Page 97 of Edge of Heaven

Which is pretty telling.

And my heart shatters into a million pieces.

Chapter33

Mick

After Sasha assuredme my payout would be more than enough to cover it, I asked for a twenty-five-thousand-dollar advance. She didn’t question me and told me the money would be in my account in a couple of hours. Then I booked a flight to Los Angeles. It took a little detective work on my part, with some help from Angus and Ryleigh, but I got Taryn’s address in L.A.

And that’s where I’m headed.

Her mom and I are going to have a talk.

Then I’m going to pay off the rest of Toby’s treatment.

If I’m lucky, she’ll get to L.A. while I’m still there.

Before I run out of money.

Hotels and rental cars are expensive but I don’t care. I’m going to do whatever it takes to show Taryn that I love her. That I’m in this for the long haul. That her “baggage” doesn’t scare me.

The news has shifted a bit today, now that the police released a statement saying that while Mr. Yates was found to have alcohol, cocaine, and other stimulants in his system, Taryn didn’t. That changed the narrative somewhat so I hope she’s feeling better, but it bothered me when she said that her mother looks down on her.

That has to stop.

I don’t know the specifics of their relationship, but Taryn has always felt that she disappointed her parents by getting pregnant her sophomore year of high school. Then her father died and it’s like she never had a chance to prove herself. She hasn’t told me those things in so many words, it’s just the vibe I get, but I know her better than she thinks.

“Can I help you?” An attractive but tired-looking woman who’s probably in her late forties opens the door.

“Mrs. Blakely?”

“Yes, can I help you?”

“My name is Michael Lipson. I’m a friend of Taryn’s. I was hoping I could talk to you.”

She sighs. “Is she all right? Has she gotten into more trouble?”

“Not at all. I just, well, if I could come in… maybe we could talk?”

She hesitates and I don’t blame her. I’m six-two with visible tattoos and hair that’s longer than polite society dictates. And she doesn’t know me from Adam.

“You’re her friend Mick,” she says finally. “From Crimson Edge.”

It’s surprising that Taryn told her about me, but I nod. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Come on in. I just got back from the hospital.”

“How’s Toby doing?”

She leads me through a small, modest foyer and living room. “He’s better. The worst of the treatment is over. They’re doing some kind of cell therapy now—the science is way above my pay grade—but this part is to boost his immune system after they shot it to hell with the drugs.”

I nod. “Poor kid. He’s probably been through a lot.”

“He has.” She opens the refrigerator. “I have a meatloaf I was going to reheat. And instant mashed potatoes. If that’s okay with you, you’re welcome to eat with me.”

“Uh, sure. If you’re going to eat, I could eat too. Can I help?”

She shakes her head. “Meatloaf just needs to warm in the oven. Potatoes just require boiling the milk and butter and stirring in the mix.” She bustles around for a few minutes. “So, tell me why you’re here, Michael. Or do you prefer Mick?”

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