Never Enough

Chapter 16

As time flowed on, Jordon and I navigated through the ebb and flow of our relationship with a growing familiarity. We cherished the intimate moments we shared, finding solace in each other's arms amid the chaos of our lives. Yet, there were moments when Jordon's presence seemed distant, his mind preoccupied with thoughts he kept to himself. It began subtly at first—late nights at work that turned into weekends spent apart. Our conversations, once filled with laughter and easy banter, grew strained with unspoken tension. I noticed the small shifts in his demeanor, the guarded glances he threw my way when he thought I wasn't looking.

One evening, after yet another disagreement that left us both restless and unresolved, I found myself sitting alone in our favorite taco spot. The familiar aroma of sizzling meats and spices filled the air, but tonight it offered little comfort. I stirred my horchata absentmindedly, lost in thoughts that churned like the turbulent waves of uncertainty. Jordon arrived a few minutes later, his expression conflicted as he slid into the seat across from me. His fingers drummed nervously on the table, a habit that betrayed his inner turmoil.

"Hey," I greeted softly, attempting to bridge the gap between us.

"Hey," he replied, his voice tinged with weariness. He avoided my gaze, focusing instead on the menu in front of him.

"How was your day?" I asked cautiously, trying to find a foothold in the conversation.

Jordon sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Busy," he muttered, his tone clipped. "You know how it gets."

I nodded, my heart sinking with a familiar ache. "I miss us," I confessed quietly, setting my spoon down with a sigh.

His gaze flickered up, meeting mine briefly before he looked away again. "I know," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Alexus. It's just... work has been overwhelming lately." I reached out tentatively, placing my hand over his on the table. "I understand," I said gently, my tone offering reassurance despite the ache in my chest. "But I miss you." Jordon's fingers tightened slightly under mine, a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability in his eyes. "I miss you too," he admitted quietly, his defenses momentarily lowering.

Silence settled between us, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved tension. The waitress arrived to take our order, breaking the spell that held us captive in that moment of fragile honesty. We ate in near silence, the atmosphere thick with the weight of our unspoken fears and desires. Each bite of taco felt like a small reprieve from the looming uncertainty that hung over our relationship. But even as we savored the familiar flavors, the underlying tension remained palpable. As we finished our meal, Jordon pushed his plate aside and leaned back in his chair, his expression conflicted. "Alexus," he began tentatively, his voice hesitant. "I... I don't want things to be like this between us."

I met his gaze, searching for answers in the depths of his eyes. "Me neither," I admitted softly, my heart aching with a mix of longing and apprehension.

He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I've been so caught up in work, in everything going on," he continued, his voice raw with emotion. "But I don't want to lose us."

Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over. "Then don't," I pleaded quietly, my voice trembling with vulnerability. "Please, Jordon."

He reached across the table, his hand finding mine once more. "I won't," he promised earnestly, his grip gentle yet firm. "I love you, Alexus. I just... I need to find a balance."

I nodded, a tear escaping despite my efforts to hold them back. "I love you too," I whispered, squeezing his hand tightly. "Let's figure this out together."

Jordon's lips curved into a small, grateful smile. "Together," he echoed softly, his eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and determination. And in that moment, amid the lingering scent of tacos and the hum of the bustling restaurant, we found a fragile sense of hope. It was a reminder that love, like the flavors we savored, required patience, understanding, and a willingness to navigate the complexities of life together. As we left the Taco truck hand in hand, I couldn't shake the lingering uncertainty that lay ahead. But for now, in Jordon's reassuring presence, I held onto the belief that together, we could weather any storm that came our way.