Chapter 22: Dusty

Contains spoilers

Overview

On the eve of Cameron Wilson's birthday, Dusty arranges with his mother, Aggie, to deliver a custom walnut bed frame to Cam. He navigates lingering tension after their near-kiss by focusing on being helpful and respectful of Cam's pace. Aggie warmly reconnects with Cam, and the three share an easy moment over dominoes, affirming the comfort of being together again.

Summary

Dusty contacted Teddy Andersen to discreetly confirm whether Cameron still needed a bed frame, mindful of Cam’s recent pullback after their almost-kiss on New Year’s Eve. He reflected on Cam’s recent breakup and his discovery of the unsent notes, deciding to show steadiness and friendship rather than press the romantic tension.

Dusty learned that Aggie Ryder had a custom bed frame whose original buyer had gone silent past the holding period. Despite Teddy teasing that Aggie might be matchmaking, Dusty insisted it was simply a helpful gesture and asked Teddy to verify Cam’s need.

An hour later, Dusty and Aggie arrived at Cam’s house with the deconstructed walnut, mid-century style bed frame in Dusty’s late father’s old pickup. Cam greeted them, beaming at Aggie. Aggie wished Cam a happy almost-birthday and invited her to see the frame, which Cam loved and accepted.

Aggie maneuvered to give Dusty space to set up the bed by himself while she and Cam took a house tour, chatting closely. Dusty carried the pieces into Cam’s bedroom and assembled the bed using Aggie’s tool-free locking design, trying to keep his thoughts on the task rather than his feelings.

When he finished, Dusty found Aggie and Cam at the kitchen table with a set of dominoes. They praised Dusty’s help, joking about his recent bed-assembly streak at the house. Aggie invited Dusty to join them, ensuring he sat beside Cam.

Aggie openly expressed her happiness at seeing Cam and Dusty together again. Dusty worried the comment might unsettle Cam, but Cam met the moment calmly, agreeing that it was nice, signaling mutual comfort and a tentative, positive reconnection.

Who Appears

  • Dustin “Dusty” Ryder
    narrator; arranges and delivers a bed frame to Cam, assembles it, and maintains supportive distance after their near-kiss.
  • Cameron “Cam” Wilson
    recipient of the bed frame; appreciative and comfortable around Aggie and Dusty; affirms that being together is nice.
  • Aggie Ryder
    Dusty’s mother; provides the custom walnut bed frame and warmly reconnects with Cam, encouraging their time together.
  • Teddy Andersen
    friend; briefly consulted by Dusty to confirm Cam’s need and teases about Aggie’s matchmaking.
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