Page 106 of Spark

“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 himanyway. 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 Miasurrendered 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.

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