Page 85 of Cat Sloan is Swirling

Elena shrugged.

“Okay.” CeCe nodded.

22

Cat and Elena walked into The Neon Rose and saw Cory and Vi already seated at a table.

“Hold it!” a woman said, coming around the bar. “I get a hug before you get a drink.”

Cat grinned and held out her arms. “Hi, Talia.”

“It’s so good to see you. It’s been a while,” Talia said.

“Too long,” Cat replied. “Talia, this is Elena Burkett.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Elena said with a smile.

“Welcome to the Neon Rose,” Talia said. “What are you drinking? I’ll bring them to your table.”

“Uh, I think I’ll have a beer. You know, Vi says you have the coldest beer in town,” Cat said.

Talia smirked. “Just between you and me, Vi seems to be perfect for Cory.”

Cat chuckled. “She is.”

“What can I bring you, Elena?”

“I’ll try one of your cold beers, too,” Elena replied.

“Coming right up.” Talia turned to Cat. “We’ve missed you around here.”

“I needed a break, but I’m back now,” Cat said with a smile.

Talia went back behind the bar to get their drinks.

“So she and Cory dated?” Elena asked.

“Yep. It was brief. They figured out they were better friends than girlfriends.”

Elena nodded. “You’re wearing flannel again.”

“I am. Someone commented that I looked cute in flannel, so I thought, why not?”

Elena raised her brows and smiled. “Is that right?”

Cat giggled and turned to walk over to the table.

“You know, you look cute in your dresses too,” Elena said, leaning in near Cat’s ear. A curl tickled Elena’s nose and she felt warmth spread through her body.

Cat stopped and turned her head towards Elena. “Is Hattie around here somewhere?” she teased.

Elena chuckled. “It’s a real compliment. Own it.”

A shy smile crossed Cat’s face. “Thank you, I’m glad you noticed.”

Elena smiled and wondered if Cat had any idea of the things she’d noticed. She wanted to hear that little giggle again because it was such a sweet sound that went straight to Elena’s heart.

“By the way, the color is lavender today,” Cat said quietly.

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