Page 77 of His Other Half

Cami yawned. "I'll make dinner for both of us the next time you have a night alone."

She smiled. They had a good friendship.

Cami never pried, asking questions about her life on the reservation. She was thankful for that. In return, she tried to support her friend and not ask questions about the baby's father. It was none of her business. She was proud of Cami for how strong she became when it was needed.

A knock came at the door. She looked at Cami, who widened her eyes. No one ever came to the door. Even the Tarkio members who stayed when Paco wasn't around always kept their distance.

"I'll see where Whip is?" she whispered.

She went to the window and looked outside. Whip's motorcycle was still parked at the curb, but the biker wasn't in view.

"I don't see him." She turned to Cami. "Do you think it's him?"

Cami got up and joined her by the door. "Maybe he has to use the bathroom."

"Maybe." She grabbed the knife off of the arm of the couch and caught Cami's look of surprise. "Just being safe."

She put her ear to the door. "Who is it?"

"It's Whip."

She exhaled in a rush and unlocked the door. Glad it was one of the bikers, she motioned him in.

Whip stayed outside. "Has Paco called you?"

"No, I haven't heard from him." Concerned, she stepped closer. "I figured he was working for Tarkio, and that's why he hasn't come here."

Whip looked out to the street. "Just checking. Priest stopped and wanted me to ask."

She glanced at Cami and frowned. The president of the motorcycle club hadn't heard from Paco?

"If you hear from him, flash your porch light," said Whip.

She nodded. "Okay."

Closing the door, she stayed standing in the same spot. Sick to her stomach, she was afraid to voice her fear.

"That was strange," said Cami.

Considering that was the first time a Tarkio member asked her where Paco was, she worried. There were many times she'd asked whoever was outside guarding the apartments if they'd heard from Paco, and the member usually knew he was busy. It never answered her question, but it comforted her knowing others were aware of what he was doing.

"Maybe he's riding and got stuck behind traffic." She walked to the kitchen and started cleaning up from dinner.

Cami passed her the dirty dishes. They worked in silence, cleaning, and putting away the dishes.

"I'm sorry he didn't come for dinner." Cami hugged her. "But I'm glad you invited me."

"I'm glad I have you in my life." She squeezed her back.

Cami yawned and laughed to cover the noise. "Your food makes me tired."

She smiled. "Momma needs her bed."

"I think that's what I'll do." Cami gathered the container of leftovers. "I hope you get some sleep tonight."

"Me, too. At least I don't have to get up with the alarm in the morning." She walked Cami to the door. "I'll watch while you unlock your door."

Once Cami was tucked into her apartment, she went inside her place. Since Paco wasn't here, she stripped down and put her nightgown on. On the bed, she grabbed her journal. She'd tried to stop writing since Paco read the whole thing, but a couple times a week, usually when Paco was away, she found herself pouring out her heart.