“Don’t get smart.” Derrick took a puff on the cigar and blew the smoke away from her.
“I have to work. You know I hardly ever take time off.”
“I have a wedding to go to, and I need a date.”
“Who’s getting married?”
“My younger sister. The wedding is taking place on St. Simons Island, at the family’s property. Last time I attended a family event, there was a bit of a ruckus, so I need everything to go smoothly next weekend.”
“I don’t know,” Celeste hedged. “How can I help?”
“The woman who was supposed to attend as my plus one canceled on me. I need someone who’s poised, attractive, and knows me well enough to carry off being my companion, and who won’t embarrass me. Consider it your belated birthday present—an all-expenses-paid trip to St. Simons Island. We’ll fly down on Friday and come back on Monday.”
It sounded too good to be true. There had to be a catch.
“There’s no catch,” he said, reading her mind. “I need a date, that’s all.”
She sighed. “It sounds enticing, but I can’t afford to take off a whole weekend.”
“What if I pay you whatever you would make here if you stayed at work?”
Celeste frowned at him. “You must really need a date. Besides, I can’t ask you to do that.”
“Why not? You know I can afford it. And since I missed your birthday celebration, this way I can make it up to you.” He fiddled with the cigar. “But, it’s more than that. You’ll be doing me a favor. I’m tired of being the black sheep of the family, and I need to make a good impression.”
Perplexed by the thread of bitterness running through his words, Celeste asked, “What is it with you and your family?”
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about a thing. I need to know I can count on you to come with me and be on your best behavior. How about it?”
The idea tempted Celeste. “What about sleeping arrangements?”
“You want to sleep in my bed?” Derrick asked with a sly smile. Even though they had a platonic relationship, he was prone to flirting from time to time.
“No,” Celeste responded.
He shrugged, as if he couldn’t resist asking. “You’ll have your own room.” His mouth twisted into a remorseful smile. “The older folks don’t approve of us younger folks sleeping in the same room unless we’re married.”
Celeste propped her chin on her fist. “Okay, assuming I agree to this crazy plan, you’re saying I don’t have to come out the pocket for anything? Just show up?”
Derrick nodded. “Just show up.”
“Are we taking the private plane?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, goodie! I’ve never been in a private plane before.”
“Yeah, it’s convenient, and there are perks to having one.”
“I bet,” Celeste said dryly. She rose from the seat. “If Phineas found out what you do with his plane . . .” She shook her head. Phineas Hoffman was Derrick’s stepfather and the only father he’d known since the age of four. The one or two times he’d mentioned his biological father, he always called him The Sperm Donor.
“Is it my fault so many ladies want to be inducted into the Mile High Club?” He grinned, not even bothering to try to look innocent.
“You’re a mess.” Celeste pulled out her pad and pen. “You want the usual, or are you going to try something different on the menu this time?”
“The usual,” he replied. “So we’re on for next weekend?”
“Yes, sounds like fun. I could use a vacation. Thanks, Derrick.”
They discussed the specifics before Celeste returned to the beverage stand to punch in the order.