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“Does she know there’s no way Chris or Talia would order from anyone but you?” CeCe said with a smirk.

“She does now,” Cory said, watching Vi with a smile on her face.

“I think you see something you like,” CeCe observed.

“What?” Cory looked back at CeCe. “Oh, nah. She is a beautiful woman though.”

“So what’s stopping you?”

“Oh, I don’t know—maybe it’s because she’s trying to take my business away,” Cory scoffed.

A loud slap and boom echoed around the gym.

“Damn!” Cory exclaimed. “She can hit a fucking volleyball.”

CeCe chuckled. “Don’t worry, sis. So can you. This’ll be fun to watch…” she added quietly.

“What?” Cory turned around to look at CeCe.

“Oh, nothing.” CeCe grinned.

* * *

“Times up,” Desi said from the stands.

Vi followed her team to the bleachers on the other side of the court and didn’t dare look over at Cory. She grabbed her bag and was almost out the door when Olivia stopped her.

“Great practice, Vi. I’ll text you with our practice schedule. Desi and Frankie are working on the game schedule and should have it completed soon.”

“Okay, thanks.” Vi smiled at her. “Hey, Olivia, do you know who that redhead is over there?” she asked quietly.

Olivia turned around and grinned. “Yeah, that’s CeCe Sloan. That’s her sister Cory with her. CeCe just fills in, but Cory is a badass.”

“Of course she is,” Vi mumbled, quickly looking away as Cory glanced over at them. “See you next practice,” Vi said to Olivia and quickly exited the gym.

* * *

“It’s our turn,” Cory said, getting up and reaching for an errant ball rolling towards them.

“Hey, your new friend is leaving without even saying hello.”

“What the fuck,” Cory muttered. “I know she saw us.” Cory turned to CeCe and tossed her the ball. “I’ll be right back.”

“Hi, Olivia,” Cory said, as she hurried out the gym door. “Vi,” she called. Cory watched as Vi kept walking away from the gym.

“Violet!” Cory said louder.

Vi stopped in her tracks and slowly turned around. “What is it, Cory?”

Cory furrowed her brow, not understanding Vi’s exasperation. She suddenly felt her stomach drop like she’d been punched. “Uh, nothing. I was just going to say hi.”

Vi sighed. “Birthday wishes don’t always come true.” She turned and started walking towards the front door.

Cory couldn’t understand why Vi was acting this way. “Violet!” Cory called once more. She watched as Vi took one more step, but then turned around.

“What’s wrong?” Cory asked as she walked towards her.

“Nothing is wrong, Cory.”