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“Hi Mom, I have your book at the register,” Cat said, her cheeks showing a healthy shade of pink.

“I see Elena is here again. I think she may like the owner as much as she likes books,” CeCe teased her little sister.

“Do you think Alexis likes her new hairstylist?” Cat asked, giving CeCe a warning look.

“Okay, Mom. I’ve got to go,” CeCe said, quickly leaving the bookstore. She chuckled to herself at her sister’s quick reaction. Cat was quiet, but that didn’t mean she was shy.

* * *

“What is with you?” Michael said, standing in Alexis's office doorway.

She looked up from her phone and knit her brows together. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re smiling. You’ve been doing that a lot lately,” he said.

Alexis looked back down at her phone and quickly responded to a text from CeCe then put it on her desk. “You’re almost as funny as Donna,” Alexis deadpanned.

“We’re not the only ones that have observed a pleasant change in our most esteemed colleague,” Michael teased in a snooty voice.

Alexis shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Is there something you need or are you just stopping by to harass me?”

Michael smirked and plopped down in the chair across from her desk. “We had to cancel the little party last Friday because Lana got sick.”

“Oh, that’s too bad. I hope it’s nothing serious.”

“Nah, she ate something at lunch that day that didn’t agree with her. Anyway, the party is back on for this Friday. So, please, please, please, come,” he pleaded, holding his hands clasped together in front of him.

“What’s with the begging? I thought it was just a small drinks and snacks kind of thing.”

“It is, but it’s always so much more fun if you’re there,” he said earnestly.

Alexis sighed. Michael was one of her oldest friends and she did love his wife, Lana. An idea popped into her head. “Can I bring someone with me?”

Michael gasped and clutched his chest. “No shit!”

Alexis rolled her eyes again. “Never mind. If you’re going to act like that…”

“No, no! I’m just kidding. Someone did put that smile on your face.” He leaned over and whispered loudly, “Tell me!”

Alexis couldn't stop the grin that grew on her face. “I’ve…” She narrowed her eyes. What was it she and CeCe were doing? Were they dating? “I’m…uh, going on a date tonight with someone I really like.”

“Okay, how about you invite—”

“Her,” Alexis interjected.

“Her.” Michael nodded with a huge grin. “To the party Friday. Lana is going to die!”

Alexis sat back in her chair. She wanted CeCe to meet Michael and Lana at some point, but was it too soon? Was this the right setting?

“Come on, it will be fine. What are you worried about?”

“I don’t want y’all to scare her away!”

Michael smiled. “Lana will take her under her wing and protect her from the assholes we sometimes invite to these little get-togethers. And she’ll have you.” He shrugged.

“Okay. I’ll ask her and let you know tomorrow.”

“Now, tell me all about her. If you don’t, Lana will keep calling you until you answer and she’ll mess up your date tonight,” Michael rambled.