Page 108 of Spark

“Aurelio,” she said, approaching him. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her. She felt his shoulders relax a bit as he held her, her own arms wrapping around his neck.

“What’s wrong?” she asked after a moment. He sighed, stepping back to look at her, hurt evident in his eyes.

“That little punk has decided to declare himself to Dominick. Says if I’m out, I should stay out.” Aurelio’s face hardened, anger setting his jaw. Mia reached up and kissed his jaw lightly. Aurelio looked down at her, his eyes softening.

“I just want him out, too,” he said, shaking his head. “Dominick’s an idiot; he’s going to get that kid arrested or killed.” Aurelio made a fist, and Mia noticed, so she placed her arm around him. He relaxed a little.

“I don’t want to ruin dinner. I should go,” he said.

“No!” Mia exclaimed. “How will I repay you for the dress if you leave?” She smiled at him, and Aurelio finally cracked a small smile.

“I didn’t look at it, I promise.” He pulled her into his arms again, the hug warmer now, his body hard but only because of his muscles. She let him hold her, feeling the tension in her own body begin to melt away. She pulled back, turned toward the diner, and grabbed his hand. As they stepped inside, the boys yelled upon spotting Aurelio. His face lit up even more as he yelled back to them.

Mia laughed as he walked up to the table, high-fives being passed all around. Mikey moved into the booth with Melvin and Matty, the three squishing together. Mia laughed and grabbed a chair on her way to the table, setting it at the end. Mikey moved there.

“Thanks, bug,” he said, while Mia and Aurelio settled into their side. Flory emerged, food stacked high in her hands. She eyed Aurelio and gave him a wink before dropping the plates and leaving. Mia counted five plates. She laughed; Flory had placed an order for Aurelio without them saying anything. Aurelio grabbed his plate—a double-patty bacon burger with extra onions and cheese fries, the same as Mia’s. Mia watched aseveryone grabbed their plates, dinner devoured in comfortable silence.

Chapter Thiry-Six

Mia opted to ride the bike with Aurelio, accepting his helmet as he promised Melvin he would go slow. She laughed at that but was surprised when he actually did. Aurelio took his time, adhering to the speed limit and exercising extra caution. Disappointment washed over her, ready to spill as they pulled into the alley next to the building, where the bug was already parked and her brothers waited upstairs.

“Why would you go so slow?” she pouted.

“Because Mel asked me to,” Aurelio replied, taking the helmet from her and entwining his fingers with hers. “And I didn’t have a helmet. I very much want to live a long life with you.” Mia couldn’t help but smile.

“Fine, but you owe me some speed.” She followed him into the building. The rest of the night dragged on; the boys played while Mia took a shower, and halfway through, Aurelio decided to join her. She thanked him for the dress with a kiss on her knees, which he greatly appreciated. When they emerged, dressed for bed, the boys were winding down. Everyone said their good nights and settled in for the night.

Saturday passed in a blur, with Aurelio and the boys heading out to pick up his tuxedo. Mia took the opportunity for some self-care—she did a face mask, painted her nails, and shaved. When they returned for lunch, she had ordered Chinese,which arrived just before they did. Aurelio refused to let her see the tux, but she sensed something was up when each of them walked in carrying a garment bag.

“Guys, for real,” she said, rolling her eyes. “If you look better than me, I will kill all of you.” They spent the afternoon cleaning the apartment, preparing for graduation tomorrow, knowing her brothers would leave in two days. She didn’t want to think about it, yet her mind kept wandering back to their invitation. After they enjoyed leftovers for dinner, Mia pulled Aurelio aside.

“Hey, beautiful,” he said. “What’s up?”

“Can we talk?” she asked, and his expression shifted to seriousness.

“Of course.” She nodded and led him toward the door. “We’ll be back,” she called over her shoulder, her brothers waving goodbye.

She guided Aurelio down the stairs into the empty café. They found a booth, and Aurelio ordered them each a coffee.

“Late for coffee,” she remarked, and he smiled.

“Not if we think of a good way to burn off the extra energy.” He winked at her, and she felt herself slipping into a flirty mood. Shaking her head, she refocused on the conversation they needed to have.

“Aurelio,” she sighed.

“Beautiful,” he responded, “what’s on your mind?”

“Our future,” she said honestly. “What is it? What do you see? What do I see?”

“All I see in my future is you,” Aurelio said, reaching out to hold her hand. “And that’s enough for me.”

“Aurelio, I see you too,” she replied, “but I mean, where?” She glanced around the café. “Here?”

“I don’t know, nor do I care,” he said. “I’m not tied to anything here.”

“But you are!” she exclaimed, frustration creeping into her voice. “You own two businesses; you have history here. I don’t want to pull you away from a life you want because I decide to leave.”

“Mia,” he said, exasperation lacing his tone, “one business is a hub for criminal activity that will never be what it was. And the other has been shuttered for so long, I doubt it can ever reopen.”

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