Page 73 of The Twisted Beats

“Come on, Callum. Tell me. I can’t take it anymore.”

“That’s half the fun of living on the edge. Your curiosity will have your adrenaline growing the entire way there.”

“And I’ll be unable to contain myself.”

I chuckle. “You’re an actress. I think you can handle it.”

We settle in and enjoy the drive, talking about music and our careers. We’re almost to the location of our date when Livianna’s demeanor changes.

She fidgets with the zipper on her jacket. “I hope Zara doesn’t show up tonight.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t need her telling anyone she saw me if she’s there.”

“I already told you, she’s not getting backstage, so shewon’t see you if you stay out of sight.” I glance out the side window and switch lanes.

Livianna’s quiet for a few moments, then peers over at me. “I wonder what she wants to give to one of you guys.”

“Who knows. She sounds strange as fuck.”

“Are you sure you’ve never met her?”

“Yes. Guns and I both told you we’ve never met anyone named Zara, and it’s not a name I would forget.”

Livianna stares out the window. “I know, but she’s obsessed with someone in your band and won’t tell me who.”

“Stop worrying, Lily.”

She shrugs and faces me. “Who knows? Maybe she likes my brother and doesn’t want to tell me.”

“Again, who cares? She doesn’t sound like someone you’d be friends with, anyway.”

“But I want to get along with my co-stars. It makes it easier.”

“I get it, but don’t let her steal your happiness in the process.” I turn into the parking lot with a smile growing. “Lily, we’re here.”

She looks out the windshield and her eyes round to the size of the moon. The skyline is a ribcage of steel loops and screams.

“Callum, you brought me to an amusement park! I can’t believe it.”

“You said you knew how to have fun, but you’ve never been on a rollercoaster. I had to fix the obvious issue.”

She squeals once I find a place to park in the VIP area.

I slip on a baseball cap and slide my darker shades on. “Ready?”

“Yes.” She pushes the car door open and jumps out. “I hope the lines are short because I want to do every ride twice. Three times if I like it.”

“That’s already taken care of.” I join her at her side andtake her hand in mine. “I got us VIP passes, so we won’t have to wait in long lines.”

She nestles up to me. “You’ve thought of everything. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”At least you’re one person I’m not letting down.I shake the thought away. This day is about excitement, not my stress level.

We get inside the park, meet our private tour guide, and spend the next three hours running around like ten-year-olds in disguise. She beams and laughs like she’s having the best day of her life.

I hold my head high, knowing I’m half responsible for her joy, trying to forget the fact I scraped together the last of my money to make this day happen. Not even Bren knows how much my family is struggling financially.