Page 53

15

“Let’s go, ladies. My wife has spoken,” Krista said, coming around the bar.

Everyone found a seat and welcomed CeCe and Alexis.

“CeCe, how are things at the new shopping center?” Julia asked.

“It’s going great. You should come by and see Cory and Cat,” CeCe replied.

“Look at this hair!” Julia exclaimed. “I need to come see you!”

“I once had an exceptional hairstylist,” Alexis lamented, looking up at the ceiling.

“Oh, we heard about CeCe’s rules,” Heidi said. “Good for you. There’s a fine line when working with friends.”

“What are you talking about?” Julia said. “You’re a lawyer and you work for our friends all the time.”

“I do, but you have to be careful,” Heidi stated.

“I know what you mean,” Lauren said. “Friends will ask you to sell their houses for them and they expect you to get them a better price as their realtor. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.”

“I disagree,” Tara said, putting her arm around Lauren. “You knew exactly what you were doing when you showed me the house that would eventually become our home.”

Lauren laughed. “Yeah, I came with the house.” She leaned over and kissed Tara on the cheek.

“Best deal I ever made,” Tara said with a grin.

“I’ve heard about your lovely home,” CeCe said.

“You and Alexis are welcome anytime. I’d love for you to come out some Saturday. We can take a boat ride and enjoy the lake,” Tara said.

“Oh, wow.” CeCe looked over at Alexis and smiled. They had just been invited as a couple to Tara and Lauren’s home.

Alexis raised her eyebrows and nodded. “We’d love to.”

“Okay,” Lauren said. “We’ll plan it for a Saturday soon.”

“I want to know about the private room in the back of your sister’s bookstore,” Julia said suggestively.

“You’d have to ask Cat or”—she looked over at Alexis with a twinkle in her eye—“Alexis might be able to enlighten us.”

“Oh really?” Krista said, taking a sip of her drink.

“At the open house I was given a private tour that came with a gift,” Alexis replied with a devilish look at CeCe.

“I don’t remember a private tour or a gift when we stopped by,” Melanie teased.

Alexis shrugged and winked at CeCe.

“But Cat did bring you a few samples last week,” CeCe said, eyeing Melanie. “Did you not share with your friends?”

A rumble of laughter came from Krista as she looked over at her wife. “She may not have shared with her friends, but—”

“I thought we were going to be dancing tonight!” Melanie said, getting up from the table.

“I’ll turn up the music.” Krista laughed.

CeCe laughed along with her, stood up, and extended her hand to Alexis. “Will you dance with me?”