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“Cory, this is Elena Burkett. I was explaining to her that we’re all in this together,” Cat said.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m the oldest sister and The Liquor Box is my store,” Cory said with a friendly smile.

“I love the name and logo.” Elena grinned. “Cat was just telling me about the openings between the stores. That’s a genius idea,” she said.

“Thanks,” Cory replied.

“I love the reading nook and plan to be here often.” Elena smiled at Cat.

“That’s why I created it,” Cat said.

“Hey, I’m going to get something from the back,” Cory said, giving Cat a knowing look.

“It’s okay, Elena knows all about The Bottom Shelf,” Cat said.

“Oh, okay.” Cory chuckled.

“CeCe is in there with Alexis Reed,” Cat said, raising her eyebrows.

“I’ll be right back,” Cory said.

“Don’t embarrass CeCe,” Cat warned as Cory walked away.

“I can imagine the fun the three of you have,” Elena commented.

“Most of the time,” Cat replied.

“I was serious about spending time here,” Elena said. “I’m a homebody and this would be the perfect place to get me out of the house.”

Cat tilted her head and smiled at Elena. “I hope to see you tomorrow then.”

“I think CeCe and Alexis are slipping away.”

Cat turned to see CeCe wave at her as she and Alexis went back into the beauty salon.

“It appears Alexis may have found something at The Bottom Shelf,” Cat said.

“I thought she was holding a sack in her hand.” Elena chuckled.

“Maybe you’ll have to see The Bottom Shelf for yourself tomorrow.”

“Maybe. Hey, I need someone to talk about these books with and to recommend more,” Elena said.

“Be careful, Elena. I’m usually quiet, but I love to talk about books.”

“Me, too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Cat smiled and watched Elena leave the bookstore.

“She seems nice,” Cory said, walking up behind Cat.

“Yeah, she does.” Cat turned to her older sister. “You didn’t embarrass CeCe, did you?”

“Not on purpose.” Cory shrugged.

Cat smirked and shook her head as Cory walked out of the store. She was about to take the other books Elena didn’t purchase back to their shelves when she noticed CeCe walking Alexis out of the salon’s front door. These openings between the stores were a great idea. Cat could keep an eye on the other stores and her sisters.

She stopped and watched them for a moment and was reminded of earlier that day when they’d met in CeCe’s salon before they opened the doors for the first time. They each had a glass of champagne and CeCe suggested a toast before they unlocked the doors. Each of them offered a few words, but it was CeCe that quipped: “May we live happily-ever-after.”