Chapter 14 - Jordan

Jordan drove the sedan he owned, prior to purchasing his truck, and wore a hooded coat with a scarf covering most of his face. Before entering through the service exit of Alex's building, he slipped his sunglasses onto his face. He then used the building's stairs instead of the elevator, to avoid the lobby and other people.

As he exited the stairwell on Alex's floor, he saw a familiar face leaving Alex's apartment. Slipping back onto the stairwell, but still peeping past the door, Jordan watched as Damien stepped onto the elevator, a smile on Damien's face. I thought they were supposed to meet at his office? What's he doing at Alex's place?

Taking a few moments and breaths to temper his flaring annoyance, Jordan checked the hall one last time to see that it was clear, then headed up the hall to Alex's door.

Alex looked good in her camisole and leggings. Her hair was down and her makeup was light and natural. She smiled with her arms open for a hug, but that didn't change the way Jordan was feeling.

"Hey...what's the matter?" She said, stepping aside to let him into the small foyer, where they shared their first kiss.

"I saw Damien getting on the elevator."

"Oh my gosh, did he see you?!"

"Is that all you care about? What was he doing at your place? I thought you were meeting at his office and that you all were supposed to be finished an hour ago." He walked in and put is coat and scarf on the love seat.

"Ok, first of all, I need you to calm down. He never texted me his address and then just showed up super early at my door. It didn't make sense to turn him away, at that point. Our session went over, but nothing happened. It's not like that between him and I."

"It might not be like that for you, but your boy is seriously interested." Looking up, Jordan saw the bouquet of flowers on the counter. "Let me guess, those flowers are from Damien?"

"Yes, but...I didn't know he would do that. It was super weird." Alex walked up to Jordan, and cupped his face with her hands. "Look, he can bring flowers or show up to my spot, but that's not going to make me think about him in any other way than just a colleague."

"Maybe, but it'd be nice if you could let him know you had a man. Which you can't because we're a secret. He gets to come in and out of here as he pleases and be near you on a red carpet, while I'm sneaking around in the shadows like inspector gadget!"

Jordan knew if the tables were turned and there was a woman making moves on him, Alex would certainly want Jordan to communicate that he was in a relationship. He didn't get how Alex wasn't understanding his point of view.

"Babe, there's more to us not going public, right now. I want us to have some time to build what we have going on before the whole world gets into the mix. I'm also on the cusp of taking my career to the next level and I don't want people to think I graduated to the 'A-List' just because I'm dating you. You know I'm not out here to use you like that."

"Alex, I know you're not using me. I just hate sneaking around like this."

"Ok, but there's also my mom. She's lost a lot in her life and can be super emotional about the most random stuff. I'm the only person she has left; she and I have always been a little team. She might feel like a third wheel when she realizes how serious we are."

"I get that, but honesty is the best policy. Besides, with your career on the rise, she might surprise you and feel more comfortable with you having someone else in your life. I think you don't give her enough credit."

Sighing Alex sad down on the couch, pulling Jordan down next to her. "Don't worry about Damien, or my mom, or any of that stuff. We're not going to be a secret forever...rule number four: never give up on us."

Jordan nodded, "Alright," then he pulled her onto his lap. "Are you hungry, or are we supposed to eat those flowers?"

"You're always trying to feed, me! I'm already thick like a Twix!" Alex said shaking her head.

"I'm trying to get you thicker than a Snicker, though!" Jordan replied, laughing.

"Well, I actually planned on cooking you something. Come help me in the kitchen."

Jordan and Alex stayed in, cooking and watching television until late that night. When he left her apartment, he felt reassured of their relationship and his growing feelings for her.

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While driving to the studio the following morning, Jordan was on top of the world. He went to bed and woke up with Alex on his mind. He'd had his fair share of flings and even one or two more serious relationships, but nothing compared to how Alex made him feel.

Jordan's cell phone was linked to his truck's speakers via blue tooth, so when he heard an automated voice say, "Call from, Dad," he turned his radio's volume up and answered from the wheel.

"What's up Dad!"

"Hey, Son! Just calling to see how things are going."

"Man, things are amazing! I got a few meetings at the studio today about some projects they want me to look at. Then I'm gonna hit Alex up and see what she's up to."

"Alex, huh. She was really nice. Your mother and I liked her a lot." Jordan beamed at the comment and his heart swelled even more.

"Yeah, she's definitely special. I really care about her and want to take things to the next level, but...I don't want to risk losing her. I know it sounds crazy, but, I think I might be falling for her."

"Well, let me tell you something about love, son. As a man, you have to take risks for those you love. They may not always feel the same way you do, but if you don't put yourself out there for her, it's your fault, if you lose her. You're going to feel how you're going to feel and as long as you lay it out there, you've done your part. Then you've got to sit back and let her make her choices. She should never be mad at you for taking the initiative. "

Jordan let his father's words sink in. He was falling in love with Alex and he would feel terrible for the rest of his life, if he wasn't true to himself and didn't give their relationship the best chance possible.

His meetings with the studio went well and Jordan was on a double high off of love and excitement about his new projects. Walking through the lobby, he stopped in his tracks when he saw Pamila Montgomery making her way across the marble floor. Reflecting, once again, on his father's words, Jordan decided it was now or never.

Jogging over to Pamila, Jordan was determined to make a great impression.

"Excuse me, Ms. Montgomery! Hello, I'm Jordan W." he smiled and extended a hand to her.

Not taking his hand, she responded, "I know who you are. Everyone knows who you are."

Taking that as a compliment, Jordan continued, "Right. Well, as you may already be aware, I know your daughter Alex--" she cut him off abruptly.

"Alexandra. She has a very lovely name. I hate when people cut it short." she said tersely.

Damn, maybe Alex was right...or maybe she's just having a bad day.

"Yes, Alexandra. Her name is fantastic. But I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know that admire you both for being such strong and resilient women of color in Hollywood, and--" once again, he was interrupted by Pamila.

"Look, Jordan. I appreciate what you're trying to do, but if you have any real feelings for my daughter, you would leave her alone. Alex and I have worked tooth and nail to get where we are in this business. You think five years ago I could call up a major studio to get penciled in for a meeting on behalf of my daughter?  I wasn't even allowed in the building. That took work. Alex is getting endorsements, she's getting to the top of short lists, and she stays in the hot topics section of entertainment news. This is just in the past six months and she has to remain focused to keep this momentum; so that maybe one day she could be like you. Do us both a favor and just stay away."

"Ms. Montgomery, it's not like that. I'm not trying to hurt or distract her."

"It's never like that, Jordan! Until it is! Let her have her moment, please, then when she's established you can go barking up her tree...unless you don't believe she's worth waiting for."

Barking up her tree?  Jordan thought. Did she just low-key call me a dog? Completely caught off guard, Jordan stood speechless.

"Jordan, if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend." With that, Pamila Montgomery continued on, clicking her heels through the lobby and towards the security desk.

Rubbing his face, he wondered how Pamila Montgomery already knew he and Alex were together. He was also feeling like he'd made a huge mistake. Alex tried to warn him, but he had to go 'fight for their love'. Now, because of his actions, he might be left with nothing to fight for.