Page 102 of Driving Beats

“No way! You saw her? Did you talk with her? What’s she like? I’ve heard she’s totally chill and super nice. Did she say anything about what you were wearing? Wait. What were you wearing? The new workout clothes we picked up? The blue or the grey one?”

When she has to take a breath, I jump in, “I didn’t talk with her. But I can take you to the gym when we’re back in LA. I’m sure she’d love to talk shop with a fellow stylist.”

She fans her face. “You are the best boyfriend ever!” Then she launches herself into my arms.

A little while later—and a lipstick touch-up for her—we drive to the club. After getting a ticket from the valet, I assist Nese out of the Range Rover and put my arm around her. Staring at the pavement, I admit, “I’m thinking about buying a different vehicle.”’

“Don’t. The Rover suits you. Plus, it’s black, your color.”

“Only if you’re sure. I hate you got hurt because of it.”

“I’m all better. Not to mention, I got a personal chair lift in and out of it.” She laughs.

The knot surrounding my choice of vehicle loosens, but I’m confident it will be revisited at a later date. Now it’s time to reconnect with my brothers and enjoy a fun night out. We both adjust our new sunglasses and are directed to the VIP area of the club. When we enter, Río calls me over.

Meaning he yells my name loud enough for the next block to hear him.

Some things never change.

Nese and I meet him and Hayden in the middle of the room. Río takes one look at us standing locked together wearing our sunglasses, and turns to his fiancée. “Damn, you’re right.”

Hayden’s chin rises. To Río she says, “I’ll collect tonight.” Beaming directly at Nese, she opens her arms wide. “I’m so happy for you.” The two hug.

I lift my eyebrow toward my best friend. “Don’t you dare hug me, dude.”

“Your virtue is safe with me.” He does extend his fist, which I bump. “So you and our stylist, huh?”

I counter, “You and our PR manager.”

“Scholarship administrator,” he corrects.

I lift my chin in acknowledgment. “Your hair’s getting long,” I observe, removing my new sunglasses and tucking them into my shirt. I don’t feel the need to hide from anyone in here. Besides, I’m mimicking how Nese is currently wearing hers.

He runs his fingers through the mess on his head. “Yeah. Makes me look more like a drummer god.”

I roll my eyes. Then, glancing at the two women, I admit, “I love her.”

He whacks me on the back. “Welcome to the club, Coop. This time, you’re in it for real.”

“Don’t I know it. Nese causes me to question everything, in a good way. With her, I feel lighter than I have for over a decade. She even got me to like shopping.”

His eyebrows raise to his forehead.

“Fine. It doesn’t suck as much.”

We both laugh.

Soon, 007 and Tris join us. Nese and I get some good-natured ribbing but mostly we fall back into our roles defined when we were kids. Well, Tris is new to the group but he’s starting to establish his own place.

Our manager walks over to our group. Río, ever helpful, tells him about Nese and me. Luke appears… satisfied. I frown at him. “Don’t tell me you knew we’d get into a relationship.”

He replies, “I thought two opposites like you might hit it off. That’s all.”

“Are we adding matchmaker to your list of duties?”

“Hell no. When you lost your luggage, it was natural to send UC’s stylist to help. You did the rest. Obviously.” He leans in toward me. “Elias is all mysterious about some angle he’s tracking down.”

“Well, I did get a new wardrobe—and girlfriend—out of the deal, so I honestly don’t care about the Vanishing Luggage Mystery anymore.”