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“I thought you wanted us to go to yoga with you?”

“I do, but that doesn’t mean I go every week.” Erin laughed. “Is Alexis coming by?”

“She’s in surgery this morning, but she’s coming by for lunch when she’s finished,” CeCe said with a lilt in her voice.

“And you are excited about it,” Erin said.

“I am, but I’m sure you get excited when Desi comes by the hospital to see you.”

“You’re right. I love it when she pops in.”

“I don’t ever come to the hospital so it’s special to see Alexis in her element,” CeCe said.

“I’m sure she’s looking forward to lunch with you.”

CeCe grinned. “I think so.”

“Okay, I’ll let you get things set up. I’ll try to come by again later,” Erin said. “Thanks again.”

“It’s a joy for us, Erin. See you later.”

CeCe helped the others get things set up and when the first patients arrived, Lana and her friends got them coffee while Amber, Heather, and Nora got to work on the manis and pedis. CeCe looked on with such joy. It was hectic getting everyone there with their supplies, but it was always worth it.

The stylists did the patients’ nails while they were receiving their infusions, then CeCe had contacted a couple of massage therapists who took over after that. They didn’t give complete massages, but they were able to work on calves, feet, and arms. The patients and nurses seemed to love it.

CeCe passed out magazines, puzzle books, and coloring books as well as novels to the patients who were interested. She told them about the mocktails Cory would be making and the food a local restaurant was providing for lunch.

Patients that weren’t scheduled for treatment that day also came to enjoy the event. The nurses, staff, and even the doctors were all included.

CeCe breathed a sigh of relief as everything got started and she saw smiles on their faces and could hear the sweet sounds of laughter.

“Hey, CeCe,” Heather said. “Have you seen the box with the nurses' gift baskets in them? I wanted to put a few nail coupons in them.”

“It should be with the rest of the boxes. Let’s look over here.” CeCe and Heather walked over to the far side of the room where the boxes were stacked out of the way since they had been unloaded.

“I’m not finding it,” Heather said.

CeCe quickly texted Ryan and a few moments later he replied. “It’s on the table in the back room,” CeCe said, reading the text out loud. “All the boxes were stacked by the back door when I got there this morning. I must have missed it. No problem. I’ll run back and get it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes! We were going to present them during lunch. I have plenty of time to get back before then. I'd ask Cory or Cat, but they just texted me that they’re already here and on the way up. Show Cory where her make-shift bar is and I’ll be back.”

“Okay, I’ll tell them.”

26

CeCe hurried back to the salon and went in the back door. Sitting on the table was the missing box with the gift baskets inside. She shook her head and sighed. “Way to go, Cecilia. That’s exactly where you left it last night when you finished packing it.”

“Hey,” Ryan said, coming in from the salon. “How are things going?”

“Great. Everything was just getting started when we realized this box was missing.”

“There’s someone out here that would love to say hello to you,” Ryan said.

CeCe looked at her watch and quickly walked into the salon.

“There you are,” Dottie Eubanks said with a smile.