Page 90 of Living on the Edge

“You okay, Ryleigh?”

I’ve been so lost in thought I didn’t hear Kirsten come up behind me.

“Oh. Hey. Yeah.” I hesitate.

I desperately need someone to talk to, but I can’t tell her about the article I’m supposed to be writing.

“You look like someone with a lot on her mind.”

“My editor is an ass,” I mutter. “That’s all. I get the feeling he wants me to be done with the tour for now. I guess he expected me to spend a week with the band and write this phenomenal exposé on what life is like on the road for a new band.”

“It’s a lot more complicated than that, huh?”

“It really is. And now that Angus and I are together…” I cut myself off. I don’t know how to explain how afraid I am.

“You’re scared it’s going to make you look like some kind of groupie.”

Well, that’s part of it.

“Yeah. And whether or not it will be a conflict of interest when I’m done with the article.”

“Are you writing it?”

“I’ve been making notes, and I think I know where I’m going with it, but…”

“You’re not sure that writing the kind of story you’re writing is going to make your boss happy. He wants the guys to all hate each other or something, right?”

I sigh with relief since that’s close enough to the truth for us to have a conversation. “Something like that. There’s a rumor that the band is breaking up once the tour is over.”

She waves a dismissive hand. “Oh, that. Whatever. You know who started that, right? Callum Yates. He’s such a douche. You want to dig up dirt, dig into him.”

“I wish I could. My editor doesn’t seem interested in anything but Crimson Edge.”

“Your friend is dating Callum, right?”

“Yes, but hopefully not for too much longer.”

“Then why don’t you take advantage of that connection while you have it? I mean, if she’s not invested in the relationship, and you think she’s going to leave him anyway, get the scoop. I think Mick could tell you some stories, too.”

I don’t mention that Angus inadvertently slept with Callum’s ex.

There’s obviously a story there, but whether or not I can convince Rich that it’s better than what he thinks he’s going to get with Crimson Edge is another thing altogether.

“That’s a good idea,” I say thoughtfully. “I’m going to call her and see if I can get anything that will whet Rich’s appetite.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“Sometimes I wonder if I’m cut out for this,” I admit softly.

She squeezes my arm. “Then maybe this article, and this tour, is your chance to find out, you know?”

The problem, of course, is what I’ll do if I’mnotcut out to be a journalist.

Chapter27

Angus

The weatherin South Dakota is perfect for an outdoor festival. It’s clear, sunny, and seventy-nine degrees. We don’t get a sound check since there are so many bands playing today, but we don’t go on until around eight, so we have most of the day to do whatever we want.

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