Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

The crew worked with impressive speed. In just a few minutes, Don came hurrying over, cradling an acoustic lute in his arms.

He offered it to Rosita with an encouraging smile. "Ms. Lockwood, you can do it!"

Rosita stared at the instrument, momentarily lost for words.

Briony watched her, a subtle, knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Ms. Lockwood, everyone's looking forward to this. You're not going to let us down, are you?"

Rosita turned to meet Briony's gaze.

Briony's eyes glimmered, almost teasing, challenging her with a hint of mischief.

She's doing this on purpose!

Rosita clenched her fists, willing herself to stay calm in front of the crowd.

Forcing a gentle smile, she replied softly, "I'm sorry, I'm not feeling well today. I'm afraid I wouldn't play well, so I'd rather not embarrass myself."

A wave of disappointment swept over the group, but it was clear Rosita wasn't well, and no one wanted to push her.

"If Ms. Lockwood isn't feeling up to it, let's leave it for another time," Driscoll said tactfully.

but nodded in understanding. "Yeah, you

interjected,

to look at him,

really had a chance to explore it. From what I know, folk tunes use a pentatonic scale-five simple notes represented by 'Do, Re,

would you mind showing us how the basic finger positions work for these five

Rosita froze.

the pentatonic scale three days ago. Even with Gwendolyn White guiding her, she'd stumble through it; playing in front of everyone now

the pentatonic scale is the very foundation. Since Mr. Ellsworth is so

at Rosita.

Rosita ducked her

she made up

"Alright, I'll

body swayed. Her eyes fluttered shut, and before

"Ms. Lockwood!"

cried

director, sobered instantly, shouted,

dissolved into

in and did

After a tense few minutes, Rosita's eyelids fluttered open She looked pale and disoriented, glancing around at the concerned