Tia unwound the scarf but left it hanging from her neck so that she could cover up again if she felt the need. “I’m sorry. Getting used to my new...look isn’t easy.”

Aiyana flipped the pancakes she had cooking on a griddle. “I understand. You’re incredibly brave to come out at all. How’re you feeling today? Any better?”

The memory of Seth’s naked body against hers in the hot tub last night flashed before Tia’s mind’s eye. That had helped a great deal, had enabled them both to work out some frustration and anger and not feel quite so alone. But she didn’t want to dwell on it. “Better,” she affirmed.

“You know, Emery’s father is a gifted plastic surgeon. He lives in Boston these days, but he worked in Los Angeles for years. Although he won’t name names, word has it he’s worked on many famous people. At some point, you might want to have him take a look at your face. There might be something he can do.”

“Thanks, but I’m guessing that will be quite expensive, and I’m not sure that would be the smartest way to spend my money, given the situation. I had to back out of several projects in the days immediately following the accident, so I’m essentially unemployed.” Even if she took the gamble and spent the money, there was no guarantee cosmetic surgery would help. That was what her doctor had told her. He’d said she could spend a fortune and end up making things worse—or at least create a face she no longer recognized.

“I see. Well, there will be time to decide later.”

Except, when later finally came, she would’ve lost all of her momentum in Hollywood. Comebacks after a long drought, especially those that included an altered face—even if it wasn’t quite as bad as it was now—were unlikely. “Yeah,” she agreed, simply because it made her sick to face the truth, and she preferred to avoid the rougher realities for now.

Aiyana had Tia carry the food—the pancakes, an egg soufflé and some bacon—to the table as she called, “Come and get it!”

Seth was the first one through the doorway. He arched an eyebrow at Tia as if to ask if she was okay, and she forced a smile. She’d known this wouldn’t be easy, but it was good to get out and to talk to people again. Wallowing in her disappointment certainly wasn’t making it any better.