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“I’ll be right back,” Talia said, stepping back.

Vi tried to lean out of their way, but Talia stopped and realized who Vi was.

“What are you doing here?”

Vi smiled, but before she could say anything Talia kept talking.

“This,” she said, putting her arm around Cory, “is my supplier and who I will be buying from. It doesn’t matter what kind of price you quote me.”

Vi’s eyes widened as Talia’s voice got higher and higher.

“It’s okay, Talia,” Cory said, smiling at the woman.

Vi saw Talia visibly relax. She smiled at Cory and kissed her on the lips once again. “I’ve got something for you.”

Talia disappeared behind the bar and into the back.

Cory sat back down and looked at Vi. “It’s Violet, isn’t it?”

Vi nodded. “Violet Valdez,” she said, holding out her hand. “You can call me Vi.”

“Oh,” Cory said, taking her hand and holding it firmly. “Is that the name you let all the people you’re undercutting call you?”

Vi smirked. “It isn’t like that, Cory.” She watched as Cory’s blue eyes held a spark of amusement.

Cory finally let her hand go and for a moment Vi wished she hadn’t.

“Were you at Betty’s last night?”

“Um…” Vi muttered. What was wrong with her? She cupped her hand around her glass and nodded. “Yes, I saw you with your friends. Y’all were having a good time celebrating your birthday.”

Cory smiled and Vi felt her insides melt a little. What the hell?

“My birthday is actually today,” Cory said.

“Oh, well, happy birthday,” Vi said.

“Do you want to give me a gift?”

5

A slow smile crossed Vi’s face. “I don’t think your girlfriend would like that.”

Cory’s brows knit together and she tilted her head. “My girlfriend? Oh, you mean Talia.” Cory shook her head. “She’s not my girlfriend.”

“Oh,” Vi simply said.

“So, about that gift?”

“Happy birthday to you,” Talia sang as she came out from the back with a cupcake and a lit candle on it.

“Talia, you didn’t have to do that,” Cory said with a smile.

“Make a wish,” Talia said.

Cory grinned, glanced at Vi, then blew out the candle. The people at the bar clapped.

“Enjoy,” Talia said. “I’ve got to help my bartender. I’ll be back.”