Chapter Eighteen
Her shift went by slowly. Time dragged its feet as she dragged hers across the black and white tiled floor.
She let David say his piece, allowing him a moment to berate her as she walked to the restroom to change into her uniform. She took a moment to breathe; her mind was bursting with questions. David finally left her alone as the restaurant filled slowly with patrons.
Mia settled in to her usual pace, until around 7 a familiar figure filled the door frame. Oliver stood there, his eyes scanning the diner till they landed on hers. Mia felt a scowl form but before it could grace her lips, she pulled her waitress smile on and walked over to him.
“Evening, Officer.” She greeted him, Oliver flashing his wolfish smile.
“Evening, Mia.” Oliver said as a second man stepping in just behind him, cleared his throat. Mia looked at the other man, thin and clearly older, his black hair was peppered in greys. He gave Mia smile, extending his hand to her, the dark skin wrinkled as she gripped the handshake.
“Evening, I’m Detective Daniels.” He gave her a sincere smile, his dark brown eyes meeting her gaze. “Charles Daniels.” Mia shook his hand, matching his the firm grip. “pleasure to meet you Mia.” He released her hand and mia looked from one to the other.
“Nice to meet you as well, Detective.” She grabbed a couple menus and headed to the open booth behind her. “Dinner?” she asked over her shoulder, leading them along.
“That sounds splendid.” Detective Daniels said, “But I am afraid we are here with some ulteriour motives as well.” Mia paused, the table just in front of her. She spun slowly, fixing her smile before meeting his eyes.
“Oh?” she feigned.
“Yes, well.” He cleared his throat, moving to sit in the booth. “We do have a few questions we need to ask you.” Oliver slid past Mia, sitting opposite of Detective Daniels. His hand brushed along her lower back as he passed, goosebumps popping on Mia’s arm.
“Well, right now would be a bad time for that.” Mia said quickly, Detective Daniels raising a hand.
“Understood, Mia.” He said, an easy smile on his lips. “I just wanted to take a moment and introduce myself really.” He grabbed a menu. “I didn’t want to keep calling you without a proper introduction.” He smiled once more at her before turning his attention back to the menu.
“Well, the question we have are very important.” Oliver said, mia glancing over to him. “I think you can take…”
“Now, Oliver.” Detective Daniels interrupted, “This young lady is at work. We can wait till she is available for a chat.” Oliver looked to his partner, a sneer playing on his lips.
“I would very much appreciate that.” Mia said. “I would be happy to try and schedule a time we can chat.” She took out her notepad and pen. “but for now, what can I get for you.”
Although he was clearly displeased, Oliver didn’t push further. The two men ordered and sat in silence. When their food was ready, Mia loaded the plates in her hands and made her way back to the table. Oliver was tapping away on his phone, Detective Daniels immersed in the paper. Mia set the plates down carefully, both men turning there attention to her.
“Ah, wonderful.” Detective Daniels said, his eyes growing large at the sight of his burger and loaded chilli cheese fires. “Thank you, Mia.” He said, meeting her eyes.
“Of course.” She said her smile genuine. She placed Olivers before him, his hand covering hers as she tried to pull back. He gripped her fingers, holding her there for a moment.
“Thanks, Mia.” Oliver said, his smile curved, making her feel unease. After a second he released her, Mia snatching her hand away and spinning on her heels quickly She did her best to avoid the table till she couldn’t anymore. Filling two cups, she brought refills to them and asked how everything was.
“Wonderful.” Detective Daniels said as she placed the two cups, picking up the empties quickly.
“Great, if you need anything else, be sure to let me know.” She said, avoiding looking to Oliver. Detective daniels flashed his smile once more before speaking.
“Well, Mia.” He said, dabbing his mouth with his napkin. “I would like to be able to call you sometime soon, to try and schedule a time we could discuss anything you may have seen the other night.” Mia nodded, gripping the cups tightly.
“Of course, right.” She said.
“At your convenience.” Detective Daniels gave her a slight nod. “You drive, I assume?” Mia nodded
“She has an old bug.” Oliver said, his mouth full. “Blue with a roof rack.” Mia frowned.
“Ah, old school huh?” Detective Daniels said, pulling her focus. “Well, that sounds like an interesting ride. Im sure it has an interesting story as well.” He gave her another smile and then grabbed his wallet.
“Let me pay now, were almost finished and can get out of your hair here soon.” He slid a few bills towards her, more than enough to cover the bill.
“Sure, ill grab your5 change and..” Mia began, turning from the table with the bills in her hand.
“No need, keep the change.” Detective Daniels stood; he was only a few inches taller then Mia. “You have been a gracious host. And I look forward to speaking with you soon.” Oliver stood next, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before heading to the door.
“See you soon, Mia.” Oliver called, turning his head towards her as he reached the door, Detective Daniels gave a slight frown before turning to Mia and flashing his warm smile.
“I will be in contact soon.” He said. “I look forward to speaking with you again.” And with that, the two men made there way out of the diner.
The rest of the night was smooth as butter. Mia and Flory worked well together, and the kitchen staff efficiently pumped out dish after dish all night. Finally, around eight, an hour before closing, David announced he was leaving.
“Flory!” he called. “Door stays open, and we serve customers until nine-thirty, right?” He said the same thing every night as if he didn't have an app that told him the moment the door lock was engaged.
“Yup, same as every night, David. Bye.” Flory waved a hand before pouring coffee and grabbing a piece of pie for a counter customer.
“Mia!” David said, catching her off guard as her hands were full of empty plates.
“Yes?” she said as sweetly as she could muster.
“Don’t be late like this again, k?” He pointed a finger at her but didn't wait for a reply as he turned and walked out the door. As it closed behind him, Mia rolled her eyes. The young dishwasher in the back was bopping to some music on her headphones and did not even notice the plates being dropped off. Mia moved toward the main cook.
“Hey, Luis? Can I…?”
“Mia,” he interrupted. His balding head was covered with a hair net, and his rotund belly hit the edge of the workstation he was in front of. “I'm not supposed to feed you tonight. David said you weren’t working a full shift, so you weren't entitled to a shift meal.” He frowned at her, his deep wrinkles creasing around his brown eyes. “But fuck him. I gotcha. The usual?”
Mia smiled big at him and nodded. “Extra bacon, please!”
A handful of people were at the counter, sipping coffee with pie plates that were empty or almost gone. Her last table was getting ready to leave as the door chimed. She walked around the corner just in time to see Aurelio, drenched from the rain, step across the threshold. He ran a hand over his hair. His clothes were different: a simple pair of blue jeans and a black V-neck T-shirt. He looked breathtaking. She froze just behind the doorway, watching him look for her.
She was enjoying the view when Flory called out to him. “Sit wherever you like, kid.” Flory moved behind the counter to the little food window. “What are you doing?” she asked when she saw Mia hiding. “Oh, is that him?”
The older woman raised her brows for a second before she kept working, reaching for the plates Luis passed through the window. Mia gave a little nod, and Flory turned to give the last gentleman waiting for food his plate.
Aurelio glanced around, his face falling. “Looking for someone?” Flory asked, not missing a beat.
“Um, yeah.” He flashed a crooked smile, a small chuckle escaping him as he sat on a stool.
“Okay, who?” Flory asked with a soft, patient smile on her thin lips. “Maybe I can tell you if they are here?”
“Mia?” Aurelio replied; her name never sounded as good as it did rolling off his tongue.
Mia's body gave a little shiver, remembering his tongue on her body only a few hours ago.
“Oh, yeah. Nice girl, a real cutie.” Flory gave her a wink as she made more coffee. “Let me see.” She turned back around and placed a menu in front of him with a hand on her hip. “Yeah, she's here somewhere. Let me check the back real quick, darling.” Flory walked right to where Mia was and leaned in. “Do we want to see this handsome young man right now?” she asked quietly, pretending to be looking around.
“Yes,” Mia breathed, stepping back to brush her yellow apron. It seriously clashed with the red dress she wore under it.
Flory eyed her makeup and gave her a quick swipe on Mia's cheek like a mother before a prom picture. “You look stunning, girl.” Grabbing her wrist and leading her out front, she announced aloud, “Here she is!”
Aurelio looked up from his menu, eyes lighting up with a wide smile.
“This the Mia you were hoping for?” Flory asked, giving Mia's shoulder a little pat. “Because I can put her back.”
Mia laughed, rolling her eyes as Aurelio still stared at her.
“No, this one is perfect,” he said, not missing a beat.
Aurelio was at the edge of the counter, his body poised in a silent plea to be closer to her. She headed to the opening in the counter, and he frowned as she moved away from him. Time seemed to stand still as he reached out to her. Her feet picked up speed as she passed through the gap. A second later, she was wrapped in his warm arms.
“Okay, lovebirds. I’m trying to enjoy my pie!” a gruff voice announced, breaking the moment as time resumed around them. Aurelio frowned; his arms tensed around her, and she patted his back before pulling free.
“Oh, Tom, you stinker,” Flory admonished, pouring more coffee into his cup. “Ignore this bitter old man and have a seat in the corner booth.” She pointed, but Mia knew which she meant and was already pulling Aurelio to it. He slid in after her, resting his hand in hers.
“Hi,” she said, settling in next to him. Her eyes searched his as he smiled wide, leaning down to plant a gentle, quick kiss on her lips.
“Hello, beautiful.” His voice was light, playful even. “I'm sorry I had to send Mac to drive you.” His smile faltered slightly; eyes locked on the red tabletop.
“Oh, that's okay. Thanks for coming in.”
“I promised,” he said. “Can't break two promises in one day, can I?” A small chuckle left his lips. Mia was glad for the easy conversation as serenity surrounded them.
“Mac was super nervous on the drive over here.” She gave him a knowing look. “Did you have anything to do with that?”
Aurelio snorted, his eyes brightening. “I may have been a little harsher than needed when telling him to bring you here, safe and sound.”
“And ‘untouched?’” she added.
“Mmmm, I don't remember my exact words…” Aurelio avoided her eyes, a devilish grin on his lips. “But I already talked to him about it. No harm, no foul, right?”
Mia sat back a little, her fingers still intertwined with his, her other hand resting on his thigh. “Yeah, sure.” Her voice betrayed her uncertainty.
Aurelio seemed to sense it. He turned to her, their thighs pressing together. “I was wondering when you got off tonight...”
Mia thought about the work she still had to do on her dissertation and the six pages due the next day. She didn't have to be at the school till later in the day, and since her T.A. position was remote, she would be able to spend more time in the library. Aurelio sat expectantly, waiting for her to say something.
“Sorry,” she said, meeting his worried gaze. “I was thinking about my class schedule.”
He nodded. “Are you too busy to hang out after work? Cause that's fine. School is important.” He leaned away as if she needed to go, and he was in the way.
She pulled him close to kiss him, tugging his hand to her chest. “No, I have time,” she whispered against his lips.
“You take my breath away.” He closed his eyes, forehead against hers.
The comment took her aback. She stole his breath.
“I think you have that backward,” she told him, her thoughts spilling from her mouth. “You are absolutely the most interesting person I have ever met, and I am blown away.” She closed her mouth, cutting off any more thoughts, but the damage was done.
Aurelio was smiling wide, knowing she had shared more than intended.
“Same.” He placed another sweet kiss on her lips. “Do you need to finish your shift?” he asked, moving to slide out of the booth.
Mia sighed, nodding sadly. “Yeah, but my last table left a few minutes ago. Flory likes to stay behind the counter. She says being busy on her feet keeps her young.”
Aurelio laughed, holding out a hand to help her up. She placed her hands in his, realizing how well they fit together. This man had a way of making her body react in a way she had not felt before.
“I should be able to finish up pretty quick, and then, oh shit,” Mia swore, remembering her car was still downtown. She cursed herself for having let it totally slip her mind.
“What's wrong?” he asked, placing a hand on her waist to casually hold her.
“My car.” She rolled her eyes to the ceiling, letting her head fall back. “'Can you give me a ride to it after I finish my shift?” she asked with a pleading smile, batting her lashes at him softly.
Aurelio let out a soft chuckle, the sound music to her ears. “It would be my pleasure,” he said, moving with her as she made her way back to the counter.
“Thank you.” She rose onto her toes to give him a kiss. He leaned over to meet her halfway.
“Have a seat, and I will be done as soon as I can.” She pointed to the empty chair next to Joe, who was still sipping his coffee. Mia turned away with a smile to grab a towel from the back to wipe the table up.
Flory followed behind her, hands on her hips and eyebrows raised. “Oh, girl, he gets my heart rate up!” She took one hand off her hip to fan herself. “What a catch, huh?”
“Flory!” Mia exclaimed, waving the older woman out of her way.
Flory was visibly pleased with herself as she raised her hands in surrender, throwing a wink at Aurelio. Mia passed by him, dodging his hand, fumes practically coming out of her ears as her face turned redder than the apples Luis made pies with. Aurelio chuckled as Flory passed him a slice of pie that was “on the house.”
Mia made quick work of the table, letting her embarrassment out on the red tabletop, stacking the remaining plates, and shuffling them off to the back. Aurelio was mesmerized by the pie. She was happy he was distracted; if she could continue to focus, she’d get her side work done and be out in no time. Luis greeted her at the kitchen door.
“Here, darling.” He handed her two closed containers. “Something for your man there, too.”
“Thanks, Luis.” She grabbed the containers. “Can I keep them in the window for now? I have some side work to finish.”
Flory’s small hand touched her back. “No need, doll. I got it. Go enjoy your night.”
“I don't mind…”
“Nonsense! I got nowhere to be, and there isn't much to be done anyway.” Flory waved a hand at Mia, guiding her towards the door.
“I need my bag.”
“I already gave it to him. Just go.”
“Flory… thanks.” Mia turned and gave her a hug.
“Enjoy yourself.” The older woman winked at Mia before pausing in front of Aurelio. “You, young man.” She crooked a finger at him.
Aurelio raised his brows but obliged, leaning down so she could whisper in his ear. Whatever she said put a smile on his lips, and he nodded. “Absolutely, ma'am.”
Flory nodded, shuffling off to help her remaining patrons.
Aurelio was holding her bag on his shoulder. She reached for it, but he only chuckled. “I don't mind carrying your bag, beautiful. Can I take those, too?” he asked, reaching for the containers.
She nodded; his gentleness was one more mystifying thing about him.
“Ready?”
She looked out the door; the rain had finally stopped. She felt taken care of, like he wanted to do everything for her as he opened the door. She was not sure how she felt about that. The yellow Mustang was parked outside, even more beautiful in person than it had been in any of the pictures he had sent her. She could see the love he put into it; he had to have rebuilt it himself.
“Wow.” That was all she could manage as Aurelio opened the passenger door for her. The Mustang was a classic. Aurelio was pleased with her reaction. His impressive figure walked quickly to the driver's door, got in, and patted the wheel like it was a baby he had to handle delicately. He caught her staring and smiled shyly.
“I, uh...” he stammered. The idea he was nervous was very funny. “I really like my car.” He shrugged, inserting the key in the ignition. The engine came to life, and Aurelio placed a hand on the dash, whispering, “Atta girl,” before reaching for his seatbelt. Mia realized she had not buckled in either.
“Ready?” Aurelio asked; his devilish grin was back.
The unspoken truth of what he was really saying hung in the air. She matched his grin, nodding quickly and holding the food tight. Without another word, the Mustang shot out of the parking lot, taking off along the highway. She watched as the scenery sped by, the car making quick work of the trip. Aurelio expertly shifted the gears, letting the car gain speed as it smoothly switched lanes. His focus was intense; his eyes watched everything around him. She found herself enthralled by the speed, the man behind the wheel, and the adrenaline pumping in her veins. Her legs tingled, her thighs clenching as she felt her desire rising. She tried to focus on something else, anything else, but Aurelio's draw was too strong.
She watched his mouth, which was set in a small smile as he drove. The way his hands gripped the shifter made her wish they were on her body. He casually leaned in the seat as he gained speed. There was no fear, no worries lining his handsome face. He glanced over, catching the look of desire in her eyes. His hand slid off the shifter onto her thigh, gripping it lightly. The ride was over too soon. Her car was parked in the same spot it had been in before, and without a word, he stopped behind the little blue Bug and shut off the engine.
“How was that?” he asked.
“Fast,” she said with a smile. “Almost too fast.” She winked, and he grinned at her, leaning close to press the seat buckle. He reached for the containers, placed them in the backseat, and kissed her. Her tongue grazed his, and he deepened the kiss by cradling her face close. She breathed him in; the kiss lit a fire in her thighs. She put her hand on his, urging it up to feel between her legs. Without breaking the seductive contact, his fingers caressed her moist panties.
He groaned, pushing aside the fabric to feel the source of her pleasure. She moaned his name. Her lips were swollen from the force of the kiss; neither of them was willing to let go. He gently moved his fingers; her walls eagerly squeezed to hold him there.
“Shit,” he breathed against her. Aurelio’s fingers lingered along her entrance. He met her gaze; lust made the air around them heavy as he slowly slid two fingers inside.
She moaned against his lips. “Aurelio…” Her breath was ragged and needy as her eyes fluttered closed.
“Look at me.” His words were a command; her eyes snapped back open. “Good girl.” His thumb brushed her clit, eliciting a shocked breath from her as a deep rumble came from his chest. “Stay right here.” His eyes bore into hers. The connection was like electricity running between them, sending sparks across her skin. His thumb moved across her clit, working in tandem with his fingers. Her juices covered his hand as she got closer to the climax.
“Aurelio, I'm so close,” she murmured, her lips begging to feel his again. She leaned forward, letting them brush together as he drove her to the edge. Her walls tightened around him, orgasm just within reach. He went faster, holding her gaze as he skillfully manipulated her pussy.
“Let go,” Aurelio ordered. His breathing was shallow as the feel of her around his fingers drove him wild. He was so focused on her pleasure, eager for her to come for him.
At his words, she let herself go. The wave rushed through her, increased by the adrenaline from the drive. It created an explosive orgasm. As she came, Aurelio pressed his lips to hers. She matched his intensity, letting her mouth linger as she came down.
Aurelio pulled back and Mia watched as he sucked his fingers into is mouth and licked them clean. She felt her walls clench as he caught her gaze. His desire was still clear in his gaze. She pushed him back in his seat, grabbing for his pants. She brushed her hand over his hard erection, and he grabbed her hand with a chuckle.
“Wait,” he said, placing their hands together in her lap. “Let's get you home.” She frowned; why did he not want her to reciprocate?
“But I want…” she started, pulling a hand free to reach out to him.
“I know what you want.” He grabbed her hand again, holding it. “And I want you, too.”
“But?” she prompted, settling into her seat.
“But you need to drive, and so do I. Let's continue this elsewhere.” He grinned at her, waiting.
“Are you inviting yourself back to my place?” she asked, grinning.
He laughed, brushing his hand along the side of her face. “Maybe, am I allowed to do that yet?”
“Mmm.” Mia placed a finger on her chin and tapped lightly, letting her head turn to the side in thought. “I guess you could come over.”
“Well, lead the way then.” He got out of the car, rushed to her side, and opened the door for her. He grabbed her bag and offered her a hand that she held onto while sliding out of the car. He eyed the blue Bug, checking it out as if it were a woman. She felt a little spark of jealousy before logically realizing it was a car and internally rolled her eyes. Aurelio moved around the car, running his hand along the round bumps, up the roof, and down the front.
“Nice,” he praised, turning to look at Mia as she placed the key into the door, rapping on the right spot and turning the key.
“What was that?” Aurelio asked as he grabbed to open the door for her.
“Oh,” Mia sighed. “The old girl here is very particular about how she likes to be treated. You have to go slow and be gentle.”
“As any woman would like,” he murmured with a grin.
Ignoring the comment, she kept talking. “We’ve been together for over fifteen years. My dad gave her to me when I was eleven,” Mia said, knowing how strange that sounded. “My dad loved old scrap cars. This 1973 classic has been with me a long time.”
She smiled, remembering how the old girl had looked when she first saw her. “My dad, brothers, and I fixed it up. She was all beat up with dents and chips in the paint. But we worked on her for five years. When I was sixteen, I passed my driving test with her.”
“Is this the car your brother taught you to drive in?” Aurelio inquired. He remembered what she had told him before.
“Yeah.” She grinned at the memory of her brother taking her out in the car, which was still a bit of a mess at the time. They had just finished fixing her up enough to run. It was one of her favorite memories with him.
“I have three brothers, all older than me. Melvin, Mikey, and Matty. Melvin is the one who taught me how to drive.” Mia paused, her fingers lingering on the car as she pictured her three brothers, devilishly handsome and grinning. “Melvin was like a second dad, protective and always pushing us to do more.[SS10] Dad worked at the scrap yard his whole life, so he always brought home projects. All our first cars were ones he found there.”
“And your mom?” Aurelio asked softly, almost as if he knew her mom hadn't been mentioned intentionally.
“Yeah, she popped me out, and she popped out herself.” Mia’s smile turned bitter. “She never looked back.”
“Oh, Mia.”
She cringed at the oncoming sympathy and pity she knew would follow that admission.
“I get that.”
“Oh.” The normal wave of apologies she got when she shared her past was nowhere to be seen, and she was grateful for that.
“My mom skipped town, too. My dad was a mechanic not too far from here.” He scanned the horizon, his eyes settling to the west of where they stood. “I know I’ve mentioned the shop I own; it was his originally. He worked every day while still raising me best he could.” Aurelio smiled. The thought of his father was an apparent happy one.
“Unfortunately,” his smile faltered as his eyes got a faraway look to them. “He got sick when I was fifteen.”
“Aurelio,” she said, an apology sitting on her tongue. She swallowed it down, knowing exactly how it felt to be pitied because of circumstances that happened in your life. She let his name be the answer.
His face was still smiling at her, but the pain in his eyes was there. The memories were not yet healed. “Well, enough sad stories. Shall we head out?” He moved to close the car door, prompting Mia to get settled into the driver's seat. Moving quickly, she rolled the window down and leaned out for another kiss.
Smiling, he obliged. “I'll follow you,” he assured her, stepping back.
“I don't drive as fast as you, I hope that's okay!” she yelled, smiling as he turned to catch her eye.
Aurelio winked at her with eyes that shone bright in the moonlight. “No one does, beautiful.”
Mia made sure to move as swiftly as the old girl would go, pushing her to fifty-five on the highway. Aurelio drove next to her the whole time. She caught him looking at her through the window. She gave him a frown, pointed to her eyes, and then to the road. He laughed, continuing to drive by her side.
As they approached her street, her phone began to ring. She slid her finger across the screen, tapping the speaker button.
“Hello?” she called, turning on her blinker and stopping at a stop sign.
“Hey, beautiful.” Aurelio's voice filled her car, but it wasn't his usual calm charm.
“What's wrong?” she asked, knowing he was about to disappear again.
“I'm sorry,” he started.
Mia huffed, trying not to be upset, but her feelings were getting the best of her.
“I am,” he said, aggravation in his voice. His car was still behind her. “I can't stay. Something's come up, and I am needed.”
“Fine.” Her tone was clipped. “Maybe it's better,” she added, regretting it immediately.
“What?” he stuttered, surprised and hurt. “Why?”
“I don't know, Aurelio.” Her doubts were back; she chose to be honest, no matter how much it hurt. “Things are still so… unanswered.”
“Mia…” he said after a moment. “Please know, I want nothing more than to come upstairs and fall asleep with you.” His tone betrayed him, the fear and want mixing to a plea in his voice.
She sighed, pulling her car into the alley and seeing his car lights pull past the entrance and stop. She killed the engine and waited.
“Mia.” He wanted some reassurance. She could hear it in his voice. “Mia.” There was a little more desperation in his tone. “Say something.”
“Have a good night, Aurelio.” She whispered and ended the call, throwing her head against the headrest. His car lights slowly rolled by, leaving her in darkness. Her music began again, but her shattering heart was all she could hear.