Page 37 of Driving Beats

Without a doubt.

All the energy and excitement in the kitchen collapses when she leaves. I slip into the banquette seating, replaying her brief kiss. How her lips felt. The joy of the moment. The lack of judgment about my complete failure as a partner. Whatever. That ship has sailed.

My cell rings. Seeing Luke’s name across my screen, I pick up.

“How’s it going in LA, Coop? Has Nese hooked you up with a new wardrobe yet?”

My hands rub over my thighs. “She’s working on it. She says I have about half the stuff I need, and hopes to finish up next week.”

“Good news.” He pauses. “I wanted to let you know we’ve done a thorough search and haven’t been able to locate your luggage anywhere. However, our head of security isn’t giving up and is doing a deep dive.”

I take in his statement. “Thanks. I hope Elias can get to the bottom of it.” I suck in air. “Perhaps it’s for the best? My clothing was a little outdated, as I’m learning now.”

“Well, your off-stage look did need an update.” He clears this throat. “Don’t tell me you’re turning into a fashion plate? Has Nese unleashed Frankenstein’s monster on us?”

“I think you’re safe on that front. I’ll leave such a title to Tris.”

Our manager laughs. “Yeah. He always looks on point. I can’t wait to see your new style, though.”

“Thanks. Hey, Nese made me a pair of earrings that have an electric guitar on a pick, as well as UC’s logo hanging off the end. They’re cool.”

“She made you those?” He goes silent. “I like it. Maybe she can make jewelry for the rest of UC?”

I don’t want to share my personal jeweler with the band. My stomach tenses. What’s that about?

Through clenched teeth, I reply, “I’ll ask her.”

“Great. So, you have three more weeks of break. Going to that meditation retreat?”

“I will, probably the final two weeks. I still have a lot of clothes to buy.” A thought pops into my mind. “And luggage. Can’t forget that.”

“True enough.” He chuckles. “Well, it’s late. Any plans?”

“Only with my bed. Tomorrow, Nese and I are off to dim sum.” Why did I share that piece of information?

If he’s surprised, he hides it well. He only says, “Enjoy.”

After we hang up, I stare at the now-clean kitchen. My mind wanders through the chaos that was today. The selfie with my fan. The bookstore. Telling her about Lillian—a story I haven’t touched in years. The flour fight. My earrings. The bread.

The kiss.

She’s stirring something deep within me that’s been dormant for so long, I don’t think it even has a name.

The next morning, I drive us to Dim Sum Palace. Aptly named. We take our seats. Remembering she enjoys tea from the Thai restaurant, I pick up the teapot and almost start to pour before thinking she might construe it as controlling. “Would you like some?”

Nese lifts her cup. “Good memory, Grandpa.” Her smile takes the sting out of her words.

As I pour our drinks, she looks around at the various carts being wheeled throughout the dining room. Leaning forward, she says, “I hope they have taro. I love me a taro dumpling!”

I do a mental inventory. “I think they have that here. I can’t remember for sure.”

She nods. “Be on the lookout. Oh look, shumai.” She motions for one of them to be put on her plate, then looks at me. I nod and one is placed on my plate too.

Chopsticks in hand, she picks up the shrimp dumpling and tastes it. “This is delish. The shrimp is done just right. Oh wow, there’s gyoza. Yes, please!”

I’m getting as much enjoyment watching her dig in with gusto as from the various dishes themselves being wheeled around the room. I can’t remember a time I ever enjoyed dim sum more.

“Excuse me.” She stops the server. “What is this?”