Ransom(42)

That makes Karen laugh, though Paige is still looking distinctly star-struck.

“I also can’t do long division,” I say. “Or scramble eggs.”

Daisy nods wisely. “True. He burns his eggs. And his toast.”

“Every time,” Levi says. “And he pours way too much milk in his cereal so that it spills when he puts his spoon in. Doesn’t matter how many times you tell him he doesn’t need so much, he does it anyway.”

Daisy is clearly trying not to laugh. “And he thinks… he thinks… that Canada is a U.S. colony.”

Okay, maybe this has gone a bit too far. “I do not!”

“You used to,” she says, laughing. “You totally did.”

“When we were kids.”

“Or sixteen,” Levi mutters.

Paige starts giggling.

“I change my mind,” I say sullenly. “I liked it better when you were all impressed by me. Let’s go back to thinking I’m an awesome rock star.”

“Nice try,” Karen says. “We’ll never be able to see you the same way again.”

“Yeah,” Paige adds, though she still seems a bit shy. “The illusion is totally shattered now.”

“You should hear him snore,” Levi says.

“Hey, buddy, don’t you have work to do?” I ask, elbowing him in the side.

“Not until sound check.” He gives me his biggest grin.

“Are we playing Halo or what?” Daisy asks.

We break into teams, me and Daisy against Levi, Karen, and Paige. Daisy and I win handily, having played countless hours of Halo with each other over the years.

When the game is over, Karen stands and stretches. “Huh. I thought the life of a rock star was supposed to be all glamorous. This didn’t feel too different from hanging out with just about any geek back at school.”

I laugh. “After the show tonight, we’ll show you how rock stars really party.”

Daisy shakes her head. “We have to drive to New Hampshire tonight, remember? Some of us don’t have the luxury of a tour bus to bring the party with us.”

I frown. I would much rather Daisy rode with us on the bus. I’m going to have to figure out a way to make that happen. “After the show tomorrow then,” I say. “Promise.”

“Daltrey?” Reed calls from the front of the bus. “You back there? We have sound check.”

I groan, totally not ready for the responsibilities of my real life to intrude. This has been the best hour I’ve had in weeks.

“On our way,” Levi calls.

“We should go get in line anyhow,” Daisy says. “We’re already going to be in the back of the venue.”

“No way,” I say. “Why don’t you come watch sound check? I won’t be able to hang out after, but you guys could go back up to the seats you had yesterday if you want.”

“Yeah?” Karen asks, her face hopeful. She glances quickly at Daisy, who nods. “That would be great. Thanks.”

“Yeah, thanks!” Paige says. “We had the best view last night.”

“No problem.”

We make our way out of the bus and across the lot to the venue. I really don’t like the idea of saying goodbye to Daisy right now. I know it’s only a night, that I only have to trust her to get from here to New Hampshire, but after the year I’ve had, I don’t like the idea. What’s to stop her from disappearing all over again?

I reach for her arm. “You’ll stop by after the show?” I ask, my voice soft so that only she can hear me. “Before you guys leave?”

She looks up at me, her green eyes wide and maybe a little surprised. I feel an ache deep in my chest. I want to smooth the hair out of her face, run my finger along her cheek, all the things I’ve always dreamt of having the freedom to do. Instead, I simply tell her Levi will come fetch them later and continue on to the building.

But I hold her elbow for just a few moments longer, savoring the connection for as long as I can.





Chapter Fifteen


Daisy





“I’m still not one hundred percent sure why we’re doing this,” Karen says, adjusting the sleeves of her pale-blue cashmere sweater.

Paige bends down to tie her shoelaces. “Because we want the full fan experience!”

“And that includes freezing our asses off outside?”

Paige turns to me in exasperation. “Tell her, Daisy.”

“Don’t you want to experience the show the way all the other fans do?” I ask Karen. “When we drove by the venue the other day, you said it looked like everyone was having fun. This is our chance to have fun, too.”

“You know what I think is fun now?” she asks, crossing her arms. “Getting to sit in VIP seats and hang out with the band backstage.”