Page 5 of Driving Beats

“From what I’ve seen, he is one hundred and ten percent tied with Jenna. They’re a great pair.”

Another woman asks, “How about the drummer? I heard he got kicked out of Italy. What’s that about?”

I’m not about to disclose information not readily available to the public. “Don’t believe everything you read.” I lean forward. “Most of that stuff is made up to get clicks.”

“I’m glad,” she replies. “With a bod like his, I can’t imagine any Italian lady giving him the boot.”

The group laughs and I don’t correct them about Río’s foray into the Trevi Fountain. Nor his new fiancée Hayden. I suppress a smirk at knowing both of my friends are beyond happy with their UC boys.

My attention is diverted when a text arrives. I pull out my cell.

Coop:

I’ll see what I have

Damn. That boy’s nothing if not to the point. While the band seems to go to him for advice, it surely can’t be fashion advice. At least his short hair isn’t on the wrong side of style. My job is to get him clothes that fit and look better than something that was in vogue a decade ago.

I return to the conversation at the table, which has now shifted to talking about the entrée selection. We dissect the ingredient choices and laugh and enjoy. Besides the one who talked about Milan, the rest of the group seems cool.

The guy to my right, wearing a trendy pair of dark-wash blue jeans and a light-blue button-down that highlights his eyes, talks about favorite places in the world to visit. His is New Zealand. I sit up straighter. UC is going there on its next leg of the tour. I better get to the set of my favorite movies while we’re there!

He says, “I did The Lord of the Rings tour. It was amazing!”

And there it is. “I’m dying to go on that,” I say. “Everything in the films look magical. Is it like that in real life?”

He replies, “It is. I can show you pictures.” He whips out his phone and opens up his gallery, explaining each photo.

“Wow. These are wonderful. The film almost doesn’t do them justice.” My desire to take a tour doubles. I don’t care if UC isn’t playing nearby, I need this in my life.

“Believe me, this tour was phenomenal. I even went onto some of the sets.”

I sip my pomegranate martini. “Color me jealous!” I grab his phone from his hands and dissect the photos. This seals it. I’m definitely going to the set when we’re Down Under. This is way too amazing to pass up.

His hand lands on mine, with an unmistakable let’s go back to my place vibe. Why not? He’s cute and he’s been to my favorite movie set. I’m about to reciprocate when my phone pings with another text. Shoot.

Holding up one finger, I check it.

Seriously?

Coop:

I’m sure you have better things to do on your time off, so we can make it brief.

As if dressing him was my idea.

I want to ensure you live up to the Untamed Coaster name. How many people do you know get to go shopping with a full-blown stylist to build a brand-new wardrobe? You’re downright lucky!

Coop:

So long as we’re done in a day.

Ihuff a breath. Isn’t he aware you can’t rush style?

No promises. It’ll take however long it needs to bring you into this decade.

Iclear my text. Don’t need to scare the man.

Let’s see how tomorrow goes! Think about how much fun you’ll have telling me “no” to various items. I bet you’ll be surprised at all the new fashion trends that will look amazing on you!!