Page 34 of Driving Beats

“We don’t take anything for granted. As you know, we’ve been through some tough times.”

Darren’s death deeply affected the band. He’s always with them, even I—nearly an outsider—can feel it. The movie was dedicated to him for a reason. Deciding not to dwell on this, I ask, “Do all of you have mansions like this?”

“You saw Bennett’s at his wedding, which is amazing. Río’s house is similar to this one. 007’s is a Victorian on the Jersey Shore. I think I told you that Tris has a condo in Chicago.”

“You guys are living the life.” I explore his music room, touching his Grammys. “Where’s your Oscar?”

He smiles. “It’s in my bedroom. I haven’t brought it down here yet.”

“If I ever were to win a trophy for anything, I’m not going to keep it in my bedroom. I would want to show it off to the whole world. I’d probably put it on my fireplace.” I stop. “When I get a fireplace, that is.”

“All in good time.”

I stiffen. Another saying Ma used often.

I force myself back into the moment. “Let’s check out your media room and get The Lord of the Rings on!” I exit the music room, pick up my jewelry making kit, then follow Coop to a second room.

“Here we are.”

He swings the door open. To another windowless room, complete with dark walls, dark furniture, dark ceiling, and a huge screen.

“No way. It’s a mini movie theatre in here. You even have a popcorn machine!” I rush over to it and press some buttons. Soon the smell of popcorn fills the air as the movie starts to play. “This is the life!”

Instead of settling into a leather chair, I choose one with a table in front of it and spread out my kit.

Coop stops near me. “I’m going to read in the chair over there.” Using his book, he points to an overstuffed chair across the way. “Should I keep the lights up or dim them?”

“Let’s keep them full strength,” I reply. Soon, I’m engrossed in setting up my station. What should I make? Of all the guys, both Coop and Tris have holes for earrings, but Coop’s the only one who wears them. He has thin hoop earrings, so maybe I’ll make him a new pair. The hoops he wears look like Lillian could’ve given them to him.

I pause in gathering my supplies. Did she?

Remembering I bought mini guitar picks that can serve as a base for his earrings, I’m in second heaven sorting through my options while my favorite movie plays. Every once in a while, I hear Coop say a line in time with Gandalf. Not a shocker he’s his favorite.

Mine? Give me Samwise. Always there, assisting the hero, but never taking center stage. He’s funny and loved by everyone. Yes. He’s who I gravitate toward.

Buried beneath a bunch of beads, I finally locate the guitar picks. Excellent. I know exactly what I can hang from them that will be dope. And what needs to be layered on top.

With precision, I attach the hoop to the top of the pick, then slip a tiny electric guitar through it so it overlays the pic. I check out my handiwork from multiple sides and make some adjustments. This is going better than I imagined!

While I could stop there, I have to add my surprise. He’s going to wear these onstage, for sure, but I hope he wears them in real life too. When I finish, I examine it for possible flaws. It rocks.

Because I can’t contain myself, I bound over to Coop’s chair. He smiles at me. “Is it time for the bread?”

“Not yet.” I grin. “I have something for you. Well, it’s not completely done, but I got one. I think it’s super cool.” I produce the earring from behind my back. “Ta-da!”

He slow blinks, then reaches out his hand. “May I?”

“Of course, silly. I’m making them for you.” I drop the earring into his palm, noticing the callouses built up over years playing his guitar. I tap them. “Do these hurt?”

While examining the earring, he replies, “I’ve had them for so long I don’t even notice them anymore. I use a special lotion and keep them filed.” He holds up the jewelry. “You made this for me?”

“How many other guitarists do you know who play for UC?”

He plays with the UC logo I attached to the bottom of the pick. I had them made when I found out I was going to be on their tour, and this is the first time I've actually gotten to use one.

Coop swallows. “This is amazing.”

Highest praise coming from him. “You like?”