Xander's Chance

The clicking of the camera drew Jessi's attention. Laurencio was taking her picture.

"No, none of that," she said and held up her hand. "I'm a temp."

"You've got a glowing aura. He's trying to capture it," Xander said from across the living area.

"You've got a glowing aura. I'm trying to capture it," Laurencio repeated.

How bizarre. "Um, thanks. But, no." She kept her hand up.

"Don't waste good film on someone who buys her clothes at an outlet mall," Toni said to Laurencio. "Come on. I'm wearing my bikini under this." These words were addressed to Xander.

I'm not going to last two days, Jessi grated to herself. She tried to hang back, but Xander motioned for her to follow them. Grudgingly, she went to the opened doors opposite her that led directly onto the beach.

Gerry waited for her. Toni was hanging off Xander while Laurencio snapped a flurry of pictures. Jessi stopped to take off her sandals as she trailed them onto the beach. Gerry walked beside her.

"So, where you from?" he asked.

"Northern California. It's like a whole different country."

"I bet! I'm from Nebraska originally. Moved here to pursue my acting career."

"You're an actor?"

"Someday. I've had a few bit parts and been in a rut for awhile."

"How is that possible?" she exclaimed. "You have problems dating and can't get an acting job?"

"It takes connections for both around here," he said. "I'm a dime a dozen. The girls all want to date people with money or family who can get them places."

"That's stupid," she replied. "If you need a short, fat date for something, call me."

"You're not short or fat!"

Her eyes went to Toni, who had stripped off her shirt. "Um, yeah, I am."

She was feeling insecure, and for good reason. Xander's comments about her rear end did nothing to help, though she gave him credit for trying.

Jessi and Gerry stopped to watch as Laurencio's assistant set up a tripod. The photographer coached Xander how to stand. When happy, he snapped pics. Toni watched, her hungry gaze taking in every part of Xander. It got worse when Xander removed his shirt. Toni was almost prancing with her excitement to get close to him.

Jessi saw what Toni saw, but she wasn't going to drop at Xander's feet. She exchanged a look with Gerry before her eyes went past him to the group of three women watching nearby. All wore similar dreamy expressions to Toni's.

"Am I the only one with any sort of self-respect?" Jessi asked.

"Or maybe you're immune to his … charm," Gerry said with a grin. "I haven't known him long, but I see this happen wherever he goes."