Page 67 of Happy Endings

“Of course she did. You’re empowering women, just like the other shop owners here.” Kait chuckled at Trixie’s confused expression. “Let me give you a quick tour.

Kait guided her and Andre to the body products. “Over here is CBDare. Kelly here makes a line of cannabis-infused body products to help women relax. I highly recommend this crème for cramps. It comes in handy every month.”

“I had no idea that even existed.” Trixie studied a box with bright yellow packaging. “Does this tea say it increases your libido?”

“I’m a satisfied customer,” Kait mock whispered.

No wonder Josie and Kait got along so well. This woman was full of surprises.

“Then we have Fresh Out, a line of irreverent, hand-lettered stationery. This one is my favorite.”

Kait handed her a greeting card.

“‘Save a horse, ride a cowboy’?” Trixie read.

Behind her Andre snorted.

Trixie read the other cards on the rack. “No Fucks Left” and “Sorry I was late, I was masturbating” were written in colorful swirly letters and embellished with glitter.

“Oh my God, I love these.” Trixie couldn’t wait to tell Reina about these cards.

“As you can see, a mini sex toy boutique would fit in perfectly.” Kait walked over to the empty area. “This would be your space. I have some extra shelving you can borrow, but you’ll have to bring in your own fixtures.”

Trixie envisioned her store in the tiny space. Small displays with demo toys and tasting stations over there. A rack featuring some of Zoe’s crotchless panties here. She’d put everything on casters so she could set out chairs for small workshops.

“Each person also has access to storage space in the back room. If you need more room, talk to your fellow tenants. You’ll find them easygoing and flexible. We want everyone here to succeed.”

Kait gestured at a set of curtains hung over a doorway. Trixie peered in. The back room was spacious. She didn’t think she needed a lot of room. Boxes of toys and lube didn’t take up much space. It was the perfect starter boutique.

“This space is so warm and elegant. I can already see how I’d set up my displays,” Trixie raved as she took pictures on her phone.

Josie was right. Standing in this store made everything more real. Opening her own boutique was truly within her grasp. Now she wouldn’t have to worry about meeting Bedroom Frenzy’s goals or try to push a product she didn’t love. She could promote women-owned brands. Even teach workshops without the pressure of selling products. Trixie could make moneyandhelp other women without compromising her values.

“As you see, District Market has plenty of foot traffic.” Kait gestured at the people walking past the store windows. “Even though it’s only been open for a year, businesses have seen a consistent uptick in clientele. I think a body-positive, empowering boutique such as yours would be an asset to the co-op. What do you think?”

While Trixie gushed, Andre merely walked behind them. A grunt or murmur could be heard, but nothing else. When she did look at him, she couldn’t read his face.

“Can you explain how the co-op aspect works?” Until today,she hadn’t considered co-ops as an option for her business. Kait’s open mind and forward thinking meant Trixie could put vibrators in the hands of people who’d never attend one of her Bedroom Frenzy pop-ups.

“The lease is based off square footage. Electricity, water, and internet access are included. If you want or need a landline, you’re responsible for that. Plus a commission of your sales. I try to keep the entry costs low so you can get up and running quickly.”

“Wow, that sounds amazing. When do you need an answer?”

“There’s a waitlist for this space, but Josie spoke very highly of you.” Kait looked at her phone. “I can hold it for two weeks. Any longer and you’ll need to submit a nonrefundable deposit.”

“Suppose I was ready to move forward. What would you need from me?” Were those words really coming out of her mouth? This would push her plan ahead by months. No thanks to her car problems, her savings account was almost depleted. But what did Mama Hazel say? Fake it till you make it.

“You’ll need to fill out an application. Provided your credit check goes through, it’s a minimum six-month lease, plus deposit.” Kait pulled out a note card. “You can apply at this website. Make sure you have all your documentation before you start.”

“How much per square foot?” Andre’s deep voice echoed in her empty future shop space. She’d asked him to help pose the right questions and he waited until now? All he wanted to know was the rent? Trixie shot him a look, then smiled broadly at Kait.

“I’m personally funding the shop, so my budget is very tight,” said Trixie. “I don’t want to waste your time if it’s not a good fit.”

“There’re three other shops here, so you all split the rent based on your square footage. Rent for your space would be approximately eight hundred dollars a month plus a five percent commission from all your sales.” Kait looked at Andre. “Yes, I’m trying to help other businesswomen, but I want to make money, too.”

“That sounds too good to be true!” Trixie couldn’t believe it.

“I handpicked all the businesses in here and yours would complement them. Their customers will love your toys.” Kait smiled encouragingly. “It’s a lot of info, so think about, and I’ll call you in a few days.”

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