Page 65 of Driving Beats

I elevate my ankle. “Was he always the one the band went to for advice?”

“Pretty much. I think Coop became more introspective over time, ever since he dove headfirst into Zen and meditation. He started going to retreats during our breaks.”

“Like the one he’s supposed to be at during this hiatus, but for the Vanishing Luggage Mystery.”

He chuckles. “Exactly. Well, I’ve taken up enough of your time. Good luck finishing Coop’s wardrobe. I’m excited for his new threads.” He pauses. “Tris is gonna be so jealous.”

I laugh. “I’m doing my best.”

After we hang up, I hit the remote and watch The Lord of the Rings. I need my favorite movie to sort through everything I’ve learned about UC’s guitarist.

19

COOP

Nese didn’t warn me this was going to be a five-hour ordeal. I dump my new luggage and backpack into the Range Rover’s trunk. At least it’s over.

On my drive back, I can’t stop thinking about my stylist. Her spontaneity doesn’t fit with my calculated choices. Her rambunctious laugh clashes with my quiet chuckles. Her youth makes me feel older than my thirty-one years.

Then why is she stuck in my mind?

Needing to get set straight, I call my best friend. “How’s Hayden treating you?”

Río hums. “I wake up with her in my arms, we fuck like rabbits, and have amazing conversations. So, pretty damn good.”

“Glad it’s working out for you.”

“Listen, Coop, there might be another woman out there for you, too. Lillian isn’t the be-all and end-all. She was a demanding bitch during high school, and UC took up almost your every waking moment during your short marriage. What she did was a symptom but we both know your marriage had flatlined way earlier. Don’t you think it’s time you got back on the horse?”

Gotta love Río. He always paints a picture. It’s usually crude, but accurate. “I like how things are going.”

“Dude. I’m not saying to throw an orgy to get over your hump. Just get laid.”

“Why did I call you again? I didn’t comment on your love life.”

“That’s because it’s fucking awesome. I want you to have some of this.”

Dare I tell him about Nese and me? Before I called him, I thought I might. After talking with him, though, I’m not so sure. I dip my toe to test the waters. “I’m on my way home from a photoshoot. Nese arranged for me to get a free set of Tumi luggage so long as I agreed to the shoot.”

“No. Fucking. Way. You got to do a photoshoot for that brand, and you didn’t even bother inviting your best friend?”

I chuckle. “I think they wanted to be sure their model was wearing a shirt.”

“Dick. Tell me, is the luggage worth it?”

“Nese says so. She called it luxury. How can luggage be luxury?”

“Easy. If a carry-on costs more than one thousand dollars, it’s luxury.”

“Fine. It’s luxury then.” I exit the freeway.

“How are things going with Nese?”

It’s easy to read the question behind his question. Río is fishing. “She’s gotten most of my wardrobe all set. Drags me to all sorts of stores and makes me try shit on.”

“I think that’s what stylists are supposed to do. You have to admit, getting new clothes was long overdue for you.”

“Said the man who doesn’t wear shirts.”