Page 41 of I Heard It All Before

“The police!” Cam yelled. “Nah Demi, that’s not how you handle shit like that.”

“Do you see my forehead Camden? They tried to bust my shit wide open. Thank God, I have a few days off. I can’t go back to work looking like this,” Demi argued.

“I know that, but you can’t get the police involved in everything Demi. Sometimes, that just makes shit worse. You’re an attorney. Think of how that would look to your firm,” Cam reminded her.

“I just feel so lost. I don’t know what to do,” Demi sniffled.

“You need to figure out what you’re going to do about a place to stay. I got a spare bedroom, but you might have to box it out with Asha every day,” Cam said, trying to make her laugh. He was happy to see her wipe her eyes and smile a little.

“I wish she wasn’t living there because we would be roommates for real,” Demi noted.

“Girl, don’t make me go put Asha out,” Cam said, making her laugh harder.

“Don’t do that but, if things don’t work out, we’re going apartment hunting together,” Demi replied.

“That’s a bet,” Cam said while bumping fists with her. “But, in the meantime, you need a solid plan.”

“I know and that’s the hardest part. I don’t wanna go by my mama, but I really don’t have a choice right now. She’s gonna flip out when I tell her what happened. One of her worst fears happened tonight. She was always afraid of somebody doing to me what they did to my daddy,” Demi said.

“Maybe you can stay here for a while until you get your own spot. I can help you pay for it,” Cam offered.

Demi was touched by the sweet gesture, but she knew that Cam didn’t have it like that. He was having a hard time with his own bills, so she knew that he couldn’t afford to help her. The fact that he even offered was good enough for her.

“Thanks Cam, but I’m okay. Just you being my friend is good enough for me.” Demi smiled.

“You know I got you,” Cam said while hugging her.

“So, your mystery meeting is tomorrow,” Demi said, moving on to a different topic.

“Yeah and I can’t wait to get it over with. My mama is getting on my damn nerves,” Cam replied.

“It’s probably nothing. We do those newspaper ads all the time, trying to locate people for different reasons. Sometimes, it’s to collect on a bill or for property taxes. The list can go on and on,” Demi said.

“None of that applies to me though. I’m just curious to see what this is all about.”

“I know you are.” Demi yawned.

“Get you some rest Demi. I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know how everything went. Maybe we can still do breakfast, if it’s not too late,” Cam said as he tried to get up.

“Can you wait until I fall asleep? I know you can’t stay all night, but I don’t want to be in here by myself. I’m still shook up from earlier,” Demi said.

“I got you,” Cam said as he pulled her close and rubbed her back.

Cam was tempted to tell her that he was staying, but he didn’t want the drama with Asha. He’d had enough of that over the past few weeks to last him a lifetime. The only time he and Asha got along was in the bedroom. All bets were off other than that.

“Make sure you let me know about your meeting tomorrow,” Demi said groggily.

“I will,” Cam assured her.

He and Demi talked a few minutes longer until she drifted off to sleep. Cam stayed there for a while and watched her sleep, before letting himself out and going home.

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