“Oh, I’ve colored it, but not in a long time,” CeCe replied.
“Why would you?” Alexis said, reaching out and touching the ends of CeCe’s hair. “It’s beautiful.”
CeCe caught Alexis's gaze and smiled. “Thank you,” she said softly.
“However, there was that time when you colored all our hair green for St. Patrick’s Day,” Cory said. “Mom wanted to kill all of us, and CeCe twice.”
Everyone laughed.
“We were trying to win a contest at a bar,” Cat explained.
“Surprise, surprise,” Heather deadpanned.
“We should’ve won, too!” Cory said.
CeCe shrugged. “That was pretty funny, until Mom got so mad.”
“It was still funny,” Cory said. “I heard her telling Dad about it and laughing.”
“It sounds to me like the Sloan sisters have a lot of fun,” Alexis stated.
“We do, most of the time,” Cory said. “But this Sloan sister is done for the night.”
“What? You’re the birthday girl!” Brandy exclaimed.
“I know, but I’m opening in the morning,” Cory said.
“Don’t you make the schedule? Why would you open on a Saturday morning?” Heather asked.
“It’s not that bad. Liquor stores don’t open early. One of my workers that usually opens on Saturday needed off. As the boss, it’s up to me,” Cory explained.
“I’d have done it if you’d asked,” Taylor said.
“You’re already working tomorrow evening. You can’t be there all day,” Cory said.
“Why not? You are some days.”
Cory scoffed. “But I own the place.”
“Is that why you were swearing at the top of your lungs in the alley yesterday? Because you’re the owner?” Cat asked.
Cory's face fell. “Sorry about that. I’ve got this sales rep for one of those big discount liquor stores who’s making running my thriving new business more difficult than it should be.”
“Have you turned on the Sloan sisters' charm?” Brandy asked.
“I don’t think she’s the kind of snake that can be charmed,” Cory said.
“I don’t believe that for a second. Cory Sloan, you are the sweetest Sloan sister and can get anything or anyone you want when you put your mind to it,” Brandy said.
“I don’t want this woman!” Cory exclaimed. “I just want her to stop undercutting my prices.”
“You’ll figure it out,” Cat said, patting Cory on the back.
Everyone began to gather their things and Alexis turned to CeCe. “Do you have to work in the morning?”
CeCe shook her head. “No, but I do have to go back by the salon tonight. I left the money from today’s sales and appointments there. I didn’t want to carry it with me while I was out.”
Alexis furrowed her brow. “Should you go back by yourself since it’s dark out?”