Page 55 of Spark

“Of course, thanks for chatting.” She heard the line click, and she could breathe, her eyes wide. What had she gotten herself into?

Aurelio answered on the third ring, his voice strained. “Hello, my beautiful girlfriend.”

“Where are you?” she asked, her nerves were still shot.

She heard him give a strained chuckle. “Under another beautiful girl.”

“What?”

He laughed. There was a clanging sound and then a “humph” from him. “I'm working on the old girl. What’s wrong?” She heard him shuffling around, his boots thumping as he moved.

“I still need to get a ride to work, but can you send Mac?”

“No,” he insisted. “I will come get you. Can I leave the old girl—?”

“Aurelio,” she interrupted. “Please send Mac.”

“Why?”

She could hear the turmoil behind his tone. “Please just have him come pick me up for our shift at the diner. When the old girl's done, bring her to the diner.” Mia needed him to just trust her. “I will explain later, but right now, I need him to come get me.”

“Fine, let me call him.” Without another word, Aurelio hung up.

She was hurt that he didn't say goodbye but could understand why he was upset. She sighed and grabbed her bag; the quad was filling up with more students. She went to a nice little sitting area where she could wait and calm her nerves. Her phone dinged.

Aurelio:He is on his way. I’m sorry I hung up. I trust you; just promise to fill me in?

Mia smiled, wanting to call him back to tell him everything, but she needed to focus. She may have created the first half of the story, but she had to make the second half true.

Mia:Of course. Sorry for not being able to explain right now. Thanks for fixing up the old girl!??

Aurelio:My pleasure. She is an incredibly good patient.

A photo came through of Aurelio in his mechanic uniform with grease on his face and hands, holding a wrench. The Bug was propped up on the lift. Mia's heart swooned, wanting to plant a kiss on his face and body.

Aurelio:Shit, I gotta run. Boss is coming in. That’s never a good thing. Love you, beautiful.

Mia's head exploded; she was sure of it. Her whole body went numb as her eyes refused to leave the last text. As she stared at the screen, she heard her name being called, seemingly from far away. Hands landed on her shoulders, giving her a shake.

“Mia!” Mac was in front of her, his big blue eyes full of concern.

“Aurelio said he loves me,” she muttered.

Mac gave her a look. “Duh. Anyone could see that.”

“What?”[SS12]

“Mia, he took you on a job, and he waited all night to make up with you. The dude is literally blowing off the boss to fix your car!” Mac threw his arms in the air in exasperation.

“Holy shit.” That was all she could manage.

“The question is... do you love Aurelio?”

The question hung in the air between them, and Mia opted to ignore him the whole way to the diner. They walked in an hour early.

“Do you wanna eat before we clock in?” Mac asked, breaking the silence.

“Sure,” she answered, walking to the corner booth. Amy, who worked the mornings during the week, waved as she slid into her seat. Mia waved back, giving her a small smile. She didn't need to look at the menu, but she did anyway, placing the barrier between her and Mac. She knew she was being unfair; he hadn't asked the question to be mean or tricky. He cared about Aurelio; he didn't want her to break his heart. Mac cleared his throat, but Mia promptly ignored him, choosing to focus on the milkshake flavors she knew by heart.

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