Page 41 of The Lodge

“Something more than this, right here, now?” I say, playing down how into the idea I am.

“Something with a little less patio railing in the way,” he replies, grinning. “I can’t do dinner tonight, but if you’re free after that, I have something perfect in mind.”

“I’m intrigued,” I say, and not just by the mystery of it all: he doesn’t seem to get out much, so I’m fascinated by the idea that he might have plans outside his own penthouse that don’t involve ski lessons.

“Oh, you’ll love it,” he says, eyes sparkling in the sunlight.

“You’re confident,” I reply. “As always.”

“Have I been wrong yet?”

He hasn’t, and he knows it.

I don’t admit it.

“Where and when?” I say instead.

“Meet me at the ice rink at ten—but we’re not skating tonight. And you should wear something warm.”

REVIEW: Sebastian Green’s Solo Effort, Daydreamz (C-)

By Zeke Xanderfeld // Writer & Critic,Moondazzle.com

Two years after boy band True North officially split up, former frontman Sebastian Green has finally dropped a long-rumored solo album,Daydreamz.

It’s the first time Green has stepped out on his own without his bandmates, and the results, we feel, are hazy.Daydreamzboasts neither the magnetic charisma nor the catchy melodies fans grew to expect from True North; instead, the album meanders from shallow lyric to shallow lyric, bathing its listeners in lukewarm, lackluster ambient tracks with nary a discernable beat.

That said, fans are undeniably obsessed with the album, praising Green for reinventing himself as a solo artist. Indeed, the limited-edition vinyl record sold out the night it was announced, and two of the tracks that immediately landed in top-twenty spots on various streaming services continue to have staying power.

We miss the electric energy of Sebastian Green’s tension-charged dynamics with his bandmates, especially once-rival Jett Beckett; his debut as a solo artist can only be described as a serviceable effort with few standout tracks.

The Verdict:For all but Green’s most devoted fans,Daydreamzis a snoozefest—don’t expect anything revelatory.

12

I migrate to the café midafternoon for a change of scenery. I’ve made good progress today, knocked out another entire chapter—a fluffy one about Sebastian’s time on the reality dating show—but I’m in desperate need of a break.

Makenna’s just clocking out when I get there.

“Honey nut latte,” she tells the other barista before I’ve even had a chance to order it. “Unless you want to try something else this time?”

“No, that sounds great. Done for the day?”

“Donehere,” she says. “I picked up a bartending shift over at the lounge tonight, but I’ve got a couple of hours to kill. You?”

“Taking a minute before getting back to my project.”

She straightens a few syrup bottles on the counter, then glances up at me.

“I saw you together last night,” she says, eyes sparkling. “Skating.”

My cheeks burn. Did she see usskating—or did she catch thatmoment when time stood still, when we kissed, the fact that we were on skates a mere technicality?

“It was a really fun time,” I say evenly, unable to conceal my smile.

“I bet it was. I’ve never seen Tyler out there with anyone,” she says.

“Yeah, I get the impression he doesn’t get out much.”

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