filled day and meaningful connections added to their friendship and intimacy. The foreplay was intentional—kisses deeper and more heartfelt, with lots of unhurried rubs and gentle squeezes. As the heat between them increased, Genesis took the lead. She straddled Jaxson’s toned, athletic, naked body and eased down on a pole much thicker than the rods he fished with. Her body slid up and down his rock-hard shaft. His hands squeezed her butt cheeks and aided the rhythm. He pulled one nipple into his mouth, and then the other—licking, sucking, kissing. It wasn’t long before the alpha in Jaxson took control of the dance. He directed her to her knees, pulled her to the edge of the bed, reentered her and slapped her ass.

“Ooh! Yes! Ride ’em, cowboy,” she panted.

“Yeehaw, baby” was his raspy, whispered response.

He slapped her other cheek. The combination of light, unexpected, tingling pain with deep, thrusting pleasure threw Genesis into a frenzy. She pushed him away and flipped over. The quick action pulled off his condom. Genesis noticed but was too caught up in the moment to stop. She reached for his penis, guided it into her like a heat-seeking missile. He covered her, his pounding slow yet forceful, then fast and furious. Feelings of ecstasy coursed through mind, body and soul. The skin-to-skin, soul-to-soul action took the lovemaking to a whole other place. Their explosive orgasms left Genesis shaking and fully satiated. She fell asleep thinking only of how good it felt to be sexed by this man.

That was last night. As the morning dawned, Genesis woke to a different feeling about the unprotected sex. She and Lance had made a verbal commitment to exclusivity before having sex without protection. That hadn’t happened with her and Jaxson. The reality didn’t feel good. Jaxson began to stir beside her. Time for a conversation.

“Last night was amazing,” Jaxson said, pulling her against his chiseled chest and squeezing her body’s softness.

“I can’t deny that. Something unexpected happened, though.”

“Did I get a little rough, darlin’? I’m sor—”

“No, not that.” Said with a smile in her voice. “I didn’t know how much I’d like being spanked.”

She eased out of his embrace. “The condom came off.”

“Yeah, I know. That was part of what felt so good.”

Genesis sat against the headboard. “That can’t happen again, Jax, not with us being casual. And not without a serious talk about each other’s sexual lives.”

“That’s easy enough. Let’s talk.” He sat up, too. “I’m not seeing anyone else, Genesis. I had a casual arrangement with an old friend, but the moment you came back into my life, the sex with her was over.”

“Did the two of you have protected sex?”

“Always.”

Genesis began rubbing her index finger, a childhood trait that only surfaced at the height of anxiety.

“Why are you nervous? Are you worried about getting pregnant?”

“No, I’ve got the patch.”

“I’m STI-free, if that’s a concern. My doctor’s physicals are extensive, and include tests for sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.”

Genesis’s heart skittered. She clutched Jaxson’s arm, her eyes alarmed.

“What?”

“I can’t say the same, Jaxson. My ex and I went for checkups once deciding to become exclusive, but I haven’t gone since he and I broke up.”

“Have you been with anyone else since then?”

“No.”

“Are you dating around?”

Genesis tsked. “Are you kidding? I haven’t had time!”

“Is that what you want to do, explore your options, or are you ready to give us a shot?”

Genesis took a deep breath. “I think I’m ready to hang with you for a while.”

“I don’t want to be with anyone but you. So...we’re good?”

She nodded. “We’re good.”

Just like that, they made being exclusive official. Later that night, the agreement was enthusiastically and thoroughly consummated—skin to skin.