She's gorgeous. Beyond confident. What is she doing here? She gets what she wants. But never what she needs.

Dave performed his well practiced routine. Look left. Look right. Find someone in the center of the audience and maintain eye contact. Make them feel like this presentation was written just for them. He chose the blonde in the front row, a true bombshell. Like so many others in the room, she was mesmerized.

He talks a lot. But it's interesting. I hate myself. I hate those bitches even more. I'm going to get through this. Just listen to what he says.

Edie stared at Dave, feeling hope for the first time in ages. She wasn't worthless; that's what his speech was telling her. His calm, confident voice had her like a helpless fish on a hook. He didn't have index cards or a laptop, just his own thoughts and philosophies on leading a better life. She was so wrapped up in finding a way to save herself, the thought of giving him the sex eyes hadn't even occurred to her.

She's gorgeous. I like her. I don't want to be alone tonight. She looks like the sexual type. No no no, what would Lila think?

To Dave, Edie looked completely lost. He didn't want to take advantage, but then again...he did. Something about her was pulling him in, giving him unexpected desires. He'd been checking her out, and he hadn't even felt guilty about it. That was new to him.

Is he staring at me? He's staring at me. He wants me. They all want me, always. But only for that one thing. He can't help it, I won't let it affect my view of him as a motivational speaker. I'd totally do him. Maybe in another life...

When she moved away from Fairview, Edie went through a period of self-imposed abstinence. No bars, no clubs, no alcohol, no hookups, no sex of any kind. At least not with a partner. Men had been her weakness and her downfall, and the reason other women hated her. She was learning now, because of Dave, that it didn't matter what other people thought. If she could just learn to love and treasure herself, the respect of others would follow.

Ten more minutes left of my speech. She's going to get in line for an autograph. I'll get to talk to her then. She's going to tell me how great my speech was. I'm a sham. No, don't say that. You're helping people. You can still help yourself.

Dave didn't have to look at his watch. He knew his act that well. He didn't leave time for a question and answer session. He would simply ask his audience to reflect privately on what they learned. Ask your neighbor, he'd say. Learn from each other.

Oh no, he's wrapping it up! I'm not ready for him to go yet. I could sit here for hours just listening to him talk. I'm pathetic. I used to have all the answers. When did I lose the power to make myself happy? I'm going to get it back. Just listen to him speak.

Edie made sure she was the first one to applaud when Dave was done. He smiled and nodded at his audience. She was watching him the entire time, so she aware of every time he looked at her. She wondered if he really was interested, or if it was just part of his presentation to make intense eye contact.

Every autograph I sign is a lie. I'm miserable. I'm halfway to crazy. I daydream about murder and suicide. At least I'm helping others while I fall apart. It can't all be lies if I'm helping people.

Dave switched off the neuroses when he saw Edie approaching the table. She cradled his book in her arms like it was a baby. He could tell she was a special case. Someone broken. Someone worth saving.

This man is a genius. I can't believe how blind I've been. I'm going to tell him how he changed my life. His eyes are amazing. He was right. My bad attitude was causing all of the problems in my life. I'm going to be nicer to people. That will make them nicer to me.

"Who can I make it out to?"

Dave smiled at Edie, and looked up at her with eyes as hard and bright as diamonds. Edie felt like he could see inside of her.

"Edie Britt." she said, enunciating clearly. "Two t's."

"Edie Britt." Dave repeated, so he could memorize it, and to make her feel important. Edie watched him personalize her autograph, and she started a speech of her own.

"Mr. Williams, I just wanted to let you know that your presentation really moved me. I've decided to make some changes in my life, and it's all because of you. You opened my eyes to the truth. So thank you."

Dave stopped writing, and looked her in the eye while he spoke. "Well thank you very much, Edie. That means a lot to me. I'm glad I could help." He smiled again, and closed her copy of his book. "But please," he said as he handed it back to her. "Call me Dave."

Edie smiled back at him, taking the book from his hands.

On the title page Dave had written a phone number and the address of a hotel. Edie's smile faltered, and her shiny new view on life blurred like a Monet.

It's a proposition. That's all he wants. That's all they ever want. I'm a piece of meat to them. Everything he said was for show. I'm going to throw this book in the trash while he watches.

Dave saw the confusion in her face. She didn't understand.

"I'm doing a private seminar this afternoon." Dave explained. "It's full, but if you show up early I'll have them squeeze you in. Just call that number and tell them you're on the list."

So it wasn't his phone number, and it wasn't his address. Edie gulped. She knew she had to make a decision. Let go of her anger and pessimism, or wallow in it forever. She was at the end of her rope. She didn't want to feel desperate anymore. So she decided to trust him.

"Thank you." she said. Her own words made her smile. "I'll be there."