Page 92 of Edge of Heaven

I don’t usually think I’m dense, but I feel like it right now.

I’m not sure what to say because she’s completely focused on the idea that I can’t help her with Toby’s situation.

“If we were a couple, and we already are, despite the circumstances… wouldn’t I be a part of Toby’s life?”

“I don’t know,” she says.

“You don’t know?”

“I’m barely in his life! How can you be?”

“You’ve been sleeping with a mean, abusive man for the last year so you can pay for his treatment—that tells me just how involved you are in his life.”

A knock on the door interrupts us.

“Ms. Blakely? The doctor said you were awake.” Detectives O’Shaunessy and Ortiz are standing in the doorway. “Would it be all right if we talked to you?”

“I guess I don’t have a choice,” she mumbles.

“Honey—” I reach for her, but she shakes her head.

“You should go. You’ve done enough.”

Ouch.

That not only hurts my feelings, it also pisses me off a little too.

I’ve bent over backwards to be there for her.

I’ve not only offered her my heart, but every dime to my name, the help of my friends, and anything else I could possibly give her.

And what do I get in return?

She blames me for getting Callum arrested even though that was his own fault. He showed up at the hospital high and admitted everything, so how is this my fault? I know the news reports don’t look good, but I can talk to Sasha and our PR people could fix that.

But apparently, she doesn’t want my help.

“Would you mind giving us some privacy?” Detective Ortiz asks me.

“Do you want me to leave?” I ask Taryn.

She nods. “I think it’s for the best, Mick. We’ve said all there is to say.”

No, we definitely have not.

But this isn’t the time or place to finish this conversation.

Because I’m not walking away without a fight.

I just have to regroup and figure out what my next move is.

“All right,” I say quietly. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

Then I turn and walk out of the room without looking back.

* * *

“How’s Taryn?”Ryleigh accosts me as I’m leaving the hospital.