Emergency Call ( Maya +50)

It is a Sunday afternoon when Janice calls, her voice carrying that particular edge of someone trying to sound calm about something that is not calm.

Janice: hey. so. I need a favor.

Miles: what kind of favor.

Janice: Maya has a situation at her place. there's a leak, like a real one, and her parents are out of town and I have no idea what to do about pipes and neither does she.

Miles: where's the leak.

Janice: under the kitchen sink I think. it's bad. there's water on the floor.

Miles: okay. I can come take a look.

Janice: really? you know about this stuff?

Miles: can't promise but I can have a look.

Janice: you are actually saving my life right now. I'm texting you the address.

He grabs a few basic tools from the garage and heads over. Maya opens the door looking equal parts relieved and embarrassed, arms crossed, a dish towel over her shoulder that has clearly already seen some action.

Maya: Janice said you might know what to do. I've already used every towel I own.

Miles: let me take a look.

The kitchen is a minor disaster. A pipe fitting under the sink has come loose and water has been seeping steadily for what looks like a few hours. Miles gets down on the floor, assesses it quickly, and gets to work. Maya hovers nearby, handing him things when he asks, trying to be useful in a situation that is entirely outside her comfort zone.

Maya: is it bad?

Miles: it's not great. but I can stop it for now. you'll need a plumber to fix it properly.

Maya: I already called one. He's coming in a couple of hours.

Miles: good. this'll hold until then.

He works quietly for a few minutes. Maya leans against the counter watching him with an expression she is not entirely aware she is wearing. He gets the fitting tightened, checks it twice, and the steady drip slows and stops. He slides back out from under the sink and sits up.

Maya: oh thank god.

Miles: you'll want to keep an eye on it but it should hold.

Before Maya can respond Janice appears in the kitchen doorway, slightly breathless, phone in hand.

Janice: my mom just called. I have to go, like right now, family thing. She looks between the two of them. Is it fixed?

Miles: temporarily.

Janice: okay. okay good.

She is already moving, grabbing her bag from the counter.

Janice: Maya you're good right? Miles you mind staying until the plumber comes, she shouldn't be dealing with that alone.

Maya: Janice you don't have to—

Janice: I know I don't have to. Miles you don't mind right?

Janice is halfway through the door not even waiting for an answer

It is framed as a question but delivered as a statement. He looks at Maya, who looks back at him with an expression caught somewhere between apologetic and something harder to name.

Miles: I don't mind.

Janice: perfect. She pauses at the door and looks back at him with a quick grateful smile. I owe you one.

And then she is gone, the front door clicking shut behind her, leaving Miles and Maya alone in a kitchen that is suddenly very quiet.

Maya: you really don't have to stay.

Miles: plumber said two hours?

Maya: roughly.

Miles: I'll stay. In case something bursts, which I hope to god doesn't

She looks at him for a moment, then nods, uncrossing her arms for the first time since he arrived.

Maya: I'll make coffee.