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They were pulling into the back of The Liquor Box when Vi’s phone rang.

“Hmm, that’s Diane,” Vi said, looking at the screen.

“I’ll unload these empty boxes from the back,” Cory said, getting out of the pickup.

Vi’s heart started to race when Diane asked her when she’d be back in the office. She had news about her promotion.

“Is everything all right?” Cory asked, when Vi joined her in the back of the store.

“Yeah.” Vi nodded. “I think this is it, baby. Diane asked when I’d be back to the office.”

Cory smiled and raised her brows. “You’ve got this, Violet. Or should I say Ms. VP.”

“Give me a kiss for luck and I’ll see you after work,” Vi said. She pressed her lips to Cory’s and felt a calmness wash over her body.

“I love you, babe,” Cory said with a grin.

“I love you, too.”

“Just remember, we’re a great team and I’m in this with you.”

Vi sighed contentedly. “You have always supported me and I know you always will.”

“Go get that job and show Spec’s more of your magic.”

Vi kissed Cory again and walked out the back door to her car.

She had an uneasy feeling as she drove to her office. This was what she’d been working for all these years. Diane sounded excited on the phone so the promotion was most likely hers. Still…she had a nagging feeling deep inside her.

* * *

Later that afternoon Vi walked into The Liquor Box and saw Randi at the register. She looked around for Cory and then spotted her walking into the store from CeCe’s salon.

“Hey,” Cory said, her face brightening. “What are you doing here? I thought you were—”

“Uh, something happened at work.”

Cory furrowed her brow. “Are you all right?”

Vi nodded. “Could we go in the back and talk?”

“Of course,” Cory said. “Randi, holler if you need me.”

“Okay, boss,” Randi replied.

Vi reached for Cory’s hand and couldn’t believe how fast her heart was beating.

They walked into the back room and over to the couch. “Let’s sit,” Vi said.

“What’s wrong, babe?” Cory asked, pulling Vi’s hand into her lap.

“They offered me the Vice President of Sales job today.”

Cory’s face lit. “That’s awesome! You knew you were going to get it!”

“I turned it down,” Vi stated.

Confusion washed over Cory’s face. “You what?”