Page 30 of Driving Beats

My face contorts, but I rearrange it fast. “That.”

“I’ve heard the best way to stop having sex is to get married.” She laughs.

I don’t.

After a moment, she asks, “Did Lillian buy you clothes?”

“Now that you bring it up, yes, she did. She enjoyed shopping, so she took it upon herself to get things for me, including clothes.” I must have bought pieces of clothing since then. Mentally, I sift through my clothes that disappeared with my luggage. My ex did get me most of them. Damn.

“So, you never really were into shopping and gladly handed the chore off to your wife. When she was gone, you didn’t bother to replace the clothes.”

I hold up my hand. “It’s not as bad as you’re making it sound. I didn’t keep her shit for sentimental reasons.”

Nese reaches across the table and places her palm on top of my forearm. “Utilitarian. Makes sense.” She leans back into her overstuffed chair.

I scowl.

“Let me ask you another question. Did Lillian ever take you shopping?”

“Sure. We went to malls for many dates. I used to enjoy watching her try on different outfits.”

She nods. “And did you do the same for her?”

“Not if I could help it.”

She throws her hands in the air. “You always were this way, huh? Well, I’m about to change this mental block for you. By the time I’m done with you, you’re going to like shopping, and Lillian will be banished from your meditation forever.”

I chuckle. Gotta give this girl props. “That’s a tall order. If you can manage both, I’ll buy you a whole new wardrobe.”

She rubs her hands together. “Oh, game on! I’ve already managed to stop her from bothering your meditation sessions, so I’m already halfway there.” She starts singing the Bon Jovi anthem at the top of her lungs, garnering participation from other customers. Despite her being way off-key.

I shake my head. “You’re crazy, has anyone ever told you that?”

She settles back into her chair. “Oh yes. I told them to fuck off.”

My eyebrows raise. “I bet you did.”

“Now, about this Lillian. Why are you giving her so much of your head space? She’s the one who must be pissed. After all, you guys got divorced nine years ago, right?”

With caution, I respond, “Yeah.”

“That was right before “Upside Down” released, if I remember my UC history correctly.”

Standing, I collect both of our cups and trash from our devoured pastries. “UC hit the charts the summer afterward.” I leave for the garbage can. Hopefully, this little break will derail her thoughts.

When I approach the table again, she leans forward. So much for my hope.

She begins, “From what I’ve surmised, you’re the one who should be haunting her nights. UC made it big after you guys split up. You didn’t need her to succeed. Must burn her ass.”

I sit. “I’ve never thought of it this way.” I haven’t. Not once.

“You know I’m right. She’s probably telling everyone she meets that she used to be Coop O’Shea’s wife when she was young.” Her head shakes. “I bet no one believes her.”

She better not be telling anyone we were married. The NDA Luke made her sign is in effect into perpetuity. “I’m not that big of a catch.”

“You’re being silly again. Seriously. Don’t you remember the guy in the bathing suit store who took up guitar because of you? That was only today! You’re in the hottest band on the planet right now.” She leans deeper into her seat. “Trust me. You’re a catch.”

I wave. “Bennett and Río are famous. I’m interchangeable with the rest of the band.”