Camden looked over his shoulder at the kitchen island. “I don’t think so. It’s a little early to do the salad.”

The meat was already soaking in different types of marinade, though. Pork tenderloin, chicken wings, and New York strip. The last one rested mostly in oil, sea salt, beer, and black pepper. Then there was a plate of sausage, burger patties, and lamb kabobs too. August had essentially emptied the fridge and freezer last night.

Camden had provided a list of sides he was going to make that included roasted potatoes, vegetable skewers, coleslaw, steakhouse fries, onion rings, and mac and cheese.

Not for the first time around these two, I felt a bit useless. I’d insisted August take my credit card before going to the store, to which he’d raised a brow, then chuckled and walked off.

If they ever did come visit me in New York, I was going to up my game.

“Look at that fuckin’ tan!” Nicky exclaimed, right after stepping off the bus.

I grinned and walked over to him. Growing up, Pop always called us Irish in the winter and Italian in the summer. My lily-white ass had just gotten a head start this year.

“Welcome to the South, bambino.” I gave him a hug and watched the others get off the bus too.

Eight members of our gospel choir from back home, including Maria, Matthew, Sylvia, and Luiz. Then Chris, Nicky’s friend and our bass player. They didn’t look very tired at all. I assumed they’d gotten at least some rest and freshened up at their hotel.

“Papi!” Maria beamed at me and ran into my arms, and I hugged her tightly. I had over a decade on the girl, but she would always be the mother in our group. I’d say she and Matthew were the most influential members of the choir, and I was happy they’d both signed up to be part of our gig.

Matt and I had gone to high school together, so it was nice to have a buddy around too.

“What a beautiful place,” Gideon commented as he took in his surroundings. He was usually sporting a bespoke suit, so it was nice to see Nicky had convinced him to go casual. Well, casual for him. The dress pants were probably still tailored to fit him perfectly, but the fitted pullover brought him out of the boardroom.

“Let’s go inside,” I said. “I’ll introduce ya’s to August and Camden.”

“Fuck yeah, you will,” Nicky replied slyly.

“I’ll introduce you last, punk,” I told him.

He didn’t say anything at first. He just walked over to me and gripped the back of my belt and—what the fuck?

“The fuck’re you doin’?” I frowned, smacking away his hand. Why was my kid brother tryna see my ass?

“No tan lines! That’s what’s up.” Nicky smirked.