Page 81 of Edge of Heaven

“You’re a good manager,” I say quietly. “And a good friend. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I disconnect and then call Tate. “Hey, I need a favor.”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“I know it’s hard because of the circumstances, but do you think you could keep an eye on Taryn while I’m out of town?” I explain where I’m going and what I’m doing.

“Look, you know I’ll always have your back, but Callum doesn’t let anyone get anywhere near her. I don’t know how much I can do.”

“Just keep an eye on things and let me know if something seems off, like if she doesn’t show up for a gig or whatever.”

He hesitates. “Is something going on?”

“I just have a bad feeling in my gut. Also, can you tell Ryleigh what’s going on and have her tell Taryn where I am?”

“Sure.” He clears his throat. “You sure you know what you’re doing? I’m really trying to stay out of your personal life, but I feel like you’re playing with fire. Not just for yourself but for her and for us.”

“It’s almost over,” I promise. “We’re working on a plan so we can be together.”

“Why do you need a plan? Why can’t you just tell me what’s going on? I call bullshit on a family member with cancer.”

Is it time to bring the band in on Taryn’s situation? I feel like it is, even though she won’t like it. I need her to be safe. I need her to get the hell away from Callum. I need to be able to help her even when she thinks she can handle everything herself—because I know damn well she can’t. Not when it comes to Callum.

“She does have a family member with cancer,” I say slowly. “Her nine-year-old son, Toby, has leukemia. And Callum is making the payments for his treatment.”

“Oh,shit. She has a kid?” He looks shocked.

“Her mom and agent kind of brainwashed her into thinking it would hurt her career and her future, so she’s never told anyone. Her mom has custody, but when the leukemia came back, they recommended some experimental treatment. The problem is that the funding fell through. I don’t understand the details, but they gave them a deal because Toby was already approved, but even together they couldn’t afford it. It’s like ten grand a month.”

“And Callum is paying for it.”

I huff out a breath. “And she’s earning every damn penny of that payment.”

There’s a beat of silence before he breathes, “Damn.”

“Exactly. There were three payments left, and he just made the first of the three, and we’re trying to see if we can come up with the money together for her to leave him now. Except she really doesn’t want me to help. She doesn’t want us to start our relationship with a debt like that, even though I told her I’d give her the money even if she didn’t want to be with me—no strings attached.”

“But you don’t have it,” he says knowingly.

“I’d take a loan from Sasha,” I reply. “Her family are billionaires and it’s a little kid with fucking cancer! I can’t believe, even if Taryn breaks my heart, there isn’t some good karma in that!”

“For sure,” he says quietly. “I mean, I’d give it to you if I had it. What about?—”

I know he’s going to ask about Angus, and I cut him off. “She’s so embarrassed about all of this. She doesn’t want to ask me, much less the boyfriend of one of her best friends. Look, I’m only telling you so you can keep an eye on her while I’m gone. Around thirty-six hours all told.”

“It’s not about the amount of time. I got you, brother, but if something goes down, I don’t know what I can do.”

“You reach out to me. Or tell Ryleigh. You know she’s like a feral cat if you hurt someone she cares about.”

We chuckle because Ryleigh is fiercely protective of Angus and the rest of us.

“Go to New York, man. The only thing is—if something goes south, I have to tell the rest of the band.”

“I know. And if that happens, I’ll deal with the repercussions.”

Chapter28

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