Page 88 of Cory Sloan is Swearing

“We decided to surprise you,” Josie said. “You keep talking about going dancing and your dad and I want to go.”

“We can make that happen,” Vi said enthusiastically.

“But first, we want to see this magnificent store and shopping center that Vi has told us so much about,” Alberto said, looking around the store.

Cory gazed at Vi and grinned. “Show them around.”

Vi scoffed. “It's your store.”

Cory tilted her head. “Violet, it’s ours. You’ve done as much as I have to make it a success.”

Vi smirked and looked at her parents. “That’s not true. I’ve been helping Cory lately because I haven’t been as busy at work.”

“This layout is perfect,” Alberto said. “Have you grouped the spirits to make it easy for your customers to see their options?”

“Yeah. This was Cory’s genius,” Vi said. “For example, these wines are of a certain taste and they go up in price as you walk this way.”

“It wasn’t my genius. I simply researched store layouts and tried to determine which would be best for ours. I do rotate the products often to keep it fresh and so returning customers see a variety,” Cory said.

“Josie and I do the same thing with rotation of products and also with sale items. There’s a real science to store layout,” Alberto said.

“I know!” Cory exclaimed. “I tried to explain that to my sisters.”

“Cory also helped CeCe with product placement at her salon and store layout with Cat in her bookstore,” Vi explained.

“I’m eager to see this bookstore. You know how I love books,” Josie said.

They walked around the store and Cory was taken by Vi’s exuberance and her knowledge. She looked like she belonged there.

Whoa, Cory thought. Stop thinking that way. Vi’s going to be the VP of Sales for Spec’s, not running The Liquor Box with you. She smiled as Vi showed her parents the back room and Cory’s office.

“A girl can dream,” she said softly.

“What are you dreaming about?” Taylor said from behind Cory.

“Shit, Taylor! Are you trying to scare me to death!”

“Sorry, boss. I thought you heard me come in.”

“That bell did not ring!” Cory exclaimed, whirling around and pointing at the front door.

“Oh, yeah. I came in from CeCe’s salon. I had to buy product. I can’t keep this hair looking this great without a little help,” Taylor explained.

“Sorry, you just startled me.” Cory chuckled. She started to walk towards Vi and her parents, but turned around to face Taylor. “You’re right. Your hair does look awesome.”

Taylor grinned and patted the mass of hair that was sticking straight up.

Cory waited while Vi and her parents walked back to the front of the store and stopped at the entrance to CeCe’s salon.

“Taylor, these are Violet’s parents, Josie and Alberto Valdez,” Cory said, making the introduction.

“Oh wow, it’s so nice to meet you. I love it when Vi hangs out at the store with us. Cory is so happy when she’s around.”

Cory’s mouth fell open. “Am I not happy when Violet’s not here?”

“Yeah, but not like when she’s here. We have fun.”

“I understand, Taylor,” Josie said. “We always had fun at our store when Vi worked with me.”

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