Page 3 of The Plus One

“Kema, listen to me.” Sierra moved from the chair across from me and sat beside me on the couch. “I know this isn’t ideal.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

“But I need you there.”

My expression softened immediately. SiSi knew I would do anything for her. She rested her head against my shoulder. “You’re my best friend. I don’t want to spend my wedding week worried that you’re uncomfortable, but I also can’t ask Stephen to replace his best man. That wouldn’t be fair to him.”

I knew that. Didn’t mean I had to like it. “And for what it’s worth,” she continued, “Stephen didn’t know Markel was bringing Tiana until last week either.”

“Of course he didn’t. Kel was being sneaky.”

“He actually told him he thought it was a bad idea.”

“And yet?”

“And yet Markel is grown.”

“Debatable.”

“Kema.”

“Okay. Okay, I’m done.”

She laughed softly. I stared into my wine. Seven days. Seven days at an all-inclusive resort in Cancún.

Under normal circumstances, that sentence would’ve sounded like heaven. Ocean views, unlimited drinks, food, and my best friend marrying the love of her life. I was actually looking forward to it until hearing Kel was bringing Tiana.

But regardless of that I’d bought enough swimsuits to change three times a day. And I would look good all week. When the thought hit me. I sat up on the couch causing Sierra to lift her head. “What?”

I didn’t answer. Because this idea I had was crazy. Her eyes narrowed. “Why are you making that face?”

“What face?”

“That face you make right before you do some shit you probably shouldn’t do.”

“I don’t have a face like that.”

“You absolutely have a face like that.”

I ignored her and grabbed my phone. There had to be somebody I could invite. Seven days in Cancún. All expenses already covered except the flight. Beautiful resort, free food, and unlimited liquor. Finding a man willing to come wouldn’t be difficult. But finding one I could tolerate for an entire week? That was a different story.

I started mentally going through my options. Sierra watched me suspiciously. “What are you doing?”

“Thinking.”

“About?”

I smiled slowly. “I need a date.”

She blinked. “A date?”

“For the wedding.”

“Kema…”

“What? If he can bring her then you have to let me bring a date.”

“You do not need to bring some random man to my wedding just because Markel is bringing Tiana.”