Chapter 2: Hardworking Woman
As I was leaving the house, a man was driving by in what looked to be like a brand new BMW. In time I realized it wasn’t just some man; it was Reno.
“Want a ride?” Reno knew I walked to work everyday. He’d asked me before while hanging out at the bar I work at. He practically lives there now.
“What are you doing here?” I said searching for my sunglasses in my purse.
“Was on my way to the bar to see Elena, so I figured I’d try my luck and see if you were still walkin’.”
“Well once again luck is on your side, Reno-kun,” I forced myself to smile at him.
“Fine, then I won’t give you a ride to work, three miles away from here, in 100 degree heat…” Reno tapped the steering wheel with one finger in his “cool” manner.
“…Fine,” I sighed. “I’ll take the damn ride.”
“Good girl,” Reno leaned over the seat and opened the car door.
“Try anything funny though, and I swear I’ll have Vin-“
“Shh…” Reno put his finger to my mouth. “Don’t talk so much. Just relax.”
I knew that deep down inside, Reno wasn’t just trying to act cool. He’s actually very afraid of Vincent, but there aren’t many people who can say they’re not.
“Sure, fine… Whatever,” I buckled my seatbelt.
“We’re only going a couple minutes away,” Reno pointed at my buckle. “Pointless to put that on when you’ll be taking it off in like, 2 seconds.”
“Pointless? Do you know how many innocent people die because they aren’t wearing their seatbelt?” I shook my head and sighed. “Actually they’re not even innocent. They brought it upon themselves…”
“Jeez, that was brutal,” Reno turned into a parking space.
“Not brutal, it’s the truth,” I slammed his car door shut. “Let me guess. You’re coming in for the rest of the day. Or should I say night?”
“You’re funny, you know that?” Reno winked at me as he held the door open into the bar. “Hard to believe you’re with Vincent. You guys are complete opposites.”
“Opposites attract, Reno,” I sighed. “You should remember that and try to find a woman less like you.”
“Ouch,” Reno hissed slightly. “I thought we were friends.”
“Oh we’re friends, hun,” I laughed. “That’s why I’m so hard on you. I care.”
And on that note, I headed in to work my ass off.
“Morning Elena, Mia,” I waved as I put on my apron and hat. “How’s business today?”
“Oh, the usuals have come in so far,” Elena said as she glanced over my shoulder to see Reno. “Not too busy.”
“Aye dios mio,” Mia laughed. “Reno, you never really leave do you, eh?”
“Only when Elena’s not here will you see me elsewhere,” Reno smiled that sly smirk of his. “Which seems to be less and less often now…”
“Yeah. Elena, you should really consider taking this weekend off,” I laughed. “Hell, take all next week off.”
“Oh, no I’m fine. I need the extra cash anyways…”
Mia, Reno, and I exchanged glances towards each other. We all knew Elena wasn’t fine. I eyed at Reno to get his attention. He immediately knew I wanted to talk to him.
“Uh, we’ll be back in a sec,” Reno grabbed my arm as he rushed passed me for the door.
