Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(27)

“I think we could make that work.” I chuckled.

“Thanks. But I don’t mind paying for the cost of the food,” Coach Lewis said, and Hugh shook his head as if it weren’t up for discussion. The older man smiled and nodded before turning his attention to me. “And, of course, the main reason I stopped by is to see if you would come speak to the kids about your journey to being the most decorated runner in the state of California to date, then going off to one of the best universities in the country to get your degree and win a collegiate national title at the same time.” He shook his head and smiled.

The man had always been a huge support to me. He’d pushed me when I’d needed it, and he’d believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

“Of course. I’d be honored to speak to them.” I sighed. I’d missed… this. Being home and seeing people that had been a part of my life for such a long time. I’d been so busy these last few years that I’d forgotten how much I missed home.

“And you sure look good, Lila James. You look… happy. I’m really glad you’re home.”

“Just for the summer. She’s got a big job waiting for her back in Chicago come September. This is just temporary,” Travis said, and it was maybe the hundredth time I’d heard him explain that to anyone and everyone who I’d spoken to around him.

“Well, there are big jobs here, too. You know, if you ever want to be a coach, the kids sure would love it. Having the famed Lila James out there teaching them her secrets, I’d be willing to pass the torch to you any day.” He winked.

Travis’s eyes doubled in size. “I mean, she could go help out until she leaves, but it wouldn’t be long term. She’s got big things to get back to.”

I felt Hugh’s shoulders stiffen from behind me as if even he thought my brother was being a bit much about it. Coach Lewis looked between Travis and me. “I don’t think this is a girl you ever need to worry about, Travis. She’s worked hard her whole life. I think she’s earned the right to choose her own path, don’t you?”

“Hell, yeah. It’s just not going to be here. She’s got so many more opportunities in Chicago.”

“Oh my gosh,” I groaned. “You’re acting like one of those obnoxious, overbearing parents, Trav. People are going to start calling you Karen.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“Dude. You could stop reminding everyone that she’s leaving. We all know. But this town is good enough for everyone you’re talking to, so it might start to rub people the wrong way if you keep insisting that she needs to get the hell out of here,” Hugh said, and he chuckled, but I could tell he was frustrated with Travis, too. We’d been spending a lot of time together, and I was getting pretty good at reading him. And it was nice to have someone on my side when it came to my brother.

“Whatever. Call me Travis, call me Karen, call me fucking overbearing. I want the best for you. End of story. And does Coach Lewis know that you’re going out with that jackass Kline tonight?”

“I don’t know anything about a date, but it’s not really my business, is it?” Coach Lewis said, also appearing annoyed with my brother.

I groaned at the change in topic. “Of course, you don’t know anything about it. You just got here. And I’m not dating Kline. It’s dinner. We work together. We’re friends. Why do you make everything such a big deal?” I shot a hard look at Travis.

“Well, lucky for me, I’ve got Hugh looking out for you, so I don’t need to worry.”

Coach Lewis smiled. “Hugh’s as good as they come. I’d say you’re in good hands. How about you come by the house next week and we can catch up?”

“I’d love that.”

He leaned forward and hugged me. “It’s good to see you, girl. Travis, you can probably tone it down a little with this one. She’s always been able to take care of herself. And I heard Shay’s pregnant, so you’ve got plenty on your own plate.”

“That’s for fucking sure.” Travis ran a hand through his hair before clapping the older man on the shoulder. “It was good to see you, Coach.”

“You, too. Hugh, I’ll shoot you an email with all the details, and I’ll count on seeing both of you at the event?”

“We’ll be there,” I said, before he turned and walked out the door.

“Why are you such an asshole?” I hissed at my brother, and Hugh barked out a laugh.

“What? You’re not going to be a coach at a small-town high school, Lila. You’ve got a job offer at one of the largest Fortune 500 companies in the country. I didn’t want him to get his hopes up.”

“I love you, Trav. But sometimes you just—” I looked away.

“What?”

“Never mind. I wanted to let you know that I’m going to tour Havenwood, that rehab place I told you about on the outskirts of town, on Saturday for Dad. I wanted to see if you’d go with me?”

“You’re serious?”

I felt Hugh’s finger stroke the outside of my hand. It was the slightest movement, but it comforted me. My brother could be a stubborn ass, and it helped to know I had Hugh’s support.

“I’m very serious. Dad is open to it. He needs help, and this place has a great success rate. We’ve never tried anything outside of you getting angry and Dad repeating the same patterns over and over.”