Turning toward him, and give him a faint smile. “I love you too,” I say, my voice steady even though my mind’s still replaying everything that led us to this point.
“I know things have been off between us lately,” he says, exhaling like the weight of the world is sitting on his chest. “But I’m really trying here, Jainey. I don’t want you thinking for a second that I’m not doing my part, because I am. I’m trying harder than it may seem.”
“It’s just been hard… I pay for almost everything and it feels like you don’t even see that I’m struggling. You don’t even say anything.” My voice is calmer than I feel, which catches me off guard.
He drops his gaze to his lap, shaking his head slowly. “I know. And I hate that you feel that way.” Work’s just been slow… but honestly, it’s been messing with me, and I don’t want to dump that on you. I don’t want you worrying or… looking at me different.”
A twist inside me pulls me forward. I grab his hand, turning his face toward mine, those blue eyes soft but heavy with guilt.
“It’s okay, babe. I just wish you would’ve told me. We could’ve figured something out instead of me thinking that this is our new normal.”
He nods—slow, careful, like he’s the one afraid of losing something. “You’re right,” he murmurs. “It’s just… embarrassing Jaine. I never been the guy who can’t handle everything on his plate.”
“And having my girl step in, makes me feel like I’m failing both of us—like I’m not the man I’m suppose to be.”
The words land beautifully, painfully—crafted to pull my sympathy.
I exhale a soft laugh, one that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. “Yeah, well… welcome to adulthood. It’s ghetto here.”
He gives a small smile, squeezing my hand like he’s the one giving reassurance. “I know. But I promise—I’ll get us back on track. Just … don’t give up on me, okay? I need you baby.”
The way he saysneedmakes it feel like I’m his anchor and his responsibility all at once.
And it works.
He gives me the faintest smile before leaning in, his lips brushing mine in a soft, almost apologetic kiss. It’s sweet, but not strong enough to smooth over everything that still lingers between us. Before he pulls back, his hand squeezes my thigh, then he slips out of the car.
A moment later, he’s at my door, opening it like he always does. A tiny gesture, maybe—but it lands the way it’s supposed to. It’s his unspoken—See? I’m showing up. I’m doing this right.
I step out and loop my arm through his, matching his effort with a careful smile. Maybe this is what love looks like sometimes—messy in the corners, uneven in the middle, but still choosing to show up anyway.
But the thought I can’t shake hums low in my chest—trying isn’t suppose to feel this hard.
Chapter Twenty Five
All Lies
T
he waiter sets our plates down, smoky barbecue curling into the air, but the scent doesn’t even reach me before Levy’s voice cuts through the noise around us.
“I need to tell you something,” he says, eyes fixed on his plate like he’s been rehearsing his lines on the mashed potatoes. “I lost my job… about two and a half weeks ago.”
I stare at him. No blink, no breath—just the words hanging between us, heavy and fucking spoiled. Twenty minutes ago, work was slow. Now he’s saying this? My appetite falls straight out of my stomach.
“You literally just told me in the car that workwas slow,” I manage, my voice thin with disbelief. “So you mean to tell me that was a fucking lie?”
He finally lifts his gaze, and what kills me is how calm he looks. Not ashamed. Not anxious. Just… steady, like he’s already made peace with the mess he’s about to hand me.
“I know,” he says softly. “I was trying to tell you in a way that didn’t make things worse for you. You’re already upset, and I didn’t want to pile more on when you’re dealing with enough.”
Yet he still managed to do just that.
My fingers tighten around the fork before I set it down carefully, because my hands are starting to shake. “You know I’m not even working right now,” I say, my voice trying to mask the anger and heartbreak. “How can you sit here for almost three weeks, not say a damn thing, and let me keep paying for everything? That’s not protecting me—that’s using me. That’s beyond irresponsible. It’s just… fucked up Levy.”
“You’re right,” he says quickly, nodding like that alone is suppose to fix anything. “I’m sorry—you’re so right, baby, but I swear I’m gonna fix it. I’ll find another job, and everything will be good like it was before, I promise. I love you, Jainey.”
I stare at him, but no words come out. My mouth stays shut while my brain spirals.
