“Everything is at stake in a discussion about beef jerky. That's literally the foundation of American jurisprudence.”
Celeste laughed, the sound surprising her. How did Ruby do this? How did she make Celeste forget, even for a moment, all the reasons this was impossible?
They paid for their drinks and some snacks for the road: chips that Ruby insisted were “essential for proper road trip nutrition” and candy that Celeste knew would make her teeth ache. Back in the car, the silence felt different. Less fraught and more thoughtful.
Memphis appeared on the horizon as the sun began to set, the skyline painted in shades of gold and deep pink. The city looked almost dreamlike in the fading light, the buildings silhouetted against the colorful sky.
They found a hotel downtown called the Crown Sanctum, with its famed lobby and marbled ducks. Celeste had stayed here once for a legal conference. It was beautiful, historic, and expensive. But her credit card could handle it, and moreover, something in her wanted this. One night in a place that felt special.
The lobby was stunning. Ornate Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, with a grand marble fountain at its center where the famous ducks resided. The ceiling soared overhead, and everywhere Celeste looked there were elegant details: carved wood, gleaming brass and plush furniture that looked like it belonged in a museum.
“Wow,” Ruby breathed, stopping to stare. “This place is incredible.”
“They have duck parades. Twice a day. The ducks march from the fountain to the elevator and up to their rooftop palace.”
Ruby's face lit up. “That's the best thing I've ever heard.”
At the check-in desk, a cheerful man in his fifties standing by greeted them. “Welcome to the Crown Sanctum! Checking in?”
“Yes,” Celeste said. “Two rooms, please.”
Ruby's face flickered with something that might have been disappointment, but she nodded and didn't argue.
“Wonderful, wonderful!” The man, who introduced himself as Robert, said as the front desk receptionist typed rapidly into his computer. “Beale Street's just a few blocks away. There, you can find the best blues in the country. There's also some fantastic barbecue joints I can recommend. Central BBQ is my personal favorite, but honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them. And if you want something fancier, Chez Philippe here in the hotel has an excellent menu...”
He continued speaking about restaurants and music venues while the receptionist processed their reservation. Celeste only half-listened, too aware of Ruby standing beside her and conscious of the space between them.
“Dad, you're talking their ears off.”
A young woman emerged from the back office. She looked to be in her early twenties, with long dark hair and striking green eyes. She was beautiful in an effortless way, wearing jeans and a fitted blazer that somehow looked both casual and elegant.
“Just being helpful, Evangeline,” Robert responded cheerfully.
“There's helpful and then there's holding people hostage.” Evangeline smiled at them apologetically. “Sorry about him. He gets excited about the Memphis food scene.”
Ruby returned the smile. “It's fine. We appreciate the recommendations.”
Evangeline's eyes lingered on Ruby. “Y'all here for Beale Street? The music scene is incredible this time of year.”
“Just passing through,” Celeste said. “But we might check it out.”
“You absolutely should. I actually know all the best spots, the places the tourists don't find.” She leaned against the desk, angling her body toward Ruby. “I get off work in an hour. I could show you around if you're interested. There's this jazz club that just opened—”
“That's really kind of you,” Ruby said warmly.
“Not kind. Selfish, really. We don't get many beautiful women passing through who appreciate good music.”
Celeste's jaw clenched. She focused very intently on signing the registration form, her pen pressing perhaps harder than necessary against the paper.
They got their keys and headed upstairs to drop off their bags. The rooms were on the same floor, just a few doors apart. Celeste unlocked hers, a beautiful space with high ceilings, elegant furniture, and a view of the city.
“Want to grab dinner?” Ruby asked from the doorway. “I'm starving.”
“Sure.”
They met back in the hallway fifteen minutes later, both having freshened up. Ruby had changed into a clean shirt and run a brush through her hair. Celeste had touched up her makeup and tried not to think about why she cared how she looked.
The hotel restaurant was elegant but not stuffy, with dark wood paneling, soft lighting and white tablecloths. They'd barely opened their menus when Evangeline appeared at their table.
