Page 54 of Driving Beats

“He sure did,” Hayden admits. “We had some moments, but he’s more settled now. We’re finding our way.”

Jenna asks, “How’s your sister doing with him?”

“Oh, she loves him,” Hayden waves her hand, the diamond winking in the light. “It doesn’t matter at all to him that she has Down Syndrome, he’s so good with her. When we call, Mila insists on talking with him alone. It’s adorable.”

Both of their heads swivel toward me. “How about you, Nese? You’re our footloose and fancy-free friend. How are the pickings out there?”

I smile at Hayden. “Oh, you know. Something new is always around the corner.”

“Please share,” Jenna presses. “I would tell you about my sex life with Bennett, but⁠—”

“Noooo!” Both Hayden and I protest simultaneously, causing Jenna to laugh.

She nods. “I rest my case.”

“Well, I had the most amazing time with Coop,” I admit.

The two women exchange a glance. “As in UC’s guitarist?” Hayden asks.

“The one who routinely turns women down?” Jenna adds.

“The one and the same,” I confirm.

Just then, the server comes and drops off our coffee drinks, telling us our food will be here shortly. Conversation stops while we doctor our beverages—Jenna with a cappuccino, Hayden with a latte, and me with an espresso—I need a double shot of caffeine! Soon, the entrees are delivered, and we dig into them.

While my mouth is full of corned beef hash, Hayden demands, “Now spill. Are you really telling us you and Coop actually did the horizontal rumba?”

I nod. Placing my napkin in front of my mouth, I say, “Yup.” Wiping my lips, I continue, “In the pool. And his bedroom.”

Two sets of eyebrows raise to the sky. Hayden finds her voice first. “Wow. I mean, that’s great. Congrats on getting him out of his slump. I’ve never seen him hook up with those skanks who hang around the band.” She puts more of her omelet on her fork. “That is to say, young ladies.”

We all laugh.

“Me neither,” Jenna concurs. “Bennett started to mention something about Coop’s past during our one-night honeymoon, but said it was his story to tell.” Both sets of faces turn toward me. “Has he told you what he’s hiding?”

I consider divulging what Coop told me about his wife. He said this happened ages ago, and isn’t a secret. Plus, these are my friends. His bandmates’ partners.

My mouth drops open.

Coop’s failed marriage is for him to share.

I quickly shove the remainder of my corned beef hash inside. After I swallow, I shrug. “I don’t know. Maybe he got himself into some weird Zen meditation posture and had to call the cops to untangle him.” Good job, Nese.

Jenna leans back into her chair. “I would love some photos of that.”

Hayden laughs, “I’m relieved I didn’t have to deal with a Coop pretzel!” She finishes her omelet. “So tell us, was he worth the wait?”

I grin. “He sure was! I would tap that again, but he kinda weirded out at the end.” Thank you, Lillian.

Jenna nibbles at the blueberries in her oatmeal. “He is a fantastic guitar player, without a doubt. I’ve seen him on stage with Pierce and they rock it. A lot of ladies yell for him.”

“They do,” agrees Hayden. “You got him in super-sexy jeans that are shredded in exactly the right place on his thigh.” Using her napkin, she fans her face.

“But,” Jenna interjects. “Coop’s the one all the guys go to for advice. The crew and roadies too. If you have an issue, he’s your man. He seems older than the rest of the band. Sort of stodgy…”

I sigh. “I hear you. He does give that appearance, especially since he’s so into Buddhism and Zen and meditation. I’ve seen a different side of him, though.”

Hayden drops her fork and leans over to me. “Do share with the class.”