Page 121 of Cat Sloan is Swirling

As soon as the event was complete, Cat planned to start moving the rest of her things to Elena’s. She needed to go through the house and see what she wanted to keep, but really, there were only a few things besides her clothes that meant much to her. Cat wanted a fresh start.

Elena told Cat she wanted it to be their home, so their next project was furnishing it to fit their blended styles. Cat couldn’t wait and neither could Elena.

Things were lively at the bookstore and people were lined up throughout the store and out into the parking lot. Elena had come up with games and giveaways to keep the folks waiting involved until they got their chance to meet Tara.

Prizes included items in the bookstore as well as items from CeCe’s salon and Cory’s liquor store. They were all excited because Vi had decided to turn down her promotion and was not only going to be Cory’s life partner, but also her partner in the liquor store. Things were certainly happening for the Sloan sisters in their businesses and their private lives.

“I need to talk to you about something after this is all over,” Elena said, pulling Cat aside and away from all the excitement.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes, it’s more than okay. I’ve got a great idea going forward,” Elena said.

“You mean another great idea,” Cat said with a grateful smile. “Look at what you’ve done.” She held her arms out and gazed around the store which was full of people.

“We did this, not me,” Elena said.

“Come here.” Cat grabbed her hand and led them to the back room out of view of the crowd. “I love you.” She pressed her lips to Elena’s and pulled her close.

“I love you, too,” Elena whispered as their lips pulled away.

Cat’s phone beeped in her pocket. She took it out and read the text. “It’s go time,” she said with a grin. “Tara and Lauren just pulled up to the back door.”

They ushered them inside and were about to take them to the table where Tara would sign the books when Tara stopped them.

“There are more people here than I thought,” Tara said, sounding a little nervous. “But I’m staying to meet every one of them and signing every book.”

“You’re going to have fun, babe,” Lauren said, kissing her on the cheek. “These are your people.”

Cat chuckled. “I’m one of them and I can’t thank you enough for doing this in my store.”

Tara patted Cat on the cheek. “You’re welcome.” She looked at Elena then back at Cat. “Let’s go back to the house after this is done. We can have a drink and watch the sunset.”

“That would be lovely,” Elena said.

Lauren laughed. “I know how much work y’all have done and we appreciate it.”

Cat nodded. “Let’s sign some books. How about it, Tara?”

“Lead the way.”

As Tara signed books, Elena orchestrated several different trivia games with CeCe and Alexis’s help. Vi and Cory filtered through the line offering refreshments.

There was a party atmosphere in the bookstore. Cat kept moving and mingling through the line to be sure everyone was having a good time. She paused to watch Elena ask another trivia question about Tara’s movies and then distribute prizes. Cat couldn’t quite believe this amazing woman was in love with her.

Elena must have felt Cat’s gaze because she locked eyes with her and smiled. Cat saw her nod towards the back and wandered through the crowd to meet her.

“Ms. Sloan,” Elena said in a low voice. “If these folks knew what you were wearing under that cute dress…”

Cat giggled. “Or you, Ms. Burkett.”

“Hey, there are Victoria and Shelby,” Elena said, waving to them.

“It’s so nice to see you again,” Victoria said, joining them.

“And how about this,” Shelby said with excitement and her arms raised. “What a great event, Cat.”

“Oh, it wasn’t me,” Cat said. She pointed at Elena. “Elena provided the fun, the promotion, the…” Cat held up a finger for every point she made.

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