Page 26 of Driving Beats

She whispers. “Coop O’Shea? He’s here?” Her neck cranes toward the changing room. “He’s my boyfriend’s favorite. In fact, he’s taking guitar lessons and plays some of UC’s songs because of him. He’s in there trying on suits.” She points to another dressing room.

“Nese! How about these?”

I stand. “Duty calls. Let me see if he’ll agree to a selfie?”

Her hand goes to her heart. “That would be awesome. It would make his life!”

I offer her a smile and return to the dressing room. Once again, Coop’s entire muscular upper body is on full display. The trunks fit him, but the color pulls out the yellow in his skin, making him appear sallow. I use this as a teaching moment. “What’s your opinion?”

He shrugs. “They fit. There’s something off about them, but I can’t put my finger on it.”

“You have good instincts,” I praise him. “What’s bothering you isn’t the fit or the pattern, rather the color. It’s too pastel-y for you.”

His fingers try to push non-existent sunglasses up the bridge of his nose. “I understand what you’re saying. I still have others to try on, so these will go in the ‘no’ pile.”

“Yay—you’re getting it!” It’s a struggle, but I manage not to jump in excitement. “Before I leave, though, I have one thing to discuss with you.” I motion for him to come closer. Lowering my voice, I say, “Apparently, you have a fan in here. I met his girlfriend outside. Would you be willing to do a selfie with him?”

He looks me right in the eyes. “Really? I’m hardly ever noticed, what with Bennett and Río taking up most of the oxygen.”

I tuck this nugget away for later. “I’m telling you the truth.”

He shakes his head as if to clear it, then smiles. “Of course. But not with a bathing suit on.”

“Gotcha. Now try on another pair.”

He walks back and I return to my seat. “Coop would be thrilled to take a photo with your man.” I pause. “After he’s done trying on bathing suits.”

The woman holds up her hands. “No bathing suit shot! I get it.”

We’re both laughing when a guy approaches her, carrying a bathing suit. She whispers something in his ear and he focuses on me, his mouth open. “Really? Coop is in here? Now?”

Taking pity on his girlfriend, I introduce myself as UC’s stylist and confirm the guitarist is, in fact, trying on bathing suits. “I told him you’re a fan, and he’s offered to take a selfie with you once he’s dressed. If you’d like one.”

“Like?” The guy tries not to gush, but I can tell he’s bursting. “That would be fantastic.”

“Great. Why don’t you pay for those and figure out where you want to take it. I need to help Coop with a couple of purchases.”

“Oh my God. I can’t believe this is happening!”

The poor guy is almost vibrating. His girlfriend ushers him toward the front of the store, and I return inside, where Coop’s waiting in a chocolate pair of board shorts with a tiny pattern of anchors on them. “What’s your verdict?”

With more pep in his step than I’ve seen in a long while, he replies, “I like these. The color is right, they fit well.” He pauses. “And I’m partial to the anchors.”

Appropriate. He’s more of an anchor for UC than he even realizes. “Then we’ll get them.”

“Great. I’ll put my clothes back on and meet you outside.” He practically races for the dressing room.

Boys.

The couple returns and sets up off to the side. Coop walks out with his two new bathing suits, which I take from him. I nod toward the pair. “I’ll pay for these while you talk with your fan.”

He offers me a hesitant smile, hands me his wallet, and strides over to the couple. I watch the interaction from a distance. In the time it took him to approach them, Coop’s transformed into UC’s guitarist. His stance is somehow taller, feet spread more than his usual. His chest is slightly puffed. Guess he had to put his armor on.

While the threesome chat, I make my way to the register. For the first time in my life, I use a black credit card. Gives me a rush. When the bathing suits are packaged, I return to the back, where the guy shakes Coop’s hand, sporting a huge smile.

I approach the woman. “Happy?”

“You have no idea. He may look cool and calm, but he’s flipping out inside. Thank you.”