“What he said,” Raoul added. “Except it’s Pia, not Larissa.”
In a matter of minutes, they were all gone. Kipling stood by the bar and wondered what the hell had just happened. Two days ago he’d totally screwed things up with Destiny, and now this?
Nick walked in from the back, his expression sympathetic.
“I take it you heard them,” Kipling muttered.
“Enough.”
“I thought we were doing something here. How’s the business doing, anyway?”
“Receipts are down. The tourist trade is steady, but it’s not enough. This isn’t exactly a place to bring the kids, and the majority of folks coming to town have families. So we need the locals to survive. If the women tell their husbands to boycott, we’re screwed.”
“You’ve lived here all your life. Any suggestions?”
“Talk to Jo.”
Kipling had already figured out he was going to have to. “And say what?”
“I don’t know. She’s a woman. Apologize.”
“That is not happening.” He thought about putting his fist through the bar, only the bar was solid wood. So it would win.
“I’m not the bad guy in all this,” he told Nick, only to remember the look in Starr’s eyes when he’d been unable to say he loved her sister. Because while thinking about that was hell, it was still easier than thinking about how he’d hurt Destiny.
“You’re not,” Nick agreed. “But you still have to fix it. Or we’re going to have to close.”
* * *
KIPLING WALKED TOWARD Jo’s Bar via his sister’s bakery. He wasn’t sure what to think about what had just happened, let alone what he was supposed to say to the mysterious and powerful Jo. He figured Shelby might be able to offer advice.
When he got to the bakery, the teen at the counter waved him toward the back. He found Shelby standing over a couple dozen unfrosted cupcakes. But instead of smoothing on toppings, she was staring at the far wall. Her shoulders were slumped, her expression sad.
“What?” he said, concerned. “Tell me what’s happened.”
She jumped, as if he’d startled her, then she wiped her cheeks and shook her head.
“Sorry, big brother. There are problems you can’t fix.”
“I can fix this one.”
“I doubt it.”
“Tell me.”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s about my love life. Or lack thereof. Men are jerks, someone hurt my feelings and then he left town. Before you ask, no, you can’t fix it.” She gave him a shaky smile. “I love you like a brother, and you have to let this go.”
He glared at her. “Tell me.”
“No. I was seeing someone who was seeing a bunch of other women at the same time, and now he’s gone. It’s for the best. I’ll move on. I’ll find the right guy.”
Kipling was at her side in a heartbeat. “Did he—”
The sadness fled as tenderness filled her eyes. She hugged him.
“No,” she whispered. “He never hit me.” She straightened and touched his face. “Kipling, not all guys are like our dad. Some are jerks with their words and actions, not their fists. You can’t protect me from everything. I appreciate that you try, but please, let this go. I’m okay. Or I will be. It’s a good lesson. I need to stop falling for flashy, charming men. I need to find someone solid, who will love me for me.”
“Someone sensible?” he asked, thinking of Destiny and her ridiculous plan. She didn’t want love. She’d been clear on that. No strong emotions for her. So she should be happy that he wasn’t in love with her. Only she hadn’t looked happy, and in the past two days, she hadn’t taken any of his calls.
“Not exactly sensible,” Shelby admitted with a smile. “I want something more romantic than that. But someone steady. Someone I can depend on.” Her smile widened. “Who isn’t my brother. This isn’t something you can—or should—fix. Not every problem has a solution. Just let me heal and get on with my life.”
“That’s a clear message.”
“Good. What’s going on with you?”
“Not much.”
“How’s Destiny?”
“Great.”
“I’m glad you two are together. She’s so right for you.”
An unexpected statement. “How do you figure?”
“Because she’s caring, and you need someone to look out for you. Her family is a little wild, which means there will always be a crisis, and you like to take care of people. You have the same world view.” She laughed. “I don’t know. You fit. I like seeing the two of you together.”
Kipling kissed her forehead. “Thanks, kid. I’ll see you soon. Let me know if you need my help.”
“Always.”
He left. Shelby’s words echoed in his head.
He’d thought he’d slept with Destiny because she was hot and that he’d married her because she got pregnant. Was there more to it than that? Shelby’s description of their relationship made him wonder if there was more going on than he’d realized. But first he had to see a woman about her bar.
* * *
“LET ME KNOW when you want to hike in, and I’ll come with you,” Cassidy said.
“It’s not your responsibility,” Destiny told her then looked back at the screen.