Page 78 of Tell Me I'm Enough

I’m standing at the airport exit with my stomach in knots. I quickly look down and check my reflection in my phone for the fifth time—my hair looks fine, lip gloss is still on, sweater’s cute enough, but still not tryingtoohard.

I had to get up super early to make it to the airport, so I just threw on the first thing I could find that was comfortable and presentable.

I feel like I’m trying to paint this picture for Tyler and convince him that we’re still who we used to be, that I’m still who I used to be. Or maybe I’m just trying to convince myself.

I’m sure there are a hundred girls on his campus right now who all look picture perfect—shiny, new, and still in the box with no damage or usage.

I try not to compare myself to others, but when you set such high standards for yourself, how can you not? If you want to bethe best, you have to be better than the rest; you have to know the competition.

And I wonder just how much competition I have now.

People are walking out in waves, and every time someone with a backpack passes through the sliding doors, my heart jumps.

Finally, I see him—tall, handsome, with his thick, dark, perfectly brushed waves, and a face that I love.

My Tyler.

I smile so big my cheeks hurt, and then I rush forward, practically launching myself at him.

His arms wrap around me, but…not tightly. Not like he’s missed me. Not like the last two months have made him count down the days like they have for me.

Just…a hug…barely one at that.

I squeeze him a little harder, hoping he’ll squeeze back.

He doesn’t.

“I missed you,” I mumble into his shoulder.

“I missed you, too.”

I slowly smile again, hearing that.

He’s gotta be tired from traveling. His usual playful, flirtatious energy just needs time to turn back on.

I loop my arm through his as we walk back to the parking deck.

We grab breakfast, and although he’s pretty quiet, it’s still nice.

When we get back to campus around noon, I pull him straight to my dorm so he can put his bag down.

Lydia answers the door when I knock—hair in a messy ponytail, oversized hoodie on, and no makeup—but she instantly lights up when she sees Tyler.

“Hey, stranger!” she says, hugging him.

He hugs her back, squeezing her tighter than he squeezed me.

Okay? Where was that enthusiasm this morning?

Lani waves casually from her bed. “Hey. Nice to see you again.”

Tyler smiles. “You too.”

I look around the dorm, making sure it doesn’t look disgusting—I cleaned it last night specifically because he was coming. Everything is neat, cozy, and perfectly in its place.

“Okay,” I say cheerfully. “I’m dragging him around with me today. Got a lot of Greeksgiving errands to run. If you need me, text me.”

“Will do,” Lydia says before yawning.