Page 53

“Uh oh, they’re coming this way,” Elena said. “Was that part of the plan?”

“I’m not sure,” Cat mumbled as CeCe and Alexis walked into the book store. She turned around and noticed Elena had retreated to the reading nook.

“Hi, you two,” Cat said happily. “Alexis, there are new toys,” she added, pointing with her thumb to the back of the store.

“I heard.” Alexis grinned.

“Maybe we should get something to go along with your cute little turquoise friend,” CeCe suggested in a sexy voice.

Alexis chuckled. “It never hurts to look.”

“That’s my girl,” CeCe said.

Cat waited until they’d started towards the back of the store and went to join Elena.

“Why did you leave? One minute you were there then poof, you were gone,” Cat said.

“I didn’t know what to do. I was afraid I’d give it away,” Elena replied.

Cat raised her brows and gave Elena an amused look.

14

Cat chuckled. “You’re excited about this, aren’t you?”

“I am,” Elena said. “You can see the happiness on CeCe’s face along with some nerves. They’re a beautiful couple.”

“Yeah, they are.”

CeCe and Alexis weren’t in The Bottom Shelf long and CeCe waved to Cat as they left the bookstore and went back into the salon.

“I think they picked up a toy,” Elena said.

Cat chuckled. “I don’t think they’ll be needing it tonight.”

Elena laughed.

They both crept to the opening between the stores and stole a look to the back of the salon. CeCe and Alexis were nowhere to be seen.

“They must be in the back room,” Cat said. “I’m going to check with Cory.” She turned to Elena. “I’m glad you’re here. We may need your help carrying in the champagne.”

“I’m happy to do whatever you need.”

Cat smiled at Elena and thought about just how accurate her statement was. She was always ready to give Cat a hand or just be there for her.

Their friends were quietly gathering in the front part of the salon when Cat walked through to The Liquor Box. She saw Cory and Vi smiling at each other. This felt like an intimate moment and she hated to intrude. Finally she cleared her throat. “Hi y’all.”

“Hi, Cat,” Vi said, tearing her eyes away from Cory’s. “I better get out of here. I heard about the big proposal and y’all have jobs to do.”

“Wait, I’ll walk you out,” Cory said.

Cat smiled as they left the store.

“They looked very friendly,” Elena commented from behind Cat.

“I noticed that, too.” Cat grinned. “I guess we’ll get the champagne from the back.”

“Lead the way.”