Page 78 of Cat Sloan is Swirling

Cat looked from Alexis to CeCe and sighed. “I’m sure you share everything.”

“Of course we do, especially when it’s about my sister. Alexis didn’t have to tell me you have feelings for Elena. it’s obvious in the way you look at each other.”

“It is?”

“Duh,” CeCe said.

“Hattie will be back. There’s still the issue of the house to resolve. She owns half.”

“Bullshit!” CeCe yelled, slamming her hand on the table. “She left you with the mortgage payment when she walked out and hasn’t helped with one single penny.”

“I know, but she did before then.” Cat sighed. “I can’t afford to buy her out right now.”

“I have money,” Alexis stated. “How much do you need? It’s yours.”

Tears immediately sprang to Cat’s eyes. “Alexis, that is so kind.”

Alexis shook her head. “It’s not kind. I love you, Cat. You’re family.”

Cat reached over and squeezed Alexis’s arm. “Thank you, but I want to sell the house. It’s time to find something new.”

“And someone,” CeCe said.

Cat shrugged.

“What did Hattie say before Elena came in?” Alexis asked.

“She said she made the biggest mistake of her life,” Cat said dramatically. “The funny thing is that it didn’t matter. I don’t love her anymore. There was no spark, no nothing.”

“She’ll try to win you back,” CeCe said flatly. “You had a good relationship for a time.”

Cat nodded. “But when it started to fall apart, she wouldn’t talk to me. Why would I want to go through that again?”

“You don’t,” Alexis said.

CeCe reached over and took Cat’s hand. “I was worried about you at first, but since we’ve opened our stores you have become my little sister again. I can see happiness on your face and it’s real. I remember how you would force a smile when we were at Mom’s or Cory’s and I tried to get you out of this house. But your beautiful smile is back, Cat.”

That made Cat smile. “I am happy.”

“I know Elena has become a close friend,” CeCe said. “But don’t forget, we’re here for you, too. I remember how mad I was when Hattie left and I’m sure that made you not really want to confide in me. I’m sorry about that.”

“CeCe has told me about that time in your life,” Alexis said. “She was angry because you were hurting and she couldn’t do anything to help you.”

“But I tried, which was a big mistake,” CeCe said. “You were hurt and here I was trying to make you smile or ask you over and over again to go out with me. I understand now that was the last thing you needed or wanted to do.”

“I wasn’t upset with you. I knew you were trying to help,” Cat said. “Then there’s Cory.”

CeCe chuckled. “It’s a good thing Hattie left town. Cory was after her!” CeCe leaned in a little. “You know, it may have been fun if she’d found her.”

Cat shook her head. “No, that would’ve been bad for Cory.”

“But you and Elena have found each other,” Alexis said gently.

Cat nodded. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that she walked into the bookstore the day we opened.”

“I’ve gotten to know Elena, too,” CeCe said. “There are no secrets between a hairstylist and client.” CeCe once again reached for Cat’s hand. “She needed you, too.”

“I know. We’ve talked about it.”

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