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“I may be sweet, but when it comes to business, that doesn’t mean I’m a pushover. I’ll compete with Violet Valdez and I’ll win those accounts with my service.” Cory sighed. “Besides, I don’t even know her!”

“Maybe you should get to know her,” Cat suggested.

Cory stared at her sister. “How would I do that? She’s not coming back to my store.”

“Go to her. She may not be in a store, but I’m sure she has an office,” Cat said.

“I don’t need to know her. I just need her to sell her liquor and spirits somewhere else.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” Brandy said, giving Cory a hug. “Happy birthday.”

“Thanks for coming tonight, Brandy. This was fun.”

Cory and Cat watched her drive away. “Everything will work out,” Cat said. “Please don’t stress about Violet Valdez. It’s your birthday tomorrow and we want to celebrate you.”

Cory smiled. “I won’t. Hey, did you notice what a good time our sister was having with Alexis?”

“I did. I’m pretty sure I walked in on something between them the other evening,” Cat said.

“Good for them. I’ll see you tomorrow, Cat,” Cory said.

* * *

“Another wild Saturday night,” Vi muttered to herself as she pulled into the parking lot at The Neon Rose. She didn’t have any luck at Betty’s last night and understood she never would when she learned the history between the owner and Cory Sloan. Perhaps she’d have better luck tonight.

The Neon Rose was the closest thing to a lesbian bar in this area. Vi hadn’t been on an actual date in such a long time. Maybe if she didn’t convince the bar owner to buy from her she could at least make a connection with someone. It had been too long since she spent time with someone who had nothing to do with her job.

That was one reason she was glad the volleyball league was starting back up. She could go to practice or games and not think about sales or how to make their stores better. Vi could play and laugh with other women as well as compete. She loved a good competition.

The music was playing and the hint of stale beer hit Vi in the face when she walked in. It was dark inside and Vi stood just inside the door for a moment so her eyes could adjust. She remembered where the bar was and made her way through several women standing around a table. There was an empty stool at the end of the bar, so Vi took a seat.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asked as she set down a coaster.

Vi ordered a beer on tap just as she had last night at Betty’s.

“Are you usually this busy on a Saturday night?” she asked the bartender when she brought over her glass.

The bartender looked around and shrugged. “You never know.”

Vi nodded and sipped her beer as the bartender waited on other customers. She looked around, but didn’t see Talia, the owner. Her gaze, now accustomed to the low lighting, scanned the bar. There were two large groups that had several of the tables pushed together. Most of the stools at the bar were occupied and women reached between those sitting to refill their drinks. The vibe in the bar was one of fun and laughter. In between songs the rumble of the crowd would quiet some, but then it was a constant in the background when the next song started.

Just being around the laughing and smiling women had Vi smiling, too. She was looking towards a lively group of women when she felt someone slide onto the bar stool next to her. When she turned around she looked right into the most beautiful blue eyes she’d ever seen.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!”

Vi refocused and realized she was staring at Cory Sloan. How had she not seen those clear blue eyes when she’d met her at The Liquor Box? “Uh, hi,” Vi managed to squeak out.

“There’s the birthday girl!” Talia exclaimed.

Vi shook her head; it was like Talia had materialized from behind the bar.

“You kept your promise,” Talia said, giving Cory a big hug.

“I always do,” Cory said, grinning at Talia.

Talia grabbed Cory’s face and kissed her sweetly. “Happy birthday.”

They stared at each other for a moment and Vi felt like she was invading a private moment, but she couldn’t look away.