Page 50 of Unbearable

“And you’ve known them all since you joined the military?” I asked.

“Mark and I met in boot camp, and we met Daniel and Nick once we got stationed in Tacoma. But Mark’s been with Daisy since he enlisted.”

“You were in Tacoma? Like Washington?” I almost choked on my food.

“Yes, I was there for six of the eight years I was in. The other two I was in training or deployed,” he said.

“Wow. I didn’t realize you were so close to Seattle when I was there.” I glanced up to see him watching me intently.

He dragged his hand down his face and let out a breath. “Yeah, I wanted to reach out. But it never felt like the right time. Or I just never had the balls, really. I’m sorry, Dotty.”

“We don’t have to hash it out. It’s all good.” I looked down, not able to keep eye contact anymore.

“It’s not though,” he said, his voice gentle.

“Okay, well, it’s fine now. Let’s start fresh and leave the past in the past?” I peered back up, and he smiled at me.

“I can do that.”

The next day, I stepped into the dimly lit cabin when a cloud of dust greeted me. The only time I had to spend on the cabin was after I worked all day. I needed to start ripping out the old fixtures to get ready for the new ones that were being delivered in the next few days. The outdated bathroom vanities and nipple-looking light fixtures had to go.

With headphones in, I decided on a plan, beginningwith the bathroom vanities. I had watched a few DIY videos to prepare. I designed buildings for a living. It couldn’t be that hard to tear them up, right?

A tap on my shoulder startled me, and I jumped, fists raised on reflex. I turned to see a familiar face. Removing my headphones, I rested a hand on my chest.

“Shit, Trent. Maybe announce yourself next time.”

“Um, I did. You couldn’t hear me,” he pointed out, gesturing to my headphones.

“Oh, right. Sorry. What’s up? Why are you here?” I asked, trying to catch my breath.

“Well, you’ve been avoiding me, and I figured you’d be here since you weren’t at the house. Thought you might want some help.”

“I’m not avoiding you,” I scolded, though he wasn’t entirely wrong. I had been trying to see him as little as possible after our moment the other night.

“Uh-huh. Sure.” He smiled.

“I’ve been busy, okay? I’m working remotely now and still trying to fix this place up.” I raised the back of my hand to wipe the sweat off my forehead.

“I know. I came to help. What’s the plan for the evening?” he asked, looking around the space.

Arms crossed, I pointed to the bathroom vanity. “Removing this. The new one arrives in a few days. I also bought one for the other bathroom and plan to switch out the light fixtures.”

“Sounds good. Let’s get to work, then we’ll get some takeout. My treat,” he suggested, his dimple making an appearance.

“Do you think buying me food will get you in my good graces?” I raised my brow.

“Always worked before.” His laugh sent a chill through my body.

“You can be so annoying sometimes.” I shoved his shoulder playfully, and we got to work.

As we tackled the first bathroom vanity, Trent couldn’t resist poking fun as I struggled to lift my side, while he effortlessly handled his.

“You got that? Don’t want to accidentally rip out the plumbing and flood the place.” He cocked his head to the side.

“I know what I’m doing.” I shook my head at him.

“Fair enough. Sorry, I like to tease,” he said, his green eyes glistening.

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