Thanks for all your comments. I'm glad you like the story. Here's chapter three.
"No Strings"
Chapter Three
Theresa yawned as she sat in Candace's office waiting for her to get off the phone. It was just after eight and Candace was talking with the editor for Cosmo discussing Theresa's trip. She smiled at Theresa and said bye before hanging up the phone.
"Well, Leslie thinks you're perfect for the trip. She's gonna call the airlines and book your ticket and set you up in the Beverly Hills Plaza."
"Really? I've heard that's a beautiful hotel. I can't believe I get to stay there."
"Well, believe it girl. Now, the event is mostly during the day, but there are a couple parties that are at night. You will get your press pass sometime this week along with a packet of information. Also, Leslie is gonna leave it up to you to pick your photographer."
"Ooh, I think I'll have to take Garrison. I love working with him." Garrison Thomas was one of the best fashion photographers Cosmopolitan had, as well as Theresa's best friend. He was very cute and Theresa would have gone out with him except for a small problem, he was gay.
"I'll let Leslie know today. And I'll let you tell Garrison."
They talked for a few minutes longer and then Theresa headed back to Harmony. Garrison was coming in to work about noon and she wanted to be back before he showed up.
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When she arrived back in Harmony a light rain was pattering on the windshield. She pulled up in front of her office building and ran up to the door, pulling it open quickly and stepping inside. Just as she was about to relax and wait for Garrison her phone rang.
"Hello, this is Theresa."
"Hello mi hija," she heard her mother say.
"Hi Mama, how are you doing?"
"I'm good. I was just wondering if you wanted to get together for lunch today. I haven't seen you since your birthday party."
"I know Mama and I'm sorry. It's been so busy here lately and then there was Whitney and Chad's wedding yesterday."
"Ah yes, how was it?"
"It was beautiful. The weather was perfect and the two of them looked stunning."
"I'm so glad. So, what do you say about lunch?"
"It sounds terrific. I have to wait for Garrison to show up and tell him something and then I'll meet you at the Lobster Shack. Let's say, quarter to one?"
"Alright mi hija. I'll see you then."
Theresa hung up her phone just as Garrison walked in the door.
"Gar, I have great news."
"Spill it girl."
"We are going to L.A. this weekend for a week!" She quickly told him about the fashion event and waited for his reaction.
Garrison screamed and then ran over to Theresa and grabbed her hands. "Oh my God, I get to go with you?"
Theresa laughed, "Of course. You don't really think I'd leave you alone here while I went to California, do you?"
"I should hope not. Ooh, we can go scoping for hot, tan men." Garrison fanned his face as he thought of it.
"Gar, we're going to be working while we're there," Theresa said, although she had been thinking the exact same thing.
"So, we still have our nights free."
"Well, all except for a couple. There are two parties that take place at night that we have to go to."
"Then I'll just bring a date."
"We'll see Gar. Our press passes and information will be here later on this week and so we can make the rest of our plans from there."
"I can't wait. I'm gonna have to go shopping and get an L.A. wardrobe."
Theresa shook her head at him as he walked out the door to his own office. There was still a while left before she had to meet her mother for lunch, so she got to work on the final touches to her piece for the next month's issue.
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When she got to the Lobster Shack Pilar was already waiting. She walked over and gave her mom a hug before sitting down.
"Hi Mama. Have you been waiting long?"
"Oh, no. I just got her a couple minutes ago."
The waiter came over and took their orders quickly. When he left Theresa turned to Pilar.
"I got the most incredible news last night. Cosmo is sending me to L.A. for a week starting this weekend."
"Oh Theresa, that's fantastic. What's it for?"
"There's this huge fashion gala that I get to cover for the magazine. Garrison's going with me to be my photographer."
"Wow, I can't believe my little girl is going to a big fashion event in L.A. This has been your dream for so long mi hija."
"I know Mama. I couldn't believe it either when I heard the message from Candace last night. And Cosmo's even putting us up in the Beverly Hills Plaza."
"Oh my goodness. That's one of the most expensive hotels in L.A., isn't it?"
"Yeah, I almost had a heart attack when Candace told me."
Their food showed up then and they ate while they talked about Theresa's news. When they finally went their separate ways it was after three. Theresa hurried back to the office to complete her work day.
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