Page 3 of CeCe Sloan is Swooning

“Yes!” CeCe exclaimed.

“Do you have a name for the room in the back?” Cory asked Cat.

“Yeah, I think I’ll call it The Bottom Shelf.” Cat grinned. “But let’s not tell Mom about that part.”

Cory chuckled. “You have to watch out for the quiet ones.”

“So, little sister. Do we get a discount?” CeCe asked.

Cat laughed. “Do you think this is what Dad had in mind?”

“I can see it now!” Cory exclaimed. “Our clients can stop by and get a drink, a book, and get their hair done.”

CeCe held out her hand. “I’m in.”

“I’m in,” Cat said, placing her hand on top of CeCe’s.

“Watch out,” Cory said, placing her hand on top. “Here come the Sloan Sisters!”

1

Three Months Later

“Are you ready?” Cory asked her sisters.

“Hold it!” CeCe exclaimed. She went over to a table where glasses of champagne were poured and waiting. She balanced three flutes in her hands and held them so each of her sisters could take one. “We should have a toast to kick off this open house.”

“To the Sloan Sisters,” Cory said, holding up her glass.

“May we bring joy to this little piece of our city.” Cat held her glass next to Cory’s and looked at CeCe.

“And…may we live happily ever after.” CeCe chuckled and clinked her glass to her sisters'.

“What?” Cory laughed.

“I couldn’t think of anything and I want us all to live happily ever after, so why not drink to that?” CeCe shrugged.

“How can we not? We’ll be working side by side most days and doing something we love. Drink up,” Cory said, “it’s time to unlock the doors.”

“Wait,” Cat said. “Let’s drink to Dad. This may not be what he had in mind, but he’d still be proud.”

They clinked their glasses together again and drank.

“I think this is exactly what he wanted. We’re together, doing our own thing, but still supporting each other,” CeCe said.

“Remember to encourage people to walk through to the other stores,” Cory said.

“It was a good idea to build these extra large openings in the walls so clients can move easily from store to store,” CeCe said.

“We’ve got plenty of champagne in each store and other drinks if anyone prefers. Okay?” Cory looked at her sisters.

“Got it. I’ll come by later to see you both. Now, get out of here. Salon 411 is ready to open,” CeCe said, unlocking her front door.

Cory and Cat went to their respective stores and CeCe turned to face the other stylists.

“Everyone is going to come here to get their hair and nails done,” Amber said, smiling at CeCe.

“Oh, I hope so.” CeCe was barely able to contain her excitement. “I want to thank each of you once again for taking a chance and coming with me.”

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