Page 6 of Driving Beats

Okay. Maybe that was a bit too far. But, whatever. He may be able to play the guitar like no one’s business, and rock the clothes I get him for his performances, but otherwise? Scary stuff.

I press send.

Turning my phone over, I turn to my right only to find the Aussie guy is now with someone else. Rats. He looks as if he could’ve been fun.

Since everyone else is either paired up or slowly drifting away, this is my cue to blow this Italian joint. The food was fine, but nothing compared with the real stuff. Which I know about thanks to UC. So, I guess losing out on a few days of vacation to one of the band members isn’t a hardship.

Besides, I’m sure something fun will present itself. It always does.

Ipull up my maps app to find that M. Marcel is at least thirty minutes from my hotel. Good thing I have a few hours before I need to meet Coop there. I take a shower and lay various outfits on the bed. I need it to say “I know what I’m doing” without advertising that I’m his stylist. Even though he’s not the face of UC—that distinction goes to Bennett—the band’s guitarist certainly is recognizable.

I’ve arranged for the car service to arrive at ten, which will give me the ability to scope out the store and make some selections before he arrives. He’s going to need everything—including underwear, since I’ve seen him in his skivvies. Seriously? Why do men think it’s okay to continue wearing briefs for longer than a year? Or a decade…

When the SUV arrives, I sit back to enjoy the sights of LA on my way to meet Coop. Given the Oscars were my introduction to the town, and yesterday’s Restaurant Bingo completed my tour, I’m excited to see everything.

“First time in Los Angeles, Miss?”

I smile at the driver, who is a woman. Cool. “Yes. Got in two nights ago. I was supposed to fly out today, but there was a work change, and so I’m still here. It’s such a beautiful city.”

“LA has its perks. This car has seen some celebrities, which is the best perk of all in my book.”

Famous people certainly take up all the oxygen, which is fine by me. “Oh really? Who have you met?”

“You never know who will need a ride. One night, it might be a drunk guy going home to the Hills.” She rolls her eyes, then smiles. “Another morning, I’m picking up an A-Lister like Emilie Dubois or Ozzy Martinez.”

“You’ve met them? I love Emilie. Her socials are beyond. She seems really nice.”

“She is gorgeous with a capital G. I understand why she was on top of the modeling world for so long. Now with her television show, she’s become an icon. Yet, she still was very sweet and talked with me like I was her girlfriend.” She puts on her blinker.

“That’s great. Happy to hear when someone famous isn’t a jerk.” I heard through the grapevine that she’s down to earth, but you never know. What I wouldn’t give to watch Emilie style a client.

My driver goes on and on about all the celebrities who have been in her vehicle. “Refocused Destiny” comes on the radio and I’m transported to two nights ago, when the band won their Oscar. They were kids-in-a-candy-shop excited. “This is one band I truly admire. Untamed Coaster has been through it all, and now they’re back on top.”

“Very true,” I agree. “They work hard, for sure, but they’re all super sweet.”

She gives me a quizzical look in the rearview mirror. “Spoken like someone who knows a thing or two. Do you know the band?”

Why not share? “I do. I’m their stylist.”

“No way! Here I was going on and on about all the celebrities I’ve met, and you actually work for UC? Tell me, are they as hot as their pictures make them out to be? Or, are they totally airbrushed?”

It’s my turn to smile. “Honestly, none of their photos are doctored. They’re a pretty hot group, in more ways than one.”

My driver laughs. “That’s good intel. Their lead singer is so delicious.” She wiggles her shoulders.

“He is. And the best part? He’s got the talent and a wonderful personality to back it all up. Plus a wife.” Who, I’m proud to admit, has become one of my best friends.

She sighs. “All the good ones are taken. Well, their shirtless drummer must be rather easy to dress, huh?”

“Río’s something else. He just won an award for his drumming, so he’s not all fluff either. He also is in a serious relationship.” Engaged, actually.

My other best friend, Hayden, and he make the cutest couple. I called both hers and Jenna’s relationships ages before those stupid girls admitted their feelings for their men. It’s so easy to spot when someone’s going down for the count. Both the lead singer and drummer aren’t the controlling type, which is why I’m happy for my friends.

Still, you have to keep an eye out. Men, in my experience, easily turn into domineering freaks like the cult leader Ma got herself mixed up with. My body seizes. Thrusting Kelvin Steele out of my mind, I return to chatting with my driver, who is now focusing her attention on Coop.

“Their guitarist isn’t seeing anyone, right? I bet his fingers could make a girl blush.” She laughs.

“He seems to be unattached, as are the bassist and keyboardist.” I shrug. “But they’re all so old! I manage to have fun on tour despite them being ages older than me.”