Page 10 of Off Balance

"You’re not serious about this, are you?" were his first words.

Although we’d stayed in touch, our relationship hadn't been close since he'd moved home and I'd stayed in Las Vegas. I even missed his wedding because of the media circus.

He wasn’t happy about the match, but like always, my brother supported me doing whatever I thought was best. So I moved home to Atlanta to let him try to whip me into shape.

Starting slow has been frustrating. I understand that Dwayne is concerned about my health, but I haven't had issues in years. The main concern is avoiding any further head injury, because that could be catastrophic.

"Alright, twenty minutes with the jump rope and then hit the showers. We've got to stop at the grocery store, and then you're coming over for dinner. We're grilling tonight, and Cameron and his boyfriend are joining us."

Cameron will be there? With a boyfriend?

I've been to my brother's house several times since meeting Cameron on the opening night of his ballet show. I'd had the pleasure of watching his first, and very unexpected, principal role on stage. Then I had his hand in mine, skin to skin.

The memory of him dancing on that stage has haunted me. I've obsessively searched for every picture, video, or mention of him in random articles. Most of what I found was his work with the local arts center, teaching kids that otherwise wouldn't be able to afford the exorbitant costs of ballet classes. He's mentioned in the credits of various productions, including the role of Romeo for the past several years. And finally, his rise to fame, at least in the theater world, as theDe Pointe Elite's newest principal dancer. I've printed and saved article after article of reviews of his debut performance, all of them glowing recognitions of his talent.

They're all underplaying just how absolutely magnetic and entrancing he was. I refuse to believe I was the only one leaning forward in my seat. It’s got me fucked up, honestly.

For days after I met him, I replayed every millisecond of his dance, of watching him at the meet and greet, and then getting to meet him for myself. It's gotten to the point that I'm positive I've exaggerated him in my mind.

Still, I've made it to every family dinner that I've been invited to. Just in case.

I need to see him again. I need to be in his presence.

Maybe I was suffering from lack of oxygen from my suit being too tight. Maybe I was overwhelmed by the crowd of people in their extravagant clothes and the stupid, tiny food. Maybe I had too much to drink.

I’m telling myself that once I get another chance to meet him, under more normal circumstances, I'll see that he's just a guy. A guy that's supposed to be family. Mynephew, who is also half my age.

"What's this?" I ask, looking over my brother's shoulder to see an abundance of vibrant colored vegetables on the grill instead of the burgers and ribs he normally cooks.

"Cameron is particular about his diet," Cora says, handing me a beer.

"He's a strict lean protein and veggies guy," Dwayne says. "You could maybe learn a thing or two." He eyes the bottle in my hand.

"You've been fussing over him for months," my beautiful, wonderful, loving sister-in-law chides. "Let him enjoy a drink or two."

Isn't she the best?

"Just one," I promise. "I'm not much of a drinker these days."

Dwayne snorts. "Not since you got caught with your pants down in that strip club."

"Man, I will beat your ass if you start up about that bullshit," I say, taking a swipe at him. I really don’t want to remember the time Trista’s friend walked in on us getting hot and heavy in a champagne room. That picture, unsurprisingly, ended up in a tabloid. In hindsight, I’m pretty sure Trista planned it.

Dwayne and I start wrestling. I'm bigger and stronger than he is, but my older brother is scrappy. He had to be, growing up with a boxer for a dad and a wannabe fighter for a brother.

When Cameron walks through the back door, I've got his stepdad in a headlock, and he's got his arms around my hips. His grip is causing my athletic pants to slip down, showing at least an inch of butt crack.

I drop Dwayne on the ground the moment I notice Cameron. He lets out an audible "oof", and my pants slip even lower on my ass.

Great.Somehow, my second impression manages to be even less dignified than the first.

Cameron stands beside his mother, the two of them sharing matching expressions of amused incredulity at our childish behavior.

He leans towards his mother and whispers loudly. "Are they always like this?"

With a laugh, Cora shakes her head. "Guess you just got lucky to see them on their very best behavior." She walks over to help Dwayne up when I walk away from him, leaving him on the ground to fend for himself. Serves him right, the little shit.

"Cameron," I say, keeping my voice even this time. "It's nice to meet you. Again," I add awkwardly, reaching out my hand. This time, he’s the one to hesitate before accepting my handshake.

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