Page 57 of Living on the Edge

Ugh.

I hate admitting I don’t have insurance.

RYLEIGH: Not yet. If it’s not better by tomorrow, I will.

That’s a lie, because I really don’t want to spend the money.

There was less than my dad thought in that account, and I spent it on health insurance premiums last year. Now the money has dried up, and I don’t have either.

TARYN: Well, don’t wait too long. You’re on tour—you need to be enjoying it!

RYLEIGH: Things are pretty tense right now so it might be better if I sleep through it. LOL

TARYN: Yeah, Callum says the band is on the verge of breaking up. He talked to Jonny yesterday, and Jonny is pissed.

That’s news to me, and guilt gnaws its way through my gut yet again.

If they break up, it’s my fault, and there’s no integrity in that. Even if outing Angus was the truth, that doesn’t make it right.

I desperately want to talk to her about it, tell her everything that’s happened, but I don’t trust that she won’t tell Callum. She seems completely ensnared in his web, and I don’t like him. So for now, I’ll keep my problems to myself.

TARYN: Well, I’ll let you rest. Call me if you feel like talking. Callum sleeps most of the day and I just hang out at the hotels, either in the room or at the pool.

RYLEIGH: I’ll hit you up once I’m feeling better.

TARYN: Take care—and go to the doctor!

RYLEIGH: Talk soon.

I put the phone down and stare at the ceiling.

I’d hoped after sleeping so much I’d be able to go downstairs to get something to eat, but I honestly don’t feel up to it. I don’t even have the energy to watch a movie.

I close my eyes and pray that the pain in my ear subsides enough for me to get some sleep.

Chapter17

Angus

The shipmentof Red Hots candy arrives just before we leave for the show and Mick’s eyes widen as the concierge brings it to him. I ordered two cases, which seems like a lot of candy, and he turns to me with a grin.

“This from you?” he demands.

I shrug. “Thought you might enjoy something spicy.”

He laughs. “Thanks, bro. These will not go to waste.”

Tate reaches for one of the boxes, and Mick playfully slaps his hand. “Mine,” he says. “Hands off.”

“You’re not gonna share?” Tate demands with faux indignation.

“Maybe, maybe not.” Mick lifts the two large boxes. “Give me five to put these up in my room.”

Jonny rolls his eyes and walks outside muttering.

This thing with Jonny isn’t getting better and though it’s only been a few days, it feels like he needs to lighten up. It’s not like I purposely tried to hurt him or the band. I was trying to protect all of us, but he’s acting like I singled him out and this was some sort of personal affront.

Kirsten and Sam join us, and she’s shaking her head. “Looks like Ryleigh’s really sick. She’s not coming to the show.”

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