Page 22

“I’m not sure those two are seeing the love just yet.” CeCe chuckled.

* * *

Cory unloaded the last case onto her dolly and rolled it into the bar at Lovers Landing. This was one of her favorite places and she loved making deliveries here.

Several years ago Krista Kyle, one of Hollywood’s out and proud lesbians, transformed a rundown lake resort into a secret sapphic hideaway for celebrities who needed discretion. Krista now lived there with her partner, Melanie.

Cory had gotten to know them when they needed help with special groups and they were also clients of CeCe’s. She loved the lake and delivering to Krista and Melanie was always a treat. She never knew who would be there and had learned that many of the famous people who came to the resort were just like her, living life and wanting to be with the people they loved without judgment or harassment.

“Hey, Krista,” Cory called. “It’s your favorite Sloan sister.”

Cory could hear her laughing as she came down the hall from her office.

“Cat!” Krista exclaimed.

Cory turned around and gave her a menacing look. “Very funny!”

Krista laughed. “I can’t choose a favorite! I love you all!” She gave Cory a hug.

“I love you more. I’m telling you, if Melanie wasn’t such a wonderful woman I’d steal you away from her.”

“Do I hear someone flirting with my wife?” Melanie teased as she walked in from the restaurant.

“Don’t worry, honey, I’m all yours,” Krista told her.

“Oh, I know that.” Melanie walked over and gave Cory a hug as well. “I’m keeping my eye on you.” She winked.

“I’m sure she has a string of girlfriends at every stop,” Krista said.

Cory began to unload the boxes behind the bar. “Not exactly,” she replied.

“We can unload those,” Melanie said.

Cory stopped and gave Melanie a look. “You know I’m going to unload these. It’s part of the full service and our appreciation of you doing business with The Liquor Box.”

Krista chuckled. “We buy from The Liquor Box because of the name and the owner.”

“Aww, I appreciate that,” Cory said as she started to fill the cooler.

“That reminds me. Cory, we had a woman come by offering very competitive prices,” Melanie said.

Cory looked up and stopped what she was doing.

“It’s okay, hon. We’re not changing.”

“Thank you,” Cory said. She sighed and looked at Krista and Melanie. “Was it Vi Valdez from Spec’s that came by?”

“Uh, I don’t remember her name, but she did work for Spec’s. I have her card here somewhere,” Krista said.

“There’s more to selling liquor than just price,” Cory said. “I want to build relationships and work with my customers to make their businesses thrive. It’s a little different with y’all because you’re not competing for clients. They come to you.”

“That’s true, but we have a relationship with you. We’re friends and you’re a great supplier. You get us speciality items for certain guests as you’ve done many times already. I don’t think it would be as easy to do that with a large discount place,” Krista said.

“Do you think we could call this woman and tell her we needed a certain bottle of wine?” Melanie said.

“And ask her to deliver it!” Krista added.

“I love coming out here. Not only to see you, but I love being near the water.”