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“Maybe it’s because she’s waiting for that promotion. She doesn’t have to be out hustling new accounts like she once did.” Cory chuckled. “However, she’s been helping me secure more and more new accounts for the wholesale part of the store.”

“I’m not surprised.”

“She also works with me in the store, which surprised me. When she first told me about your store and the Spec’s stores she managed, I got the impression she didn’t want to do that ever again.”

“Oh, I know. Isn’t it funny how things change when there’s a reason to be somewhere?”

“I’m not sure I understand,” Cory said.

“Vi has rediscovered her love of helping customers—which is what she always excelled at—by being with you in the store. I’m sure it came right back to her and she loves doing it again and being side by side with you. That’s why Alberto and I love working at our store. We are together. Now, it doesn’t work for all couples, but it certainly has for us. Vi never understood that, but I think she’s beginning to now.”

“I’d like nothing more than for Violet to work with me every day, but she’s going to be the VP at Spec’s,” Cory said.

“She doesn’t have to be.”

“I could never ask her to give up her dream to work in a liquor store,” Cory said.

“That’s not her dream. It was simply a goal. I think you are her dream,” Josie said with a smile.

Cory smiled at Josie. She’d known since almost the beginning that Vi was the woman she wanted to spend her life with. Her dreams were coming true.

“She’s never talked about a girlfriend, lived with a girlfriend,” Josie said, widening her eyes, “or wanted to work with a girlfriend like she has with you. One reason Bertie and I wanted to come visit was to meet you.”

“Oh,” Cory said. She could feel her cheeks begin to warm.

Josie reached out her hand and patted Cory’s. “It’s okay, don’t get nervous. We can see how much you love our daughter.”

“I do,” Cory said.

“You do what?” Vi asked, breezing into the kitchen. “Good morning,” she added, squeezing her mom’s shoulders. She kissed Cory on the lips and walked over to pour herself a cup of coffee.

“Cory was just telling me about these cinnamon rolls warming in the oven,” Josie said, smiling at Cory.

“You’ll love them! Is Daddy sleeping in?”

“I am not,” Alberto said, joining them in the kitchen. He kissed Josie on the cheek and sat down next to her. “Would you pour your old man a cup of coffee, please? I feel old this morning after dancing so much last night. Your mother wouldn’t let me sit down.”

They all laughed and Vi set a steaming cup of coffee in front of him.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I was so surprised when Cory told me she could salsa. If I didn’t know it before, that’s when I knew she was the one for me,” Vi said as she sat down next to her.

“When we found out the dance studio held dances most weekends it became one of our favorite date nights,” Cory added.

“What are our plans for the day?” Alberto asked.

“I know Mom wanted to do a little shopping then I wanted to take you to the art gallery that I’ve been telling you about,” Vi said.

“Are you going to Gia’s?” Cory asked.

“Yes, but can’t you come with us?”

“It depends. Randi is opening this morning, but she needs off before Taylor comes in,” Cory said.

“I’m not sure I want to go shopping,” Alberto said. “Would you mind if I went to the store with you?”

Cory beamed. “I’d love for you to join me.” She wasn’t sure if Vi’s father reminded her of her own father or simply made her miss him more. Whatever it was, she and Alberto had hit it off. Cory knew she could learn from him how to keep her store successful and it was a bonus if he’d share stories about Vi growing up.

“You don’t want to go shopping?” Josie giggled. “Who will hold my purse when my hands are full?”