Chapter 382: Chapter 383: Not a Coincidence
[Chapter 383: Not a Coincidence]
Stretching over ten kilometers between the 101 and 405 Freeways in Los Angeles, Sunset Boulevard was lined with countless neighborhoods. Among them were sprawling mansion estates of several acres, as well as tightly packed ordinary villa districts. This area later became renowned as Beverly Hills, home to numerous Hollywood stars.
As the year drew to a close, Firefly's affairs became increasingly hectic. To save time, Eric decided against returning to his place. Even though the traffic might have been good, driving from Burbank to Malibu would still take over an hour. Therefore, after returning from New York, Eric spent most of his time in Beverly Hills.
Although he hadn't quite achieved some grand or seedy goal of having a hideaway anywhere in Los Angeles, he still had several places to stay in Beverly Hills.
With his eyes opening, Eric inhaled the faint fragrance in the bedroom, feeling compelled to take a deep breath. The curtains were drawn tightly, and the room remained somewhat dim, but it was already 7:30. After a brief moment of drowsiness, he quickly sat up to dress and freshen up.
Hearing his movements, Joanna Pacula, who was making breakfast, turned her head just as Eric wrapped his arms around her waist. She lifted her chin slightly, offering a smile, "Good morning, Eric."
Eric gently caressed her waist, snugly embraced by her knitted skirt, and leaned down to kiss her at the corner of her lips. "Morning. Why aren't you wearing an apron? You'll get your clothes dirty."
"Just be careful, and it'll be fine," Joanna replied, lightly patting Eric's wandering hand on her waist. "I'm making breakfast! The newspaper is on the coffee table in the living room; you can read it a bit, and then we can eat."
Eric was about to tease her further when he heard a sudden urgent ringing sound from the living room -- it was his mobile phone ringing.
"Doesn't anyone let a guy relax in the morning?" Eric muttered under his breath as he walked out of the kitchen to answer the call. It was Elisabeth informing him about a screening of Dance With Wolves in Century City that morning.
After hanging up, Eric didn't return to disturb Joanna, who was still working on breakfast. He opened the newspaper on the coffee table and started reading. Once Joanna finished preparing breakfast, Eric took a copy of the Los Angeles Times into the dining area.
As she sat down across from him after serving breakfast, he spoke up, "Joanna, Thanksgiving is next month. Would you move to Malibu and spend it with me?"
Joanna looked up, saying, "I want to go back to Poland for New Year's."
Poland had been in turmoil for years, and Joanna had virtually immigrated to America as a refugee. After the changes in Eastern Europe, Poland's political situation had barely stabilized last year, but Eric still felt concerned. "How about waiting another two years? It's still chaotic over there."
Joanna shook her head. "I can't wait any longer. I haven't seen my parents in almost ten years. I received a photo a month ago, and... they've aged."
Hearing the deep sadness in her tone, Eric didn't press the matter further. Ten years was indeed far too long for a lonely woman abroad. He suddenly reflected on his own situation. He wasn't sure if he considered himself an outcast.
"Then let me arrange for a few people to accompany you back," Eric suggested after a moment of contemplation.
Just as Joanna opened her mouth to protest, Eric added, "Don't refuse. It won't do you any good -- you're going back with them."
"You always do this," she quietly complained, her tone neutral, showing no signs of anger.
In late October in Los Angeles, morning temperatures had dropped to around ten degrees. After breakfast, Joanna took Eric's coat, watching as he put it on, and helpfully buttoned it for him, just like a caring wife.
Eric stepped into the yard and opened the car door. Seeing the reluctant look on Joanna's face, he stepped forward and embraced this gentle woman, with a nature as fluid as water. "Don't be like that. It's my oversight. I didn't realize that Twister wouldn't start filming until next year. How about I have your agent help you select a project? That way, you won't be too bored."
"No, I really enjoy this quiet life," Joanna quickly shook her head, then quietly asked, "Are you coming over tonight?"
"Of course. I'll be here to keep you company until you go back to Poland," Eric assured her without skipping a beat.
Her voice finally lit up with some excitement. "Then I'll make you something nice tonight! I enrolled in a cooking class recently."
Eric chuckled and teased, "Let's hope I'm not your test subject."
...
Joanna's villa was less than five kilometers from Fox's headquarters in Century City. Since several of the tall buildings there were owned by Fox, Eric arrived quickly, parked his car, and headed toward the office building he was scheduled to visit.
As he neared the entrance, a slender figure in a khaki trench coat ran toward him. "Eric! You really came today!"
It was Jennifer Connelly. Surprised, Eric embraced the startled actress and asked, "Jen, what are you doing here?"
Connelly linked her arm through his and smiled brightly, "The crew for Hot Shots! told me I needed to do some voiceover work, so I came over. The director just mentioned you would be here today too."
Feeling a bit unsettled, Eric knew who directed Hot Shots!, but they had never met in person. Before he could ponder further, he noticed the sudden flashes of camera lights coming from behind a nearby van.
Joanna lived in a gated community with multiple exits, and since Eric was cautious, he realized the paparazzi couldn't have followed him from there, leaving only one possibility: they must have been waiting nearby for a chance.
Since celebrities frequently passed through Fox's headquarters, it made sense for them to stake out there, but Eric still felt the coincidence was too uncanny.
Pulling Connelly swiftly into the office building, he carefully studied her unsuspecting, innocent face and quickly pieced together what was happening. This clueless trophy was clearly being used.
From their earlier phone conversations, Eric already knew that Hot Shots! was set for release on November 16, with less than three weeks to go until then. The trailers had already started making the rounds. How could they possibly still need voiceovers?
With Eric's 30% investment in this project, Fox had been eager to have him credited as a producer. This way, they could leverage his name for marketing purposes. The recent success of his films didn't just bring in huge profits; it also bolstered his reputation among audiences. Nowadays, many fans would develop a keen interest in a movie simply because it was associated with him, requiring minimal promotion. This kind of reputation was as powerful as a star's box office draw, translating into substantial financial benefits.
*****
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