Page 67 of Edge of Heaven

Like it’s the best thing ever.

At least no one is looking at me anymore.

The past week has been a nightmare.

Callum has been insufferable since the fashion show, constantly asking me if I’ve heard from Chey or Stevie, making plans to go to L.A. with me on my next trip so we can hang out with them again, and making a nuisance of himself any time I talk about anything work-related.

He’s suddenly fascinated by my career—the same career he wanted me to give up so I wouldn’t be away from him so often—and he hovers more than ever. I have a feeling he’s looking to see if my career can in any way help his since the band’s new album hasn’t sold like previous ones.

“Hey.” Ryleigh’s voice makes me jump, and I turn in surprise. I didn’t realize they’d invited Crimson Edge to the party, and I’m momentarily relieved. Now, at least, I have something of a buffer. Callum doesn’t care what other people think for the most part, but he does behave a little better around Crimson Edge.

From what I understand, there was something in the contract drawn up when they invited Crimson Edge to be their opening act—any aggressive behavior could result in a fine, so that keeps things on an even keel.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, giving her a quick hug.

“The guys wanted to make an appearance so it doesn’t seem like they’re snubbing them.” She looks around. “But my gut tells me we’re not going to stay long. At least, Angus and I aren’t.”

“Please stay for a little while,” I beg softly. “He’s doing coke, which means he’s going to be an even bigger asshole than usual in about thirty minutes.”

She grimaces. “We’ll stay for a little while… drugs just aren’t our scene. That’s not part of the band’s image. They like to party but no drugs.”

“Mine either,” I murmur.

Her expression changes, like there’s something on her mind, but then she smiles. “So tell me about the Alexa Humboldt fashion show—how exciting!”

“It was!” I tell her about the clothes and all the fun people I met. “And Alexa’s itty-bitty, like probably four-eleven. She’s tiny but fierce as fuck. When she walks into a room, people pay attention.”

“I love a woman with a commanding presence!” Ryleigh says, fanning herself playfully.

“You’d like her,” I say.

“I wonder if there’s a way for me to spin an article about her inRock Harder,” she says thoughtfully. “I’m trying to incorporate as many stories about strong, successful women as possible but there just aren’t that many in the music business.”

“She’s the one who dressed Casey Hart from the beginning of her career,” I tell her. “And since Crimson is signed to Casey’s label, you might be able to spin it in some way to focus on that.”

“Hmm.” Ryleigh nods. “I’m going to have to think about that. Thank you. I didn’t realize she used to design Casey’s clothes.”

“I guess Alexa was just starting out and Casey gave her a shot.”

“I love that.”

As we talk, more and more people arrive, and pretty soon I don’t even see Callum, which is nice.

“Hey, beautiful.” Mick’s voice gives me chills.

I smile, though I don’t turn or acknowledge him in any way.

“If we get a chance,” he continues. “There’s a little alcove in the hallway that’s hidden. Maybe we can talk for a few. Let’s see what happens in the next twenty minutes or so… Callum is completely wasted. I think he’s going to pass out soon.”

That would be amazing.

“I’ll be around,” I whisper before heading for the ladies room.

I touch up my lipstick and look in the mirror. There are faint bags under my eyes, but there’s also a twinkle now. It’s because of Mick, no doubt about that, but that’s okay. He brings joy to my life, something I haven’t had much of in the last couple of years.

When I leave the bathroom, even more people have shown up, and now the hallways are crawling with guests. The party is up in one of the presidential suites that the guys rented out for the evening, but there have to be over a hundred people here, so it’s spilling out into the hall.

I make note of the alcove Mick mentioned, but it’s not private enough now that there are so many people—and the elevators just opened, another group spilling into the hall.

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