Page 56 of Living on the Edge

As much as I don’t want to move, I reach for one of the granola bars. I drink a little Gatorade and then lose myself in sleep.

I wake to a searing pain in my right ear.

I groan, pressing my hand against it.

Just what I need.

If this is an ear infection, I’m not going to be able to tough it out or sleep it off.

My father’s voice echoes in my mind, reminding me I need to get a “real” job.

Because I need health insurance.

“I’m trying, dammit,” I mutter out loud, making my way to the bathroom.

I look like death warmed over twice, but I can’t muster up any fucks to give.

I brush my teeth and then go back to bed.

Sudafed might prevent me from falling asleep, so I down some Tylenol and another granola bar.

Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day.

My phone buzzes and I see a text from Taryn.

TARYN: Hey, where are you?

RYLEIGH: St. Louis. What about you?

TARYN: I’m still with Callum. We’re in Miami tonight. We’re at a party but I’m so fucking tired of the scene.

RYLEIGH: Why don’t you go home?

TARYN: He doesn’t want me to. He gets bummed out and then I feel guilty.

RYLEIGH: I’m no relationship expert but I don’t think someone who cares about you is supposed to make you feel guilty for wanting to go home for a while. This is his life, not yours.

TARYN: Yeah, I know. But I know I’ll be bored if I go home.

RYLEIGH: Aren’t you working?

TARYN: Sometimes? Work was really good for a while, but since I’ve been with Callum it’s dried up a little. My agent says it’s because I’m not there to go to castings, but I thought I was past that level of my career. I thought they’d just come to me now.

RYLEIGH: So tell Callum you need to go to work.

TARYN: He says I don’t need to work—he’ll take care of me.

RYLEIGH: Is that what you want? To be in a situation where you rely on him?

TARYN: I don’t know. Part of me thinks no way in hell, but another part of me is tired. Like maybe getting married and just being a wife would be enough.

RYLEIGH: Is that you talking or is that Callum buzzing in your ear?

TARYN: Maybe a little bit of both. Anyway, what about you? Things must be wild on that tour right now.

RYLEIGH: Maybe, but if they are, I wouldn’t know because I’m in bed with a sinus and what feels like an ear infection.

TARYN: Did you go to urgent care?

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