Page 55 of Living on the Edge

“I’d like that.” I take one of the Sudafed, tuck the other away for tomorrow, and then put on my headphones. I turn on some music and close my eyes.

The next thing I know, Kirsten is shaking me.

“Hey, wake up.”

My head isn’t pounding anymore, but I’m still tired and sluggish.

“Ugh.” I rub my eyes. “Where are we?”

“We’re in St. Louis. I didn’t want to wake you when we stopped for lunch. How are you feeling?”

“Not great,” I admit. “Would you be mad if I took a raincheck on dinner? I think I just want to go to bed.”

“Of course.” She reaches above me and grabs my backpack. “Let me get this for you. Sam can grab your suitcase, and then I’ll tuck you in.”

I want to protest, but I don’t have the energy.

It’s nice to have someone taking care of me, even if it’s something as simple as carrying my luggage.

“Hey, Ryleigh—” Tate calls to me. “I really enjoyed the article you wrote about Lexi.”

“Yeah, it was great, Ry.” Sam nods, grabbing my suitcase.

“Thanks,” I whisper, noting that my voice has gotten rough.

“You don’t sound good,” Tate says, frowning. “You all right?”

“Just allergies and sinuses acting up,” I say. “A good night’s sleep and I’ll be right as rain for the show tomorrow.”

“Take it easy,” Mick says, patting my shoulder. “Allergies are the worst.”

“If someone was willing to go to the store for me,” I say, digging some money out of my wallet. “I could use some more Sudafed, nasal spray, and Gatorade.”

“Put that away.” Angus surprises me by stepping in. “I’ll take care of it.”

Again, I want to protest, but I just don’t have the energy.

Besides, he owes me for being a jerk.

Kirsten and Sam help me up to my room, and then Sam leaves as Kirsten fusses over me, making me change into my nightshirt and get into bed. She goes and gets some ice, another bottle of water, and a couple of granola bars.

“I know you probably aren’t hungry, so try to at least nibble on these,” she says.

“Thanks. You’re a good friend.”

“Text me if you need anything.”

“I will.”

She opens the door when Angus arrives with everything I asked for, and they talk in hushed tones for a minute before she comes over and puts the items where I can reach them.

“Rest,” she whispers, slipping out of the room.

I close my eyes and snuggle into the blankets and pillows as soon as she’s gone.

I slept all day but I’m still exhausted.

But I’m also hungry.

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