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Alexis blinked several times and sighed. “When did my love life become of such interest around here?”

“Do I really need to explain that to you? Okay,” Donna said, sitting in her familiar spot across from Alexis's desk. “About fifteen years ago you waltzed into this clinic, fresh out of residency. You were a young, shiny surgeon ready to show the world your talent and skill. You were confident, almost arrogant, and only focused on your job.” Donna paused for a moment.

“Almost arrogant?”

“Almost. Some people thought you were a little cocky, but you backed it up with your work. Very impressive,” Donna said. “But in those fifteen years I’ve rarely seen you go out with a woman or man more than a couple of times. Michael, Lana, and a couple of the other doctors have tried to set you up or introduce you to other people only to fail. But now, out of nowhere, Dr. Alexis Reed suddenly smiles more. You are almost chipper!” Donna exclaimed. “I would never call you chipper!”

Alexis gasped in faux amazement. “I should hope not!”

“We now know the change in you is because of a woman! A woman who you have seen several times! That, my friend, is why your love life is so interesting.”

Alexis sat up and leaned towards Donna. “I’m bringing CeCe to Lana and Michael’s party. I do want her to meet you all, but I also hope—”

Donna raised her hand. “We won’t embarrass you.”

“I know you’re going to embarrass me.” Alexis smiled. “What I hope is that I still have a girlfriend at the end of the party.”

“Girlfriend, huh?” Donna said with a wide smile.

Alexis nodded. “Since I’m finished for the day, I think I might go see my girlfriend on my way home.”

“I’m happy for you, Alexis. And I look forward to meeting your girlfriend,” Donna said.

Alexis smiled and liked the way that sounded. My girlfriend.

When Alexis got in her car she noticed a pair of earrings in her console. She picked one up and smiled. CeCe left them there last night after they’d come down from the roof. “I should return these.” Alexis chuckled and smiled at herself in the rearview mirror then headed to the shopping center.

She walked into the salon and could see CeCe at her station in the back. There was a woman in the chair, but suddenly CeCe looked over and saw Alexis walking towards her. The smile on CeCe’s face made Alexis's heart skip a beat.

She smiled at the woman in the chair as CeCe took a step towards her. “Hey,” Alexis said, kissing CeCe on the lips. “I thought you might be missing these.” She held up the earrings and grinned.

“Where’d you get those?” CeCe asked. “Oh, I remember. I took them off last night.”

“CeCe, are you going to introduce me to your friend?” the woman in the chair asked.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Alexis said. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’ll wait over here.” She started towards the empty chair at Nora’s station when CeCe grabbed her arm.

“Oh no you don’t.” CeCe gave her a devilish smile.

Alexis's eyes widened. “What?”

CeCe took her hand and led Alexis around in front of the woman. “Alexis, I’d like you to meet my mom, Christine Sloan.”

Alexis felt the color drain from her face. She’d walked in here, kissed CeCe, and dangled her earrings in front of her suggesting they’d spent the night together. Oh my God!

CeCe chuckled. “It’s okay, babe. Mom, this is Dr. Alexis Reed.”

Christine laughed and Alexis was struck by how much she sounded like CeCe. “I am so happy to finally meet you, Alexis. It is okay to call you Alexis, isn’t it?”

“Yes ma’am,” Alexis said, finding her voice. She took Christine’s offered hand. “It’s so nice to meet you.” She hadn’t noticed it at first, but Alexis could see the resemblance now, especially in those striking blue eyes.

Christine held Alexis's hand for a moment and smiled. “CeCe’s sisters tell me you are a brilliant surgeon and also a very nice person. It’s a shame CeCe hasn’t introduced us before now.”

“Oh stop, Mom.” CeCe took Alexis's hand and smiled at her. “Did you not just see this gorgeous woman walk in here and kiss me? I want her to keep doing that.” CeCe turned to her mother and continued. “All you’ll do is ask her question after question until she’s so happy to get out of here she’ll never come back!”

Alexis couldn’t keep from laughing at the comedy of it all. “Christine—is it okay if I call you that?”

“Absolutely.”