Chapter 69

“I love The King and I,” Abby had said.

“Then you shall be my Anna.”

Watching their romance blossom was a show in itself. They bickered. They laughed. AJ quoted schmaltzy dialogue about the hearts of two people in love.

“Because I adore you, my heartrate increases whenever you’re near,” he’d said to her at the end of the second Friday show. “Yet when we’re apart, they beat in perfect synchronization, awaiting the moment I can hold you in my arms once more.”

“Sinus tachycardia is a serious medical condition,” Abby had told him. “Should I call 911?”

“No. Just give me mouth to mouth.” Ever the thespian, when Abby offered, AJ said no. “The first kiss is an important moment in any story, often not until the end of Act 1, the cliffhanger before intermission. We’re not there yet.”

“He really hasn’t kissed you, Abs?” I asked when alone with her before we all headed out to the cast party.