Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(51)

“I was checking on her after what went down at the bar. I’m glad she’s going with you to the wedding. I think she needs to get away for a few days. It’ll do her some good.”

“Yeah. It’ll be a fun wedding, too. You know Dilly doesn’t do anything simple. But I think Lila’s doing really well, Trav. You worry too much. That girl has got her shit together.”

“I don’t doubt that. Hell, I’m so fucking proud of her. They’re building a whole fucking team around her at True Solutions. She just graduated from college. That’s how much faith they have in her. That’s not what I worry about. I know she’s amazing.”

“What are you worried about?” I cleared my throat, guilt sinking in that he knew how I felt about her. Knew I was struggling.

“Kline fucking Barley. I guess Shay told her about a coworker she wanted to set her up with, and Lila shut her down. Said she was into someone else. That’s not good, dude. I’ve already got to worry about my father guilting her into staying. I don’t need her falling for some weak fucker who will derail her.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I’m so stressed out about this baby. About being a new dad and fucking things up. I just need Lila to be okay, you know? And now, she’s all hung up on getting Dad into this program. You and I both know it’ll be a waste of money. I just don’t know how to protect her anymore.”

I came around the bar and pulled up the stool next to him. “Maybe you don’t need to. Lila’s got a good head on her shoulders. If she likes Kline, you need to trust her.” Obviously, I knew it wasn’t Kline she was talking about, but I sure as shit wasn’t about to go there right now. “If she wants to help your father, let her do it. If he fails, she’ll stop trying at some point. You can’t control the whole world, brother. Life doesn’t work that way.”

“It’s worked pretty well for me for a long time.” He chuckled. “And what happens if she really falls for this dude? She stays here with a guy who isn’t good enough for her and spends her life trying to fix our father? No. She thrived in Chicago because she wasn’t burdened by the drama of our family. By our past. She got her fresh start far away from here, and I want that for her. That’s why I’m so grateful that she has you. I’m so distracted with work and Shay and the baby, and I’m slipping, dude. So, thank you for stepping up for Lila. You are my brother in every way.”

He clapped me on the shoulder, and guilt coursed my veins.

“Always. But I’m telling you, you’re overthinking this shit. Maybe you should go with her to check out that facility. She’s getting him in soon, and it might be nice for her to have your support.”

His face hardened. “No. I won’t get behind that. He’s going to fail, just like he always does. I’m not buying into Lila’s fantasy about saving a man who’s beyond saving. I can’t do it, Hugh.”

I nodded. I knew I wasn’t going to change his mind on this one. He had his reasons. “I get it. Don’t worry about it. I’ll be there for her. You focus on Shay and the baby. I convinced her to go see my mom at her office. Maybe that’ll help her through all this, regardless the outcome with your dad.”

“That’s fucking amazing. Yeah, that’ll be great. She’s got a lot of shit buried in there, and she clearly doesn’t want to deal with it, because if she did, I don’t think she’d be so quick to help him. Thanks for pushing her to do that. I owe you.”

“You owe me nothing. My mom was thrilled, and she’s damn good at her job, so that’ll be a good support.”

“Yeah. I totally agree. Do you know how she’s paying for this program? I assume they must do loans at this place?”

I wasn’t going to tell him about the car. He’d lose his shit. This wasn’t my story to tell, and I’d taken care of the situation anyway. “I don’t know. She hasn’t said anything about it, just that she has it covered.”

“I can’t let her go into debt over this, man.” Anger and stress radiated from his shoulders.

“Trav, listen. Have you ever considered the idea that Lila could be right? He’s never had treatment. What if this program actually works? Wouldn’t it be worth it then?”

His gaze searched mine, and he shook his head. “No. My father died in the accident that took my mother’s life. That’s the day he gave up on his family. That’s the day my childhood ended.”

“I understand your anger. I really do. But Lila did her research. She came home with a plan, and she’s probably the smartest person I know. So just have a little faith in her.”

“It makes me crazy that she’s doing this, but I also hate that every time I see her, I’m an asshole.” He shrugged. “I guess I could support her without supporting the idea of getting him help. I should stop busting her balls and enjoy this time with her being home.”

“That’s a good plan. She’s not changing her mind on this, so you may as well get on board as best you can. Spend some time with her without riding her ass so much.”

“Yep. I can do that. Damn, dude. You’re like your mom with this therapy shit,” he said, as the door swung open, and Kline made his way inside and glanced over at us. His shoulders stiffened a little when he saw Travis, but he played it off well.