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“Oh yeah, the bar and restaurant scene has been buzzing about the Sloan Sisters' Shopping Center,” Randi said. “Say that fast.”

Cory laughed. “I told y’all this was going to be fun!”

CeCe and Cat looked at each other and shook their heads.

“I know Dad is happy. We’re working together. Sort of,” Cory said with a big grin.

“Come on, let’s break in that new happy hour bar of yours,” CeCe said. “I’m buying.”

2

Violet Valdez stared at her computer screen analyzing sales reports. “Come on, Vi, just a couple more accounts and the promotion should be yours,” she muttered to herself.

Spec’s was the biggest discount spirits chain in the entire state. Vi had been the top salesperson for the metroplex for two years running. The Vice President of Sales for this region was retiring in a few months and Violet planned to be sitting in his chair next.

She looked forward to turning her accounts over to the other salespeople so she could focus her attention on the stores. Violet had started working in a Spec’s store while she was still in college. Upon graduation they had seen her skill and ambition and had put her on their executive track to corporate headquarters. She had managed a store, then oversaw several stores, then she’d been promoted to learn the inventory side of things. The last five years she had been in sales and now at forty-five she had been with the company for over twenty years.

Vi chuckled to herself. “I don’t even like alcohol that much.”

“Hey, Vi,” her assistant, Penny, said, stepping into her office.

“Yes, Penny,” Vi said, looking up from her screen.

“The big boss came by while you were out earlier,” Penny said.

“Diane? What did she want?”

Penny shrugged. “I told her you were out checking on a new store that opened in the area you are working.”

Vi nodded. “I’ll give her a call. Thanks, Penny.”

“How was The Liquor Box?” Penny asked.

“Are you laughing at the name?”

“I love the name and the sign.”

“You’ve been there?”

Penny shook her head. “No, I drove by it on the way to my sister’s. I noticed the bookstore at first, but then I saw the names and logos of the other stores. They are quite creative, don’t you think?”

“I suppose so.”

“Well, how was it?”

“It was a liquor store.” Vi shrugged.

“That’s it? No competition for us?”

“I don’t think so. They’ve done some rather clever things though. There was a large opening in the wall of the store that adjoined it to the salon in the middle. I imagine there’s another opening so you can walk on through to the bookstore.”

“Hmm, I’ll have to tell my sister,” Penny said.

“What? Are you going to tell her to buy from the competition?”

“It’s not just a liquor store, Vi. There are books and a hair salon. Right?”

Vi raised her brows and nodded.