Chapter 5 #2
“God help you, man.” I chuckle as I walk toward the deck.
“Tell me about it.” Riley rolls his eyes.
“You love it.” Ava giggles.
“Damn straight.” He pauses, kissing her before continuing to follow me outside.
I set the plate down when Riley hands over my beer and opens the grill. “Y’all okay?”
Riley frowns, twisting his mouth to the side. “That obvious?”
“Little bit.” I pop the top on my cold brew. “She gettin’ cold feet?”
His head snaps up, eyes locking on mine. “Fuck no. What the hell?”
I shrug, throwing my hands up. “I’m just asking. What am I supposed to think?”
“Not that, motherfucker.” He’s angry as hell. I’m not sure with who, though.
“Well, then what is it?” I stare at him.
He shakes his head. “I can’t say right now, but it’s gonna be fine.”
He doesn’t look like it is. “All right. Get a move on. I’m starving.”
“Me too,” Andi says. Riley glances at her and then at me. I’m positive he’s thinking what I am… fuck. Wonder how long she’s been there? “I’m ready to play this game,” she chirps.
I grab her, pulling her down beside me. “I bet your poppa’ll get it first.” I tickle her side.
She giggles. “I think so too.”
A knock at the door draws my attention as Mom and Dad join us for dinner.
Our mom, Cynthia, is as stunning as ever; her brown hair falls over her shoulder.
Our dad, Ian, follows closely behind her, looking more like our brother than our father.
Our parents are aging well. A shower approaches, squashing our picnic plans, so we gather around the dining room table.
“Hello, sweetheart. How are you?” my mom greets me with a tender kiss.
“I’m good, Mom.” I wrap my arms around her.
“You should visit.” My father gives me a once-over. I’m sure that won’t be his only advice for the night.
“I promise, I will as soon as I get settled.” I hold my mom’s chair for her. “I need to move on Lachlan’s case and then I’ll have some free time.”
“Are you sure that’s who you’re wanting to make moves on with that case?” Riley snickers, earning an elbow from Ava and a snarl from me.
“I’m positive,” I growl.
“Ummm, okay,” he says, chuckling. I narrow my eyes at him, making him respond with his hands in the air.
“What’s Riley referring to?” our dad asks, giving me a death glare.
“Nothing. I have it under control,” I answer flatly.
“A girl. From what I hear, she’s breathtaking.” Ava smiles.
“And a ball buster,” Riley snickers.
“Riley Ivan, watch your mouth with the baby here,” our mother scolds, much to my delight.
“All right, people. The baby wants to play her new game. Let’s eat,” Andi announces.
“Andi Jo!” Ava chastises her. “Enough being rude, young lady.”
“Yes, Momma.” I wait a moment before scooting her close as we eat. Yeah, I’ve got to stop spoiling her before she gets in trouble for being headstrong. Like her mom.
We finish our meal, and I help Riley clear the table. Ava helps Andi into a shirt she can play in.
“Hey, sis. Grab me a shirt too, please,” I yell up the stairs. “I didn’t think about bringing another one.”
“Why do you need one?” our mom asks curiously.
“You’re about to learn.” Riley laughs.
“I don’t think I’m going to play,” our father says.
“Grandfather, we’re all playing.” Andi slides in beside him. “Please?” She bats her lashes.
“Of course, we’re all playing.” He pulls her tight against his side.
Two hours and a few cans of whipped cream later, we’ve all had pie in the face and Andi lays passed out on the couch. “She’s a sticky mess. Look at her hair.” Ava’s eyes bulge at the hair plastered on her daughter’s face.
I can’t help my smile. She’s perfect. “I’ll carry her up. You want to try to wash her face off?”
“Yeah, I’ll get a warm washcloth and a clean nightie,” Ava replies.
“Oh, you kids go on. We’ve got her.” Mom shoos us with her hands.
“We’ve cleaned many sleepy faces. Sallie’s was always the worst with her hair just like Andi’s.” Dad’s face lights up as he remembers our sister.
“Hurry it up. We’ll get her to bed.” Mom stands, walking toward the stairs as our dad makes his way over to the couch where Sleeping Beauty lay.
“Where are we going?” Ava asks, standing. “Should I change?”
“Maybe the little silver dress, please?” Riley stares her in the eyes as some unspoken word is passed between them.
“I’m not sure you deserve that dress.” She leans in, nose-to-nose with him.
“I’ll be sure I rectify that situation before the night is over.” He brushes his lips against hers, and I turn my head. These two could make a hooker blush.
“Damn, come on.” I make a gagging sound, and they laugh.
A few minutes later, Ava saunters down the stairs looking as beautiful as ever. And Riley’s face tells the story of falling in love with her. “We’re leaving. Walker’s staying here tonight. Thanks!” Riley takes Ava by the hand, leading her to the door.
“Bye, y’all.” I kiss our mom’s cheek. “Love you.”
She grabs my hand, touching my face with the other. “Love you, sweet boy.” Leave it to my mom to make me tear up. I offer a tight smile and join Riley and Ava.
“Where to?” Ava asks as she slides behind the wheel.
“The Bowery?” Riley suggests.
“Sounds good. I’m ready for a drink.”