Ryan was right- rehearsals did start to pick up. Time was flying by even faster now that they knew that previews would begin on August 8. Before Kasey knew it, it was June. May was already gone.

They already had retaken the cast promotional photos, and Emma's vlog was renewed for the Broadway season. 

To her surprise, Kasey found herself reconnecting with Jace even sooner than she thought she would. Their breakup hadn't been that long ago. She knew she'd probably get criticized for just talking to Jace, let alone dating him again.

After rehearsal, Kasey met up with him in the same coffee place that they'd first gotten together. 

"How's rehearsal?" Jace asked as Kasey took a seat.

"It's going really well, it's stressful, but it's fun. How is your job-seeking going?"

"Pretty good, actually. I may have landed a role on a show that's going to open soon, which is really nice. It's reassuring to know that I may have already gotten a new job."

"I'm glad. You deserve it, really," Kasey told him. 

"Thanks, Kasey."

The waitress came by to take their orders, and they were silent for a few minutes. It was a little awkward- Kasey wasn't used to silence between her and Jace.

"I have your dressing room in the Lunt-Fontanne," Kasey said finally. Jace raised his eyebrows.

"Really? I would have thought that Jess would be in the Flynn Rider dressing room, and that you'd have Rapunzel's."

"I wasn't sure about that, either, but I have yours. It's a really nice dressing room- I remember when you took me back there after seeing the show."

"It is a nice dressing room."

"Can I ask who painted all the walls? They're great," Kasey told him. 

"I think it was Kaitlyn? Maybe? I don't remember, it was kind of a group effort. We all pitched in, someone just drew it first. Yeah, it was Kaitlyn," Jace said thoughtfully. "It was fun. My favorite is honestly the Pascal dressing room, even though that shade of green is a little overwhelming when you first walk in."

"I thought the same thing!" Kasey laughed. "Yours is much more toned down. I like it. I think I'm just going to paint one of the other walls, but I'm not sure what color it should be. It has to fit the character."

"Pink?"

"That's honestly what it's probably going to be," she admitted. "Anna's coat is pink, and it obviously can't be blue, because it's too similar to Flynn Rider."

"You should get someone in your company to paint Anna on the wall, that way you carry on the tradition," Jace said instantly. 

"All the leads are going to, I think," Kasey reassured him. "I know Jess already has the light blue on the wall for Elsa, we just haven't found someone to draw the characters."

"That's awesome, you have to let me see it when they're done."

"I will, don't worry."

~~~~~~~~~~~

When Kasey returned to the loft, the scent of baking cookies immediately hit her when she opened the door.

"Cookies? At two in the afternoon, Carleigh?" she said, setting down her rehearsal bag. 

"Why not?" Carleigh demanded. "Cookies are a snack food, not just a dessert."

"What's the occasion?" Kasey asked, sitting on the stool by the counter. Carleigh passed her a spoon to help ladle out the next batch of cookie dough.

"I'm going to be replacing Jessica Lea Patty in Bandstand on August 1!" Carleigh announced. "I was just notified."

"That's amazing, I'm happy for you," Kasey exclaimed, hugging Carleigh. 

"Thanks."

Carleigh pulled the batch of cookies out of the oven. "So, how are things with Jace?"

"They're actually really good. I think he's okay now. Maybe space was a good idea, after all. I'm glad that we can talk again. It was strange not being able to," Kasey confessed.

"I'm glad you're talking, too. I had gotten used to you guys being together," Carleigh agreed. 

Kasey took a cookie off the tray before Carleigh could swat her hand away. "So, when do you start Bandstand rehearsal?"

"Well, it's a put-in, so I'll be with the swings and the dance captains for a little before I actually get to do the show with everyone else. It's probably a good thing, because, to be honest, I'm a little intimidated. The fact that the show is already going is kind of strange."

"How so?"

"They'll have this family dynamic, and I'll feel like an outsider."

"You won't be an outsider, besides, people replaced people in Hamilton and you loved them. Even when you met my replacement."

"That's true..."

"And you're amazing, and sweet, and they'll love you. Trust me," Kasey reassured Carleigh.

"Thanks, Kasey."

"Anytime."