Page 80 of Edge of Heaven

“He just made the month’s payment. I haven’t had a moment to myself to sit down and figure out finances. If I can pull off the last two months, then I’m out of there. But…” She hesitates again.

“But what?”

“If I leave him now, that means I won’t have a dime. I’ll be completely dependent on you.” She looks embarrassed, and I quickly shake my head.

“I don’t have a lot, but you can stay with me and I can afford to feed you. A big check is coming—high five figures—mid-June, and once that comes, we’ll be good.”

“I have to work,” she whispers, tears filling her eyes. “And I really,reallydon’t want to go from one situation where I’m reliant on a man to another. I know you’re not him, but I still don’t want to force you into this position.”

“No one forces me to do anything, Taryn. Especially not when it comes to you.” I bend my head and kiss her firmly on the lips. “Whatever you decide, I’m here for you. Okay?”

“Okay.” She pulls away and fluffs her hair. “Stay in here for a few minutes after I leave, please.”

“I will. And I’m in room 554. If you’re ready to make the break, just knock on the door. You don’t need to ask or call or anything else. Show up and I’ll be waiting.”

She manages a watery smile. “Thank you.”

She blows me a kiss and then slips out, disappearing down the hall.

I don’t know why, but I have a bad feeling about this.

* * *

I’ve just gotten backto my room when Sasha calls. It’s late so I’m surprised she’s still up.

“Hey,” I say in surprise. “Shouldn’t you be asleep?”

“I never sleep,” she says with a laugh. “Between work and the kids, I’m lucky if I get four hours a night. Anyway, for some reason, you’re in high demand lately.”

“Oh?” That’s surprising.

“Well, Barely Rockin’ wants to fly you out to New York to do a test shoot, all expenses paid. I had legal look it over and the contract they sent is great, so the only thing now is the test shoot to make sure you fit the bill.”

“Okay. When is this all supposed to happen?”

“That’s why I’m calling so late. They want you on a flight at six tomorrow morning. You’ll get into New York around eleven. You’ll do the shoot, and they’ll have you on the first flight out the day after tomorrow so you can meet the band in Baton Rouge.”

“Oh.”

This is exciting, but the timing couldn’t suck more.

I have to do it, though.

My future—and the one I want to build with Taryn—could be partially dependent on it. If we’re going to move forward and make sure Toby has everything he needs, I need all the work I can get.

“Is there a problem?” she asks.

“No. I’m just thinking of the logistics.”

“It’s a lot of travel for you but the contract could be lucrative if they sign you. I’m not really a talent agent, but our attorney works with a lot of contracts within the industry and he said it’s extremely generous for an unknown like you.”

“Book it,” I say firmly. “I need the money.”

“All right.”

“And Sasha, if you want to take a cut, since you’re acting as my agent in this regard, I don’t mind?—”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She chuckles. “Anton and I have more money than we’ll ever need or spend. I’m happy to do it. The more success you find individually, the better it is for the band, which means the label makes money too. And while I personally don’t need money, we have employees and a corporation I need to keep running in the black.”

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