Chapter 1

Three Months Later

"Are you ready?" Cory asked her sisters.

"Hold it!" CeCe exclaimed. She went over to a table where glasses of champagne were poured and waiting. She balanced three flutes in her hands and held them so each of her sisters could take one. "We should have a toast to kick off this open house."

"To the Sloan Sisters," Cory said, holding up her glass.

"May we bring joy to this little piece of our city." Cat held her glass next to Cory's and looked at CeCe.

"And…may we live happily ever after." CeCe chuckled and clinked her glass to her sisters".

"What?" Cory laughed.

"I couldn't think of anything and I want us all to live happily ever after, so why not drink to that?" CeCe shrugged.

"How can we not? We'll be working side by side most days and doing something we love. Drink up," Cory said, "it's time to unlock the doors."

"Wait," Cat said. "Let's drink to Dad. This may not be what he had in mind, but he'd still be proud."

They clinked their glasses together again and drank.

"I think this is exactly what he wanted. We're together, doing our own thing, but still supporting each other," CeCe said.

"Remember to encourage people to walk through to the other stores," Cory said.

"It was a good idea to build these extra large openings in the walls so clients can move easily from store to store," CeCe said.

"We've got plenty of champagne in each store and other drinks if anyone prefers. Okay?" Cory looked at her sisters.

"Got it. I'll come by later to see you both. Now, get out of here. Salon 411 is ready to open," CeCe said, unlocking her front door.

Cory and Cat went to their respective stores and CeCe turned to face the other stylists.

"Everyone is going to come here to get their hair and nails done," Amber said, smiling at CeCe.

"Oh, I hope so." CeCe was barely able to contain her excitement. "I want to thank each of you once again for taking a chance and coming with me."

"It was a no-brainer," Ryan said. "We have brand new equipment, reasonable booth rent, and the best group of coworkers anywhere."

"And you let me put up my Nails by Nora sign," Nora said, clapping her hands. "Kerry wouldn't let me at my other shop."

CeCe laughed. "It's fine, Nora. I know we are all self-employed, but I hope we can be a team and help spread the word about our salon."

"We're more than a team." Heather gestured at everyone. "Everyone come closer." She put her arm around CeCe and the rest of them formed a circle, arm in arm. "We're a family," Heather said, smiling at everyone.

"Let's welcome our clients, family. Here they come," Ryan said, nodding towards the door.

For an hour a steady stream of customers came in the front door as well as through each entrance to the adjoining stores. CeCe and her stylists showed off the new salon and encouraged people to check out the other stores. The champagne and wine flowed along with snacks offered in each store.

"I love how this turned out," Marina Summit said, walking up to CeCe.

"Hey, if it isn't the best realtor in town." CeCe grinned. "Thank you again for helping us get such a good deal on the property. I know you're in residential real estate now, so I appreciate you looking into this as a favor to us."

"It's the least I could do for the best stylist in the entire metroplex," Marina said.

CeCe beamed. "Where's that beautiful wife of yours? I want to show her how the shampoo area turned out. She had the best suggestions to give us more room and stage the area."

"Dru is on her way."

"Have you been next door to Cat's bookstore?"

"Not yet. I stopped by to say hello to Cory before I came in here," Marina said, taking a sip of champagne.

CeCe leaned in and quietly said, "Be sure and ask Cat to show you the bottom shelf. Tell her I sent you." CeCe winked.

"Okay." Marina drew the word out. "That sounds deliciously secretive."

CeCe grinned. "Oh, it is. Take Dru with you. And tell Cat whatever you choose is on me."

Marina raised her brows and clinked her glass to CeCe's. "Okay, thank you. Congratulations, CeCe. I know you'll be very successful here."

"Thanks, Marina."

CeCe watched as Marina made her way through the entrance to the bookstore. Her attention was quickly drawn to the front door of the salon. A beautiful woman with rich brown hair the color of dark chocolate and sparkling chestnut eyes sauntered just inside the doorway and stopped.

CeCe couldn't stop the smile that grew on her face. This was one of her favorite clients and she was surprised she'd taken the time to come to the open house. She snagged a flute of champagne and met the woman as she started her way through the salon.

"Doc! I'm so glad you made it." CeCe handed the woman the glass of champagne.

"I couldn't miss this. You're one of my favorite people, CeCe Sloan," the woman said.

CeCe smiled shyly. "You say that because I make you look even more gorgeous while you're fighting off all the doctors and nurses and probably a few patients."

Doctor Alexis Reed was one of the premier, most sought after surgeons in the area. Her schedule was jam-packed and CeCe knew her free time was precious. For her to take time out and come to the salon's opening warmed CeCe's heart.

"Oh, I don't fight off all of them." Alexis smiled seductively and sipped her champagne.

CeCe raised her eyebrows and looked into Alexis"s eyes. "Is there something you need to share with me?"

Alexis chuckled. "You're the one I've heard stories about."

"Oh, please!" CeCe scoffed. "Those were from a decade ago and have been greatly embellished."

"Hmm, I'm not so sure," Alexis said, raising one eyebrow. "Show me around your new place and I'll be the judge of that."

CeCe shook her head. "I'm telling you, Doc. They aren't true. Right this way."

They strolled around the salon and CeCe pointed out each of the new stylist stations. Towards the back on one side were several shampoo bowls and on the other side was CeCe's station which was separate from the others.

"Oh, I like this," Alexis said, walking over to CeCe's chair. There were strands of shiny silver beads hanging vertically from the ceiling to the floor, creating a wall of sorts. It gave the space a bit of seclusion from the rest of the shop.

Alexis sat down in the chair and spun around to face CeCe. "This gives us a little privacy for you to catch me up on all your shenanigans… Or are they dalliances?" She crossed her legs and stared up at CeCe.

"Could you be any sexier?" CeCe asked, putting one hand on her hip and looking Alexis up and down. She paused for a moment, hoping to deflect the attention away from her, but Alexis"s stare never wavered. "What in the world are these stories you've heard?"

Alexis giggled and took another sip of her champagne. "Is this the end of the tour or is there a back room? I heard that's where the fun happens."

CeCe laughed. "How long have I been doing your hair? You know there's always a back room. You've been to the back room."

Alexis got up and followed CeCe down a hallway where the restrooms were located along with a supply room. A door opened into a larger area that was mainly for storage. But in one corner, CeCe had arranged a little seating area complete with a couch, several chairs, a coffee table and a rug that gave it a homey feel. Over to one side was a refrigerator with a small table beside it. There was also a larger table with chairs around it where the stylists could eat and gather.

"Isn't this cute." Alexis walked over and ran her hand along the back of the couch. She looked around the room then nodded towards the back door. "Is that where you park your cars or is it for sneaking in?"

"What is with you? All of a sudden you act like I have all these trysts in some secret room," CeCe said, walking over next to Alexis. "This is the break area. You've had a glass of wine with me in the back room of the other salon. This isn't any different."

Alexis walked around and sat down on the couch. She looked up at CeCe and raised her eyebrows, silently inviting CeCe to join her.

"I heard that you may have fooled around a time or two in the back room of the shop when you needed to be discreet."

CeCe narrowed her gaze. "Is someone talking shit about me since I opened my own salon?"

Alexis smiled. "No. I ran into Krista Kyle and her wife, Melanie. We got to talking about the shopping center and they told me Cory was their new supplier for spirits. They particularly loved the name."

CeCe laughed. "Cory is quite proud of The Liquor Box."

"I mentioned that you were the talented stylist that keeps me looking my best."

CeCe smiled. "It doesn't take much."

Alexis returned CeCe's smile. "Thank you," she said softly. "But they mentioned you'd been to a party or two at their place at the lake."

"I have. They needed a hairstylist for a photo shoot they were doing. At the last minute, the stylist who was supposed to come with the photographer couldn't make it, so I helped out. They asked me to stay for the party afterwards."

"Those women know how to party," Alexis commented.

"They take karaoke and dancing to another level." Wide-eyed, CeCe laughed. "Have you been to one of their parties?"

"I've been to a couple."

"Why, Doc. I didn't know you have a soft spot for the ladies," CeCe teased. "Or is it just those Hollywood starlets?"

"You should know me better than that by now, CeCe. Much like you, I never walk the straight and narrow. Why do you think we get along so well?" Alexis chuckled.

CeCe grinned. "That leads me to believe my little back room, as you like to call it," she said in a low, deep voice, "must be a lot like the supply rooms or doctor"s respite rooms at the hospital."

"I never kiss and tell." Alexis winked at her.

CeCe studied Alexis as she finished her glass of champagne. She'd harbored a little crush on Alexis since the first time she'd done her hair. There could never be anything between them because Alexis was way out of CeCe's league and CeCe never messed around with her clients. That had been a hard and fast rule from the beginning. But a little harmless flirting never hurt anyone, did it?

Alexis gave CeCe a genuine smile. "Do you have any idea how much I value my appointments with you?"

"I think so. I know how busy your days are," CeCe said earnestly. She tried to make all her clients feel special, but she took extra time with Alexis. There were times when she could feel the stress leave Alexis"s body as she massaged her scalp or gently rubbed her shoulders.

"I can come here and put everything aside. You not only take good care of my hair, but you also ease my mind when I need it. Plus, you entertain me with all the craziness that surrounds a good salon."

CeCe laughed. "I don't know how it happens, but you're right. Craziness abounds at times."

"I love it and most of the time I need it!"

"I'm glad, Doc. I do have one other place I need to show you," CeCe said with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, we can pick you up another glass on the way. You'll need it." CeCe winked.

CeCe led them back inside the salon and waved to a couple of clients as they walked through the threshold to Cat's bookstore.

"I love the name!" Alexis exclaimed. "If only I had time to read anything other than medical journals."

CeCe handed Alexis another glass of champagne as she waved to her sister.

"Are you going to drive me home?" Alexis asked as she took the drink from CeCe.

"Nah, I'm going to insist you hang around with me until you can drive yourself." CeCe grinned.

"Hey," Cat said, walking over to them.

"Hi, sis. I'd like you to meet…probably my favorite client." CeCe smiled at Alexis. "This is Doctor Alexis Reed."

"Oh, CeCe," Alexis scoffed. "It's nice to meet you," she said, holding out her hand to Cat, who took it and smiled.

"Listen Doc, you've worked hard and earned your title. Everybody would be calling me doctor if I'd gone to school that long and accomplished the things you have. You're a big deal," CeCe said.

Alexis shook her head and smirked, but CeCe could see her praise was appreciated.

"This is Cat, my little sister," CeCe said, finishing the introduction.

"Hi, Alexis. It's nice to meet you," Cat said. "I've heard CeCe mention you."

"Uh oh. Am I one of her problem clients?" Alexis asked.

"Not at all. She's always happy after your appointments," Cat explained.

CeCe looked over at Alexis and shrugged. "What can I say, I'm glad I'm your stylist."

Alexis smiled at CeCe and sipped her champagne.

"I gave Alexis a tour of the salon, but I saved the best for last. Do you mind?" CeCe asked, nodding towards the back of the store.