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“In CeCe’s defense, I could claim to be busy with work, but honestly, we’ve been having such fun together—”

“We didn’t want anyone else around,” CeCe added with a grin.

Alexis felt warmth spread through her body, but quickly looked back at CeCe’s mother. “I’m happy to answer any and all of your questions. When you’re finished here, would you like to go next door to Cory’s bar?”

“I’d love to,” Christine replied with a beaming smile.

“We’re almost done,” CeCe said, leading Alexis a few steps away. “Are you sure you want to do this?” she said softly to Alexis.

“Yes.” Alexis nodded with a sweet smile. She leaned in and whispered in CeCe’s ear, “I want to keep coming in here and kissing you.”

A throaty chuckle slipped from CeCe and it was Alexis's turn to melt a little.

“What if I have another appointment after Mom?” CeCe asked.

“That’s okay. We’ll visit until you can join us.” Alexis shrugged. “I’m sure Christine and I can find plenty to talk about, right?”

“That’s right,” Christine said, watching them in the mirror.

CeCe finished by spraying a little hair spray on Christine’s hair. “That’ll be $19.95,” CeCe teased.

Christine scoffed. “As if you’d let me pay you.”

“You did, Mom, by paying for beauty school. Remember?” CeCe held Christine’s hand as she stepped out of the chair.

“Thank you, sweetie. It looks lovely, as usual,” Christine said, looking into the mirror.

Alexis looked on and couldn’t keep from smiling. She immediately liked Christine Sloan and hoped Christine would like her as well.

“I can join you in a few minutes.”

“We’ll be fine, honey,” Christine said, patting CeCe on the back. “Let’s go, Alexis.”

Alexis grinned at CeCe and held up her hand with her fingers crossed as they walked past her.

21

“You know, CeCe is right. I do like to ask questions,” Christine said as they left the salon and walked into The Liquor Box.

“My dad used to say that you can’t learn anything if you don’t ask questions,” Alexis said as she followed Christine to the bar at the back of the store.

“Well, well,” Cory said from behind the bar as Christine and Alexis climbed onto stools. “Did CeCe finally introduce you two?”

“Don’t be a smart ass, Cory,” Christine chastised her daughter.

“Yes ma’am,” Cory replied. “I have opened a very nice bottle of wine that I think you’ll like, Mom.”

“Wonderful,” Christine replied.

“How about you, Alexis?” Cory asked as she poured her mom a glass.

“I’ll have what Christine’s having,” Alexis said with a smile.

Cory poured her a glass as well. “Where’s CeCe?”

“She’ll be here shortly. Is there something else you could be doing, hon?” Christine asked, giving her daughter a pointed look. “Don’t you need to be working on your strategy to outsmart that discount liquor store?”

“Uh, okay. It’s nice seeing you again, Alexis,” Cory said, walking to the end of the bar.