No More Love to Give - Complete

Episode Five

~~~~~Jeriah~~~~~

                Jeriah did not have to look to know Mary's eyes were as round as saucers. When he found out the information himself last night, his were as well. Even now, Miss Faith's works would sell out within two months of hitting store shelves, just about every story becoming an instant hit. She wrote outside the norm, mixing genres into her romance stories that people never thought of before. Each ending was closed enough to make it seem complete, while at the same time, leaving an opening for further works along the same series.

"Miss Faith is a well-rounded and accomplished author worthy to have a movie made out of her first work." Thomas said genuinely, with stars in his eyes for his client. "I've tried to convince her on occasion to allow it, but have always met with resistance."

"Well, what do you think?" Jeriah asked carefully, offering her his best amorous grin. "I would love to make a movie out of your story."

"As much as I appreciate the offer, I am still pretty busy with my two other works." Miss Faith replied with a careful grin. "And I would definitely wish to have a hand in the production."

"But Miss Faith, you..." Mister Addison started with a grim face. "You just submitted two of your works. You should consider this for longer than twenty-four hours."

"I agree, Miss Faith. I would be more than happy to work with your hand in the production. Selecting cast members, crew, everything from a to z." Jeriah said hoping to appeal to her kinder nature. "Take a break from writing and assist me with a movie based on your first book."

                Jeriah watched as their glasses were refilled with more wine before gazing back at Miss Faith. She seemed to be deep in thought, her eyes focused on the view next to them. Most authors would bow out by now, and allow him full creative process, letting it hit theaters before growing annoyed with their work. She however, desired to be a part of the creative process, completely destroying his previous thoughts of her.

"I want in on all processes of this movie." She finally said returning her gaze to him, eyes determined. "And I want to review the script before it's practiced on set. I don't want my fans to be dismayed or upset at how the movie turns out. I want to make sure it meets their expectations, so it will have to meet my own first."

"Perfect!" Jeriah spread his arms in excitement with a broad smile. "Shall we shake on it?"

~~~~~Trinity~~~~~

                Having finished their meal, Trinity stood along with everyone else and shook hands with Mister Coster. Turning to prepare to leave, she was surprised to feel a hand at the small of her back. Looking up at the hand of the owner, she was met with the gaze of blue eyes and a smirk. Mister Coster was only further proving the point to his manager who seemed to be seething behind them, as he led her out of the restaurant to the elevator.

"I must say, Mister Coster, I'm quite surprised at how forward you are." Trinity said knowing she could not refuse his hand out of hate; there were too many eyes. "You must do this often."

"Hm." His expression became thoughtful, as his hand moved to the side of her waist. "You seem to have this innate ability to see right through me, Miss Faith. I do find myself a lover of women."

"Hmph." Miss Emory turned her nose up at his open show, making Trinity feel slightly sorry for her. "Yet you don't seem repulsed at all, Miss Faith."

"It's better to accept the attention. In this instance, since I will be working with Mister Coster, this is good for publicly." Trinity replied trying to meet Miss Emory's eyes. "Don't take it personal. Though, I have to stand firm by what I said last night, Mister Coster. Don't forget it."

                Turning her gaze back to Mister Coster, she frowned at the look in his eyes. Many a man has gazed at her like that. Lust. Once they stepped into the elevator, she felt his hand pull her flush against him, and that only made her feel exasperated. Miss Emory and Thomas were averting their eyes, clearly not willing to step in the middle of the situation, which made her all the more frustrated. As they rode the elevator to the Lobby to leave, Mister Coster started a new conversation.

"So, will you at least drop the Mister, since we will be working together, Miss Faith?" He practically purred into her ear. "Mister was my father, after all."

"If you keep this up, I will revoke my decision to work with you, MISTER Coster." Trinity whispered back, not willing to drag out the pretending to be interested any longer. "I'm sure I can find another director interested in making a movie of Tantalizing Love. And I'm sure they wouldn't sexually harass me either. It doesn't have to be you."

"Oh, you wound me. You flirted so easily earlier, I just assumed you wouldn't be opposed to a night of fun." He said loosening his grip slightly, allowing her room to breathe. "You seem the type."

"Hmph." Trinity met his gaze watching them flicker with desire, and frowned again. "I'm not that type."

                Even though she knew that she was. Trinity did not want people to know how she secretly satisfied herself. As horrible as it was in reality, she made herself unrecognizable, and slept with strangers. For her, there was no such thing as a walk of shame. The partners were willing to sleep with her, anonymously, with protection. No names, no strings. She absolutely refused to sleep with someone she knew. Someone of her status had a name to uphold. This made Trinity turn Mister Coster down flat, not only as a potential partner, but as a lover as well.

"Hmmm." He seemed to think before the elevator reached the lobby, finally releasing her waist. "Well, the offer stands, if you ever change your mind."