Page 16

“You’re right, CeCe, that one’s trouble.”

Cory’s mouth fell open in mock surprise. “I was about to tell you how lovely you look!”

“I know how pretty I look because your sister is just finishing up. Be sure and spray really well, CeCe.”

“Yes ma’am,” CeCe replied, reaching for the hair spray. She sprayed until a cloudy haze nearly choked them all.

“Good,” Mrs. Eubanks said, patting her now stiff hair. She looked into the mirror at both CeCe and Cory. “Your daddy would be proud of all three of you girls.”

“Aww, thanks, Mrs. Eubanks. We sure do miss him,” CeCe said with a nostalgic smile.

“Believe me, I do, too,” Mrs. Eubanks replied. “Your momma and I are both widows now and we don’t like it.”

“I’m glad Mom has you though,” Cory said. “Her friends mean the world to her.”

Mrs. Eubanks smiled and handed CeCe several bills.

“Let me get your change,” CeCe said, reaching for her money bag.

“No, you keep that. Go have a Coke later this afternoon on me.”

“How about I have a beer or glass of wine this evening on you?” CeCe smiled.

Mrs. Eubanks giggled. “That’d be even better.”

Cory and CeCe both held out a hand to help Mrs. Eubanks from the chair. CeCe handed her cane to her and Mrs. Eubanks smiled. “Thank you, dear.”

“Thank you, Dottie. I’ll see you next week,” CeCe said.

“I’ll be here. Bye, girls,” she said as she toddled towards the front door.

“She always brightens my day,” CeCe said.

“Your day isn’t bright? We’re going out for my birthday drinks this evening at Betty’s, which just happens to be our favorite bar. How can you not be happy about that?” Cory asked, raising her arms to her side.

“My day is bright, but Dottie Eubanks always makes it that much better,” CeCe explained.

“Oh, okay then.” Cory narrowed her gaze. “Are you happy because it’s my birthday or because Dr. Alexis Reed is joining us at Betty’s?”

CeCe gave Cory a menacing look. “It’s not your birthday yet. Please don’t embarrass me again in front of Alexis.”

“When did I embarrass you?” Cory said, then realization crossed her face. “Oh, you mean that comment about your crush.”

CeCe put her hands on her hips and stared at Cory. “Yes! You can’t say shit like that to someone like Alexis.”

Cory’s eyebrows shot up her forehead. “Someone like Alexis? I think your crush has morphed into something more, dear sister.”

CeCe released a frustrated sigh. “No, it hasn’t. Alexis is a respected doctor, Cory.”

“I know that. She’s also a very hot woman who thinks you are super sexy.”

“What?” CeCe stared at her sister.

Cory shook her head. “CeCe, my sweet little sister. That doctor looks at you with lust in her eyes. Surely you’ve noticed.”

“When have you noticed?”

“Oh gee, every time she’s come in here since we opened,” Cory commented.