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“It’s great. I’m adding new customers every week.” Cory noticed the shared look between Jelena and Chris. “Why? Is something wrong with your order? Do I need to deliver more often? I’ll do whatever you need.”

“No.” Jelena reached over and squeezed Cory’s forearm. “We are very happy with your service.”

“It’s just that a sales rep from another supplier came by and wanted to make us a better deal,” Chris said.

Cory furrowed her brow and then realization dawned. “Was the sales rep a woman?”

“Yeah.”

Cory sighed. “I knew it! Did she have dark hair, dark eyes, and a really nice smile? Was she from Spec’s?”

“Yeah, that’s her,” Jelena said.

“Damnit! She came by The Liquor Box at our open house and was snooping around. I knew something was off with her, but couldn’t put my finger on it. She asked about wholesale prices.”

“She quoted a price that was significantly lower than yours,” Chris said. “But there’s no way we’d buy from her, Cory. You’re family.”

“Fuck,” Cory said softly. “If you can save money, why wouldn’t you? I promise I’ll make up the difference to you in other ways.”

“You don’t have to promise or make up anything,” Chris said. “Betty’s is buying from you.”

“What you need to figure out is why Spec’s has taken an interest in our area, hon.” Jelena sipped her beer. “They’ve never worked around here before. I wonder if they’re thinking about opening a store in this area.”

“Oh, God!” Cory exclaimed. “That’s one reason I chose the shopping center. There aren’t any liquor stores in the area. You can buy beer and wine, but not liquor.”

“If they would’ve wanted to put a store in this area I think they would’ve done it a long time ago,” Chris said. “Do you think they want your business?”

“Hmm, she didn’t ask about anything but the wholesale prices. Did she offer to deliver?”

“Nope. She said she would cut the price enough to make it worth our while to pick it up. We could get the same deal at any of their locations,” Chris explained.

“Damn, any location?”

Chris nodded.

“Well, I deliver whenever you need it—”

“Stop! I already told you, we’re buying from you. I just thought you should know she came by,” Chris said.

“Thanks,” Cory said, taking another sip of her beer. “I’d better go. I have another delivery.”

“Hey,” Jelena said, grabbing Cory’s face with her hands. “Your charm is worth so much more than a cheaper price on booze. It’s priceless.”

“Aw, thanks Jelena,” Cory said and hugged the older woman. “I’ll see y’all next week.”

“Happy birthday,” Chris said, giving her a hug.

“Thanks.”

“Hey, don’t let this Spec’s woman ruin your birthday. People know you, Cory, and that matters,” Jelena said.

Cory nodded, grabbed the dolly, and wheeled it out the back door.

On the way to her next delivery she couldn’t keep from thinking about what Chris and Jelena said. Why would Spec’s be selling in this area now? Cory wasn’t afraid of a little competition because she did have qualities the discount store didn’t, but would it be enough to offset a low price?

“I guess we’ll find out,” Cory muttered to herself as she pulled up to the back door of The Neon Rose.

“Hi, Talia,” Cory said, wheeling the loaded dolly into the bar.