Page 4 of Finding Redemption

“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.”