You Came to Me

19. Mimas

Published: August 2nd, 2021.

Word Count: 3,295

Madrid. November, 1975.

It was finally Friday and Amelia was coming back.

Somewhere during one of our nightly calls, I had mustard up the courage and asked her if she would meet me at the Kings the evening she got back. I couldn't and didn't want to wait one more second to her see. I had all these words inside of me that were going to escape if I didn't tell her as soon as possible.

She told me that she would go to the hotel, unpack her things, and come find me at the Kings. Instead of spending my day watching the seconds on the clock tic by, I distracted myself by preparing for the Kings reopening. My Friday afternoon consisted of cutting out yellow and blue moons and stars, testing ideas for cocktails, and thinking about the right way to perfectly explain what I felt for Amelia.

- "Does it look straight?" I asked as I stood on a ladder, trying to correct the position of the cardboard moon I was hanging.

- "It's perfect." Maria said from the bar counter.

- "And the drinks? Do you like them?"

- "They're great as well, you've done a perfect job Luisi, really."

Will Amelia like it? I thought as I examined my work.

I don't know why, but I felt like everything had to be perfect for that evening. I wanted this night to be etched into our memories.

- "Okay, well, I'm going to quickly get ready and then I'll be back to help with the few last things."

- "Are you going to wear the dress I picked?" She asked.

- "Yes." I replied as I gathered my things from around the bar.

- "Good, I know she'll love it."

I felt a need to share things about Amelia and I with Maria. It was relieving for me to know that my words had security with her and that she would also comment and give me her opinion on things. Every time I told her something about Amelia, she always gave me her full attention and listened carefully to everything I said. These past days, she's found me in the mornings and simply said "Tell me everything." She wanted to know every detail of what Amelia and I spoke about the night before, and honestly, she was useful to have around since, although it may be hard to admit, she does give good advice.

I stood in front of the mirror in the navy silk dress Maria told me to wear and my eyes analyzed my entire body. I wondered if I should've painted my nails red instead of pale pink. I questioned wether having my hair tied up was a good idea. I pondered if Marias chosen dress showed off my figure well enough.

I put the pressure of appearing perfect because I wanted Amelia to always remember how I looked as she walked down the red velvet stairs of the Kings. I wanted to look the best I could for Amelia. I wanted her to see me and for her to have no doubts in her mind that I was the person she wanted to be with. I know that my physical characteristics aren't my main quality, but I rationalized that if I appeared my best than that was a good start.

I finally turned away from the mirror and took one of my neglected red lipsticks and applied it. I intrusively wondered if my lips would get the chance to touch Amelias. I shook my head to dismiss the thought, I knew I was getting ahead of myself. I knew that even if I never got to kiss Amelia again, I was honored to have as least gotten the chance once.

I picked up a few other things I wanted to take to the Kings and I waited until my mother had gone into the kitchen to leave my room. I didn't want them to ask any questions. I didn't want to raise any flags by looking the way I did. When I managed to escape, the sun had set and as I walked past La Estrella I felt excited to know Amelia was in there. I was at peace knowing that she was a walk away instead of a train ride. I couldn't help but smile.