Chapter Ten
Days turned to weeks and just as texting had transformed into phone calls, most of their interactions evolved into FaceTime. Waking up to the sound of Aurelio’s bright, cheery voice wishing her a “Good morning, beautiful” became the perfect start to her day. Her cheeks ached from smiling so much for so many weeks. Each conversation deepened the spark between them, growing brighter and stronger. Those initial feelings expanded beyond mere lust. And oh, how she had lusted. Many nights, in the solitude of her tub, beer in one hand and the other hidden beneath the bubbles, her mind would fill with his voice as he told her what to do. His image filling her mind, picturing his hands lingering in all the right places as she moaned out for him.
Yet, despite the heat they had built, Mia still couldn’t commit to an in-person meeting. Each time they discussed it, her heart raced, her breath coming in quick, shallow pants. What was wrong with her that the very idea of being with him terrified her? But today was a new day—a day off from school, but not work.
As the clock struck eleven, Mia gathered her belongings to head out. Her shift didn’t start until one, but she needed to escape the house. The morning FaceTime with Aurelio had not gone well. He had once again asked to meet up the coming weekend, and once again, she had brushed it off with an excuse. She felt the anger radiating through the phone, his tone shifting, disappointment seeping through.
“Listen, Mia,” Aurelio breathed, his long sigh echoed through the call. “I really like you, probably more than just like you.” His voice was soft, tinged with hurt.
Mia swallowed, a lump forming in her throat that made it hard to breathe.
The confession wasn’t out of the blue.
“I don’t understand why you don’t want to meet face-to-face.”
A rush of anger surged within Mia, only to be quickly quelled by his next words.
“I need all of you.”
Silence enveloped the call as he waited for her reply, but she offered none.
A loud crash sounded in the background, followed by a stream of curses. He hung up without another word, leaving her in a void of silence.
Two hours passed, and Mia couldn’t pace her small apartment any longer.
Keys in hand, she headed downstairs. The café buzzed with the lively chatter of customers as Mia waved quickly to Tony before pushing outside, the crisp fall air invigorating her senses. Her car was just a short walk away, and soon enough, she was driving toward the diner.
“What are you doing here so early, girl?” Flory called as Mia walked in. The bar was half-full, but only one table was occupied. Mia smiled in greeting at the older woman. Flory’s grey hair was pulled into a simple bun, and bright red frames perched on the edge of her nose as she scrutinized Mia.
“Bored at home, figured I’d chill with you until my shift starts.” Mia shrugged, setting her belongings in a nearby booth. “How about making me a milkshake and we can chat?” She slid into the booth, turning to face Flory.
“Sure thing, kiddo. Could use a coffee break.” Flory winked, turning toward the swinging door to greet someone, maybe David or Mac.
Mia pulled her phone from her pocket, lighting up the screen to reveal no new notifications. Tapping gently on the screen, she wrestled with the urge to text him again. She had already sent a few messages, but received no response. Against her better judgment, she opened the message thread. Her messages sat unread, with no dots indicating he was typing back. A growing anxiety tightened in her chest—what if he disappeared completely?
“Here ya go,” Flory announced, making Mia jump slightly as a strawberry milkshake was set before her.
Mia smiled gratefully, pressing the lock button before sliding the phone onto the table. “Thanks, Flory.” The smooth, cold shake soothed her, the sweet taste of strawberries momentarily washing away her worries. But only for a moment, as Flory settled across from her, sighing as she let her weary bones rest.
“So, what’s the trouble, girly?” Flory asked, her wrinkled hands wrapped around a steaming mug of black coffee.
“Nothing,” Mia replied too quickly; her smile did little to deceive the woman across from her.
“Out with it. Is it that man who sent those flowers?” Flory raised an eyebrow, her fingers gently drumming the side of the mug. Mia took a quick sip and nodded lightly.
“Well, what did that boy do to get you here two hours early for a boring Friday shift?”
“He didn’t do anything, and I’m not two hours early. I’m only an hour and forty minutes early.”
Flory raised an eyebrow.
“Well, what didn’t he do, then?”
“It’s more about what I did—or rather, didn’t do.” Mia took a sip, the sweetness of the shake fading as the bitter truth surfaced.
“He’s been asking to meet, basically, since we started talking.” She paused, recalling all the times he had brought it up. “At first, he was casual about it—not pushy or angry about me putting it off.” She met Flory’s kind gaze. “Until today. He wasn’t angry sounding, but disappointed. He invited me to a car show this weekend, where some car enthusiasts will be gathering not far from here.” Her phone screen remained black as she willed it to light up.
“I said no, and he told me he didn’t know if he could keep this up. He wants more. More of me.” The weight of his words, layered with a mixture of need and sadness, echoed in her mind. “He said he wanted all of me.”
Mia studied Flory, gauging her reaction. The older woman was still, her gaze unwavering as she lifted her cup for a sip.
“Mia, my girl,” Flory began with a sigh, sliding her hand across the table to gently grasp Mia’s. “He loves you. He’s obviously fallen head over heels for you and wants to move the relationship forward. What’s holding you back? Do you not feel the same?”
“Flory, I barely know him.”
“That’s not true. You know him plenty well after what? Four months of talking? Don’t think I haven’t noticed you checking your phone every shift, talking to him as you come in, and calling him as soon as you clock out.” Flory’s smile was playful and knowing, her fingers retreating to lift her coffee back to her lips.
“That… that doesn’t mean…” Mia's thoughts scattered as “love” dive-bombed any coherent argument she tried to form.
“But it does, girly,” Flory chuckled.
“But… love?” The question hung in the air, short but heavy, a query Mia didn’t think either of them could truly answer.
“In my opinion, you betcha that’s love.” Flory sighed again, flipping her wrist to check the time.
“I have to get back to it before David decides to come looking for me.” She slid out of the booth, gripping her coffee. “Call him, hun. Go out with him. Meet him face-to-face, and then decide what your heart thinks.” She gave Mia a soft kiss on the temple and shuffled toward the counter.
Mia sat frozen, her mind trying to pick up the pieces. Damn it. She grabbed her phone. Fear be damned, she would go out with him. Her fingers danced over the screen, crafting a message longer than she intended, but she couldn’t stop. By the time she hit send, alarms blared in her brain. The message in blue was sent and gone. No backing out now. She reread it, trying to calm her thoughts.
Mia: You’re right. It’s time we bite the bullet and meet up. This weekend sounds great; I’d love to go with you to the car show and just hang out. Let me know the details, and I’ll see you then.
Her phone blinked off as she reread the last line for the fifth time. Gripping the cold glass, she sipped her shake slowly. Eyes closed, she let the diner's sounds ease her into a tranquil state. She could picture his face when he felt his phone buzz again with a message from her. This time, she could see that gorgeous smile lighting up his face as he read the words, his fingers typing back a response of “ Can’t wait !” or “ I’m so excited to see you !” Mia’s lips broke into a grin at the thought of his excitement, convinced her phone would buzz any moment.
The squeak of shoes broke her daydream. Turning, she spotted Mac heading her way, his shoes squeaking with each step.
“Hey, Mia,” he squeaked out, his voice matching the sound of his shoes. He cleared his throat, his awkward smile making her relax.
“Hey, Mac. Busy day?” She gestured to the empty side of the booth where Flory had been. Mac took a seat, holding a glass bottle of Coke.
“Oh, nah, just the counter with the trucking regulars heading home for the week.” He nodded toward the half-full counter. “How’s your day been? Classes today?”
“No, Fridays are my free day. Besides, I’m almost out anyway.” She smiled, knowing her school days would officially be behind her in a few months.
“That’s great. Gonna leave us all behind once you’re done?” Mac sipped his soda, his prominent Adam’s apple bobbing.
“I could never,” Mia replied, but her smile faltered. The truth was, if she could go home, she would. But she wouldn’t bring that drama here. “So, how’s everything with you? How’s that mysterious other job going?”
Mac’s face flushed at the teasing. A month ago, he had let slip that he was moving up in his other job during a particularly rough day when David was riding him hard over a broken dish. He had vented to Flory and Mia, confessing he could easily leave for a full-time position elsewhere. But when they pressed him about it, he clammed up.
“Oh, that’s… phew. That’s nothing,” Mac rushed, rubbing the back of his neck. His fingers squeezed it, turning pale. “Besides, my boss won’t let me work more anyway. Doesn’t want me stuck in it like he is.” He looked down, hair falling into his face. Mia looked at the kid a little harder, her eyes scanning his young face. Mac was cute, for a kid. His pimply face was clearer now, the light scars from acne on his chin faded in the diners light. After a moment Mac looked back at Mia, his eyes tinged with a sadness she couldn’t place.
“Besides, I think its gonna be quiet for a little on that job anyway.” Mac looked away again as he stumbled over words for a moment. “My, ugh, boss.” He eyed mia again, the fear replaced with nerves. “He said he needs to, oh, uh. I mean needs a little time before I can come back.” Mia raised a brow. She could see how nervous he looked, like maybe he had done something at this other job. She took pity on him and looked out the window.
Letting the moment diffuse, Mia gave a nod towards the trees outside. “Well, looks like fall’s coming in hot.” She watched leaves drift down as a breeze blew through. Mac perked up slightly, his own gaze cast out the window, to the leaves as they blew down the road.
“Yeah. I love this time of year,” Mac agreed, glancing out the window. Mia watched him eying the passing cars, watched as the lit up as a corvette rolled by.
“Me too. Perfect driving weather.” Mia looked back to Mac as he nodded in agreement.
“Oh, definitely.” He said, his normal enthusiasm returning. “Top down, music blasting. There’s nothing like getting behind the wheel of a beautiful car and cruising.” Mac’s face lit up further, joy clear on his face, and Mia could almost see the memories replaying in his mind. “One time, I drove a brand new black and gold Lambo, fresh off the boat.”
“What?” Mia’s confusion registered on his face as they met eyes. “Off the boat?”
His smile fell, and his complexion drained. “I mean, uh… fresh off the lot.”
“Mac,” she said slowly, “do you work for a dealership?”
He tilted his head, as if puzzled by the question.
“How else did you drive a Lamborghini off a boat?” Mia tapped her finger on the table, emphasizing her point. “Explain.”
“I… um.” Mac’s words tumbled out, eyes wide.
“You know, ever since I saw those cars speed by while I was at the laundromat, I’ve been reading about a car theft ring around here.” His eyes widened further, encouraging her to continue. “In fact, that very day, there was a black and gold Lambo. Looked pretty fresh, too.” Mia narrowed her eyes, leaning closer. “Mac. Do you have something you need to tell me?”
His face turned pale as he took a shaky breath. “N-n-no,” he stammered. His Adam’s apple bobbed again as he swallowed. “No.”
“Mac—”
“MAC!” David burst through the swinging door, eyes scanning the room. Without turning, Mia could feel his gaze on the back of her head. “Get back here! Break’s over!”
A relieved sigh escaped Mac, and without a word, he slid from the booth and bolted away.
“Mia!”
She rolled her eyes, spinning to face her manager. “Yes, David?” she asked as sweetly as she could, batting her eyes. His face reddened.
“If you’re going to show up early, you might as well clock in and get to work!” With that, he turned and stomped back through the swinging door.
Mia sank back in her seat, her gaze dropping to her blank phone. Still no new messages. Sighing, she slipped the device into her pocket and stood up. If David was offering an extra hour of work, she was too poor to pass it up.