Chapter Thirty-Four
Mia was back home by three, and the dress shop was about twenty minutes away. Luckily, when she got home, the boys were dressed and ready to go. She handed the keys to Mikey, and they all piled into the Bug. The dress shop wasn’t empty this time, but the saleswoman called her to the back the moment they walked in.
“The dress is perfect! I did the alterations myself.” She gave Mia a wink, who looked at the guys in confusion.
They all shrugged and walked to the back. Mia went into the booth, pulling her clothes off and slid the dress on.
When she stepped out of the changing room, Melvin’s eyes went wide. “Wow, Mia.”
Matty’s jaw dropped.
“It looks even better,” Mikey insisted, urging Mia to look in the mirror.
The simple gown was beautiful. The sleeves were three-quarters, and the neckline came up enough to hold onto her shoulder and dive down into a V-neck. Her breasts were concealed, but just the right amount of cleavage showed. She turned to view at the back, the deeper v trailed down to just above her butt. The hem was perfect, and a nice pair of black heels would work great.
“Here are the shoes,” the woman said, seemingly reading Mia’s mind.
“Shoes?” She eyed the red strappy heels. “I didn’t pick out shoes.”
“No; the man who paid did.” The woman shook her head, pushing them toward Mia again.
“What?” She grabbed the box. “Who?” She looked at her brothers accusingly, but they all stared back with blank looks.
“The young man who came in yesterday.” The women looked at each of them. “Uhm, Tall, muscular, tattoos?” she traced a finger on her arm. Mia smiled, picturing the rings on Aurelio’s arm.
She nodded quietly, her face shifting to slight outrage as she realized what he had done.
“Aurelio.” She said the women nodding yes rapidly. “He picked out the shoes?”
“Yes; he said the size and color he wanted, and I brought him what I had. He picked these out. Are they the right size?” the woman asked.
Mia glanced at the box.
“Yup.” She said tight lipped. Matty and Mikey snickered behind her.
She turned, catching Melvin’s eyes.
“I have never liked a woman enough to know her shoe size,” he admitted.
“Shut up, all of you,” Mia said, lifting her foot to slide the shoe on. Melvin stepped forward, catching her before she toppled over. She shot him a sidelong glance but leaned on him anyway. Once she strapped both heels in place, she stood, the dress cascading perfectly around her. The cool, silky fabric felt luxurious against her skin, hugging the curve of her hips. The slit swished lightly as she moved, her thigh teasingly peeking out.
“Oh my, yes!” a woman exclaimed, clapping her hands. “Perfect! Would you like me to take a picture, maybe you can send it to that young man?”
“Nope,” Mia replied, forcing a smile. “I’m going to make him wait.”
“Oh,” the woman said, her confusion evident. “Okay then.”
Mia slipped into the fitting room, peeling off the dress. She hung it back on the hanger and stepped out. The woman took the dress from her and slid it into an elegant dress bag. Mia shook her head, realizing Aurelio had gone all out this time. The woman handed her the dress, beaming.
“Please, come again! We dress for every occasion!” she said with a wide smile. The four of them nodded their thanks and made their way out of the store.
As soon as they were outside, Mia whirled around to face the boys, the dress draped over her shoulder.
“Which one of you rats spilled the beans that I didn’t have the money for the dress?” she accused, poking her finger at each of them in turn. They all raised their hands in mock surrender.
“Spill it,” she insisted, knowing one of them was guilty. Finally, Mikey and Matty exchanged guilty glances, shifting their eyes to Melvin.
“Melvin!” she cried, starting toward the parked car. “Of course, it was you!”
“What?” he asked, catching up with her as Mikey and Matty fell back. Silently, Matty grabbed the dress, and Mia surrendered it without a fight. Mikey picked up the shoes, both of them letting Melvin walk beside her. She sighed, slowing down to match his pace.
“So,” she said, her gaze fixed ahead, refusing to meet his eyes. “Why?”
“He wanted to do something nice for you, and I mentioned you needed help paying for the dress. He was thrilled to do it,” Melvin explained.
“Of course he was; he’s a good guy,” Mia said, stopping to grab Melvin’s arm, turning to face him. “But I don’t want to owe anyone anything ever again.” The truth slipped out, raw and unguarded.
“Oh, bug,” Melvin replied, his expression softening. “I understand.” He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “I know.”
“I know he wouldn’t see it that way, but that was a lot of money,” Mia murmured, letting her head rest against her brother’s chest. “I don’t want him to feel like he has to do things like that. Or like when he bought you guys those machines and stuff.”
“I don’t think he does, bug,” Melvin said, pulling back to meet her gaze. “I think he does it because he loves you and wants you to be happy.”
“I am happy, with him.” She said, her brothers gathering behind her. Mikey grabbed her hand, his fingers covering hers as he looked her in the eyes.
“He knows, bug.” He said, giving her knuckles a kiss.
“And its clear he is happy with you.” Mikey said, his eyes going to the others. Matty cleared his throat.
“Bug, we know you were going to use the money we gave you for the dress.” He looked down. Mia rolled her eyes.
“So?” she said, pulling her hands free from Mikeys.
“So.” Melvin said. “That money was not for you to spend on a dress.” He crossed his arms and gave her a serious look. “The money was to help move you home.” He said, looking to Mikey.
“Bug, your future is so bright.” Mikey said, gesturing outward. “The world is open for you now, you can do anything.” He rested a hand on her shoulder. “So what do you want to do with forever?”
Mia paused. Here, towering before her, was her past. The people who had held her heart for so long, the missing pieces she just couldn’t reach to feel complete. And now, she had the chance to go home, be with her family.
But home would never be home, not without Aurelio. Realization dawned on her as she looked between each of her brothers, there matching eyes gazing at her.
“I want to be wherever Aurelio is.” She said, and each of her brothers smiled, each one bearing a slightly different emotion she felt inside. Some sadness, some joy, some pure love. Melvin grabbed her hand, locking his eyes with hers.
“Then tell him that.”