God, I wanted to punch something. Instead, I texted Lila.
Vance
The girls and I are home. Drive safe. We’ll talk it all out and decide next steps. I’ve got you.
“Can you help us pick which record to play next?” Margot asked, appearing beside Mia.
“Of course.” I pocketed my phone, pushing down the rage simmering beneath my skin. “Let’s see what we’ve got.”
I started on dinner, chopping garlic, halving cherry tomatoes, setting pasta water to boil, trying to keep my hands busy while my mind spiraled. After a few minutes, Margot wandered into the kitchen, watching me work.
“Can I help?” she asked.
“Absolutely. Want to tear up this basil for me?”
She nodded, carefully pulling leaves from the stems.
“You had fun today?” I asked, grateful for the distraction.
“Yeah. It was really fun.” She paused. “Papa?”
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
“Are you going to marry Lila?”
I looked at her, surprised. “Would you want me to?”
“Yes. Then Mia would really be my sister.”
“She’s already your sister, marriage or not.”
Margot smiled. “I know. But it would make it official.”
Mia appeared beside us. “What are we talking about?”
“Nothing,” Margot said quickly, blushing.
“You’re a terrible liar,” Mia teased. Then her expression shifted. “Vance, about that guy outside …”
“He’s gone,” I reassured her.
“But he said there would be more.” Her voice wavered. “What if they keep coming? What if they take pictures of us? Put them online?”
They already have, I thought, but didn’t say it aloud.
I set down the knife, giving her my full attention. “I know it’s scary. But I’m going to do everything I can to protect you both. That’s a promise.”
“But what if you can’t?” Mia’s eyes filled with tears. “What if this gets too hard and you decide it’s not worth it? Thatwe’renot worth it?”
Margot had stopped tearing basil, listening.
“Mia.” I moved around the counter. “Look at me. I’m not going anywhere. Not because of paparazzi. Not because things get complicated. If I’m here, I’m all in. For you and your mom. No matter what.”
“But it is getting complicated,” Mia said. “People are stalking our house. Mom’s miserable at work. And it’s all because of that stupid show.”
Margot’s voice was barely a whisper. “Is it my fault? Because I came to live with you?”
I felt my heart crack. “No. None of this is your fault. We’re all so glad you’re here. It’s my dream come true. What I’ve prayed for every single day since I lost you.”
