Page 39 of Unbearable

“It was last minute. We finished the roof at Dotty’s cabin today and decided to go out for a drink,” he explained, tapping him on the shoulder.

“Gotcha. How are you settling in, Dotty?” Henry asked.

“Good, thanks. Looks like I’ll be sticking around town through the end of the year now,” I replied with a weak smile.

“That’s great. Ever give more thought to my offer to take you out?” Henry asked, his gaze lingering expectantly on me.

Over the past several years, I kept my distance from anything resembling commitment, preferring the securityof solitude over the unpredictable world of dating. Noah always insisted on findingthe one,while I maintained a more skeptical view, shaped by past disappointments, especially with my most recent ex-boyfriend. Noah always had been a hopeless romantic, where I was a pessimistic realist. We balanced each other out well.

Trent’s expression remained neutral, though I could see the faint tension in his body that he tried to hide away.

Despite my wariness, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was maybe an opportunity worth exploring. Noah was right, at the end of the day. I know I didn’t want to end up single and alone forever, and I had to take the first step at some point.

“Yeah, sure. That sounds nice,” I said.

Henry’s face broke out in a huge grin, and he looked me up and down. “Fantastic! How about Friday? I can get a reservation at the Cove. I can pick you up at seven?”

“How about I meet you there?” I suggested, noticing that Dorian and Colt had returned to the bar, leaving only Trent beside me.

“Sure,” Henry replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. I returned the smile. “Perfect. Chris and I are heading out. Have a good night, Dotty. Trent.” He nodded. Trent nodded and then looked to me, his mouth in a straight, fine line.

“See you guys around,” Chris said, giving a mock solute before walking off with his brother.

As I sipped my drink, I found myself drifting into memories of our youth, reflecting on the days before the complexities of adulthood set in. Even though Trent and I had been distant for years, our friendship once held a closeness that felt miles away now.

The warm summer days, Trent’s infectious energy, andDorian’s steady support all came flooding back, reminding me of the adventures we once shared together.

“Slow down, Trent!” I called out, exasperated, struggling to keep pace with him. The warm summer sun cast a golden glow over the fields outside the ranch house.

But Trent, with his infectious grin and boundless energy, paid no heed. He continued to run ahead, his laughter echoing through the crisp air. Just ahead, Dorian maintained a steady pace, his calm demeanor a reassuring contrast to Trent’s wild exuberance.

As we reached the edge of the fields, I paused, my breath ragged. Trent kept going, undeterred by my hesitation.

“Come on, Dotty!” Trent called back excitedly. “We’re almost there!”

He had been coaxing me to cross the small creek near the ranch house for months. Dorian had taken the leap last week, but I had hesitated, preferring the safety of familiar ground. Now, faced with Trent’s enthusiasm, I hesitated again.

Trent was always eager to explore, while I preferred to stay within my comfort zone, wary of venturing into unknown territory. Dorian, sensing my hesitation, offered reassurance.

“Don’t worry, Dotty,” he said gently. “We’ll take it slow. You set the pace.”

In Trent’s infectious, sometimes reckless, optimism, Dorian’s unwavering support, and my own cautious reserve, we found a delicate balance that shaped our friendship.

“You can do it, Dot. I believe in you.”

I was hesitant, but I took the leap.

Because Trent made me brave.

FOURTEEN

Dotty

SOMETHING IN THE ORANGE - ZACH BRYAN

My fingersrepeatedly traced the soft fabric of my outfit that I had chosen—a simple yet elegant sweater-dress that struck the perfect balance between casual and chic. As I looked in the mirror, the evening ahead felt heavy with uncertainty.

I was preparing for my date with Henry, and despite my best efforts to suppress the rising tide of anxiety, my chest tightened.

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