Genesis sat in the chair across from my desk and crossed his legs at the ankles. I assumed he had gone to work based off his attire, plus it was a weekday. He had on black slacks with a red shirt, and Jordan 6’s. He looked professional but still comfortable.
“I can tell you are important around here by how big this office is,” he said as he looked around my office.
I loved the size of my office because it gave me room to put a couch in it and have room for Paris’s things if I ever had to bring her with me.
“I’d like to think I am,” I responded. I opened the bag of food and pulled the containers out. “They didn’t give you any plates?” I searched through the bag and didn’t see any.
Genesis grabbed the bag and looked inside. “Nah, and I asked her to.”
“It’s okay. I have a couple in here.” I got up to grab some plates and napkins from the cabinet on the other side of my office. Our department was always having some sort of luncheon or party for someone’s birthday, so I kept certain supplies here all the time.
After I got what we needed, I headed back to my desk. Instead of sitting on the opposite side, I sat next to Genesis in the other empty seat.
“I must say that skirt looks good on you,” Genesis said as I placed the plates and stuff on top of the desk.
His compliment made my cheeks warm. “Thank you. Did you work today?”
Genesis picked up one of the plates and put food on it, so I picked up another one for myself.
“This plate is yours, London. And yes, I did work today. I’m going back whenever we finish eating, but I’m not on anybody’s time but yours.” He winked.
Once he finished putting everything on the plate, he passed it to me.
“Thank you. I didn’t expect you to make my plate.”
“I know you didn’t. I don’t have a problem with making a woman’s plate. I’m not one of those guys.”
He proceeded to make his plate, so I waited until he was finished before I began to eat. We ate in silence for a few minutes because this food was too good not to focus on it; plus, I was really hungry.
“What kind of guy are you, Genesis?”
Genesis chewed the food in his mouth before he wiped away any crumbs with his napkin. I continued to eat while I waited for his response. Once he left, I would have to get back to work, so I wanted to eat as much as possible. I wasn’t a fan of taking work home, so I wanted to get it all done.
“I don’t believe in gender roles. I feel like men and women should do things for each other. I’ll make your plate, you make mine the next time. I don’t mind cooking and cleaning if that means my lady gets to relax or tend to our children. My parents’ relationship was built on equality, and I would want the same thing in mine.” He picked up his fork and ate his food again.
“Okay.” I nodded. “I like the way you think.”
We talked a little more about our backgrounds while we continued to eat.
“Who was the real villain onGood Times?” Genesis asked, changing the subject.
“Florida,” I responded with a giggle.
“Yo, she was, for real. She really tried to act like black Jesus wasn’t bringing them luck.”
We both cracked up, but he wasn’t lying.
“Them people could have been out of the hood if it weren’t for her. It’s funny you ask about that show because I just watched an episode the other day. It was the one when Keith slapped Thelma, and neither of her brothers did a damn thing.”
“I remember that shit. If that were me, that man would have gotten his ass whupped multiple times. Husband or not, he would have had to see me. I’m getting mad just thinking about it.” He shook his head.
That show happened to be one of my comfort shows, so I pretty much knew every single episode.
Somehow, Genesis’s hand had found mine as we continued to talk.
“What is the first thing that attracts you to a stranger?” I asked as Genesis’s thumb ran over the back of my fingers. With his free hand, he touched my cheek. “The first thing I noticed about you was your smile. As you and your homegirl talked, I couldn’t help but stare at the way your smile lit up the entire room.”
We stared at each other for a few seconds, until I cleared my throat.
