I was walking down a busy street in New York City. The hustle and bustle a far and distant cry from my own corn-shucking surroundings. Knowing that everything was an option for me now, I went walking down Broadway hoping for the off chance that I might bump into someone worthwhile. I had dressed comfortably, but more revealingly than I would have normally done. I wore a thigh length skirt that hugged my derriere and a deep purple blouse that revealed a great expanse of cleavage from my more than ample breasts. I walked down the street oblivious to anything around me. My purse started to slip a little off my shoulder and as I reached to put it back where it belonged, I felt a hand yank the strap harshly. A man wearing jeans and a blue hoodie was running away with everything I had.
“STOP HIM!!!! HE STOLE MY PURSE!!!”
I tried to run after him, but my shoes were not made for running. In my haste to try and catch up to the thief, I ran smack into back of a man trying to get into his limo. We tumbled into a heap on the sidewalk and as he stood up I burst forth a torrent of tears.
“Are you okay, miss? I heard a deep voice resonate in my ear. “You took quite a tumble.”
He helped me up off the ground and steadied me. I leaned back against the limo and told him that everything I had was in that bag. I just got to town and didn’t even have a place to stay.
“My ID, my clothes and all my money were in that bag. What am I going to do now? I’m stuck in a big city where I don’t know anyone. I should never have left Texas. At least there the cows don’t try to mug you and if one of them knocks you over, you know it was an accident.”
“My name is James. James Marsters. Now at least you know one person in New York.”
At the mention of his name, I looked up. I knew that voice had sounded familiar and now I knew why. James Marsters was one of my fantasy play dates back in Texas. I was completely caught off guard. I didn’t want to seem like one of those kooky fans that gawked and fawned all over him. In a split second I decided to pretend that I didn’t know him and see where it would take me.
“My name is Sarah Stephenson. It’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry for running you over. I was distracted.”
“I gathered that. Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Oh sure. I’m fine. Just a little shaken up is all.”
“You already said you didn’t know anyone here, but do you have family back home that can help you out?”
“Not really. They kinda disowned me when I said I was moving to New York.”
“Bitten by the acting bug?”
“Oh no. I’m not pretty enough to be an actress. I came here because I wanted to be a writer.”
“Well, if I’m not being too forward and if you don’t mind, I’d like to take you to lunch. Maybe we can figure out something for you to do by the time dessert comes around.” “Oh, I couldn’t impose like that. I’m sure you have a lot of things to do today.”
“Nonsense. I just got out of an audition and could use the company.”