Page 24 of Living on the Edge

“Well, whatever it was, I’m just trying to keep the promise I made to my dad on his deathbed.”

“I think that’s manipulative,” Lexi says slowly. “I mean, wasn’t your influencer thing doing well?”

“It was doing okay, but I wasn’t making enough money to survive without a roommate and stuff. No health insurance or benefits… I was struggling, so I know Dad was trying to help since he knew he wasn’t going to be around and he wasn’t able to leave me a lot of an inheritance.”

“Then I’m happy to help,” Lexi says. “If you want to do the interview in the next couple of days, just let me know.”

“I’m ready,” I say. “I’d like to have my laptop so I can make notes and stuff, but you tell me what works, and I’ll make it happen.”

“We have a show tonight and I need to rest, so let’s do it tomorrow. You can ride on the bus with us while we’re heading to Des Moines, and we can talk the whole way.”

“Oh, wow, thank you!” I say. “This is such a great opportunity for me.”

“And I’m happy to give you a few quotes too,” Kirsten says.

“I’d love to talk about how Sam took you to prom on my own channel,” I tell her, “but I wouldn’t do it without your permission. Like a one-minute clip where you talk about the rockstar who took you to your high school prom. Then I’d drop in a few pictures of the two of you from that night, maybe something no one else has seen?”

She hesitates. “I’d have to talk to Sam first, but even if he’s okay with it, I’d prefer if you didn’t mention that I lost my virginity that night.”

“No, that’s too personal for what I have in mind. I’m talking about something lighthearted and maybe poking a little fun at Sam.”

“Do a search,” Kirsten says, smirking. “There are a couple of pictures out there. Get a look at Sam in his tux andthentalk to me about poking fun at him.”

I arch my brows and immediately pull out my phone. “Oh, shit,” I say when I find the picture. “Sweet Jesus…”

“Right?” She grins.

“He’s like a brother to me,” Lexi says, “and I swooned a little.”

“I’m swooning now,” I admit. “Isn’t it incredible how well some guys clean up, especially in a tux?”

“Absolutely.” We all grin at each other.

“Well, talk to him. I promise to let you see the video before I post it, and you can say yay or nay.”

“I’ll let you know tomorrow,” she promises.

“Thank you, guys. Really. You’re the best.”

“Women have to stick together,” Lexi says quietly. “Being a woman in this business is tough, even at my level of success. If there’s anything I can do to help you get your career off the ground, just ask.”

If she only knew.

But I won’t abuse this opportunity.

I have something that will hopefully make Rich happy—without having to lie to anyone—which means I can stay a little longer.

And I really want to.

Chapter7

Angus

I puta lot into my live performances.

From each individual song to my solos to the theatrics I’ve come up with—it’s rarely spontaneous. That’s why we have rehearsals, and why we did so many small shows before the tour, to test out what works.

The decision to play my drums with water washing over both me and the set happened on a whim the first time, but it’s turned into something everyone loves. We’re even planning to use it in the next video.

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