“I’m not happy, Cory.”
Vi could see the concern and what appeared to be fear on Cory’s face.
“Oh no, baby. I’m happy with you!” Vi exclaimed.
“Oh, my God, Violet! I swear you scared me to death!” Cory said, clutching her hand to her chest and releasing a big breath.
“I’m sorry. What I should’ve said is that I’m not happy at work. I don’t want to be VP of Sales,” Vi said.
“Okay. Can’t you keep your current job?”
“I don’t want that, either,” Vi said.
Cory tilted her head and waited.
“I’d like to apply for the sales position at The Liquor Box,” Vi said with a lopsided grin.
The look on Cory’s face went from confusion to elation in the blink of an eye.
“We won’t have my salary and we’re buying a house, but we both know how well the store is doing. Just imagine if I could spend all my time working here with you and expanding the wholesale business even further,” Vi said.
She could see the wheels turning behind Cory’s blue eyes and could feel her squeezing her hand.
“Say something, baby!” Vi exclaimed.
Then Vi saw tears pool in Cory’s eyes. “You’ve made me the happiest person alive. I want you working with me more than anything, but I’d never ask you to give up your dream,” Cory finally said.
“I told you that since I fell in love with you everything has changed. My dreams have changed. I want to be here with you, in our store, in our home, living our lives side by side. You are my dream, Corrine Sloan, and I want it all!”
Cory let out a whoop and grabbed Vi. “You just described my dream too, Violet!”
Vi cradled Cory’s face between her hands and crashed their lips together in a kiss. She felt tears roll down her face and mix with Cory’s. This was true happiness and she’d found it with her love.
“Wait.” Cory pulled away, breathing hard. “I’ll have to check with my co-owner to see if she approves of this hire.”
Vi laughed. “I approve,” she said, kissing Cory again.
There was a knock at the door then it opened and CeCe and Cat stuck their heads inside. “Randi said she heard you scream and came and got us to check on you. Is everything all right?” CeCe asked.
The grin on Cory’s face gave Vi the assurance she’d made the right decision.
“Let me introduce you to the new Director of Sales for The Liquor Box,” Cory said, beaming a smile at Vi.
“What?” Cat asked. “You’re coming to work here?”
Vi nodded. “Yep. I turned the promotion down, quit my job, and accepted the position that’s meant for me.”
“Oh,” CeCe gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. “I’m so happy for you both.” She walked over and hugged Cory and then Vi. “I can’t imagine two people more suited for working together.”
Cat joined in the hugs. “I knew you were having doubts about Spec’s the last time we talked. I’m so happy you figured this out. Welcome to the Sloan Sisters’ Shopping Extravaganza!”
“Oh my!” Vi said.
Cat chuckled. “That’s what Cory likes to call it, so you may as well get on board. It’s easier than trying to fight it.”
Vi laughed. “Oh, I know all about trying to fight feelings for Cory Sloan. The best thing I ever did was open my heart to your big sister.”
Cory smiled and kissed Vi. “Let’s celebrate at the happy hour bar. Champagne for everyone!”