Summer of first love

50

A few days later, Roseann's phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's me."

"Oh, hi Braeden."

"Any news from Melville about the second replacement?"

"None at all."

"Hmm, that's unlike him."

"Well, he's considering a lot of options."

"Did he ask Winslow?"

"No, it didn't come up."

"I swear, if he even thinks about asking Dax, I—"

"If he ends up asking Dax, you'll probably receive an urgent request from Kiersten to come here. I'll likely be hanging by a thread. Honestly, I'd be devastated if he chooses Dax. He knows I can't stand him."

"If Melville can't find anyone suitable, he better turn to Winslow."

"I'm hoping he will."

"Winslow knows a significant chunk of the songs. It's hard to imagine otherwise."

"Exactly."

"Anyway, I won't keep you. Just wanted to see if Melville had shared any updates."

"What, got a hot date?"

"Nah, I'm working on a solo anthology. Heading to the studio."

"Ah, sounds fun. Putting together a collection of your greatest hits."

"It's an anthology, not quite the same thing."

"Sure feels like it to me."

"I beg to differ."

Roseann chuckled and replied, "Alright, go have fun. I'll let you know if I hear anything."

"Thanks... Bye."

"Goodbye."

She hung up the call and heard, "So, what did Braeden want?"

"Just checking if Melville had any news."

"Did he?"

"Nope."

"Well, let's hope we hear something soon."

"Agreed."

"Hey, I'm heading out to grab some lunch. Do you want anything?"

"No, I'll see you when you get back."

"Okay."

And with that, Kiersten left the room.

---

Seated on her couch, Roseann pondered the implications of the new lineup.

"What if Melville does decide to ask Dax?"

"What if Dax offers to join?"

"How would this affect the band?"

"Dax and I didn't part on the best terms, given the situation with the baby. But he's undeniably talented. Maybe it's time to let go and allow Dax to contribute."

"Call him, apologize for everything—any mistakes you made. Come on, Roseann, you need to do this, be the bigger person."

Her thoughts raced, consumed by thoughts of Dax and the impending The Rose of Albacore tour. After about five minutes of contemplation, she picked up her phone and dialed Dax.

"Hello?"

"Dax? It's Roseann."

"Roseann! How are you?"