Page 9 of Undone

Dotty

Yes, please.

The thoughts running through my mind finally quieted as I rested my head on the pillow. Giving me at least a few hours of sleep.

THREE

Noah - September

HIGH ROAD -KOE WETZEL

By the timeI woke up, Dorian was already gone, leaving the apartment unusually quiet. With no one around, I decided to spend the day in relaxation mode—in my pajamas with my favorite movies on repeat, and an endless supply of popcorn.

By late afternoon, I figured it was time to get ready for my date with John, even though I didn’t know what the plan was. I sighed as I swiped a layer of gloss over my lips, studying my reflection in the mirror.

John enjoyed planning our dates, and I usually didn’t mind since I knew he liked being in control. As long as it meant spending time together, I went along with it.

This time, though, concern crept in. He hadn’t responded to any of my texts all day. While it wasn’t unusual for him to work weekends, especially lately, the complete silence felt wrong.

Is he seeing another woman? Is he going to break up with me tonight? What the hell is going on with him?

A knock pulled me from my thoughts. I rushed to the door, thinking it might be John, but when I opened it, Dorian stood there.

He cleared his throat, his gaze dropping to his phone. “Hey, sorry. I realized I left the key here and didn’t have your number. Glad you hadn’t left yet.”

I stepped back, holding the door open. “Not yet.”

As he walked past me, I reached out and took the phone from his hand without thinking.

His head turned, his brows lifting in surprise. “What are you doing?”

I glanced up briefly, my fingers already tapping at his screen. “Giving you my number, in case you forget the key again tomorrow.”

For a second, he said nothing. Then he took his phone back and sat on the bench in the entryway, slipping off his shoes as my own phone chimed.

John

Sorry, busy day. Be there in 10.

I set it on the counter with a sigh.

“Everything okay?” Dorian asked.

“Yeah, I’m good. John’s on his way, so I’m gonna get dressed.”

Dorian nodded slowly before walking over to the couch.

I stepped into my room, pulling on a simple black dress and heels. I didn’t usually spend much time on my appearance, especially knowing I’d typically be covered in glue, markers, and whatever else the day at work threw at me. But I wanted tonight to be different, so I put in a little extra effort.

As I walked into the living room, Dorian was opening the door for John. John’s gaze swept over him, sizing him up briefly before meeting my eyes.

“Who the fuck is this, Noah?” he asked, his voice stern as he stood in a pristine suit, his blonde hair perfectly styled.

Dorian’s body went rigid, his jaw tightening as his eyes flicked toward John.

“I told you. Dotty’s brother is in town, and she offered her room up. John, Dorian. Dorian”—I pointed—“John,” I said, grabbing my purse.

Dorian extended his hand to John, but there was a pause as he hesitated, weighing the gesture, before finally taking it. The handshake was tight, almost too forceful. It seemed like some sort of damn pissing contest between the two of them, as if they had shared property.

---