Chapter 1 #2
“We’re fine. You’re here, so let’s go order some tuxes.” She locks her arms with ours as we walk toward the door.
“Where’s Dad?” I ask.
“Already gone.” Ava’s eyes flicker to Riley.
“Wonderful. Guess I’ll hear about it later.” I grimace, thinking of the conversation about responsibility coming my way.
“It’s all good.” Riley holds the door open. “Ava blamed it on me.”
“The fuck?” I glare at them. “I’m not having you two making excuses for me.”
Ava closes the door before spinning on me. “What are we supposed to do?” Her hands fist on her hips. “You’re wallowing in your own self-imposed hell, and everyone’s starting to worry. Get your head outta your ass, and get your shit together.” She grinds her teeth with a growl.
I glance at Riley; his eyes are open wide as his lips purse. “Okay.” I’m in agreement.
“Now, get your asses in there and strip down.” She points at the door.
“You heard the woman.” I slap my brother’s back just as Ava slaps the back of my head.
“Leave the baby alone.” She grins at me.
“You heard the woman,” Riley says before sticking his tongue out.
“Whatever.” I shake my head, walking behind them. “It’s not self-imposed.”
“It is,” Ava snaps. “Tuxedos, Riley is on the left, you the right.” She points at the changing rooms.
I’m in my suit and out the door for alterations before Ava can yell at me again. “Slightly longer, please. I like the break to be natural.”
Riley rolls his eyes. “It’s not Armani.”
“I want to look nice.” I shrug.
“For who?” Ava cocks her brow. “I mean, someone besides your many one-night stands?”
“You say ‘one night’ as if I’ve never allowed them to have seconds,” I deadpan with a smirk as I glance at my brother. Riley’s mouth is pressed into a firm line as he stares at the ceiling. His face is bright red as his cheeks puff out.
“You say ‘seconds’ like it was worth it the first time.” Ava glares at me, her mouth turned up on one side. She’s smug. My gut twists as I hesitate. I have a feeling this isn’t going to end well.
“Sure, it was.” I smile.
“For you, maybe, but for the woman… she came back hoping you’d finish the job.” Riley bursts into laughter as my soon to be sister-in-law crosses her arms with satisfaction.
“Ha-ha-ha. So funny.” I narrow my eyes, trying to look menacing, but she’s not buying it.
Ava’s known us since we moved here, eighteen years ago.
She doesn’t let us get by with anything.
I can still remember the day she showed up in a dress; we were shocked to say the least. Ava was no more than a tomboy until suddenly, she was all girl.
Two short years later, she wore a tank, filled in all the right ways.
We all knew. Our best friend was no longer just one of the guys.
She begins to crack a smile. “I’m just bustin’ your balls.”
“Isn’t that why you’re marrying him?” I jerk my thumb toward Riley.
Ava squints and looks him over before biting her full bottom lip. “Naw. I have other plans for his balls.”
Riley pulls her into a kiss, and I can’t resist making a gagging sound, to which they laugh. “Thank you. I haven’t had breakfast and if y’all hadn’t quit, lunch wasn’t looking good either.”
“Smartass,” Riley chides.
“Okay, guys. I can see the novelty has worn off. Go change.” Ava claps her hands and we take off, racing to the rooms. “Boys.”
Riley calls out from the changing room next to me, “Do you have time for lunch?”
“As long as it’s fast. Lachlan’s coming over so we can finalize his offer before court.”
“Eggs Up Grill?” Ava asks.
I walk out, handing my tux and credit card over. “Sounds good.”
We make our purchases, and Ava follows us to the restaurant. Sitting down, we waste no time in ordering. “I’ll have two eggs, sunny side up, a short stack, and bacon. Oh, with a big glass of milk.”
“You hungry?” Ava’s forehead wrinkles in concern.
“I’ll have the same,” Riley says.
“Fresh fruit bowl and orange juice,” Ava adds. “Are you eating?” she asks me as the waitress walks away.
“I’m eating. Geesh,” I lie. I’m not eating.
“Well, you’re getting your fair share of barley, rye, corn, and wheat.” Riley chuckles. My eyes dart to his, and I silently plead for him to shut the fuck up.
“What are you talkin’ about?” Ava looks between us, waiting for one of us to come clean. As if she doesn’t know already.
“For fuck’s sake.” I sigh, rolling my neck to relieve the tension. “I have a few drinks before I lay down. It takes the edge off.”
“I’m sure it does.” Ava’s head drops.
I scrunch my face up at Riley. “It’s nothing, Ava.” I tap the table to draw her attention. She studies me, staring into my soul as only she can. Ava’s seen some shit, she knows things. And most of all, she knows me. “I promise I’m okay.”
She reaches for my hand as she takes Riley’s. “I love you two boys. You’re my family. My life. I worry about you both.”
My gut twists at her confession. Ava’s tough, and she means what she says. I squeeze her hand, giving her my million-dollar smile with a wink. “I’m good.”
“We’re here.” She smiles. “Anytime.”
I release her hand as the waitress approaches with our drinks. “So how are the weddings plans coming?” I ask.
“Right on track.” Ava and Riley smile at one another. “New Year’s Eve can’t come soon enough,” Riley says.
“How’s the new space?” Ava asks as our food makes it to the table.
“Good. I have a few plans, and my clients have mostly followed.” They listen closely as I explain my move is going as planned. “I’m sure I’ll be at full running by the new year.”
“That’s amazing news. They know something good when they have it.” Ava grins.
“Don’t forget the charity event after Thanksgiving in case we don’t have time to go this year,” Riley reminds me.
I pause, swallowing hard. “Lea and One’s?”
“How about we all go, make a thing of it?” Riley chews his lip.
“I can go,” I try to reassure him. “It’s been a year. I’ll be okay.”