Page 38 of CeCe Sloan is Swooning

“Dr. Alexis Reed is a rock star,” CeCe said, draping the cape around Gabriel.

“You operated on my father-in-law,” Gabriel said with a smile. “Actually, you gave him five more quality years. Thank you.”

Alexis smiled. “I need you to remind me. What was your father-in-law’s name?”

Gabriel chuckled. “Of course. I’m sure you can’t remember all your patients and their families. His name was Javier Ramos. He was—”

“A wonderful man,” Alexis said, her face brightening. “And quite a jokester.”

“That was Pops,” Gabriel said.

“As a matter of fact…” Alexis opened her purse and began to rummage around in it. Meanwhile, CeCe misted Gabriel’s hair and glanced over at Alexis.

“Here it is.” Alexis held up a coin and brought it over for Gabriel to see. “Mr. Ramos gave this to me. Before his surgery he told me that he needed my skill, but he also needed both of us to believe it was going to be a success,” she explained.

“How about that,” Gabriel said, looking at the coin.

“Let me see,” CeCe said, taking the coin from Gabriel.

“It's a silver coin with the word ‘believe’ inscribed on it,” Alexis said. “He told me that he believed in me and asked that I believe in him.”

CeCe handed the coin back to Alexis and smiled. “That’s so cool.”

“I know. His chances were slim, but we believed.” Alexis smiled. “I would say it was a miracle, but Mr. Ramos swore it was our belief that made it a success. I have carried this coin with me since then.”

“What!” Gabriel exclaimed. “That was seven years ago.”

“I know. Some patients stick with you. Javier Ramos is one of those patients.”

“I can’t wait to tell my wife. That will give her such comfort. Thanks, Dr. Reed,” Gabriel said.

Alexis nodded and sat back down. It was such a good idea to stop by here, she thought.

“Hey, Lex. Gabriel works with Dru and Marina,” CeCe said as she snipped his hair.

“Oh. Does that mean you work with Victoria Stratton, too? And Shelby?” Alexis asked.

Gabriel started to nod and CeCe placed her fingers firmly on his head. “Easy there, big fella.”

He laughed. “Sorry. Yes, we all work together. I spend most of my time with Shelby. We’ve been working together since she started the staging business years ago. We’ve grown into quite the real estate establishment.”

“I don’t know Shelby well, but I do know Victoria. I was at their big bash after they got married. I still can’t believe Victoria Stratton climbed a mountain and got married to Shelby when they came back down,” Alexis said, shaking her head in amazement.

“Marina told me about that. It was so romantic.” CeCe’s face softened.

Alexis saw that sweet look on CeCe’s face and was about to comment on it when Gabriel said, “That was some party.”

“Yes, it was,” Alexis agreed.

“I know there were a lot of people there, but I don’t remember seeing you. Who were you with?”

CeCe stilled and gave Alexis a measured look. “Yeah, Lex. Who did you take to the party?”

Alexis couldn’t keep the amusement from washing over her face. “I went alone.”

“Hmm,” CeCe muttered.

Alexis chuckled. “I left soon after their dads walked them down the aisle to exchange rings, but I heard the dancing went on for hours.”

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