The Alpha & The Nerd

Ch. 2

I could feel Mr. Mysteries’ eyes boring into me as I slid my glasses back on. Taking a deep breath, I turned to face him, “My name is Reena, by the way.” A smile spread across his face as he looked at me amused, “I’m Al—Atlas,” he cleared his throat after stumbling over his words. An awkward silence seemed to fall around us, “Where to?” he questioned as he slowly pulled back onto the road.

“Across town, the Meadow Oak apartments.” I was surprised, once again, at how comfortable and safe I felt with this complete stranger. At least I knew his name now. “I thought you said you didn’t live far?” he questioned a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Well, I usually ride the bus, and it isn’t that far from the bus stop from the library or to my apartment.” I shivered as the coolness of my wet clothes clung to me.

“So, how old are you, Reena?”

“I’m 22, and you?” I appreciated him trying to break the silence that had found its way back around us.

“26…but some days I feel a lot older than that,” he chuckled lightly. His voice was doing things to me that I never thought possible.

“I understand that feeling,” I replied honestly as I willed my hormones to calm down. What was the deal with this guy? How could he have such an effect on me so fast, I thought to myself. “Are you hungry? We can stop and get something to eat?” he offered. I shook my head, “No, I’m okay. I’ll eat at home. Thank you, though.” Eating out wasn’t something I could afford. No one knows just how tight of a budget I am on except for Ed. I can barely afford my apartment, classes, and a few groceries I do buy. I have thought about moving to a cheaper place, but I would need a deposit and some way to move all my stuff. Plus, this was the apartment my mom worked hard to keep us in. It’s nothing super fancy, but it’s nice and in a safe neighborhood. My stomach growled, giving me away, “Are you sure?” he quirked his eyebrow up as he eyed me. “I’m sure.” I tried to hide my embarrassment as I felt heat rush through my cheeks.

“I know I’m starving; it’s been a long day,” he quickly glanced at me, “and I would rather not eat alone. Will you eat a burger with me? My treat, consider it a thank you for teaching me about computers.”

“You don’t have to buy me dinner; a simple thank you is enough for me. Besides, I’m soaked,” I hated other people spending money on me for any reason. My mom was the same way; she used to get so upset with me when I would buy her anything. Even if it was for Christmas or her birthday. “I don’t mind…really. I want to buy you dinner. So, will you let me?? I can run you by your apartment, so you can change first.” I could tell he wasn’t going to accept no for an answer. “If you insist,” I told him hesitantly. Atlas parked the car outside my apartment, “I’ll be fast.” I told him as I jumped out and ran inside. I quickly changed my clothes, throwing on a solid black long-sleeve shirt and a pair of form-fitting jeans. I grabbed a dry jacket on my way out, making sure my door was locked, before dashing back to his car. “You were fast,” he teased as I climbed in.

He pulled into the small burger joint close to my apartment complex, the one I used to come to with my mom every Friday. I swear they have the best burgers and fries in town. “Is this place good?” Atlas asked thoughtfully. “Yeah, it’s great.” The rain had calmed down to a light sprinkle as he placed the car in park and opened his door. My heart stopped as I watched three men talking near the dinner door. Ed and two of his friends. I wasn’t hungry anymore. I avoided him every chance I got.

Since the breakup, he had been acting weird to me. Calling and texting me all the time, trying to convince me to get back together with him. When I started blocking his calls, he started calling from other numbers. Now I just ignore any number I don’t know, but everything seems to be getting worse this past week. I’m seeing him in more places. Like now, here at this diner. He doesn’t live on this side of town and never liked to eat here, but here he is. I’ve noticed him watching from his car when I get on the bus after work.

“Everything okay?” Atlas asked as he opened my door for me. Okay, it’s just a coincidence, I told myself. I just need to stop overthinking this. “Yeah, everything is fine.” I noticed Atlas look over at Ed and his friends, “I promise you’re safe with me.” He gently grabbed my hand, helping me from the car before slamming the door and locking it.

Warm tingles spread through my finger and up my arm at the contact with Atlas. Strange…but I like it. Atlas rested his hand on my lower back as he led me to the entrance. I kept my head down as we walked past Ed and his friends, praying he wouldn’t see me.

“Reena?” I tensed at the sound of him calling me before slowly turning around. He walked closer to me, eyeing Atlas the closer he got, “Who’s this?” The disgust in his voice was apparent. Before I could answer, Atlas had taken a small step forward, “Who are you?” His voice was deep and threatening. The whole situation had me on edge.

“I’m Ed. Reena’s boyfriend.”

“No. My EX-boyfriend,” I stated, glaring at Ed. Why couldn’t he seem to understand that I didn’t want to get back with him? I turned around, pulling Atlas with me. I walked straight back to the corner booth, the same one me and my mom would sit at every time we came. I slid into the booth, deciding to ignore the fact Ed had just introduced himself as my boyfriend. Maybe if I don’t mention it, Atlas won’t, either. But something in me told me that’s not how this would go.