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“It did. We had the best time!” Gabriel exclaimed.

Alexis nodded and was mesmerized watching CeCe so skillfully style this man’s hair, carry on a thoughtful conversation, make sure Alexis was okay, and make it all look easy. There was a little flutter in her stomach at the idea that this woman wanted to be with her.

“Okay, Gabe. Let’s go over here,” CeCe said. “I’ll wash you up and have you looking pretty for your wife when you get home.”

“Hey, do y’all like live music?” he asked as he sat down and leaned his head back.

CeCe looked over at Alexis and raised her brows. “I do.”

Alexis nodded and filed that tidbit of information away for a future date night.

“One of the guys I work with sings on open mike nights at a club we frequent. I’ll text you the next time and you can meet us. We have a great time,” he said.

Alexis looked on as CeCe washed Gabriel’s hair and felt so much better than she had twenty minutes earlier when she’d pulled into the parking lot hoping CeCe was there.

CeCe squeezed hair product into her hands and rubbed them together then she ran them through Gabriel’s short hair, giving them a final scrunch.

“Oowww, wee!” Gabriel said. “CeCe’s got me looking good!”

CeCe laughed as Gabriel pulled out his phone and sent CeCe payment for the haircut. Her phone chimed on the counter, indicating she’d received the funds.

“There you go,” CeCe said.

“I’ll see you in three weeks,” Gabriel said with a grin then he turned to Alexis. “It was so nice seeing you, Dr. Reed. Thank you, again.”

“Be sure and text CeCe when your friend plans to sing.” She looked over at CeCe and smiled. “We’d like to be there.”

“Absolutely! Thanks, CeCe,” he said and walked to the front of the salon.

CeCe turned to face Alexis. “Let me wash my hands and I’ll be done.” As CeCe dried her hands she smiled at Alexis. “Do you feel better, rock star?”

“I’m not a rock star.”

“Yes, you are. Don’t even try to argue with me.” CeCe opened a cabinet underneath the mirror at her station. “Put your purse in here. You won’t need it where we’re going.”

Alexis raised her brows, but did what CeCe said. She noticed CeCe put her keys in one back pocket of her jeans and her phone in the other.

“Do you trust me?” CeCe asked softly.

Alexis nodded. “How long have you been doing my hair? Yes, I trust you.”

CeCe giggled. “Come on. You can tell me all about your day.”

“Are we going next door to the happy hour bar?”

“Nope. You don’t need alcohol. I’ve got something better.”

Alexis wiggled her eyebrows and started to walk to the back room.

“Nope. Not that either,” CeCe said, laughing.

11

After asking Heather to lock up the salon, CeCe took Alexis's hand and walked them out the front door of the salon.

“Are you sure there’s nothing in the back room that can make me feel better?” Alexis said in a playful voice.

“Probably, but I’ve got a better idea,” CeCe said as she walked them past The Liquor Box and over to a restaurant in the next shopping area. She dropped Alexis's hand and opened the door for her.