The casual cruelty of that statement hung in the air.
“That’s okay,” Mia said easily. “You can make new ones.”
Margot’s eyes widened slightly. “Yeah, I guess I can.” For the first time, a tiny smile crossed her face. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of that.”
The lights flickered.
Vance and I both looked up at the ceiling fixture.
“That’s been happening since yesterday,” Vance said, frowning. “I meant to tell Dorian but I forgot.”
The lights flickered again. Then went out completely.
“Is it just a breaker?” I asked.
Vance went to check the panel by the door, flipping switches. Nothing happened. “That’s weird.”
A loud pop came from somewhere in the walls. Then a burning smell.
“Everyone out,” Vance said immediately, his voice sharp. “Now. Margot, Mia—outside. Go.”
We rushed down the stairs to the street. Vance was already on his phone calling 911, then Dorian.
Within minutes, a fire truck arrived. The firefighters went inside, then came back down shaking their heads.
“Small electrical fire in the walls,” one of them said. “We got it out, but you can’t stay here. The whole building needs to be inspected. Probably needs rewiring.”
Dorian arrived, looking worried. “I’m so sorry, Vance. I’ll get an electrician out here first thing tomorrow.”
“How long until it’s safe?” Vance asked.
“A week? Maybe two if they find more problems.” Dorian ran a hand through his hair. “I’m going to have to shut down the shop. You two can come stay with me until we get it fixed.”
Vance looked at Margot, who stood very small and quiet next to Mia, watching the fire truck with wide eyes.
“It’s okay,” I heard myself say. “They can stay with us.”
Everyone turned to look at me.
“Lila, are you sure?” Vance asked.
“I’m sure. You need a place, and I have room. It’s temporary. Just until Dorian gets the wiring fixed.” I looked at Margot. “And my house has flowers for you to paint.”
“Where would we sleep?” Margot asked, her voice small.
“Well, I have a very comfortable couch for your dad. And Mia has bunk beds in her room. We got them years ago for sleepovers but we never use the top bunk. Would you want to share a room with Mia? Just for a little while?”
Margot looked at Mia uncertainly.
“It would be like having a sister,” Mia said. “We could stay up late talking.”
The tiniest smile. “Okay.”
Vance stared at me. “Are you sure about this?”
Was I? It was impulsive. Possibly insane. But I felt protective over Vance and Margot. They needed us right now. And we needed them. Plus, looking at the uncertainty, fear, and tenuous hope in Margot’s face was impossible to ignore. Or walk away from. I was a mother. Not Margot’s mother but I would have to do for now.
“I’m sure. Come on. Let’s get whatever you need and head to my place.”
