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“We did have fun, didn’t we,” Vi said, smiling at her mom.

“Violet has also helped me with the wholesale part of the business,” Cory said.

“That’s how you two met, isn’t it?” Alberto asked.

Cory looked at Vi and raised her eyebrows. “Yes. Your daughter can be a ruthless businesswoman. It’s been very helpful for her to use that on our store’s behalf and not against it.”

“Ruthless?” Vi said.

“You know it’s true,” Cory replied.

Vi’s parents laughed behind them and Vi gasped then she began to laugh as well. “You’re right, I can be, but it’s only business.”

Cory grinned. “Come on, let’s show them the rest of the shopping center.”

They walked over and Vi introduced them to CeCe. She gave them an impromptu tour of her salon while Cory and Vi followed behind.

Cory felt Vi tug on her hand and they stopped.

“You keep saying, our store,” Vi said.

“It is our store, babe,” Cory said, furrowing her brow. “Do you not know that?” She smiled and tilted her head. “We’re together, meant to be, forever, right?”

Vi nodded. “Yeah, but…”

“What’s mine is ours and has been since you walked through that door. Do you have any idea how much our profits have increased since you’ve been helping me in our store?”

“Well, yeah. I know. I read the financials and look at sales every day with you,” Vi said.

“You’re part of The Liquor Box now, Violet. It’s yours, too.”

The smile that grew on Vi’s face melted Cory’s heart. Vi was once so good at making Cory swear and now she filled her heart with love. “Thank you for saying that. It means as much to me for our store to do well as it does for my…” Vi knitted her brows together. “It means more to me that our store does well than any of the Spec’s stores. Uh oh. Shhh, don’t tell my boss,” Vi said then snickered.

“Your secret is safe with me.”

Vi surprised Cory with a sweet kiss and she felt something shift between them. Maybe Vi needed to hear that the store was hers, too. Whatever it was, Cory felt like they were truly in this together and nothing could stop them.

“Hey, lovebirds,” CeCe said, walking up to them with Vi’s parents. “Josie is ready for a book.”

“She’s not the only one who reads,” Alberto objected.

“I’m sure Cat can fix you both up,” Cory said, still holding Vi’s hand. “Right this way.”

“Thanks, CeCe. The next time we come for a visit, I’m making a hair appointment,” Josie said.

“I’m happy to help,” CeCe replied.

They walked through the entrance to Your Next Great Read and Alberto nodded. “I can see this is your work, Cory. Nicely done.”

“Thank you. It’s a science,” she replied.

“It is,” he agreed with a grin.

Cory introduced Vi’s parents to Cat and let her show them around the bookstore.

“I love your parents,” Cory said to Vi.

Vi smiled. “They’re all right.”