Page 13

“If it isn’t the sexy Cory Sloan,” Talia said, putting her arms around Cory’s shoulders. She smiled and kissed Cory softly on the lips. “Happy birthday, gorgeous.”

Cory smiled. “Thank you.”

Talia patted Cory’s cheek and grinned. “Mmm, mmm, mmm. Why hasn’t some pretty lady snatched you up?”

“I ask myself that every morning when I look in the mirror.” Cory smirked, unloading the dolly.

“You little smart ass,” Talia said, slapping Cory on the butt. “Are you sure you don’t want to give us another try?”

Cory stopped and gave Talia a playful smile. “If I said yes, you would be backing out of that door then turning and sprinting away from this building like a track star.”

Talia threw her head back and laughed. “We had a good run while it lasted. What’s it been, fifteen years?”

“We did.” Cory smiled and began to stack the cases behind the bar. She checked the cold cases and loaded one of them with beer just as she had at Betty’s.

“You don’t have to do that, love. I can get it,” Talia said.

“I want to do it. You’re my friend,” Cory said with a smile.

“And you’re my friend. Listen, babe, there's a hot Latina chick trying to undercut you,” Talia said.

Cory looked up with surprise. “What? Not you, too.”

“Me, too?”

“I just made a delivery at Betty’s and the same woman had been to see Chris and Jelena. She was at my open house for The Liquor Box.”

“Don’t you worry, darlin’. You are my supplier!” Talia said firmly.

“Thanks, Talia,” Cory said with a smile. “I’ll make up for the higher price in other ways.”

“Hmm, I can think of a few…” Talia said, raising one eyebrow.

Cory smirked and folded both her arms across her chest.

“Like having a birthday drink, for one,” Talia clarified.

Cory chuckled. “I can’t today.”

“Then you have to come by on your birthday,” Talia said.

“Are you working Saturday?”

“Yep. I’ll be here.”

“Okay. I’ll see you then.”

Talia put her arms around Cory and pulled her into a hug. “Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to, just like we did.”

4

“I’m out of here, Vi. Have a nice weekend,” Penny said, standing in the doorway to Vi’s office.

“Thanks, Penny. You, too.”

“Do you have any big plans for the weekend?”

“Not really. I’m going by a couple of bars and hoping to bring them in as new customers. I’ve already stopped in once, so it’s time for a follow up,” Vi explained.