Page 27 of Driving Beats

We observe the men. “You’re very welcome.” After a minute, the two part. Coop returns to me, and we watch the pair leave the store.

Handing him his wallet, I say, “You did a good thing back there.”

Coop looks at the floor. “The guy was friendly. It was a pleasure to meet him.”

Seems as if the guitarist enjoyed being fanboyed. Hasn’t he been the center of attention before? Perhaps Bennett and Río do take up all the oxygen when they’re around. I allow him his moment in the sun. He’s earned it.

“I know you hate shopping for clothes. How about a break? Where would you prefer to go next?”

He hesitates. “There’s a bookstore nearby.”

“You got it.”

9

COOP

It’s as if I entered Nirvana. This bookstore is one of my favorites as it has a wide variety of categories, and I’ve landed in my favorite place—picking up books about Zen and Buddhism. So many new ones have come out that it’s hard to decide which to choose. I left Nese in the fashion section, so I don’t have to worry about her for a while. After all the damned clothes shopping, this is exactly the fix I need.

I add another book to my pile, then pick up one by my favorite meditation master. Funny, I’ve been doing meditation daily for ages, but it’s more fulfilling lately. Since Nese got to my house. Weird.

Crossing the aisle, the coffee shop catches my attention. I could go for some caffeine. Nese probably could too. Juggling the books, I proceed to the cashier and make my purchases, adding a now-needed bookmark to the pile. Holding the bag, I set out to find the stylist with the big heart.

When did I come to think of her in these terms?

Must be something in the air in this store.

I shrug off the odd sentiment and hit up the fashion section. No Nese. Likewise, gardening, fitness, and travel parts yield no Nese. At my wits end, I try the cooking area and—voilà!—there she is, with a stack of books at her feet.

“Find anything you like?”

She glances up from a recipe for … bread? “Too many things. What’s your opinion on this?” She flips the cookbook to face me.

What? Oh. “Bread is good.”

Her head thrown back, she laughs one of her belly laughs. “Of course bread is good. I was thinking about making this for us.”

“Us?” The word is out of my mouth before I’m able to censor it.

“Meaning you and me. Since I’m staying at your house and everything, I want to make myself useful.” She shakes the book. “Would you enjoy this?”

“Don’t trouble yourself. I have a housekeeper who can buy whatever we need.”

“Ugh.” She rolls her eyes. “Don’t you get enough of store-bought stuff on tour? I’m offering to prepare something fresh for you. You know what? I’m going to bake it. Tough!” She puts the cookbook on top of her own pile.

“I’m sure I’ll like it.” I bend down and pick up her books. “Let me get these for you.”

She stomps her foot. “You don’t have to do that.”

Damn. She’s cute when she gets riled. Whoa. “I’m aware I don’t have to. Let me rephrase: Would you mind if I bought these for you, houseguest of mine?”

“Well, when you put it so politely.” She smiles. “Thank you.”

Together, we return to the cashier and I lift my bag. “I’ll just add these to my purchases.” Transaction completed, I turn to Nese. “How about some coffee? There’s a coffee shop in the back with a really good selection.”

“You’re talking my love language, guitar boy. Lead the way.”

Love language?