“Good,cara.”
“Don’t miss me too much,” I say to both Val and London, blowing them a kiss and not missing Val’s mock gag.
“Yeah, we’re gonna sit here and talk about you andonlyyou, Luc.Not my business, or our work—you know, that thing that puts food on my table,” my sister throws back at me.
“Suuure.”I wink and give them a wave before following Rhodes and Jake behind the red curtain.
Fifteen minutes later, I’m wearing a white button-down and tuxedo pants that are long enough for my six-foot-two height, but that could definitely do with a bit of a nip and tuck in all the right places.
London and Val’s eyes scan over us as we step out one by one.
“God, it’s like we’ve been transported to a Vegas strip revue,” Val says.“Not that Ieverwant to see my brothers naked, but all of you standing there like that?I’m just waiting for ‘Leave Your Hat On’ to start blaring from the speakers.”My sister’s eyes light up as she turns to Lonnie.“Actually, we should totally do that?”
London frowns, as if she’s struggling to keep up with Val’s train of thought.“Do what?”
“The next girls’ night.We should all go to a strip club.There’s that cool one downtown ...I’ve forgotten the name.”
“The Pink Monkey?”Gio says.
Val’s eyes light up.“Yes!That’s the one.What do you say, Lonnie?Tomorrow night.You keen?”
“I can’t make tomorrow but next time, definitely.”London’s gaze slides to me before cutting back to my sister when I catch her looking.
“Got a hot date, London?”Rhodes asks.
Val’s eyes widen as she and Lonnie exchange some weird unspoken conversation.What the fuck is going on?
“Nah,” my best friend replies.“I’ve just got plans.You know, to catch up on stuff sincethatone is working and won’t need me.”
I chuckle when she jerks her head my way.“Hey, you’re my girl.I can’t help that I’msomuch fun to be around.”
“Are we just going to stand here in monkey suits all day?”Jake asks, changing the subject.
I chuckle and look to London, who’s laughing along with my sister.For some reason, I watch her, waiting for her to look my way again.I want to see what she really thinks of my suit—well, in its current form, anyway.
What we have is good—really good.She just gets me, and I’d like to think I get her, and I’m grateful that nothing changed between us after that unexpected kiss six months ago.
“So, what do you think?Am I going to outshine the bride?”I ask, stepping forward and giving a slow twirl as a slow-growing smile transforms her lips.
“Hmm.”She rubs her chin and looks me up and down.“I think you’ll definitely be the best-dressed best man ...”
I throw one arm out in front of me and fold the other over my waist before performing a bow.“That’s why they say I’m the best-looking Rossi brother.”
“Since when?”Marco says.
“Yeah, right!”Gio scoffs.
“Age before beauty, son,” mydadreplies.My head snaps his way.
“Dad, you’re supposed to have my back here.”
His wise hazel eyes crinkle at the sides.“I have five children,caro.I’m also married to your mama.So I know what side my bread is buttered on, and I know thatallof my children are good-looking, and I love you all equally.”
“Forever the democrat, Mr.Rossi.I approve,” Rhodes says with amusement.
“Well, I for one don’t care what any of you say.I’mrockingthis suit,” Jake announces, plucking at the lapels of his jacket.“I’ll be king of the dance floor and surrounded by all the women in this get-up.”
“Jake ...”Rhodes warns, his lips twitching.