Page 2 of Happy Endings

Trixie made her way across the full dining room, stopping to greet the bride-to-be and her maid of honor, who had organized tonight’s bachelorette festivities. By the time she’d made it over to Keisha, a cloud of delicious scents had enveloped Trixie, and her stomach twisted in hunger. She regretted not tasting the food Reina had brought over.

“Trixie, your table looks, um, wow.” Keisha giggled. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many vibrators at one time.”

“Oh, you get used to it.” Trixie chuckled at herself. That was something she never thought she’d say about sex toys. But after working at Bedroom Frenzy for almost two years, this was her new normal. Her office showroom was overflowing with vibrators, and no one batted an eye unless a new product arrived.

“Did you make a plate yet?” Keisha stepped aside to give Trixie access to the steaming trays of food. “Or do you not eat before a show?”

“My friend Reina made me a plate, and it smells amazing. I wanted to thank you for letting us hold the bachelorette party here after the maid-of-honor’s basement flooded. I’m sure you’re usually swamped on weekends.” Trixie hoped that tonight would be financially beneficial for both of them.

“You’ve kept me entertained for the past three months while we stuff hope purses together at the clinic. It’s about time I saw you in action!” Keisha lowered her voice and added, “And I might need to add something new to my collection.”

“I can definitely help you with that.” Trixie winked. “Chatting with you makes filling the purses with pads and toiletries go faster.” Trixie volunteered to teach sex-ed classes at a local women’s clinic. When one of her classes was unexpectedly canceled, a bubbly woman invited Trixie to help sort toiletries and feminine hygiene donations for hope purses, which the clinic gave out to women in crisis. Three months later, they’d become friends. “Though I prefer hearing stories about your mom’s food.”

Keisha’s smile wavered.

“I’m so sorry,” Trixie blurted. “I didn’t mean to make you sad.”

“No, it’s okay. Grief is weird. She’s been gone for over a year now and it doesn’t get any easier.” Keisha squared her shoulders. “Do you need anything before you start your presentation? How about a cocktail?”

“No. I mean, Reina ordered a pitcher of margaritas and that’s too much.” Trixie turned to their shared table near her display area at the front of the restaurant. Reina was literally licking her plate.

Keisha followed her gaze and laughed. “It’s not the first time an adult has licked their plate at Mama Hazel’s.”

“That’s a good testimonial. If it’s not too much of a hassle, can you change that to one margarita and a water?”

“How about I make it a half pitcher? On the house.” Keisha put up a finger before Trixie could protest. “To thank you for introducing our place to some new folks.”

Trixie nodded. “I’m going to sound like a broken record if I thank you again.”

“Then don’t. Go eat before your plate gets cold. I’ll check on your drink order.”

On the way back to Reina, party guests stopped her several times inquiring about different items on her display table. Trixie offered variations of “Wait and see” as she wove her way through the tables. Now that the guests’ bellies were full, they were ready for Trixie’s part of the party.

“Sorry that took so long.” Trixie slid back into her chair.

“You know better than to leave me alone with good food. I almost ate yours,” Reina teased. “Don’t apologize for doing your job. You’re a natural with your customers. Your boutique is going to help so many people.”

“Once it’s up and running, I can prove to my parents I’m not a failure. That I don’t need to be a pharmacist or doctor or whatever else on the Viet parent–approved list.” Not that Trixie hadn’t tried. Memorizing names of meds and dosages bored her to death. She’d flunked her first semester of pharmacy classes.

“Sweetie, you’re not a failure because you want to follow your heart.”

“It’s not like I planned on selling vibrators as a career,” Trixiereplied. “Who knew the beauty sales job was about beauty products for your lady bits?”

“That’s what you get for answering ‘help wanted’ ads on Craigslist.” Reina bit her lip to hold back her laughter. “You were in complete shock after that job interview.”

“It was you and the rest of the Boss Babes who convinced me to take the job, remember?” Trixie was glad her friends had pushed her to try something new. But it turned out talking about sex wasn’t that far outside her comfort zone. “I can’t afford grad school to become a therapist, but I can help people be more comfortable with their sexuality.”

“See? Following your heart.”

“Not to mention, this is the best-paying job I’ve had ever. I’ve put a major dent in my student loans.”

“I’m really proud of you,” Reina said. “It’s not easy going against your family’s wishes and striking out on your own. You’re a badass at this job and making enough to take care of yourself. That’s success to me. Winning your company contest will be the cherry on top.”

“Stop. You’re going to make me cry right before I do my presentation.” Trixie knew her friend was right, but it wasn’t enough. She couldn’t return to her family in New Orleans until she was her own boss.

“Fine. How about you try this chicken and cry about how good it is?” Reina mocked stabbing her fork into Trixie’s food.

Relieved to change the subject, Trixie unrolled her paper napkin and tucked it into her teal blouse. Talking about the benefits of lube with a giant grease stain on her shirt would be distracting and unprofessional. She reached into her purse and grabbed ahair elastic. Her long, wavy black hair was overdue for a cut and style.

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