Cat looked down at her feet and Alexis reached for her hand.
“Cat, I’m going to marry CeCe when it’s our time. Same goes for Cory and Vi. Don’t let that big wedding thing have any influence on you. This is your life, your love, the way you want it. Everything will be fine with your sisters. I promise.”
Cat smiled and looked into Alexis’s eyes. She could see her smile illuminated from the lights inside the car.
“You’re my family now. I want you to find the happiness I have with CeCe, whether that’s with Elena or someone else.” Alexis shrugged. “Your happiness is what matters. You don’t have to get married to be happy. I know that much about you.”
“You do?”
Alexis nodded. “You may be the youngest sister, but that doesn’t mean you have to do anything like your older sisters.”
“Thanks, Alexis. I’m glad you stopped by,” Cat said, returning her smile.
“I’m just around the corner. We need to see more of each other.”
“I’d like that.”
“How about the next time you and Elena are going to Betty’s, invite us. We’d love it.”
Cat smiled. “Okay, I will.”
“Don’t worry about these feelings you have for Elena. Love always finds a way and it will for you, too.”
Cat nodded. “You’d better get home. I’m sure CeCe is waiting for you.”
“See you tomorrow. I want to buy a book from my sister-to-be.” Alexis grinned.
Cat took a step back and watched Alexis drive away.
Maybe she was right. Stop worrying about everything and just let it happen.
Elena walked into the bookstore and immediately her eyes scanned the area for Cat. She saw her walking towards the front of the store from the back. When Cat saw her a smile widened on her face and she gave Elena a wave.
Elena waved back and walked to meet her. In her mind the smile on Cat’s face was just for her. After a few weeks, their routine was still the same in that Elena came to the bookstore every day, they sat in their chairs and talked about books, and Cat caught her up on the latest love blooming at The Liquor Box. Once a week, instead of hanging out in the sapphic study or at Cat’s, they went to Betty’s. Sometimes CeCe and Alexis met them there and last night Cory and Vi joined them. Elena found that she loved these small gatherings with Cat and whoever decided to join them. But she enjoyed it even more when it was just her and Cat.
“Have you been hanging out at The Bottom Shelf?” Elena asked with an amused look.
Cat chuckled. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
Elena raised her brows and dipped her chin. “Do I want to know?”
“I’ve been making sure the shelves are stocked.”
“Have you found a new little friend?”
Cat shook her head. “No, but I’d be glad to help you choose a friend to go with Aqua.”
Elena put her arm through Cat’s and led them to the reading nook. “Aqua and I are doing just fine, thanks.”
Cat giggled. “I have something new to show you.” She pulled Elena behind a shelf that hid them from the rest of the store. “I have a new color.” Cat pulled her shirt away from her chest so Elena could peek at her new bra.
Elena’s eyes widened.
“What does this color remind you of?”
It was Elena’s turn to giggle. “Aqua,” she said quietly.
Cat laughed and rearranged her shirt. “Yep. I thought of you when I bought it.”