One cop handcuffed Trip while another tended to Mason’s injuries. A wave of relief washed through him when Mason stood up despite the pummeling he’d endured. In a matter of minutes, Trip had physically beaten his brother, and inflicted damage far worse on Kelsey.
Shame and guilt converged with all the tequila he’d drunk and, before he could stop himself, he threw up next to the police car.
The cop dabbed his chin with a handful of wadded-up tissues and tossed Trip’s hat in the back of the car. “At least you’ll have time to sober up in the tank.”
The cop then guided Trip into the backseat. The last thing Trip noticed as the car pulled away was Kelsey walking alone on the sidewalk, crying.
Chapter Eleven
“I hope you feel as lousy as you look.” Grey shook his head as he strode out of the jailhouse ahead of Trip. “Honestly, Trip. Kelsey? I begged you to stay away from Avery’s friends. Instead, you ignore me and throw me under the bus with the Boomerang thing.”
“Sorry.” Trip tucked his hands in his jacket pockets and tipped his hat forward to shield his eyes from the sunlight’s sting. If only the dusty streets had been this empty last night, things would look a little better for him this morning.
Grey stooped over to untie his golden lab, Shaman, from the public bench, then glanced up over his shoulder and sighed. “What are you, twelve? Sorry’s all you’ve got to say?”
Grey had been a good friend—Trip hated having disappointed and deceived him.
“What else should I say?” Trip cleared his throat, wishing for some water and ibuprofen. “Can’t change the past, but I’ll pay you back the bail money.”
Shaman trotted over and sniffed around Trip’s boots, then wandered ahead of the two men toward an elderly couple strolling out of Higher Grounds coffee shop. The woman’s crinkly eyes radiated warmth as she bent down to pet Shaman, her husband lovingly supporting her by holding her elbow. Trip found himself rubbing his chest, as if struck by the tender scene.
“You know I don’t give a shit about the bail money. I’m concerned about Avery and our business. Not that you remember, but you were supposed to take a group climbing today.” When Trip winced, Grey waved him off. “I already called them and offered a major discount to reschedule. I just hope your arrest doesn’t cost us clients. What’s your plan if your brother presses charges?” Grey tipped his head sideways and scanned Trip’s face. “Doesn’t look like the guy landed a single punch. You must’ve really kicked the shit out of him.”
“Don’t remind me.” Trip rubbed his face with his hands and looked east, toward Kelsey’s condo. “I’ll make some kind of public apology and do community service work to clean up my image. But first I need to take care of something.”
Grey followed Trip’s gaze and then shook his head. “I think you should leave Kelsey alone today. According to Avery, she doesn’t want anything to do with you right now.” He whistled for Shaman, who trotted back to them. “The girls leave for Mexico on Friday, which gives everyone time to cool down. Wait until they get back before you go talk to her.”
“Can’t do that. You didn’t see her face last night. I have to talk to her today.”
Grey stuck his hand out, stopping Trip’s progression. “I’m serious, Trip. She’s not in the mood to hear you right now.”
“I’m gonna do what I’m gonna do, and you can’t stop me.” He very deliberately removed Grey’s hand from his chest. “I don’t want to fight with you, too.”
“Wow.” Grey’s brows rose and then he narrowed his gaze. “Answer me this: is Kelsey the reason you’ve been so moody lately? Are you in love with her or something?”
Trip wasn’t going to talk about Kelsey with Grey or anyone else. How could he when he didn’t even know how he felt? “I haven’t been moody. I’ve been busy trying to stop that land deal, cope with my dad’s heart attack, and come to terms with the fact that my brother’s living in town.”
“Last night Kelsey told Avery a little about your family. Given how you overreacted, I’m guessing there’s a lot more history there. How come you told Kelsey about it, but you’ve never talked to me?”
“You know I’m not one for heart-to-hearts, Grey. For the most part, I’ve put my past behind me.” Trip held up a finger. “I opened up to Kelsey a little the first night my brother blindsided me by showing up at our office. If I’d mentioned his name, he couldn’t have duped her. I was stupid, but I won’t make that same mistake again.”