wondered if Curley ever had a desire for children. He was older than her and must've gone through a phase in his life when he'd thought about having a family. She swallowed. Maybe she had stopped him. He hadn't planned on claiming her, and once he had, he wouldn't walk away. Tarkio members had a process to go through, from what she knew about their laws about common-law marriages. Splitting up with an outsider was easy, but if the relationship involved a daughter, wife, or relative of another Tarkio member, they had to go in front of the table and state their intent.
At least that's how Uncle Walker had once explained it to her.
"As for Curley's reasons for sending you here, I honestly don't know. I would tell you if I did know. Curley did have Rick tell me to ask you. You know me, the more people at the house, the better. Everyone is welcome. I love having you here, so I jumped at the chance."
"I'm glad you did." She put her cheek on her knees. "I'll ask him when he gets back. It's probably nothing."
"Yeah, he could've just been trying to do something nice and give you time with an old friend," said Tracy.
"Curley? Nice?" She snorted, then grinned. "No, I hear you. He is nice. A lot nicer than in the past...what? Six years?"
"Stop." Tracy shook her head in amusement. "He is nice to me, so I'm biased. But, seriously, you guys seem like you're getting along. You were all up in each other's business at the clubhouse the other night."
Her stomach fluttered, remembering what they'd done afterward at Curley's house, out in the field.
"We're doing so much better. It's like everything is new and exciting. It's what I didn't get back when I was seventeen years old." She leaned over and put her head on Tracy's shoulder. "You and Rick give me something to strive for. I love how you're so happy, and you have a beautiful family to love. I can't imagine how happy you are."
The front door opened. "Tracy?"
"Yeah?" Tracy straightened and looked over her shoulder. "Do the kids need me?"
"They went right to sleep." He stepped outside and caressed the back of Tracy's head. "Curley called. He's hung up at the clubhouse and wanted Faye to know she can go home, and he'll meet her there in an hour."
"I take it, he means his house," said Faye.
"I assumed that." Rick stayed at the door. "Let me know when you're ready, and I'll escort you."
"No, need. It only takes a few minutes, and I'm going right there."
"Sure?"
She smiled at Tracy's husband as she stood. "Positive. I'll just tiptoe inside and get my bag, and you guys will hopefully have two minutes to yourself while the kids nap."
Tracy laughed. "Don't count on it."
She gathered her belongings and quietly left the house. After giving Tracy a hug and smiling at Rick, she got in her car, excited to see Curley. A week was too long to be apart. She almost wished it wasn't a work night, and they could stay home. But at least he'd be at Promise with her.
While each night, more customers came to have a drink or two, business remained intimate and quiet compared to her previous work. The Tarkio members went from clubhouse to Promise, always checking in. Luckily, the low overhead expenses got paid, but she knew they'd need to expand if Curley ever thought he'd make a living from the bar.
A red light flashed on the dash of the car. She groaned. Paco had already fixed the oil problem. What could be wrong now?
Rounding the corner, she peered ahead, hoping to see Curley's Harley parked in the driveway. Instead, she found a maroon car parked in his spot. She slowed down. The vehicle looked familiar, though she couldn't place who it belonged to. Probably one of the Tarkio members vehicles.
She pulled in beside the car. Picking up her bag, she got out and peered into the other vehicle. Since staying with Curley, Tarkio members hadn't entered the house without him, but the seat was empty. Maybe Curley told whoever it was to go inside and wait.
Carrying her keys, she walked to the front door and tried the handle. It was locked.
She glanced back to the driveway. It must be a Tarkio member's car, and they took off. Maybe whoever it was had to meet them at the clubhouse.
Unlocking the door, she stepped inside when she heard her name called. She