Chapter 25: Dusty
Contains spoilersOverview
Dusty worked with Emmy at Rebel Blue and confided his cautious hope and frustration about Cameron. Later, he found Riley outside his cabin, brought her home for a snack, and quietly cared for her while Cameron slept at her desk. When Cameron woke, Dusty reassured her, offered ongoing help, and she invited him to accompany her to her parents’ charity gala in Jackson Hole, which he accepted despite needing to wear a tux.
Summary
After seeing Cameron Ashwood and Riley at Rebel Blue, Dusty spent the afternoon cleaning stalls and grooming horses with Emmy Ryder. Emmy asked directly about Dusty and Cam, prompting Dusty to admit he was trying to be patient but feared he had offered too much "just friends" distance and might lose Cameron. Emmy encouraged him, saying their long ties mattered and suggesting Cameron’s engagement may have had unseen pressures.
Dusty reflected on Cameron’s upbringing and how his parents had once provided her the affection and support she lacked at home. Emmy urged Dusty not to give up, and they parted for the day.
Returning home, Dusty found Riley waiting on the rocks outside his door, bored and unable to reach Fruit Roll-Ups. He changed quickly and walked her back to Cameron’s house, chatting about coffee flavors and small preferences that echoed memories of teenage Cameron. Inside, Dusty helped Riley pick a snack and then checked on Cameron, who was asleep in her office chair among case files.
Dusty carefully removed the files, covered Cameron with a blanket, and left her to rest. He returned to the living room to watch TV with Riley, explaining pawn shops, negotiation, and profit while they shared snacks. Riley eventually fell asleep snuggled against Dusty.
Cameron woke abruptly and rushed in, relieved to find Riley safe. Dusty carried Riley to bed and confirmed she slept with her door shut before returning to speak with Cameron. Cameron chastised herself for dozing off while parenting; Dusty reassured her that Riley had made a thoughtful choice to get him and offered to be part of her support network whenever she needed rest.
When Dusty lightly asked why Cameron kept such a draining job, she admitted she felt stuck and valued its stability, and she was additionally stressed about seeing her parents at their annual Jackson Hole fundraising gala. Dusty asked how he could help. After hesitating, Cameron invited him to attend the gala with her. Dusty, surprised but pleased, agreed, joking about the required tux while signaling he would help make the event less of a nightmare.
Who Appears
- Dusty
narrator; works at Rebel Blue, cares for Riley while Cameron sleeps, reassures Cameron, and agrees to attend the Jackson Hole gala with her.
- Cameron "Cam" Ashwood
exhausted and overworked; falls asleep in her office, worries about parenting lapse, opens up about job dissatisfaction and stress over her parents, and invites Dusty to the gala.
- Riley
Cameron’s daughter; waits at Dusty’s, seeks help for a snack, watches TV with Dusty, falls asleep, and displays thoughtful independence.
- Emmy Ryder
Dusty’s coworker/friend; encourages Dusty about his connection with Cameron and suggests Cameron’s engagement had hidden pressures.
- Gus
mentioned; part of the support “village” model Dusty references.
- Teddy
mentioned in conversation about tastes and clothing-making; part of Riley’s circle.
- Cam’s parents (the Ashwoods)
discussed as controlling and largely unchanged; hosts of the Jackson Hole fundraising gala Cameron feels obliged to attend.