The Hidden Alpha

Chapter 4: Crushing On The Big Guy

I couldn’t help but stare at the guy Leon introduced as his grandson. Aside from having the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen, his face is so handsome. He's even more handsome than Drix, the guy in school I had a crush on.

Jared has a pointed nose and lips that are so kissable, I couldn’t help but bite my lip while looking at them. His jaw is so chiseled as well. He looks like a model out of the pages of a fashion magazine, if not for his rugged clothing. He had a leather jacket and ripped jeans on. He had a shirt underneath the jacket and I could see some of his chest muscles through it. He’s also bigger up close. I’m sure he’s really tall when he stood up.

Jared: “Staring is rude, you know.”

That woke me up as I realized what I was doing.

Kara: “Uhm, I’m so sorry. Can I take your order?”

Leon: “It’s okay, dear. I was a handsome fella too. Just imagine my grandson but smaller and less bulky.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle along with Leon. His grandson didn’t react one bit and just kept looking at the menu. I decided to just focus my attention on Leon.

Kara: “So Leon, what will it be tonight?”

Leon: “Why don’t you tell Martin to whip us up two of those juicy steaks of his. He already knows how I like it. Throw in some fries, two orders of the meatball spaghetti and a pitcher of those house blends.”

Kara: “Wow, that’s a lot. Will you be able to finish all those up?”

Leon: “Well, I have my grandson here who eats like a wolf. I’m sure we’ll manage.”

I decided to try and be friendly with Jared. He is Leon’s son anyway. I’m sure he’s nice deep down. He was just probably being shy.

Kara: “So, Jared. Are you going to school here too? I’m an incoming senior.”

Jared just looked at me with those piercing eyes momentarily and looked away without saying anything. After a few seconds, I felt uncomfortable with the non response. It was like Jared wanted me to be as far away from them as possible, so I just said “I’ll go place your orders then. It’ll be at least 15 minutes. Just give me a holler if you need anything else.”

Leon mouthed “I’m sorry,” before I left and I just shrugged it off. I’ve had my share of rude customers, so it didn’t really faze me that much. There have even been some who were perverts. Martin makes sure that those customers would not want to come back to the diner. He’s a big guy and he can make it happen.

I could help but look at their table after I’ve placed their orders. I caught Jared looking at me and we made eye contact for a few seconds. I was distracted when a customer called for me. I decided to just ignore him for now and continue working.

I got so engrossed with taking orders that I momentarily forgot about the rude handsome boy for a moment. I noticed some of the diner patrons, particularly the women stealing glances at Leon’s table. I’m sure they are trying to get a view of Jared. He really is a sight to behold, and since he’s new in town, it’s bound to happen.

One of the women from one of the tables asked who that man with Mr. Montemayor is, and when I told her he’s Leon’s grandson, he couldn’t help but swoon over him some more.

Swooning Women: “He is very gorgeous, isn’t he? I bet he looks good naked too.”

The man who was with the woman immediately said “Hey, I look good naked too.”

Swooning Women: “I bet he looks better.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle as I moved away from their table. They were already arguing so I made myself scarce. While I moved from table to table, I couldn’t help but feel like I am being watched. Every now and then, I would catch Jared looking at me. I couldn’t help but wonder why, when he didn’t even answer my question earlier.

As I made my way back to their table to bring their food, I walked slowly and was able to sigh in relief as I laid the tray of food down. I carefully laid the plates of food and when I was done, I picked up the pitcher and was about to pour the tea on their glasses when Jared placed his hand on mine and said “I’ll do it.”

II felt goosebumps as our hands made contact. My heart suddenly beat fast and I just stared at Jared as he took the pitcher from me.

Jared: “You’re staring again.”

Kara: “I-I’m sorry. You guys enjoy your dinner.”

I turned around immediately and headed to the kitchen to lay down the tray. I then went to the wash area and washed my face before washing my hands. I don’t know why Jared is affecting me this much. I couldn’t explain it, but I feel some sort of connection between us. I wonder if he feels it too. Is that why he keeps looking at me?

After drying my hands and face, I went back to the dining area and continued working. The dinner shift is almost over. As I gave out the bills, I was surprised to see Leon sitting alone on his table. I was a little disappointed too. I was hoping to see him up close one last time.

Kara: “Here’s your bill, Leon.”

Leon: “Thank you, dear. I want to apologize on behalf of my grandson. He just moved in with me and he’s still adjusting.”

Kara: “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

As he paid his bill, he said goodbye and thanked me. I wonder if Jared has gone home before his grandfather or if he’s just waiting outside for him. Was he so repulsed by me that he couldn’t wait to leave?

I spent the rest of my shift clearing the plates and wiping the tables. When I was done, I had a quick dinner. I had a clubhouse sandwich, which I didn’t even finish. I usually don’t have an appetite at this time since I was already so tired.

I put my hoodie on and said goodbye to Martin after I was done with my work and resting for a bit. I removed the chain on my bike and checked on it before preparing to mount it.

Jared: “Is that how you’re going home?”

I almost jumped as I heard the deep voice. I turned around and saw that it was Jared leaning on a tree close to the diner. What is it with this guy and trees that he likes hanging out there?

Kara: “Uhm, yeah. Why are you still here? Your grandpa has already gone home.”

Jared: “I know.”

I stood frozen in place while holding my bike. He was walking towards me and I didn’t know what to do or say. Once he stopped walking, I asked “What do you want?”

Jared just stayed looking at me without saying anything. He had his hands in his pocket. I couldn’t help but look back at him. He’s really making me feel so nervous.

Jared: “How old are you?”

Kara: “I-I’m 17.”

Jared: “What’s your name again?”

Kara: “It’s Kara.”

Jared: “The other day you were at the hospital. Who was that guy you were speaking with?”

I thought about it for a bit and I didn’t talk to any other guy but Tobey. Is that who he’s referring to?

Kara: “You mean Tobey? He’s a friend from school. His dad works at the hospital.”

Jared: “You’re not dating him?”

Kara: “No. We’re just friends? Why do you ask?”

Jared didn’t respond. What is up with this guy? I decided to confront him once and for all.

Kara: “Have you been following me around? Why?”

We were distracted when Martin came out of the diner and said “Hey Kara, is everything okay?”

I looked at Martin and said “Yeah. It’s fine.”

Martin looked at Jared before heading to his car and driving away. I looked at Jared and waited for him to say something. When he still hasn’t talked, I decided to just leave and go home.

Kara: “It’s getting late, I’m heading home. You should go home too. Goodnight, Jared.”

As I pedaled away, I could still feel eyes on me. Jared must have been looking until I am no longer within his view. I wonder how he’ll get home. I wonder what’s the deal with him.

One thing I am sure of: I have a crush on Jared.