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“Am I mean?”

Cory coughed as she tried to swallow the sip she’d just taken. “What? Why would you ask that?”

“I was talking to my mom on the phone before the game and she said I will do whatever it takes to win. It made me sound mean.”

Cory smiled at Vi and set her glass on the table. “You’re not mean, Violet. You said it yourself, you’re competitive. I’d say it’s worked well for you, too. You’re a winner on the court, but also in your career. Let me ask you something.”

“Okay,” Vi replied, taking another sip.

“We’re having a nice time, talking and having a drink,” Cory stated.

“We are.”

“Does that mean the next time I see you, you’re going to act like you don’t know me?”

“What?” Vi said, wrinkling her brow.

“After we enjoyed a drink together at The Neon Rose, you wouldn’t even look at me when I saw you at Your Way.”

Vi sighed. “Could we have another drink and I’ll explain that to you?”

11

Cory smiled. “Will you talk to me the next time we’re at the gym?”

“Yes, I will.”

“Then I’d love to make another drink for you.”

They went back inside and Cory asked, “Do you want the same thing or would you like to try something else?”

“Is this the only time you’ll be bartending for me?” Vi said, raising her brow.

“I hope not, but that’s kind of up to you.”

Vi smiled. “Then yes, I’d like another one of these. I can try something else next time.” Vi was already looking forward to whenever that might be.

“Okay. I’m going to add something to give it a little tang,” Cory said. “So why were you mean to me after I saw you at The Neon Rose?”

Vi felt her face fall as her heart sank into her stomach.

“I’m kidding, Violet.” Cory smiled.

“Oh,” Vi said, relieved. This woman had her so off balance.

Cory continued to mix their drinks.

“When you told me what your birthday wish was that night…” Vi shook her head. “Then you looked at me with that smile and those friggin’ blue eyes…”

Cory looked up at Vi and gave her a soft, sweet smile. “Friggin’ blue eyes?” she asked.

Vi huffed. “You have the most beautiful blue eyes, Cory. I can’t be the first person who’s told you that.”

Cory shrugged. “It’s nice to hear it from you.”

They paused and stared into each others’ eyes for a moment. Vi couldn’t believe she’d just told Cory that, but when they locked eyes, Vi couldn’t think. It had happened the first time they met and was still happening.

Cory set a highball glass filled with ice in front of Vi. “The first drink was called Sex on the Beach. We don’t have beaches anywhere near Dallas, so I call this Sex in the Plex.”