Page 53 of Driving Beats

Having a relationship simply isn’t for me

I punch my pillow. Flip over. Dammit.

Who is Nese having a date with this morning?

Standing, I do the only thing I know: I make my way into my Relaxation Room.

16

NESE

The alarm on my cell phone goes off and I spring out of bed. My body hasn’t felt this good in forever, all because of how Coop played it last night. If only he wasn’t so serious about his divorce. While I believe sex isn’t the ultimate reason for a relationship—it’s to be enjoyed until the next guy comes along. If only Coop would relax and enjoy the ride.

In the shower, I use a loofah to wash my boobs where he made them feel like a part of the whole experience for the first time. Usually, guys play with them for a couple of licks before getting on to what they deem to be “the good stuff.” With Coop, though, it was all good stuff.

The water caresses my pussy, and I drop the loofah in order to tease my clit with my fingers, the way he did in the pool. An orgasm builds, so I rub harder and fly over the edge. While it was satisfying, it doesn’t compare to how Coop made me explode. Hmmm…

Making quick work of drying my hair, I spritz on some of my cotton candy perfume, put on a full face, and slip into a cute outfit I got myself while Coop was trying on trousers. The dress swings around my legs and makes my waist look tiny, like Scarlett O’Hara’s in Gone with the Wind. Jenna and Hayden are going to love it!

Not wanting to bother Coop after last night, I reserve a car service and make my way to the front curb, ensuring I don’t touch one miniscule grain of sand in his Zen Garden. Who knew this was a thing? I have to admit, though, it was peaceful putting it back in order.

The car pulls up and takes me to the coffee shop listed on my Restaurant Bingo card. When I get out, both of my friends are standing outside. I race to them, arms outstretched. “Hi!”

They give me hugs. Jenna explains she and Bennett got into LA last night while Hayden and I admit we’ve been too caught up with our own stuff to hang out before now. Inside, we have to wait for the hostess to seat us.

Jenna leans in. “If the boys were with us, we’d be seated already.”

Hayden replies, “But then we’d also be surrounded by fans and not be able to hear ourselves think, let alone talk.”

“When I’ve been out with Coop”—I add—“he’s not recognized as often.”

Hayden agrees, “He is the quiet one.”

“007’s quiet too,” I note.

Jenna adds, “That’s true. Neither of them wants to stir the pot.”

The hostess calls Jenna’s name, and we’re escorted to our table in the center of the room. “Wow,” Jenna notes. “We’re usually in a corner. It’s nice to be at the heart of the action.”

“It certainly is unusual,” Hayden says. “I almost forgot what it’s like.” She places her hands on both of ours. “I don’t want to forget. Promise me we’ll go out at least once a week to keep ourselves grounded.”

“It’s a deal,” Jenna pronounces.

Hayden says, “We might need to add in Marni come Australia, as rumor has it she’s joining the tour to help Luke.”

Jenna agrees. “I heard something similar. Darren’s sister wants to support UC in honoring her brother.”

I say, “You got it. Another woman with us on the tour is definitely a good thing!” I could ask her if she has an old photo of Darren and Coop. I’m sure he would appreciate the replacement.

We open our menus and check out the breakfast options, in addition to the long list of coffee selections. When the server comes, we place our orders, then I turn to Jenna. “So, how’s your husband?”

She smiles and shows us her rings. “Sometimes I feel as if I’m living someone else’s dream. It’s funny when I read one of those articles about him, saying he’s a perfect god. I look over at him sleeping with his mouth open and snoring—and simply laugh.” We all join in her mirth.

“I’m happy you two found your way together,” I note. “I was rooting for you right from the start, when you were giving him physical therapy.”

“Feels like ages ago,” Jenna says, then goes quiet. She’s probably thinking about her mother. She turns to Hayden. “Enough about Bennett. Tell me, have you really tamed the drummer?”

Hayden extends her left hand adorned with a gorgeous diamond engagement ring, over which both Jenna and I fawn. “This suits you,” I declare. “Río did good.”