Page 18 of Spark

“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.

---