Thanks for your comments. I'm so glad you're enjoying the story. Here's chapter five.

"No Strings"

Chapter Five

The following afternoon Theresa headed to lunch. The morning had been full of interviews and pictures with the models and designers and now she was starving. She could have called Pat to take her somewhere, but she wanted to stay close so she just walked to the nearest restaurant. Garrison had met a photographer friend of his and they were getting together for lunch. They had asked Theresa to join them, but she declined, so she was on her own.

She came upon a small bistro and headed inside. "Good afternoon, how many in your party?" the hostess asked.

"Just myself."

"No problem, right this way." The hostess led her to a small table right by the front window. "Is this okay?"

"Perfect, thank you." She took the menu and perused over it before deciding on a seafood salad. Her waitress came over almost as soon as she set her menu down.

After placing her order she sipped her wine and looked out the window. She heard the door jingle as someone came in and the hostess asked the person if they wanted their usual table. Theresa felt the breeze as they walked by and glanced up. She was surprised when she saw who it was. Sitting three tables over from where she sat was the guy she had checked out the night before.

At that moment her lunch arrived and she thanked the waitress. She was in the middle of chewing when a shadow came over her. She looked up and saw it was the guy.

"Hi, would you mind if I joined you?" he asked flashing her a smile.

Theresa's body heated up. 'My god he's even more gorgeous up close.' She quickly swallowed her food and answered. "Uh, sure, I guess."

"Thanks." He signaled to let the waitress know he had moved and then sat down. "I saw you on the Pier last night."

"Yeah, I saw you too. I was going to ask you to dance, but you left too soon."

"Oh, really? Wouldn't your boyfriend have gotten mad?"

Theresa laughed, "Gar is not my boyfriend."

"You sure? You two seemed pretty close last night."

"I'm positive. If Gar was to be anyone's boyfriend, he'd be yours. Garrison is gay."

"Oops, sorry."

"No problem. We get asked that all the time because we're always together and we're really close."

The waitress came back with his food and then left. They were silent for a moment until Theresa spoke up. "You know, we still don't know each other's names."

"You're right, we don't. My name's Fox."

"I'm Theresa. How on earth did you get Fox for a name?"

"It's a nickname, actually. I haven't gone by my real name since I was a little kid."

"Ah, I see. Do you live in L.A.?"

"Yeah, for the last couple years anyway. How about you?"

"Nope, I live in a small town in Massachusetts. I'm actually here for a week for my job. I'm a fashion writer for Cosmopolitan magazine and there's a huge fashion thing going on here."

"Really? I was invited to one of the parties but wasn't planning on going. I think I'm gonna have to go now," he said with a smile.

They talked for a while longer in the restaurant and then Fox walked Theresa back to the convention center. She handed him her business card with her cell phone number on it and told him to call her anytime.

Theresa watched Fox walk away and didn't notice that Garrison had come up beside her. "Rees, what are you doing with him? Isn't that the same guy from the concert last night?"

"Hey Gar, yes, it is him. I went to lunch at this bistro down the street and he just happened to be eating there too."

"Lucky dog. I didn't meet anyone on my lunch break."

"Sorry Gar, guess you just don't have what it takes," she said with a laugh. They threaded their arms together and walked back into the convention center.

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The rest of the afternoon was spent doing even more interviews. By the time Theresa got back to her hotel room it was close to six and she was exhausted. She called and ordered a chicken pasta dish from room service and sat down in a big armchair.

While she waited for her food she got on her laptop and went to No Strings. There was a message there from Natalie.

To: Theresa

From: Natalie

Subject: L.A. Men

Hey Theresa, just wanted to check and see on your progress for your Man To Do. I'm having a little luck with mine. Met this total hottie at the gym today and gave him my number. A little presumptuous, I know, but damn girl, he was fine. I'm waiting patiently by the phone hoping to hear from him. Wish me luck. Talk to you later.

Love and kisses,

Natalie

Theresa wrote a quick message for Natalie and the other girls about her day.

To: Natalie, Megan and April

From: Theresa

Subject: L.A. Man To Do

Okay girls, I think I have found my man. I saw him last night when Garrison and I went out dancing on the pier, but he left before I could talk to him. He is so gorgeous. Tan, toned, blonde and tall. Then, today for lunch I was at a little bistro and who should walk in? Him, of course. He remembered me from last night and we ate lunch and talked. His name is Fox (nickname) and he's been living in L.A. for around two years. He is so nice and even more good looking up close. He has these deep brown eyes that just make you melt and a smile that outshines the L.A. lights. I gave him my card and told him to call me anytime while I'm here. God, I hope he does.

Oh, and good luck with your man Nat. He is one lucky guy to have such a babe chasing after him. I haven't heard from you other ladies about your Man To Do; I hope you're not dropping out.

My food's here, so I'll check back later.

Hugs and kisses,

Theresa

Theresa shut down her computer and went to answer the door. The room service waiter brought the tray in and Theresa handed him a five dollar tip. Once he left she took the plate to her small table and ate her dinner while she watched TV.

She was just deciding on whether or not to take a shower when her cell phone rang. Although she didn't recognize the number on the caller id she answered anyways.

"Hello."

"Hi, is this Theresa?"

"Yes it is. Who's this?"

"Hey Theresa, this is Fox."

Theresa smiled when he said his name. "Hey Fox. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

"Well, I remembered that you said you wanted to ask me to dance last night but I left too soon, so I was wondering if you wanted to go out to a club tonight."

"Yeah, definitely, sounds like fun. What time?"

"How about I pick you up at the hotel in say, two hours?"

"Perfect. That gives me enough time to freshen up."

"Great. Oh, and Garrison can come too."

"That's nice of you to offer, but he's out with a buddy of his."

"Well then I guess I'll just see you in two hours."

"Okay, see you then." She hung up the phone and then dashed into the bedroom. She rummaged through her clothes in the closet until she found the perfect outfit for tonight. A skintight red dress with a halter style neckline that ended mid-thigh. She found her red strappy sandals and then headed into the bathroom for a shower.


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