Page 128 of Living on the Edge

Alden and Alex are both here, along with a lot of industry professionals.

Kirsten is going to perform with us again, and then do part of the set with Nobody’s Fool.

The press is everywhere, and this is going to be the first time there’s a chance for my biological father and me to be photographed together. He said he’s fine with it and I guess I am too. I just don’t want that to be the focus.

Alden still wants to meet Lexi, which is kind of funny, all things considered.

Tonight is supposed to be about the band. The music. The fact that our album is platinum and still selling. “Rough Around the Edges” is still number one on all the digital platforms and “Living on the Edge” is climbing. I don’t want my family drama to detract from that, but when I brought it up, the guys said they don’t care. Alex is my father, and if I want him here, they want him here.

As far as things with Alex, the situation is ongoing, with us trying to find a new normal, but I don’t know if that will ever happen. August has finally given up on me joining the family business, so he’s begun to work on Abe. Abe doesn’t seem invested in it, but he’s not resisting either. Alden has distanced himself from the family and Annette isn’t speaking to me, but I’m not worried about it.

I don’t think anything will ever be like it used to be in the family, which is probably a good thing, even if my mother is fit to be tied.

She’s not my problem, though.

All I care about right now is Ryleigh.

I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to win her back.

I’ll even walk away from Crimson Edge if that’s what she needs from me.

I don’t want to, but the last couple of months has proven that I need her.

Life feels empty without her. No number of groupies or platinum records compensate for not having her in my life.

They can find another drummer; I can’t find another Ryleigh.

“Time to rock and roll, boys,” Jonny says, rubbing his hands together when Jimbo motions that it’s almost time.

I roll my neck, stretching a little, and wait for the signal.

I’m just about to run on stage when I see her.

Long red hair falling over her shoulders.

Big green eyes staring at me intently.

Kirsten holding her hand.

I freeze.

I have to go but…she’shere.

There are people everywhere, music blasting from the loudspeakers, and Alex and Alden just a few feet away—but Ryleigh is all I care about.

I turn and run toward her, motioning to Bobby that I need a minute.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, wrapping an arm around her waist.

She wouldn’t be here if she didn’t want to see me, and I’ll be damned if I don’t touch her.

“We need to talk,” she says quietly.

“Timing kinda sucks,” I say, glancing over to where Bobby’s tapping his wrist impatiently.

“Flight was delayed and then there was traffic. I was supposed to be here hours ago.”

“I have to go,” I say hesitantly. “Promise you won’t leave?”

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