Page 28 of Cru's Crush

I cringed. The caves were where Trevino was attacked, and it was where he always went first when he came on the property.

Once on the road, I drove in the opposite direction of Moonstone Beach and headed into the historic part of Paso Robles. My gut ached and my shoulders were tense ever since I left Daphne at the diner. I was supposed to be watching over her, protecting her, and keeping her safe. I just prayed she kept her promise and stayed with my sister or her parents.

“Joe’s or Cowgirl’s?” I asked once I found a place in town to park. Either one was fine with me. They bothhad good food, although neither was as good as the Olallieberry Diner.

“Cowgirl’s,” said Trev.

“Dad liked Joe’s better,”he mentioned when we walked into the other place.

“Was Cowgirl’s even open before he died?”

He shrugged. “Probably not.”

We were seated and had ordered breakfast when I told Trevino that Brix and Addy had left that morning.

“He messaged, and I saw them earlier.”

“I’m really glad, Bit.”

He nodded. “I hung out with Snapper and Kick a couple of weeks ago too. They won big at NFR.”

“Cool.” I hadn’t even known that. National Finals Rodeo took place in mid-December. I saw my two youngest brothers at Christmas, and they hadn’t mentioned how they did.

“I saw Cris too.”

“Sounds like you’re making the rounds, bro. Anything up?”

“I’m leaving California.” His words were like a punch to my gut, unless he was headed to Mexico.

“Where to?” I asked.

“Don’t know yet.”

“Have you seen Uncle Tryst?”

“Might go there first.”

The waitress brought our food faster than it seemed they could cook it.

“You should, Bit. I’m sure Brix could use some help on his house.”

He didn’t say much else until he finished eating. “Brix said you’re bringing Daphne on to take over the second label.”

“That’s right.”

Trevino pulled out his wallet, threw some cash on the table, and stood.

“Ready to go?” I asked.

“If you are.”

I wasn’t, but I could get the rest of my food to go. I signaled the waitress, who brought a box over.

We droveto the ranch in silence. I figured my brother had said everything he wanted to already and didn’t press for more.

“Do you want me to drop you at the caves, or are you sticking around?”

“Are you moving out of the guest cottage?”