Page 30 of Cory Sloan is Swearing

Cory watched CeCe’s eyes widen. “You are!” she added.

CeCe nodded animatedly. “I’m going to propose in the back room of the salon. That’s where everything started.”

“What can we do to help?” Cat asked.

“I’ll let you know, but Cory, I want to get her favorite bottle of wine for that day,” CeCe said.

“Tell me which one and I’ll make sure we have it.”

“Then I think we’ll take a little trip to The Bottom Shelf. I gave her that little vibrator way back at our open house,” CeCe explained.

“Oh yeah, I remember. I interrupted that moment,” Cory said sheepishly.

“It all worked out.” CeCe grinned. “Anyway, I’m still trying to decide what to do. I’ll let y’all know.”

“Okay,” Cory replied. “Catarina, I’ve noticed your friend Elena comes to the bookstore a lot. Is she there every day?”

“Just about,” Cat said with a smile.

“Is there something you need to share with us, little sister?” CeCe asked.

“Elena is a very nice person. She loves the little reading nook and comes in nearly every day to read, drink a cup of coffee, and visit with me. She started coming in because she was a little lonely. I’m so glad she does because it brightens my day. She’s such an interesting person.”

“She’s been over here several times and I enjoy talking to her, too,” Cory said.

“She’s been at the salon for pedicures and I’m doing her hair next week,” CeCe added.

“I really like her. She’s become a friend,” Cat said.

“And…” CeCe said.

“And nothing. I may never be ready for anything more than friends ever again,” Cat said firmly.

“Don’t give up on love, Cat. I know you’re still hurting, but it won’t always be that way,” Cory said compassionately.

“What about you, dear sister? How are things going with your spirits stealer?” Cat asked.

“Spirits stealer!” Cory laughed. “That’s pretty good.”

“Oh, how about liquor looter?” CeCe said with a laugh. “Is she still going to your clients and trying to undercut you?”

“She hasn’t taken any of my accounts yet, but I finally got her to talk to me. At least we’re not enemies.”

“Enemies?”

“Yeah, I think that’s how she sees us,” Cory said.

“You are adversaries, I suppose,” Cat said.

“We’re competitors,” Cory said, “in business and in volleyball, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.”

“Oh, that’s right,” CeCe said. “She plays volleyball on Olivia’s team.”

“We play them this week and we’re going to need you,” Cory said. “Two of our regular players can’t make it. They have to work.”

“How’d you get her to talk to you?” Cat asked.

“I happened to forget my volleyball shoes at our last game and we wear the same size. I begged her to let me wear her shoes.”

---