Page 36 of Edge of Heaven

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning, we’re making money because we’re spending money and at the moment, we’re spending it as fast as we make it. I haven’t taken a salary yet this year.”

“I see.”

“So I have a proposition for you. What would you think about a ten percent stake in the company instead of cash?”

I stare at her.

That’s definitely not the norm.

“I know it’s not ideal, but I can have my accountant send you financials, along with our expected growth. You can have your people look at them and see what you think.”

My people.

Like I have people.

I have an agent. Period. I don’t need an accountant because I don’t make enough money for it to be worthwhile. As far as legalities, I trust my agent to make sure any contracts I sign are good for me, and that’s as far as I go. But it probably isn’t smart to tell her all of that.

She misunderstands my hesitation and continues before I can reply. “I totally understand if it’s not a risk you can take—you probably have bills to pay now, and not in a year’s time or whatever. So my feelings won’t be hurt if you say no.”

“My son is sick,” I blurt quietly. “He’s nine. He has leukemia. No one knows I have a kid—my agent thinks it’s better not to advertise that—so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone. But he’s the only reason why I’m hesitating.”

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.” She squeezes my shoulder. “And of course I won’t say anything.”

“So let me think about it, okay? I need to figure out some upcoming bills and what I’m going to do next. I don’t have any other work lined up right now…”

“That’s one thing you should think about though—once I put your face out there? You’re going to be in the spotlight. This could help you financially in a roundabout way. I can’t guarantee it, but I’m pouring everything I have into the next catalog. The designs for this one were already done, and I need money to keep going. But now I’m going to tell you a little secret… I’m planning to go a little more mainstream. I’ll still have my rock-themed clothing, but I’m going to try to appeal to the club scene too. I have big plans, Taryn—and I’d like you to be part of them.”

Despite my reservations, I’m excited.

This could be the break I’m looking for.

“And one more thing.”

I look up curiously.

“I’m going to make a similar offer to Mick.”

Chapter11

Mick

The last thingI expected from this photo shoot was to get an offer to essentially buy into a clothing line. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a slam dunk. I don’t need cash right now, and this is an investment that costs me nothing. If I end up not making money, I didn’t spend any either, so I don’t lose anything, and Hettie is sweetening the pot by saying I can market the band in any advertising we do. In fact, she’s talking about using our music for a social media campaign she wants to run.

There are a ton of legalities and logistics that have to go through Sasha and Hart Records, but Hettie understands that and she’s going to reach out to them next week. If this works out, it could be a win-win for all of us. Giving our music that kind of mainstream exposure is huge, and she even suggested a partnership with the band.

I won’t pretend to understand that kind of thing from a business perspective, but if Sasha signs off on it, I’m in.

I don’t know if the band will want to be part of this but for now, I’m excited about a new opportunity, something that could potentially make me a lot of money in the future.

Not to mention, I’d be working with Taryn.

That’s all the incentive I need right there.

I want to talk to her about the deal, but she seems quiet and distracted. My gut tells me Callum has said or done something to upset her, but she’s made it clear she doesn’t want to talk about him. And I’m trying to respect her boundaries.

We leave at the same time, a car service waiting to take us back to our hotel. Taryn looks tired, and an idea occurs to me.

---