Page 63 of Before the Encore

“No,” Bonnie replied.

She turned to look at her then and, seeing the sadness reflected in her expression, wished she’d asked a different question.

“My dad never understood the music thing. He’s autistic and doesn’t like big crowds or loud spaces. But Mum…she used to love it. Until four years ago, she’d never missed a show.”

“I’m sorry.”

Bonnie traced the hem of her leggings. “It’s okay. My best friend is coming to the last show with her family. So, that will be nice.”

“Do you see them often?” Madison asked. When Bonnie glanced at her, she clarified, “Your family.”

“Not as often as I should.” She sighed, lacing her hands together. “I know I should visit before I go back to LA, but…” Her eyebrows drew together, and she dropped her chin.

“It’s not simple,” Madison finished.

“Exactly.”

“I’m sorry about your mum.” Madison put her hand over Bonnie’s, warm and soft. “If you need someone to come with you, I could. If you want. If that would help, I mean.”

“You’d do that?”

She lifted a shoulder, trying to ignore the heat creeping up her neck. “If it would help.”

Madison had offered to meet Bonnie’s parents without thinking about it. Had she lost her marbles? She really needed to start thinking before opening her big mouth.

Bonnie regarded her, wheels turning behind her eyes in a way that Madison couldn’t read. Had she said the wrong thing? The blazing inferno itched, uncomfortable, and she had nowhere to hide. If this was a side-effect of fake-dating, count her out in the future.

But then Bonnie’s lip curved. “I had no idea you were so sensitive. But I like these different sides to you. I suppose that’s the Gemini through and through.” She chuckled like she’d told a joke, then grew serious. “I’d love to do your chart.”

“My chart?”

“At least your sun, moon, and your rising.”

Madison scrunched her nose. “My what now?”

Bonnie beamed. “Your big three. The sun is your core; the moon is your emotional side; and the rising—or ascendant—is how others see you, your approach to life. In some ways, you’re such a Gemini. You’re witty, multifaceted, and full of energy, and then other times you have this…steadiness about you.” She sat up straighter. “What time were you born?”

“Ahhhhh.” Madison wagged her finger. “My gran warned me about girls like you. No way.”

“Please. Come on.” Bonnie huffed, sticking out her bottom lip. “It’ll be fun, I promise. I’ll show you mine.”

“I show you mine, you show me yours?” Madison quirked an eyebrow. “That sounds more like it.”

Bonnie’s cheeks tinged pink, and she gave her a playful punch on the thigh. The sight of her flustered fuelled Madison with confidence.

“How about we make a deal?” Her pulse quickened, and she wet her lips. “I’ll let you do my chart if you cut the bullshit and talk to me about us and how you really feel. Until then, all of this…” She circled her face and puckered her mouth. “Off limits.”

Bonnie’s eyes widened. Then she gave a singular nod. “That seems fair.”

“Okay.” Madison smirked, stretching out her legs before standing. The day had held a rollercoaster of emotions so far, but the time outside had done her good. “I need to finish rehearsal for tonight, and we both need to focus on the show, but maybe we could meet up before the last one tomorrow?”

Madison offered Bonnie her hand, and she pulled her to her feet.

Bonnie sucked on her lip, thinking it over. “I suppose it would be beneficial to work this out before the last show—if we can agree to be professional.”

“Have you met me?” Madison scoffed. “I’m the walking poster for professionalism.”

“Of course. How could I forget?”