JULY 23, 1860

Corey walked into the Silver Spoon and sat down for lunch. Ever since that hussy Elena Ruiz had set her eyes on Luke, Meg had been in a foul mood, moping around and snapping at everyone. For days, Corey had been racking her brain trying to come up with a way to either cheer her best friend up, or get it through Elena�s thick head that Luke was a faithful, devoted husband who would never cheat on his wife.

It was just that morning, as Corey was taking her shower that she came up with the perfect idea. Before she could chicken out, she had hastily scribbled her note to Caller Bob, telling him that Meg desired Corey to switch jobs with Vanessa, one of the nicer women that worked at the brothel. She knew that if she could get into the brothel and see Elena everyday, she would be able to keep an eye on her at all times and make sure that she stayed far away from Luke.

Corey wasn�t worried about her spending her time in the brothel. She could take care of herself, that wasn�t going to be a problem. Growing up she had learned how to kick a man where it would hurt to keep him away from her. What did worry her was that since she would be swapping jobs with Vanessa, it meant that Vanessa would be working at the barbershop in Corey�s place. And since Luke had swapped jobs with Buck, it meant that Buck would be working in the barbershop with Vanessa.

That�s all I need, Corey thought miserably as she forced a smile and accepted a bowl of soup from Clover. It was bad enough competing with Caly, what she didn�t need now was a beautiful, experienced woman setting her eyes on Buck. And Vanessa was definitely beautiful . . . and experienced. And Corey couldn�t blame Buck, if he suddenly decided that she was the woman for him.

"Oh well," Corey muttered and sighed as she forced a spoonful of tomato soup into her mouth. Meg was her best friend after all, and if losing the man she loved meant keeping Meg happy, then it was a sacrifice Corey was willing to make.

As Corey was sipping her soup, Caller Bob was over at the bordello visiting Vanessa and giving her a gift card. He explained to Vanessa that Corey had also received a card, so Vanessa decided to go to lunch at the Silver Spoon and talk with Corey about them switching places. Vanessa had noticed Corey heading over there earlier, and she was sure that Corey was probably still there.

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