Page 43 of Spark

“She has an old bug.” Oliver said, his mouth full. “Blue with a roof rack.” Mia frowned.

“Ah, old school huh?” Detective Daniels said, pulling her focus. “Well, that sounds like an interesting ride. Im sure it has an interesting story as well.” He gave her another smile and then grabbed his wallet.

“Let me pay now, were almost finished and can get out of your hair here soon.” He slid a few bills towards her, more than enough to cover the bill.

“Sure, ill grab your5 change and..” Mia began, turning from the table with the bills in her hand.

“No need, keep the change.” Detective Daniels stood; he was only a few inches taller then Mia. “You have been a gracious host. And I look forward to speaking with you soon.” Oliver stood next, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before heading to the door.

“See you soon, Mia.” Oliver called, turning his head towards her as he reached the door, Detective Daniels gave a slight frown before turning to Mia and flashing his warm smile.

“I will be in contact soon.” He said. “I look forward to speaking with you again.” And with that, the two men made there way out of the diner.

The rest of the night was smooth as butter. Mia and Flory worked well together, and the kitchen staff efficiently pumped out dish after dish all night. Finally, around eight, an hour before closing, David announced he was leaving.

“Flory!” he called. “Door stays open, and we serve customers until nine-thirty, right?” He said the same thing everynight as if he didn't have an app that told him the moment the door lock was engaged.

“Yup, same as every night, David. Bye.” Flory waved a hand before pouring coffee and grabbing a piece of pie for a counter customer.

“Mia!” David said, catching her off guard as her hands were full of empty plates.

“Yes?” she said as sweetly as she could muster.

“Don’t be late like this again, k?” He pointed a finger at her but didn't wait for a reply as he turned and walked out the door. As it closed behind him, Mia rolled her eyes. The young dishwasher in the back was bopping to some music on her headphones and did not even notice the plates being dropped off. Mia moved toward the main cook.

“Hey, Luis? Can I…?”

“Mia,” he interrupted. His balding head was covered with a hair net, and his rotund belly hit the edge of the workstation he was in front of. “I'm not supposed to feed you tonight. David said you weren’t working a full shift, so you weren't entitled to a shift meal.” He frowned at her, his deep wrinkles creasing around his brown eyes. “But fuck him. I gotcha. The usual?”

Mia smiled big at him and nodded. “Extra bacon, please!”

A handful of people were at the counter, sipping coffee with pie plates that were empty or almost gone. Her last table was getting ready to leave as the door chimed. She walked around the corner just in time to see Aurelio, drenched from the rain, step across the threshold. He ran a hand over his hair. His clothes were different: a simple pair of blue jeans and a black V-neck T-shirt. He looked breathtaking. She froze just behind the doorway, watching him look for her.

She was enjoying the view when Flory called out to him. “Sit wherever you like, kid.” Flory moved behind the counter to the little food window. “What are you doing?” she asked when she saw Mia hiding. “Oh, is that him?”

The older woman raised her brows for a second before she kept working, reaching for the plates Luis passed through the window. Mia gave a little nod, and Flory turned to give the last gentleman waiting for food his plate.

Aurelio glanced around, his face falling. “Looking for someone?” Flory asked, not missing a beat.

“Um, yeah.” He flashed a crooked smile, a small chuckle escaping him as he sat on a stool.

“Okay, who?” Flory asked with a soft, patient smile on her thin lips. “Maybe I can tell you if they are here?”

“Mia?” Aurelio replied; her name never sounded as good as it did rolling off his tongue.

Mia's body gave a little shiver, remembering his tongue on her body only a few hours ago.

“Oh, yeah. Nice girl, a real cutie.” Flory gave her a wink as she made more coffee. “Let me see.” She turned back around and placed a menu in front of him with a hand on her hip. “Yeah, she's here somewhere. Let me check the back real quick, darling.” Flory walked right to where Mia was and leaned in. “Do we want to see this handsome young man right now?” she asked quietly, pretending to be looking around.

“Yes,” Mia breathed, stepping back to brush her yellow apron. It seriously clashed with the red dress she wore under it.

Flory eyed her makeup and gave her a quick swipe on Mia's cheek like a mother before a prom picture. “You look stunning, girl.” Grabbing her wrist and leading her out front, she announced aloud, “Here she is!”

Aurelio looked up from his menu, eyes lighting up with a wide smile.

“This the Mia you were hoping for?” Flory asked, giving Mia's shoulder a little pat. “Because I can put her back.”

Mia laughed, rolling her eyes as Aurelio still stared at her.

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