Page 4 of CeCe Sloan is Swooning

“It was a no-brainer,” Ryan said. “We have brand new equipment, reasonable booth rent, and the best group of coworkers anywhere.”

“And you let me put up my Nails by Nora sign,” Nora said, clapping her hands. “Kerry wouldn’t let me at my other shop.”

CeCe laughed. “It’s fine, Nora. I know we are all self-employed, but I hope we can be a team and help spread the word about our salon.”

“We’re more than a team.” Heather gestured at everyone. “Everyone come closer.” She put her arm around CeCe and the rest of them formed a circle, arm in arm. “We’re a family,” Heather said, smiling at everyone.

“Let’s welcome our clients, family. Here they come,” Ryan said, nodding towards the door.

For an hour a steady stream of customers came in the front door as well as through each entrance to the adjoining stores. CeCe and her stylists showed off the new salon and encouraged people to check out the other stores. The champagne and wine flowed along with snacks offered in each store.

“I love how this turned out,” Marina Summit said, walking up to CeCe.

“Hey, if it isn’t the best realtor in town.” CeCe grinned. “Thank you again for helping us get such a good deal on the property. I know you’re in residential real estate now, so I appreciate you looking into this as a favor to us.”

“It’s the least I could do for the best stylist in the entire metroplex,” Marina said.

CeCe beamed. “Where’s that beautiful wife of yours? I want to show her how the shampoo area turned out. She had the best suggestions to give us more room and stage the area.”

“Dru is on her way.”

“Have you been next door to Cat’s bookstore?”

“Not yet. I stopped by to say hello to Cory before I came in here,” Marina said, taking a sip of champagne.

CeCe leaned in and quietly said, “Be sure and ask Cat to show you the bottom shelf. Tell her I sent you.” CeCe winked.

“Okay.” Marina drew the word out. “That sounds deliciously secretive.”

CeCe grinned. “Oh, it is. Take Dru with you. And tell Cat whatever you choose is on me.”

Marina raised her brows and clinked her glass to CeCe’s. “Okay, thank you. Congratulations, CeCe. I know you’ll be very successful here.”

“Thanks, Marina.”

CeCe watched as Marina made her way through the entrance to the bookstore. Her attention was quickly drawn to the front door of the salon. A beautiful woman with rich brown hair the color of dark chocolate and sparkling chestnut eyes sauntered just inside the doorway and stopped.

CeCe couldn’t stop the smile that grew on her face. This was one of her favorite clients and she was surprised she’d taken the time to come to the open house. She snagged a flute of champagne and met the woman as she started her way through the salon.

“Doc! I’m so glad you made it.” CeCe handed the woman the glass of champagne.

“I couldn’t miss this. You’re one of my favorite people, CeCe Sloan,” the woman said.

CeCe smiled shyly. “You say that because I make you look even more gorgeous while you’re fighting off all the doctors and nurses and probably a few patients.”

Doctor Alexis Reed was one of the premier, most sought after surgeons in the area. Her schedule was jam-packed and CeCe knew her free time was precious. For her to take time out and come to the salon’s opening warmed CeCe’s heart.

“Oh, I don’t fight off all of them.” Alexis smiled seductively and sipped her champagne.

CeCe raised her eyebrows and looked into Alexis's eyes. “Is there something you need to share with me?”

Alexis chuckled. “You’re the one I’ve heard stories about.”

“Oh, please!” CeCe scoffed. “Those were from a decade ago and have been greatly embellished.”

“Hmm, I’m not so sure,” Alexis said, raising one eyebrow. “Show me around your new place and I’ll be the judge of that.”

CeCe shook her head. “I’m telling you, Doc. They aren’t true. Right this way.”

---