Page 10 of Undone

“Nice to meet you,” John said, but his tone didn’t match his words.

“Likewise,” Dorian said, his gaze hardening. There was no trace of the easygoing smile from yesterday—only the edge of a silent challenge in his eyes.

John’s gaze swept over my outfit. “Didn’t mean to make you go through all that trouble,” he said, his voice flat. “I was thinking we’d keep it low-key tonight. I’m wiped from the week and just want to go home and crash.”

I sucked in a breath. “Okay, that’s fine. I’ll go change and grab a bag for tonight,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

John ran a hand through his short hair. “I can drop you back here later. I’ve got an early morning tomorrow and need to catch up at work.”

I forced a smile. “You know, why don’t we walk down the street for some pizza, eat there, and call it a night?” I suggested.

“I’m not feeling pizza. Tacos?”

I bit back a sigh. “Yeah, sure. That works,” I replied.

We made our way to the taco stand, the fall evening air filled with the sounds of laughter and the sizzle of food cooking. Despite the lively atmosphere, John remained unusually quiet, or maybe it wasn’t so unusual anymore. We ordered and found a spot to sit and eat, but the conversation was minimal, mostly filled with brief comments about the food or weather.

I continued to try to get him to open up, but his responses remained short. His mind seemed elsewhere, and I could sense a barrier between us that didn’t use to exist before. The silence only grew as the night went on.

After we finished eating, he reluctantly agreed to walk me back to my apartment and hang out for a bit before heading home. It was a small concession, but at least it was something.

I set my purse down after walking in the door and sat to take off my shoes, John following behind me.

“How was your work trip?” I asked, hoping that if I brought up work, he might open up.

“Fine,” John replied, his tone flat.

“Just fine?”

He glanced at me. “It’d be better if you came with me,” he said, as if the answer was that simple.

Without fail, John always asked me to go with him, even though he knew of my responsibilities. My students counted on me. Hell,Icounted on me to make rent.

“I can’t just leave whenever I want, John. I have a job.” My words came out sharper than I intended, cutting through despite my best efforts to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“Yeah, but you could quit then come with me all the time. I could convince your dad it’s for the best and probably even get your mom off your back.”

But I didn’t want to quit my job. Teaching wasn’t just something I did, it was who I was, but no matter how many times I explained that to him, he never understood.

I still remembered my fourth-grade teacher, who saw something in me when no one else did. She’d stayed late after class one day to help me with a project I was struggling with, and in that hour, something shifted. I knew I wanted to be that for other kids, to see their potential and help them find their voice. Being a part of a child’s life at such an integral time was fulfilling. So, staying home and playing John’s housewife wasn’t something I was willing to do.

“I’m not doing that. Teaching isn’t just a job to me. These kids rely on me, and I really try to make a difference. I don’t want to give that up.”

“I know. I just wish you would.”

I didn’t bother responding, opting to sit in silence instead.

“Well, I’m going to head out. Doesn’t seem like you want to be around me,” John said.

He leaned over for a goodnight kiss, but I turned my head at the last second, offering him my cheek instead. His lips barely brushed my skin before he pulled back, his scoff cutting through the tense silence like a knife.

“What the hell is your problem?” he muttered, clenching his jaw.

I opened my mouth to respond, but nothing came out, as if everything unspoken was crashing down.

Dorian cleared his throat, breaking through the tension. “You okay, Noah?” He studied me as he moved into the room. His posture was careful, waiting to see if he needed to intervene.

“She’s fine,” John snapped, standing up with his hands clenched at his sides. He threw Dorian a piercing stare.

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