Page 51 of Driving Beats

“Truth. And Lillian wasn’t either, clearly. I can’t believe you were, especially since you guys were starting out touring and everything.”

“My parents were excellent role models. Hell, they’re still together. My grandparents would be too, except my Grandma passed.” I run my fingers through my hair. How to make her understand? “Back then, our tours weren’t anything like they are today. We started out in a van, and moved up to a bus. Spent years travelling that way. Not the luxury buses we have now, either.”

“Probably more reason to hook up and get off the bus for a few hours.”

My temperature rises. “Maybe for them, but I was fine on the bus. I was committed to Lillian.”

“In the physical sense, sure, but what about emotionally? And, obviously, she wasn’t committed to you.”

“Clearly.” I clench my jaw. “We had been together since we were teens in high school. We spent all the time we could with each other.”

“When you weren’t practicing with the band.”

“Well, yeah.” My body temperature ticks up another beat.

She turns her head. “What was she like? What drew you to her?”

“She was sweet and devoted. Hung out with the band a lot, whether we were practicing or onstage or simply drinking beer.”

She sits up. “Enjoying your reflected glory. I bet she slept with other guys when you weren’t around to make her feel important.”

I practically shout, “Lillian wasn’t like that.”

As if I hadn’t said anything, Nese continues, “Where was she when the band was starting out? Didn’t you say she was in college?”

“Yes.”

She nods. “Exactly. You weren’t there and all these college guys were sniffing around her because she’s beautiful. She is beautiful, right?”

I nod once. Lillian was the most gorgeous girl I’d ever seen.

“She thought she could sleep around with other guys and when you showed up, she would sleep with you, too. She had her cake and ate it as well. Pretty good gig, if you ask me.”

My tone increases in vibrato. “I’m not asking you.”

“What did you do? You internalized her cheating on you as the end of the road.” She looks at me, but I refuse to give her an inch. She adds, “What she did is on her. I’m guessing she would’ve cheated on whoever she was married to.”

“We took vows.” I take a breath. “I was faithful to her.”

She points her finger in my face. “Aha! There it is. You’re hurt because your wife slept with other people⁠—”

I jump in. “Where did it turn into she was sleeping with multiple men? She gave me a STD, after sleeping with one other guy.”

“Is that what she told you?”

“Yes, dammit, it is.”

“Before you got married, I supposed she said she loved you? Wanted to be your wife and keep the home fires burning for you? Which made it all the more personal for you when you found out she cheated.”

My cheeks start to burn. Lillian was it for me. Unlike Andy, there was no getting back together after what she did. My shot was over. But I don’t share any of this with miss know-it-all. Instead, I get out of bed and hold up the blankets. “I think it’s time for you to leave, Nese.”

“Whatever, dude. I’m only trying to make you see what really happened. Keep living in your bubble if you want to.” Naked, she gets out of my bed and picks up her towel. After wrapping it around herself, she says, “Let’s go shopping later tomorrow. I have a breakfast date in a coffee shop.” As if regal, she glides out of my bedroom.

I huff throughout the room, slamming the door shut with a gratifying thud.

How dare this stylist presume to know what went on between Lillian and me?

How dare she blame Lillian for succumbing to multiple men—even if Río said the same thing to me at the time?