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“It’s a win-win, Violet. You’ll get your new accounts and I’ll have the opportunity to establish my wholesale business.”

“Are you sure they’ll buy from me?”

“Oh, please, Violet. You’re the most successful sales rep in the metroplex. At least that’s what you’ve led me to believe,” Cory said.

Vi stared at the screen. She hadn’t tried that area before and had planned to expand in that direction after she’d finished with Cory’s area. What was stopping her from doing that first? By the time she’d called on the bars and restaurants in that area her promotion should come through.

She looked up at Cory. Those blue eyes were staring back at her with such hope. Cory squatted down so she was eye to eye with Vi.

“I know what your career means to you, Violet,” Cory said softly. “If you’ll do this, we’ll have a chance to become friends.”

Vi felt like Cory was reading her thoughts from earlier. “Is that what you want, Cory? Do you want to be my friend?” Vi looked at Cory’s lips then back into her eyes.

“I want it all, Violet.”

Cory practically whispered Vi’s name and it did all kinds of things to the feelings running through her. This might give them the chance Vi didn’t think they had earlier today.

“You don’t have to say yes just yet. Come with me,” Cory said. She stood up and held out her hand to Vi.

“Where?”

“I’ll introduce you to the owner of one of the best kept secrets in the metroplex. If you get their business, you won’t need many more accounts.”

At this point Vi believed Cory could talk her into almost anything. “Wait! I don’t have a pitch prepared.”

“I’ll tell you all about them on the way. You can do this, Violet. I know you can,” Cory said with a confident smile.

Vi grabbed her purse and took Cory’s hand.

“Penny,” Vi said as they left her office. “This is Cory Sloan. She’s my friend and a business associate.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Penny said with a big smile.

“Hi, Penny,” Cory replied with a grin.

“I’m going to meet a prospective client with Cory. I won’t be back before it’s time for you to go, so I’ll see you in the morning,” Vi said.

“Good luck, you two,” Penny said, still smiling.

Vi gave her a confused look then led Cory into the hall and to the elevator.

“I think she was surprised when you introduced me as your friend,” Cory remarked.

Vi shrugged. “My friends don’t usually come to my office.”

Cory bumped her shoulder into Vi’s. “You realize you’ve made my birthday wish come true. Thank you.”

Vi looked at Cory and shook her head as they got on the elevator. “I swear, Cory Sloan. You can be exasperating and adorable all at the same time. I’m not sure what we’re getting into—”

“I promise you won’t be disappointed, Violet.”

“I know, all I have to do is trust you,” Vi said with a chuckle.

Cory winked as they left the elevator and Vi followed Cory to her pickup.

“You’re going to love Bob and Freda,” Cory said as she pulled out of the parking lot. “They own Sweetie Pie’s. It is one of, if not the best, steak houses in the entire metroplex.”

“I’ve heard of them. Surely they have a regular spirits provider,” Vi said, glancing at Cory. She took the opportunity to study Cory for a moment. It struck her how opposite they really were, not just in appearance, but in demeanor as well. Cory’s face always had a smile at the ready whereas Vi was more serious.