Navigating the chat waters with Holden after that felt like skating on thin ice, so Ariana made a few mundane comments before ending the conversation.

As she was about to set her phone aside, it buzzed with a call from Jayson.

“Ariana, are you available recently? I'm in a bind and could use a hand," Jayson said, anxiety evident in his voice.

“What happened?" Ariana inquired.

"I'm slated to film a parenting show, but one of the participants had a mishap during another project and is a no-show. I'm striking out left and right trying to find celebs with children. Either they're booked, or their kids are too old for our criteria. Can you swing by with Melon to join the program?"