Page 6 of Spark

“Seriously, girl?!” Tony asked, a hand on his hip. The young barista who had recently been hired turned to look at Mia with wide eyes.

“Sorry. I'm parked in the garage, and it's pouring.” She pouted so her lip puffed out.

Tony rolled his eyes at her, gesturing to the drizzle outside. “That's not pouring, love. And you are nowhere near sweet enough to melt.”

“Please?” Mia begged, her eyes glazing over with tears.

“Oh, girl, you're already halfway through. Get!” he laughed, turning away.

Smiling, Mia lumbered to the front door. The rain was really not that bad, thankfully. She looked back over her shoulder, and Tony held up a coffee cup. Shaking her head no, she turned to push the door with her butt. Rain began pelting her backside. “Thanks! Love you!”

“Whatever, crazy.” She heard him say as the door closed behind her. The drizzle tapped her head lightly as she hauled and shifted the laundry bag to a beat-up little Volkswagen, its once vibrant blue dull from age.

“Hey, girl,” Mia cooed. It may not have been much, but the thing served her well. It may be old, but the powder-blue color and metal roof rack were classic. The old girl always put a smile on Mia's face as memories flooded back. Choosing not to ride the trauma train, she unlocked the trunk and lifted the lid with one hand before shoving the overstuffed hamper in.

“Atta, girl,” Mia said, slamming the trunk and patting the old car gingerly. With a grin, she went to the driver's side door and slid the key into the lock, which, as always, got stuck. Without a second thought, she gave the door a tap, and the key slid home, turning easily. The metal door creaked loudly as itwas opened, making Mia grimace as she settled behind the worn leather wheel. A quick flick of her wrist had the car stuttering to life, and her fingers brushed the cracking leather as she listened to the engine idle beneath her.

“Well, let's go be domestic.” She pulled the stick into reverse and maneuvered the old girl out of the parking garage.

Several minutes later, Mia was walking towards the laundromat, hamper in hand. The clerk paid her no mind as she got busy, loading two machines and settling on a plastic bench, phone in hand. The dating app was still open. She realized with a bit of shock that she never responded to Aurelio's messages. Her thoughts flashed with worry as she quickly typed a response, hoping he wouldn't be upset or think she didn't want to speak to him anymore.

Mia:Hey! I think a call would be great! Would later tonight work? Sorry I didn't respond sooner. My nosy neighbor dropped by. Talk to you then!

Her fingers nervously tapped on the screen as she stared at the messages. Anxiety built in her chest. Mia set the phone down next to her and turned her attention to the textbook she had brought. She would hear if he responded, so she might as well distract herself with studying. Her degree was almost complete. She had been working so hard for so long to earn her doctorate in Psychology. She was tired of all the books and jargon. Even at that moment, her sight seemed to swim, unable to focus on the page. Just as she was about to give up altogether, her phone dinged with the pleasant tone of a new Aurelio message. She smiled, happily setting the book down in exchange for the cell phone. She had the screen unlocked before even registering what she was doing. Her fingers twitched with excitement as her heart fluttered.

Aurelio:There you are!Here's a reward for finally answering me!

The photo that popped up had Mia forgetting all about her studies. Aurelio was shirtless and crouched next to his car, a hose in one hand. His smile was wide as he held the phone in his free hand, angling it slightly down, showing the hard lines of his stomach. The orange jumper was wet, clinging to his skin as he washed the vehicle. The soap suds that clung to his skin were white, like fluffy little clouds, as if he had just landed from heaven in a rainstorm.

A sigh escaped Mia's lips as she imagined reaching through the phone to trace his muscles. Thoughts of Aurelio ran through her mind, and the room became very hot. She fanned her reddening face with one hand, glancing around guiltily. The few others in the laundromat paid her no mind; they were focused on their own busy work while the machines whirred in the background. Mia swallowed, clicking the picture closed so she could respond. Her teeth bit softly on her lower lip as she typed, eyebrows raised as she imagined him waiting for her reply.

Mia:Cooling off?

Aurelio:You could say that. Gotta clean up the rides before sending them off.

Mia:Makes sense. How is work? You said your job was hard today?

Aurelio:I don't want to think about it now if that's okay.

Mia's face fell a little, feeling a mixture of concern and curiosity. Was he trying to hide something? Unsure how to respond, she left it for the moment. They had only just met. If he wasn't ready to share, who was she to push him? She needed to be patient.

Mia:Of course. Sorry to pry.

Aurelio:You're not! Not at all, Mia. It was just a rough day. I need a little time to process. I want to share it with you, but it'll have to be later.

She could understand that. There were days when she wanted nothing but to forget about all of it and slip into the tub with a drink and music. Deciding to be open with him in the hopes of gaining a little more of his trust, she told him so.

Mia:I get it. Some days, all I want is to soak in my tub and think about nothing.

Aurelio:Tub, huh? Sounds nice.

Mia:What do you do to unwind and leave the stress behind?

Aurelio:Drive. Fast. Leave it in the dust behind me. But a soak with you sounds nice, too.

She laughed, and a woman across the room gave her a look. Mia placed a hand over her mouth to stifle the sound. The lady rolled her eyes, which made Mia smile wider. Something about Aurelio made her giddy, like a schoolgirl crush. The washers beeped, jolting her out of a daydream. Another text came in right as she opened the doors. Her cheeks flushed even brighter.

Aurelio:I am pretty dirty. Would you help me wash?

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