Page 19 of Spark

Mia sat frozen, her mind trying to pick up the pieces. Damnit.She grabbed her phone. Fear be damned, she would go out with him. Her fingers danced over the screen, crafting a message longer than she intended, but she couldn’t stop. By the time she hit send, alarms blared in her brain. The message in blue was sent and gone. No backing out now. She reread it, trying to calm her thoughts.

Mia:You’re right. It’s time we bite the bullet and meet up. This weekend sounds great; I’d love to go with you to the car show and just hang out. Let me know the details, and I’ll see you then.

Her phone blinked off as she reread the last line for the fifth time. Gripping the cold glass, she sipped her shake slowly. Eyes closed, she let the diner's sounds ease her into a tranquil state.She could picture his face when he felt his phone buzz again with a message from her. This time, she could see that gorgeous smile lighting up his face as he read the words, his fingers typing back a response of “Can’t wait!”or “I’m so excited to see you!”Mia’s lips broke into a grin at the thought of his excitement, convinced her phone would buzz any moment.

The squeak of shoes broke her daydream. Turning, she spotted Mac heading her way, his shoes squeaking with each step.

“Hey, Mia,” he squeaked out, his voice matching the sound of his shoes. He cleared his throat, his awkward smile making her relax.

“Hey, Mac. Busy day?” She gestured to the empty side of the booth where Flory had been. Mac took a seat, holding a glass bottle of Coke.

“Oh, nah, just the counter with the trucking regulars heading home for the week.” He nodded toward the half-full counter. “How’s your day been? Classes today?”

“No, Fridays are my free day. Besides, I’m almost out anyway.” She smiled, knowing her school days would officially be behind her in a few months.

“That’s great. Gonna leave us all behind once you’re done?” Mac sipped his soda, his prominent Adam’s apple bobbing.

“I could never,” Mia replied, but her smile faltered. The truth was, if she could go home, she would. But she wouldn’t bring that drama here. “So, how’s everything with you? How’s that mysterious other job going?”

Mac’s face flushed at the teasing. A month ago, he had let slip that he was moving up in his other job during a particularly rough day when David was riding him hard over a broken dish.He had vented to Flory and Mia, confessing he could easily leave for a full-time position elsewhere. But when they pressed him about it, he clammed up.

“Oh, that’s… phew. That’s nothing,” Mac rushed, rubbing the back of his neck. His fingers squeezed it, turning pale. “Besides, my boss won’t let me work more anyway. Doesn’t want me stuck in it like he is.” He looked down, hair falling into his face. Mia looked at the kid a little harder, her eyes scanning his young face. Mac was cute, for a kid. His pimply face was clearer now, the light scars from acne on his chin faded in the diners light. After a moment Mac looked back at Mia, his eyes tinged with a sadness she couldn’t place.

“Besides, I think its gonna be quiet for a little on that job anyway.” Mac looked away again as he stumbled over words for a moment. “My, ugh, boss.” He eyed mia again, the fear replaced with nerves. “He said he needs to, oh, uh. I mean needs a little time before I can come back.” Mia raised a brow. She could see how nervous he looked, like maybe he had done something at this other job. She took pity on him and looked out the window.

Letting the moment diffuse, Mia gave a nod towards the trees outside. “Well, looks like fall’s coming in hot.” She watched leaves drift down as a breeze blew through. Mac perked up slightly, his own gaze cast out the window, to the leaves as they blew down the road.

“Yeah. I love this time of year,” Mac agreed, glancing out the window. Mia watched him eying the passing cars, watched as the lit up as a corvette rolled by.

“Me too. Perfect driving weather.” Mia looked back to Mac as he nodded in agreement.

“Oh, definitely.” He said, his normal enthusiasm returning. “Top down, music blasting. There’s nothing like getting behind the wheel of a beautiful car and cruising.” Mac’sface lit up further, joy clear on his face, and Mia could almost see the memories replaying in his mind. “One time, I drove a brand new black and gold Lambo, fresh off the boat.”

“What?” Mia’s confusion registered on his face as they met eyes. “Off the boat?”

His smile fell, and his complexion drained. “I mean, uh… fresh off the lot.”

“Mac,” she said slowly, “do you work for a dealership?”

He tilted his head, as if puzzled by the question.

“How else did you drive a Lamborghini off a boat?” Mia tapped her finger on the table, emphasizing her point. “Explain.”

“I… um.” Mac’s words tumbled out, eyes wide.

“You know, ever since I saw those cars speed by while I was at the laundromat, I’ve been reading about a car theft ring around here.” His eyes widened further, encouraging her to continue. “In fact, that very day, there was a black and gold Lambo. Looked pretty fresh, too.” Mia narrowed her eyes, leaning closer. “Mac. Do you have something you need to tell me?”

His face turned pale as he took a shaky breath. “N-n-no,” he stammered. His Adam’s apple bobbed again as he swallowed. “No.”

“Mac—”

“MAC!” David burst through the swinging door, eyes scanning the room. Without turning, Mia could feel his gaze on the back of her head. “Get back here! Break’s over!”

A relieved sigh escaped Mac, and without a word, he slid from the booth and bolted away.

“Mia!”

She rolled her eyes, spinning to face her manager. “Yes, David?” she asked as sweetly as she could, batting her eyes. His face reddened.

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