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“Just keep kissing me,” Vi whispered as she put her hand behind Cory’s neck.

* * *

The next day Vi was doing research on the bars Cory had told her about and looking into other targets in the area when her boss knocked on her door.

“Hey,” Diane said. “You’re studying that screen rather intensely.”

Vi leaned back and smiled. “I have a lead on several new accounts.”

“Mmm.” Diane nodded. “That lead wouldn’t have anything to do with the woman I saw you kissing in the parking lot last evening, would it?”

Vi could feel the heat rush to her face. She was sure her light brown cheeks had a nice rosy hue.

“Uh…”

“I left something in my office and had to come back and get it. All I can say is… Good for you,” Diane said with a kind smile.

Vi sighed in relief and returned her smile.

Diane sat down in one of the chairs across from Vi’s desk. “Can I be honest with you, Vi?”

Vi furrowed her brow. “Of course.”

Diane smiled. “I’ve been in this business a long time and I’m not sure I’ve ever worked with anyone as dedicated as you are.” She paused. “However, work isn’t everything, even though to some people it is. It made me very happy to see you kissing that woman.”

Vi smiled because she was glad she was kissing Cory last evening, too.

“For the last few months I’ve noticed a change in you. This woman—”

“Cory,” Vi said.

Diane nodded. “You’ve seemed lighter and happier,” she said.

Vi shrugged. If anything she thought the last few months had been a constant push and pull between her and Cory. She didn’t know she’d been acting differently at work.

“Cory has recently opened her own liquor store and we’ve actually been competing for some of the same accounts,” Vi explained.

“Well that makes things interesting. I assume you’ve found a way to get around the awkwardness of that.”

“We’ve had our moments, but Cory’s store has a limited area and we’re trying to, shall I say, peacefully coexist.”

It was Diane’s turn to chuckle. “Peaceful? That’s what you’re calling it?”

Vi couldn’t keep from smiling.

“That situation should resolve when you become VP. I hear they’re making changes in the next month or so,” Diane said.

“Oh, that’s sooner than I thought.”

“May I give you a little advice, Vi?”

“Please do,” Vi replied. She respected Diane and loved working with her.

“Find a way to let your personal life thrive along with your career aspirations. I know your job is your focus, but the change in your happiness is noticeable and wonderful to the people you work with. Yes, I’m speaking for me and Penny.” Diane smiled. “I think you’ll find that your professional life and your personal life can, to use your word, coexist quite happily.”

Vi smiled. “To be honest with you, I’d like nothing more. I tried to think of Cory as an adversary, but…” Vi shook her head.

“I can see how that’s going for you.” Diane laughed and stood up.