Page 85 of Undone

“Okay, I think we’ve got enough sugar here to keep G bouncing off the walls all night,” Dotty teased, holding up a jar of neon-colored sprinkles.

“Good. We’ll just send her home to Dorian with a sugar hangover the next day.”

Dotty grinned, clinking her wine glass against mine. “That’s the plan.”

When we finally settled on the couch, the smell of fresh popcorn filling the room, we turned on an old rom-com. I nestled into the side of the couch, tucking my legs beneath me, while Dotty sprawled out, one arm draped over the armrest.

It felt oddly familiar to all the years we spent living together, and I relished in the reminiscing.

We didn’t talk much as the movie played. Instead, we shared a few laughs, some wine, and the comfortable companionship that had seen us through years of changes. There was no need for words—the silence between us was comfortable, filled with the kind of ease that comes from knowing someone inside and out.

Dotty was my person for so long. My rock.

And while our lives had changed, I knew at the end of the day, she would go to bat for me every day of the week.

By the time the credits rolled, Dotty was dozing off, her head resting on a throw pillow, her wine glass half-empty on the coffee table.

I smiled, pulling the blanket up over her shoulders. This was why I loved her. She would drop everything for me and was fiercely protective of the ones she loved. She was always there for me, no matter what life threw at us. I quietly gathered my things, not wanting to wake her.

As I slipped on my shoes and headed for the door, I paused for a moment, glancing back at Dotty. My heart swelled with gratitude for her, for this friendship that weathered so much. I’d always known that no matter where life took us, we’d always have this—our unbreakable bond.

The sound of a door clicking open and footsteps padding across the hardwood broke the silence. Trent appeared in the doorway.

He glanced at Dotty, her face peaceful in sleep. The look he gave her was full of love and devotion, the kind of love that ran so deep it almost felt sacred.

Then he turned to me, his easy smile still lingering as he spoke. “Headed out?”

“Yeah,” I replied, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

Trent and I had developed a friendship over time, one that wasn’t just because he was Dotty’s fiancé. He was a good guy and truly fit into the James family effortlessly. I knew how much he adored her—he loved her in the once-in-a-lifetime kind of way that made me believe in forever, despite everything they’d been through in their past.

I turned to grab my jacket and keys from the entryway table when Trent’s voice stopped me. “Noah.”

I turned back, raising my brows.

“Yeah?” He took a step forward, his expression hardening, though his gaze remained gentle.

“Dorian’s my brother,” he said, carrying a protective edge, though there was no hostility behind it. He glanced back at Dotty once more, then continued. “And Dotty’s the love of my life. I know she’s worried about you getting hurt in this more than him, but…” He hesitated, searching for the right words, but his gaze was filled with empathy. “I see the way he looks at you. The way he acts around you. I’ve known Dorian my whole life, and while I didn’t know Gracie’s mom well, I can tell you that he never looked at her the way he looks at you.”

I swallowed hard as I processed what he was saying. Trent wasn’t the type to interfere or push, but his words hit a nerve I hadn’t fully acknowledged myself.

“Just…” He sighed, running a hand through his hair, his tone careful, like he didn’t want to overwhelm me but needed me to hear this. “Be gentle with him, okay? I’m not sure where your head is at, but I have a pretty good feeling about where his is, even if he won’t admit it.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak right away. Dorian was… complicated. I wasn’t ready for complicated, not with everything else that was happening.

“I’ll do my best,” I finally whispered. It was the only promise I could make right now, unsure of anything more. Trent gave me a small, understanding smile before glancing back at Dotty.

“That’s all I’m asking.”

I glimpsed back at my best friend, now curled up on the couch, completely unaware of the conversation happening around her. She was the kind of person who gave everything to the people she loved, and I knew if she could, she’d try to solve everything for me too.

But this, me and Dorian, that was something I’d have to figure out on my own.

“Goodnight, Trent,” I said, my hand on the doorknob.

“Night, Noah,” he replied softly, as if sensing the storm of thoughts I was walking out into.

With one last look back at the warmth of the cabin, I slipped out the door.

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