Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(28)

“That’s on him, not me. And who the fuck is paying for it? Come on, Lila. How many times can this man let you down?” he hissed.

“Apparently, one more, because I’m not giving up on him.”

“No. We’re not doing this. I’m not spending a penny to help a man who won’t help himself.”

“I’m not asking you to pay for it. They have financing. I have a few ideas for how to cover the cost. I’m just asking you to come with me.”

He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I have to work Saturday. Let’s do it another time.”

I knew what he was doing. He was hoping I’d give up. But he was betting on the wrong horse because that wasn’t going to happen. I didn’t give up on people.

That was Travis’s MO. I didn’t fault him for it, but I didn’t appreciate him faulting me for wanting to try.

For caring.

“What if I go with her?” Hugh said, catching us both off guard.

Travis studied him and then nodded. “Fine. Hugh can talk some sense into you. Thanks, brother.”

“Of course,” he said, just as Danielle came over to hand Travis his bag of to-go food. He thanked her as she hurried back to the kitchen, and he turned back to me.

“Don’t be pissed at me. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.” My brother kissed the top of my head before fist-bumping Hugh. “Thanks, dude. I’ll call you later.”

He walked out of the restaurant, and I shook my head.

“Why is he such a jerk sometimes?” I asked as Hugh’s gaze searched mine.

“He’s only this way with you, and you know why, Snow. It doesn’t make it right, but he obviously has his reasons.”

“I got sick as a kid and ended up in the hospital. Dad checked out as a parent for far too long. I get it. People make mistakes. Can you imagine being judged your entire life by your worst moment? The man lost his wife. He spiraled. If I can forgive him, why can’t Travis?” We were standing near the bar, and I glanced around to make sure no one was listening.

“It’s more than that. It was the neglect that led to you getting so sick and then you two being separated for a few weeks after all of that went down. He changed after that, you know? He swore he’d protect you, and he’s held himself to it.” Hugh ran a hand down his face as if he was torn between defending his best friend and being rational.

I understood Travis wanting to protect me, but he was punishing me now, too. Pushing me away from my home and the people I loved. The home I loved. A father that I loved.

“Trust me. I lived it. I remember. But I’ve moved on. And I think he’s pushing me away because it’s easier for him when I’m not here.” I looked away and shook my head. “Yet, I live in one of the most dangerous cities in the US, and he’s fine with it. He’s only got a problem with me being here. He can’t stand the idea that I still love our father.”

“Hey, I’ll talk to him, all right? I’m having lunch with him and Brax tomorrow.”

I glanced down at my phone and noticed the time. “Thanks, Bear. I’ve got to go meet Kline for dinner now.”

“He’s not picking you up?”

“No. I said I preferred to walk. We’re just going to Anders Steakhouse, and then I’ll be home after. You got a hot date tonight?” I asked, all while holding my breath as I waited for him to respond. We were spending a lot of time together, and the thought of him out with a woman bothered me. I knew it shouldn’t. Hell, I was going on a date, even if I didn’t feel like going.

“I’m having dinner with my dad, Cage, and Finn tonight. It’s our monthly Reynolds boys’ night out.” He chuckled. “Call me if you need a ride, all right?”

There was something in his gaze that I couldn’t place. Was he upset that I was going out with Kline? Or was I reading into it because a part of me wanted him to be bothered by it?

“Thanks. I’ll be fine.” I held up my hand and waved before heading out the door. I was in a foul mood after my conversation with Travis. I needed to shake it off.

Anders Steakhouse was only a block away, and the breeze from the water moved around me as I breathed in the ocean air. I loved it here. Sure, there were some hard memories, but Cottonwood Cove was home.

Kline was standing outside the restaurant when I came around the corner, and his face lit up when he saw me. “I wish you would have let me pick you up. I feel like a douchebag meeting you here.”

I chuckled as he wrapped his arms around me for a quick hug. “I came from work, and it was a block away. I do have my own car, by the way, but I like walking.”

He nodded and held the door open for me as we stepped inside. I didn’t recognize the hostess, but she greeted us with a warm hello and led us to our table in the back.

“Lila James? Is that you?” It was Marilee Compton, Drew’s mother, waving me over like we were old friends. We weren’t. She’d been one of the people who had spread a lot of rumors about my father around town, and I’d never liked her. And the apple didn’t fall far from the tree with her daughter. Her husband smiled and held up his hand.

“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Compton. It’s nice to see you.”

“I didn’t know you were back in town. Drew didn’t mention it,” she said on a gasp, like it was shocking news. Me and Drew weren’t friends, so I wasn’t sure why she thought her daughter would know I was home or why she’d care.