Page 26 of Spark

I cant believe you said yes to meet up with me and then I blew it so hard.

If you’re still willing to meet me in person, there is a car show tonight.

It’s near the diner you work at.

Would you be willing to come and let me explain everything?

The address and time were on the next message, the place a park very close to the diner. The clock had just hit 11, the morning was already almost over. She felt a mix of confusion and anger in her heart and mind. Was she willing to hear him out?

Mia pondered the question for the next hour as she took a shower, picked out her outfit, and got dressed. When she looked up from her vanity, her face was full of confusion and questions. Her body had been on autopilot as she worked on the makeup that was mostly finished. She brushed setting powder over her face and looked closely at the still visible, but mostly covered, bruise. It was a nice shade of purple tinged with blue.

Finished with her makeup, she grabbed the phone and eyed the location and following texts. Although she hadn’t responded again, Aurelio was texting a couple times an hour. The messages all said how sorry he was and that he promised to explain all he could. Finaly, as her hair fell in beach curls down her shoulders, she sent a simple thumbs up reply to the address and time message. Almost immediately, Aurelio sent a message back saying how happy he was to hear she would come.

The time blaring up at her like a warning, Mia set the phone back down and assessed the look so far. Still in her matching bra and pantie set, she eyed the makeup and hair. The look was simple, the bruise covered best she could, but to add something she went with a red lip. Her hair fell around her, the curls framing her face. She knew she looked good, hot even, but still, something wouldn’t settle. She sighed and pushed her nerves down as she strode to her bed, where she had laid out her evening outfit, a red top and distressed shorts. She wanted to look good, amazing even. She needed to show Aurelio what he had screwed up.

Her heart thudded hard against her chest as she pulled the top on and snapped the three buttons along the collar, securing it closed around her neck. The short-sleeved shirt was lacy and partially see-through. Under the nearly transparent fabric was a cropped tank top that covered the important bits, but her arms, neck, and mid-section were visible beneath the lace material. The pants weren't booty shorts, but they rode up high and ended around mid-thigh. She loved them; they were comfortable to walk in and looked great.

After dressing, Mia spun in the mirror one more time, letting her hair twirl around her. A smile played on her lips as her phone buzzed beside her. Grabbing it, she saw a message from Aurelio.

Aurelio:I'm already here, I have a few work things to take care of. But I will be all yours as soon as you're here. See you soon, beautiful.

Mia sent another thumbs up emoji, biting her lip as nerves settled in her stomach. Putting her phone in her back pocket; she glanced once more at her reflection. A mix of nerves and anger swirling inside her, she took it all in. She looked hot. She ran a hand through her curls, watching them bounce around her shoulders as she pouted her lips. Her makeup was on point, her red lip enticing. She hoped he would want to kiss her, but she wasn’t sure she would be able to resist him.

She ran her fingers through her hair one more time. The clock ticked away, reminding her to get a move on. After grabbing her keys, she left the loft and locked up. As she reached the last floor, she ran into Oliver, who was carrying some takeout. Her chest connected with his full arms, and the containers wobbled dangerously.

“Oh my gosh, I'm sorry!” She grabbed an open container before it fell.

“No,” Oliver managed to say past a noodle hanging from his mouth. “I'm sorry!” He swallowed, slurping the noodle up as he went red with embarrassment.

“I just got off work and was starving,” he explained, taking the box from her and closing the lid. “I couldn't wait.” His eyes strayed up and down her body, only then just realizing how she was dressed. “Woah, you clean up nice. Where are you rushing off to?”

“Oh.” She looked at her dark red Converse shoes “I have a date,” she admitted, tilting her head up to meet his eyes. She saw recognition pass over his face as his grin dimmed slightly. The look Oliver was sporting did nothing to calm her already spent nerves. She straightened her spine and met his gaze.

“Oh,” he muttered finally, his free hand running through his hair. “Anywhere special?” the venom in his tone was clear, as he looked from her bare legs to her lacy top.

“Uhm, a car show?” Mia's voice was thinner than she liked. Oliver's expression shifted to confusion as she continued, “At a park. By the docks.” She shrugged, feeling awkward as she crossed her arms. “I have to get going, actually,” she finished quickly, pointing towards her car. “I don't want to be late.”

Oliver nodded, his face still furrowed. “Yeah, sure.” His blonde hair fell around his eyes as he shook his head slightly.

Mia pushed the door open, her sneaker softly squeaking as she took a step outside. She felt his eyes on her back as she crossed the threshold. Oliver's voice stopped her.

“Hey, Mia?” His face was hidden in the shadows of the stairwell.

“Yeah?” she asked, impatience creeping into her tone.

A dark expression claimed his features as he stepped out of the shadows and closer to her. Mia swallowed hard as she met his gaze.

“Be careful who you chose to be around.” he said simply, turning away from her and heading back up the stairs. She listened to the thud of his heavy boots for a moment as the warm night air blew across her cheek. Gradually, her body unfroze as her eyes blinked away at the lingering tension. The threat was clear to her.

Be careful whose side you choose.

Chapter Sixteen

The road to the park was dark; most of the lights in the area were broken or off. She was more nervous now than she had been after the interaction with Oliver. It left her unsteady. She tried to shake off the feeling as she focused on the road. She passed the mostly empty diner and knew she was close. As she turned onto the next street towards the docks, as Aurelio's directions instructed, she saw the parking lot. There had to be at least thirty cars there already. Men walked around, looking and daring to touch the expensive-looking vehicles. She parked near the entrance. Her car did not make the cut to be in the lot. She took out her phone, shooting off a quick “I'm here” text to Aurelio. She locked the Bug and made her way through the gates. The park itself was lit up with plenty of vendors and people mingling around. As she approached the docks, her phone dinged. A smile tugged at her lips as she read the message.

Aurelio:I see you.

She locked eyes with him immediately, and her heart threatened to leap out and run to him. Still, she froze. He was even more handsome than any picture could do justice. He smiled widely, moving towards her. His tight dark pants and white T-shirt were simple but perfect. His light brown eyes locked onto her dark ones.

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