Page 17 of Edge of Heaven

I disconnect and stuff my phone back in my pocket.

“Mommy?” Toby looks up at me, his brow creased with worry.

“Just some work stuff.” I sit on the edge of the bed. “Now show me what you did in math today.”

I’m only here for a week, and I have to spend part of that time working, so I need to be present when I’m with Toby.

Everything else can wait.

* * *

I arriveat the casting the next morning a little early, anxious to get in and out. Sometimes there are dozens of hopeful models, and it’s embarrassing to have to compete again, just like I did when I was first starting out. Eventually, you get to a point in your career where they ask for you by name—which is where I was before I started dating Callum.

Now, after nearly a year of limiting how much work I do, I’m back to square one.

I’ve just walked into the lobby when I recognize a familiar face.

Stevie Marchand.

What’s she doing here?

There’s no way one of the top supermodels in the world is at a casting call for a local magazine no one outside of L.A. has ever heard of.

“Stevie, thank you so much for coming in,” a woman I assume is the casting director, says warmly. “We’ll be in touch.”

“Thank you for thinking of me. I’ve been trying to get myself out there now that I’m healthy again.” Stevie was all over the tabloids a year or two ago after her fiancé threw her over a second-floor railing. She dropped off the radar for a while, but she’s been popping up everywhere lately.

“Bye, Stevie.” The woman closes the door behind her leaving me standing there, unsure what to do since there doesn’t appear to be a receptionist or anyone to check us in.

“There’s no receptionist,” Stevie stage whispers to me. “You have to just knock on the door.”

“Oh.” I smile. “Thank you.”

“You’re Taryn Blakely, right?” Stevie smiles. “We met in New York a few years ago.”

“I didn’t think you’d remember,” I admit. “How are you?”

“I’m much better now.” She nods. “How about you?”

“There’s a lot going on in my life,” I say carefully. “I really need to get some work, but I’m guessing this one will be a waste of my time now that you’re here.”

Her eyes widen slightly. “Oh! No, not at all. I’m here for something else. That’s why there’s no receptionist or anything. You’re just early. I have nothing to do with the magazine spread. I’m doing an interview that has to do with mental health and domestic violence.”

“Oh. I’m sorry… I guess I thought…” I press the bridge of my nose.

“Are you okay?” Stevie puts a gentle hand on my arm.

“Yeah. I’m just… like I said, I’ve got a lot going on and I really need to get some work.”

She smiles. “Hang tight.”

She knocks on the door she came out of a few minutes ago and the same woman opens it. “Did you forget something, Stevie?”

“No. But I wanted to introduce you to my friend Taryn. She’s here for the nine o’clock casting. She’s been dealing with a personal situation so she’s just now getting back to work. Kind of like me.” She emphasizes that last part. “I’d consider it a personal favor if you could give her a shot.”

“I see.” The woman shifts her gaze to me and looks puzzled. “Oh, yes. Taryn Blakely. I was surprised to see your name—I heard you retired.”

I shake my head. “No, I’ve had to take some time off for a family member with cancer. Things are still a little iffy but… I have to eat in the meantime.”

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