Page 78 of CeCe Sloan is Swooning

“You’re an aunt.” CeCe smiled.

Alexis nodded. “I don’t see them very often, but we keep in touch with the magic of technology and FaceTime.”

“Did your mom inspire you to be a doctor?”

“I suppose. She was a pathologist. She didn’t see patients, but was into research. From a very young age I saw cadavers and body parts in her lab. I wanted to help people who were alive, though. She did teach me how to stitch and I practiced when I’d go to the lab with her.”

“Wow! So you had a head start on your colleagues when it came to that part. No wonder Krista’s incision will disappear as it heals.”

Alexis chuckled. “I hope it will. My brother went into finance and worked in banking with my dad. We are not close like you and your sisters. I mean, we get along okay, but not like you, Cory, and Cat.”

“It might be different if you saw him every day like we do.”

Alexis shrugged. “Maybe.” She reached for her water and took a sip.

CeCe saw the wistful look on Alexis's face and rubbed her hand on her thigh.

Alexis smiled. “I grew up knowing we had money, but my parents made sure we worked and weren’t spoiled. I can’t help thinking about that little girl that wouldn’t take you to the country club swimming pool.”

“What?”

“Oh.” Alexis looked up at CeCe. “Your mom told me about that little girl and how it hurt you.”

“Bethany Hinson,” CeCe spat. “I still can’t stand her. It wasn’t that she wouldn’t invite me to go with her, it was the way she acted. She paraded around like she was better than everyone else.”

“I came from money and I have money, but CeCe, my parents would not tolerate that kind of behavior. I don’t ever remember wanting to behave that way, you know?”

CeCe reached for Alexis's hand. “That’s because you are kind, Lex. You don’t have a mean bone in your body. I don’t know what made Bethany Hinson be such a little bitch, but she didn’t grow out of it.”

“Does she still live around here?”

“No, after she graduated from college, she got married and doesn’t live here.”

“What would you do if she walked into your salon?” Alexis asked with a devilish grin.

“Well, let’s see, I could offer to give her a dazzling spa experience and then botch her hair.” CeCe laughed.

Alexis laughed with her. “You wouldn’t do that.” Alexis scooted a little closer and put her arm on the back of the couch. “You would give that mean woman your best treatment, just like you do me or any of your clients, because you, CeCe Sloan, are a wonderful human being.”

CeCe smiled and leaned a little closer to Alexis. “Is that right? Why don’t you show me just how wonderful I am?”

Alexis gave her a slow, sexy smile and leaned in just as the doorbell rang.

CeCe giggled and rested her forehead on Alexis's. “To be continued.” She started to get up, but stopped. “Will you stay the night?”

“I thought you’d never ask!”

CeCe laughed as the doorbell rang again. She quickly got up and answered the door.

They shared the pizza and took turns telling stories from their childhood.

Alexis's phone rang and she smiled at the caller ID. “This is my friend Lana. She’s having the party tomorrow night and has already called me several times.”

“You work with her husband, right?”

Alexis nodded. “Do you mind if I get it?”

“Of course not.” CeCe got up and began to clear the table as Alexis answered the phone.

---