I grinned. "Absolutely. I'm always looking for good helpers."
Angela held her hands out to me. "I'll need the boxes to take them to Belle's."
"I can take this for you." They weren't heavy, but I wasn't going to let her carry boxes down the street. My mother raised me to be better than that.
"Okay." Angela opened the door and waved me through.
I waited for her to lock the shop. Then we proceeded down the sidewalk. It was busy today, since it was the last shopping weekend before the holiday.
"It sucks to be closed, but at least I can sell a few things at Belle's."
"I didn't realize you were doing that," I said as we dodged groups of shoppers.
"A few of the shop owners stopped by on Friday and offered to help in any way they can. It was nice."
I hoped that meant she was starting to get to know the other women in town. It would be nice for her to have that support, especially when Bill was giving her a hard time.
When we arrived at the corner, customers were going in and out of Belle's shop which had balloons tied to the door so everyone knew it was open.
Angela opened the door for us, and we went inside. The shelves were lined with books, and there were display tables with books with colored end pages, and even a few knickknacks, including journals, bookmarks, fuzzy socks, and Angela's lingerie.
I set the box on the ground next to the table.
Angela immediately opened it and got to work restocking the panties and bras. I didn't feel comfortable touching the lacy things while customers milled about.
There were lace panties with different holiday designs in red and green. But it was the solid red I kept coming back to. It reminded me of what Angela wore during the photoshoot. It was daring and sexy.
Belle came over to us, her hands pressed together. "Thanks for bringing more items. They were so popular."
"I'm surprised they're selling so well in a bookstore. Grateful but surprised," Angela added.
Ayla drifted away to look at a few snow globes where the snow moved continuously.
"People were upset that your shop is closed. I gave a few your website address, but maybe you should have business cards made, so I can hand them out."
"Oh, that's a great idea," Angela said.
"You've made quite an impression in the short time you've been here. A few women said your thongs are the most comfortable they've ever worn."
Angela's cheeks flushed pink, and I was fixated on her reaction. "I only stock sexy and comfortable items."
Now my mind was whirring with questions. How did she know they were comfortable? Did she try on a bunch of different items? I desperately wanted to be part of this decision-making process.
Belle smiled. "You should put it on your website. In the About section."
Angela scoffed. "I haven't even written that yet. There's so many things to do, and I'm loving every minute of it."
"You're a saleswoman at heart." Belle's gaze flicked to mine. "Thanks for bringing her things by, Hudson."
I inclined my head slightly. "No problem. Always happy to help. This place looks great."
"Thank you. I'm excited it's finally open. This has been my dream forever." Then she sighed. "I have to help Ansel with the line." Belle moved toward the counter to help check out customers.
"I'm going to check on Ayla," I told Angela.
Angela nodded distractedly, and I moved to where Ayla stood admiring the snow globes. "You like these?"
"The snow moves on its own. I have a snow globe, but I have to shake it to get the snow to move."
