Page 32 of Cory Sloan is Swearing

“A liquor store! Is it one of your stores?”

“No, Mama´. She has an independent store.”

“Is she one of your clients?”

Vi laughed. “No. We are more like rivals. We’re both trying to sell to the same places in this area.”

“Oh, so she’s your competitor on and off the volleyball court.”

“That’s right.”

“What a shame,” Josie said with sadness in her voice.

“Why do you say that?”

“If she’s a competitor then that means you’re probably not very nice to her, hija.”

“I’m nice to her. Why would you say that?”

Josie chuckled. “You didn’t like the other good players when you played in high school unless they were on your team. I’m sure that’s even truer with your rivals in your business. Otherwise you wouldn’t be their number one salesperson.”

“That makes me sound mean, Mom. I’m not mean. I even let Cory borrow my volleyball shoes!” Vi exclaimed, defending herself.

“Is Cory the other good player?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“I didn’t say you’re mean, Violet. I’m sure you do what you have to, to win.”

“Honestly, I don’t usually know the other sales reps that are trying to sell to the same places I am. I’m forty-five years old and you’re making me feel like a kid that’s done something wrong.”

“Aw, honey. I don’t mean to. You are my smart, talented, beautiful daughter. And I am very proud of you. But…”

“I knew there had to be a but,” Vi said.

“You’re alone. You never tell me about the women you’re dating. Your brothers are all married with kids. I know you don’t like to talk about this, but Violet, there’s more to life than selling liquor.”

“With all due respect, you and Dad were always at the store. Isn’t that the same thing? I get my work ethic from you!”

“It’s not the same, hija. We were here together. I’m sorry we both couldn’t be at everything you did in school.”

Vi sighed.

“We want you to be happy,” Josie added.

“I know you do, Mom. What would make me happy is becoming the VP of Sales at my job and winning this volleyball game,” Vi stated. “I’ll find my someone, someday. Does that make you feel better?”

“Thank you, Violet. Yes it does. Keep your eyes open now. You don’t know when someday will come. Okay, I’m through with the motherly advice for today. I won’t say anything else. Except…play your best and I hope you win! I’ll pray for Cory.”

“What?”

“She’ll need my prayers when you win your game against her tonight.”

Vi smiled at her Mom’s exuberance. “Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Vi pulled into the parking lot and walked into the gym at Your Way, but her mom’s comments were still on her mind. Was she mean? Vi knew she could be a little unapproachable, but she did that so her emotions wouldn’t get involved when she was trying to close an account. But was she mean to Cory? Why did that suddenly bother her so much?

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