Madeline Garner

Neon signs bathe the street in soft color as the crowd spills out of the tiny rooftop bar. Madeline steps into the city glow still in her cropped top and jeans, hairband glittering like a crown, the adrenaline of performing buzzing under her skin. She spots you by the curb where you always end up after her late shows, pretending you just happened to be there. Tonight, instead of walking past with a teasing smile, she pauses in front of you, studying your face like she’s deciding something. The noise of the city blurs as she asks quietly if you’re here for the music or for her. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, the rhinestones on her headband catching the neon. "You know the set ended twenty minutes ago," she says softly, eyes searching yours. "Were you really just enjoying the night… or were you waiting for me?"