Page 57 of Driving Beats

“You need to make a statement,” she replies.

Practice gratitude, Coop. Nese is doing her job, worked with Luke and the sponsor, and I didn’t have to lift a finger. “Fine. You win. Let’s get this spectacular luggage.” I exit the vehicle.

Nese scurries ahead of me and opens the door before I’m able to reach it. Following her, we proceed from one piece to the next. My only contribution is to tell her I prefer ones in black, to which she says, “Of course.” Soon, she and the salesclerk have surrounded me with several options, and I choose a couple of the larger ones, with a carry-on. Nese nods her approval and turns to the clerk. In no time, five matching pieces surround me.

“Oh,” the clerk says. “I have just the thing to complete the look. Come with me.”

Sensing I’m not required for this discussion, I sit in a chair while the ladies traipse around the store. Idly, I check out the price tag for the large piece, then flip it over. Why can’t I simply buy these and be done? I tap my foot in time with “Refocused Destiny.”

Nese returns holding a black leather backpack. “Put this over your shoulder. I want to see how it looks.”

“I don’t need a backpack. I’ve lasted this long on tour without one.”

“You never know,” she replies. “Haven’t you ever wished you had the itinerary for your tour and not wanted to search your phone for it? How about a set list? I’m sure putting folded up papers in your back pocket gets old. If you get this, all those problems would be fixed.” For good measure, she snaps her fingers.

It can be a hassle juggling all the paperwork Luke gives us. “I suppose it makes sense.” I stand and put the strap over my shoulder. It’s comfortable. “How does it look?”

Nese replies, “It’s a great proportion on you. Turn around to show me the full picture.”

Used to her taking charge in the dressing rooms, I do as I’m told. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the backpack might be a good idea.”

“Of course it is!” She lifts the backpack and lets it return to its resting position over my back. “Let’s add this to the set.”

“I love it when couples come in here together,” the clerk says. “You two are really getting a feeling for how you’re going to use the Tumi pieces.”

“We’re not a couple,” I reply without hesitation. Even though we did sleep together last night.

For her part, Nese shoves her thumb at me. “You think we’re a couple?” She throws her head back and laughs.

She doesn’t have to be so elated by the mischaracterization.

The clerk stammers, “Oh, sorry. It’s just you two bicker like people who’ve been together for a long time.”

Were we bickering? I glance at Nese, who’s pierced eyebrow is raised. Deciding to put the clerk at ease, I say, “She’s my stylist. I can see how our conversation could be misconstrued. She wants me to buy all this trendy stuff, and I would like to be done.”

The clerk turns to Nese. “Seems as if you have your hands full.”

“You have no idea,” Nese commiserates. “Now, when will the photographer be here?”

“Let me check.” The clerk walks to the counter.

“Seriously?” I slide my sunglasses to the top of my head.

“I’m getting you a great deal here.” She pats my stomach. “You’re given all this luggage for free and you get publicity out of it. A win-win.”

I toss her hand away. “Have you ever thought I prefer being in the background? I enjoy playing guitar and then letting Bennett or Río take center stage.”

“Maybe it’s your time to shine? Those guys are otherwise occupied by Jenna and Hayden now. Think they’re motivated to step back a little?”

Does she have a point? Have I come to rely on them being the public face of UC? Am I being selfish in assuming they’d always come forward? I don’t dislike the spotlight, per se, it’s that I’m never being sought after like they are. Or, rather, seeking it out.

With a slow cadence, I agree, “I never considered this.”

“What harm will one little photoshoot do? Luggage is a luxury item, so I’m sure your photo won’t appear in Ratatat magazine or anything. Plus, you’re getting a sweet set of luggage the rest of UC will envy.”

Her enthusiasm is hard to ignore. “I seriously doubt 007 or Tris will even notice.”

She counters, “Have you met Tris?”