Page 26 of Unbearable
“I’m heading to Dorian’s for the weekend. I’ll be watching Gracie while he’s out of town. I should be back Sunday night or Monday morning, just so you know.” The last of my words trailed off into a mumble.
“He told me. Any update on the cabin?” he asked.
“The electrician is coming out next week to take a look. Nothing else for now,” I replied with a shrug.
“You leave in two weeks?” he asked. I nodded in response. “We’ll get it done, don’t worry. Have fun with sweets and tell her I said hi.”
Oh, come on. He calls his niece sweets?
“Are you coming to dinner on Sunday?” I asked. I wanted to be able to mentally prepare myself if he was going to be there to ensure I didn’t lose my mind.
“Not this week,” he replied.
I tried to shove past him, but he hesitated to give me the space to leave. We locked eyes and the weight of unspoken words was so fucking heavy. I pushed my way past him, not letting his resistance stop me.
“Hey, Dot?” he said from behind me, and I hesitated.
“Yes?” I asked, turning back to face him in the doorway.
“Text me when you get there safely, please.”
He winked. He really fucking winked.
This maddening man had the gall to wink at me after essentially ignoring my existence for the last week.
Rolling my eyes, I hopped into Sawyer’s truck. With him back in San Francisco for the football season, it worked out perfectly for me to borrow the truck while in Woodstone.
Pulling up to Dorian’s chic little townhouse, I got out and walked to the front door, ready for a weekend away from Trent.
Dorian opened the door before I even reached the porch. “Hey, I missed you,” he said, pulling me into his familiar embrace.
“I saw you the other day. Don’t go soft on me now, bro.”
“I know. I’m just happy to have you home, for however long you end up staying.”
Despite his intimidating exterior, Dorian was always the affectionate one, especially with Gracie and me. His gruffness vanished around us, revealing the big softie underneath.
Dorian and Sawyer shared that trait. When they cared about something, they showed it wholeheartedly. Sawyer even more so than Dorian. Sawyer was prone to showing the entire world he loved them, while Dorian reserved that only for a select few. Colt and I, on the other hand, were the more reserved, serious ones among the James siblings.
“The more time I spend here, the more I realize I missed it. The city has its perks, but there’s something special about a small town. But my job is in Seattle, so I’ll be heading back in a couple of weeks.” I sighed.
“I know, but we’re happy to have you for now.”
Right then, Gracie came barreling out, dressed in a princess costume.
“Auntie! Look at me, I’m a real princess!” she sang.
“You really are! And so beautiful. Are you practicing for Halloween next month?” I scooped her up and planted a kiss on her cheek as I walked through the door.
“Yes, I have to practice saying ‘trick or treat’ to get all the good candy.” She flashed her toothy grin at me.
“No one will be able to resist that beautiful face.” I set her down. “I’m so excited to spend the weekend with you. We’re going to have so much fun. I brought face masks, nail polish, and even…” I bent down to meet her eye to eye and whispered, “Lip gloss! Don’t tell your dad,” I said, and she squealed with delight.
“I heard that,” Dorian replied.
“Daddy never does that stuff with me! I’m so excited you’re here, Auntie. All these boys just don’t get it.”
Dorian and I bursted out laughing at her candid admission, but I saw a flicker of sadness in his eyes.
