Page 168 of New Growth
I shrugged. “Not so much anymore.”
Genesis leaned back in his chair, eyeing me with curiosity. “Where you from?”
“Houston.”
“Where do you work?”
“I own a salon.”
Rio’s face lit up. “Ouu, that’s why you have such pretty hair.”
I smiled at her, appreciating the compliment.
Genesis barely let the moment settle before hitting me with the next one. “You got kids?”
El sighed. “Why are you asking her so many questions?”
Genesis smirked. “I’m just trying to figure out why a pretty young thing like her is hanging around you.”
El smirked back. “Jealous?”
Genesis didn’t hesitate. “Hell yeah, I’m jealous! My baby mama trying to put me on child support even though I keep our kid.”
I blinked, unsure how to respond, but El just shook his head and nodded toward the food in front of me.
“You hungry?”
“Yeah.”
Rio waved me off. “Let me fix you a plate.”
As she started piling food onto a plate, I scanned the spread in front of me. I recognized most of it, but one thing stood out—something I couldn’t quite place.
“What is this?” I asked, pointing.
Rio grinned. “Gator.”
I blinked. “Gator? As inalligator?”
El leaned in. “You don’t have to eat it.”
“No, no. I’ll try it.”
Rio raised an eyebrow. “You sure?”
I nodded. “Yeah.”
I took a bite, expecting something strange, but it wasn’t. It was tender, like a mix between chicken and fish, with a slightly gamey aftertaste. The seasoning was bold, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy.
I swallowed and let out a small laugh. “My father would’ve loved this. He used to say, ‘If God put it on this earth, I’mma put it on the grill.’”
Bourbon chuckled, tipping his beer in my direction. “He sounds like he got sense.”
I just gave him a small smile.
A little while later, Rio asked me to help her in the kitchen. Apparently, El had told her I was an amazing cook, and she wanted to see for herself.
That was bullshit.
