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Cory followed Vi over to the bench. “Let’s have that drink. I need one.”

Vi grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder. “Me too.”

“That was a great game,” Frankie said.

“Are you sure you had nothing to do with it? It was your wife’s team who won,” Cory said.

“It was such a great match, both teams should’ve won,” Desi said.

“We’ll get them next time,” Cory said as she grinned at Vi.

Vi shrugged. “Big talker, Betty Crocker.”

Everyone laughed and Cory bumped her shoulder against Vi’s. “You are a trash talker. I knew it!”

They started towards the gym exit and Cory said, “There are some people I’d like you to meet.”

“Uh–um,” Vi stammered as they walked up to the people who made up Cory’s cheering squad.

“It’s okay,” Cory said, squeezing Vi’s forearm. “They won’t be mad at you for beating me.”

Cory smiled at Vi then turned to the group. “Mom, I’d like you to meet Vi Valdez. Violet, this is my mom, Christine Sloan.”

It wasn’t lost on Vi that Cory had just called her Vi when she introduced her.

Christine smiled warmly at Vi. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Vi now knew where Cory got her blue eyes and her sweet smile. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”

“You’re a good player. It was entertaining watching you and Cory try to outdo one another.” Christine leaned in a little closer. “Cory still thinks she’s an athlete, but…”

“Mom!” Cory exclaimed.

Vi chuckled. “It’s okay, Cory. I’m the same way.”

“Y’all should’ve been on the same team!”

“No way, Mom,” CeCe spoke up. “Then no one could beat them.”

“It’s okay, you’d be on our team!” Cory said to CeCe.

They all laughed.

“I know you just played against her, but this is my sister CeCe and her girlfriend Alexis,” Cory said.

“Hi, Vi. It’s nice to finally meet you,” CeCe said, raising her eyebrows.

Before Vi could respond, Cory said, “And this is my sister Cat, she owns the bookstore.”

“Oh right,” Vi said. “I’ve been meaning to stop in.”

“This is Elena Burkett,” Cory said. “I’d say you’re Cat’s friend, but you’re our friend too.”

“I spend a lot of time in the bookstore,” Elena said with a glance over at Cat.

“It’s nice to meet all of you,” Vi said. She was taken by this circle of family and friends. They seemed to welcome her and be happy to meet her as well. CeCe’s comment led her to believe that Cory had mentioned Vi to her sisters. Did they know Vi and Cory were rivals? Surely not or they wouldn’t be so friendly.

“I’ve got to go, girls. It was a good game. Vi, it was nice to meet you. I hope to see you again,” Christine said. “Oh, and girls, I’ll see you Sunday.”