Page 83 of His Old Lady

Chapter 29

Faye

Paco pushed throughthe door of Promise, followed by Whip. Faye set down the empty tray and hurried across the room, almost bumping into Roddy. She'd already asked the other Tarkio members where Curley had gone, and nobody knew or wouldn't tell her.

She'd expected him back in time to open Promise. When he hadn't shown up, she'd started to worry. He'd acted strange when he'd left.

"Have you seen or heard from Curley?" She walked backward as they continued toward the back of the bar.

"Isn't he here?" Paco looked around.

She moved out of their way. "No, he never showed up."

"He's probably doing something for Priest." Whip pulled the leather strip out of his hair. "I wouldn't worry about him."

That was easy for him to say. He wasn't the one who'd kissed Curley goodbye and received an unresponsive kiss back. Their last conversation fresh on her mind, she wondered if she'd said something wrong. He seemed tense and irritated with her over talking about their past.

Lately, she'd had the feeling he'd finally gotten over how their relationship had started. That he'd finally forgiven her, or maybe forgiven himself.

But this morning, he'd shut down. She could physically feel him pulling away from her.

More customers came in. "If you hear from him, tell him I'm looking for him, please."

She hurried to get the orders from the newcomers and welcomed them to Promise. Hammer worked behind the counter and filled the mixed drinks for her while she stood by the tap filling a pitcher.

Angela walked behind her. "Any word?"

"No." She set the drinks on the tray as they were slid down to her. "I'm worried."

"He's okay." Angela opened the cooler and took out a bag of ice, dumping it in the bin. "Don't worry until he gives you something to worry about."

"That's dumb advice." She shot a frown at her friend. "I don't think that works when he's a biker."

Her insecurities crept in despite trying hard to believe that he had decided to stay committed to her. That asking her to be in his bed every night would keep him closer to her.

"Have you ever hear back from the insurance company?" Angela dried off her hands.

"I called the agent this afternoon. They're sending out an inspector, even though there is nothing to see."

"They could look at the ground. I watched a television show about how they can test for things like gas and remnants of bombs from the soil," said Angela.

"I don't know what they're going to do. I just want it all to be finished. Until the investigation is over and I can rebuild, I'm out of business."

Angela pouted. "I'm sorry."

"At least I have this job. That'll help."

"Things will work out. If anyone can do it, you can. You're so strong and smart." Angela gave her a quick hug. "You'll figure it out, and if you need anything, you know your friends have your back, right?"

"Thanks. That means a lot to me." She picked up the tray and went out on the floor and served the drinks.

On most days, she would believe Angela. She was proud of how she'd grown the nursery business from the days when Grandma June was in charge, and she looked forward to the future. The fire was a huge setback, and even with Curley finally claiming her the way he'd promised, she felt beaten and unsure.

She looked toward the door, wishing it to open and Curley to walk in. Where could he be?

Banks walked past her. She grabbed his arm. "Uncle? Have you heard—"

"No, honey. Nothing yet." Banks frowned. "Why don't you take a break and try not to worry."

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