Page 76 of Driving Beats

She smiles. “See you Down Under!”

With that, she pivots and follows her luggage—with only a slight limp—into the terminal.

Immobile, I stand until the door closes behind her, another group follows in her footsteps, and cars honk at me. With a deep sigh, I return to my vehicle and drive away. From the one woman who painted my world in trendy clothes and bright colors.

When I get home, I leave the car outside and walk into my Zen Garden, my new wallet in my hand. I sit on the bench and stare at the lines in the sand, seeking solace. All I feel is a dull ache in my chest.

Standing, I abandon any hope of meditating and wander into my now-desolate kitchen where the dirty dishes from our breakfast wait. I leave her gift on the counter and turn on the water. For some reason, though, I want to make this final clean up last as long as possible. Somehow keep her with me here. In my kitchen. Where she belongs.

Get a grip, Coop!

I toss my head from side to side and finish the dirty dishes. Her cotton candy scent is everywhere in here, so I grab my wallet and escape downstairs. Where she was too, as witnessed by her perfume in the air.

Seeking solace, I go into my music room and play some songs, which usually calms me. Not this time.

Thoroughly frustrated, I return my guitar to its stand and pick up my phone. While I love Río like a brother, I don’t need to talk with someone who has a plus-one. No. I pull up 007’s contact and press the green button.

“Hey, Coop, what are you doing?”

Moping. “Nothing much. Played a couple of UC songs. What are you up to?”

He chuckles. “You know me. I drove by a hot tub store and thought how amazing it would be to have one on my deck. So, here I am.”

“Didn’t you just buy a boat?”

“That was last week, Coop. Now I want to get this installed before the tour resumes. That way, when you guys come out to hang on the boat, we can drink champagne afterwards in my hot tub. Hold on.” He talks with someone in the store about the sizes and dimensions of a particular model. “I’d love to chat, but I really need to focus on buying the best one in here. Catch you later.”

I’m cut off before I’m even able to wish him good luck with this purchase. Well, that was a bust. No way can I keep up with all his new toys. Perhaps I’ll have a better time with Tris? I punch his contact.

After pleasantries, I ask, “How’s Chicago treating you?”

“Chicagoland is fantastic, Coop. I’m going to have to get you to come out here. My place overlooks Lake Michigan.”

“I have a view of the Pacific Ocean,” I counter.

“Not the same. The Great Lake has its own charm, distinct from your cold ocean. Besides, we have great steakhouses out here. Plus, you haven’t lived until you’ve had some of our deep-dish pizza.”

I chuckle. “I do love me some deep-dish. Are you going to miss it when we’re in Australia?” I leave the music room and make my way to the pool, spurred on by all this talk of bodies of water.

“I always miss it. I don’t miss doing double time at the gym to atone for it, though.

“I hear you.”

As our newest member, I’m still getting to know Tris. He and 007 are tight, which is unusual considering Darren was his best friend since elementary school. Maybe it’s the keyboard connection?

“Has the wardrobe mess been sorted?”

My jaw tightens. His innocent question lands hard—Nese was the one who expertly handled the whole mess. “I’ve basically bought everything I need, including luggage and a new watch.”

“Oh, do tell. What brands did you get?”

“The luggage is Tumi. I remember this because I had to do a photoshoot for them so they’d give me a set for free.” I dip my toe in the pool. “Nese arranged that.”

“Good on her! Scoring free Tumi is no small feat.”

I shrug. “She told me the company had contacted Luke a while ago.”

He whistles. “Nice. Now, tell me about the watch. What did you get?”