Chapter 101: Chapter 101: Stepping Out of Line
[Chapter 101: Stepping Out of Line]
"Eric, you're really something else. I noticed that assistant's suit didn't fit well, but I never imagined all that you just mentioned," Virginia commented, leaning closer.
"Oh, it's nothing," Eric replied casually. "It's just a matter of cultivating the habit of observation and thought. Besides, I've always liked reading Sherlock Holmes novels."
"Then," Virginia said, tilting her chin up with a teasing smile, "Mr. Holmes, have you noticed any changes in me?"
"I noticed right away. The hair color looks fantastic; I really like it," Eric remarked, running his fingers through her newly dyed golden-brown hair.
"That's not very sincere! You sound like you're forcing it. I spent hours getting my hair done!" she pouted a little.
Eric leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Alright, we won't talk about that anymore. How's the script you've been working on?"
"I've been really focused on it these days, but Mr. Kepler doesn't have much faith in me. He thinks the role might be wasted on me. If they cast an Oscar-level actress, like Meryl Streep or Jodie Foster, perhaps they could breathe more life into the story. I'm a bit worried about whether I can do this role justice. Eric, aren't you preparing a new film? How about I try for a role in that?" Virginia asked, gazing at him with eager eyes.
"Alright, let's skip this other project," Eric said with a subtle smile. "I actually have a part for a female Interpol agent that would be perfect for you."
Virginia had only been testing the waters, not expecting such a quick agreement from him. She asked in disbelief, "Really?"
Eric nodded. "Of course, but I need to make it clear that my next film is a heavily male-centric piece. The two women in it are barely considered supporting roles, and they'll only have a few shots."
"Ah..." Virginia's mouth fell open, momentarily speechless.
What a leap! For actresses in Hollywood, still struggling at the bottom, even a few seconds of screen time in Eric's new film was worth fighting for, especially since they'd get to work alongside major stars like Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks. Just half a month ago, if Virginia could have landed Eric's recent offer, she would have been over the moon.
But things had changed. She had a better opportunity lined up: playing the lead in an exciting script, and yet she was choosing to give that up for a role that only featured a couple of throwaway shots. Suddenly, Virginia felt as if she might burst into tears.
What to do now? Should she confess to Eric that she regretted her earlier decision and wanted to take that horror film? Given his sharp and domineering nature, he might just turn on her.
Smack--
A sharp sound brought Virginia back from her worries, igniting a stinging pain in her behind. She looked up to find Eric sporting a teasing grin. In that moment, she realized that her little schemes had not escaped his notice. But the good news was, he didn't seem angry.
"Regretting it now?" he asked.
"Eric, I'm sorry, I was wrong. I promise I won't do it again," Virginia quickly blurted as she slid down off the couch, kneeling on the carpet beside him. She tilted her head up, offering her prettiest smile. She knew Eric loved when women put themselves in this position, so she didn't hesitate.
Eric playfully squeezed her smooth cheek. "If you're not too bright, it's better to be straightforward and grounded. Don't be greedy; otherwise, you'll face dire consequences. And don't think of me as some young punk to charm; you might have ten years on me in physical age, but I'm at least a decade ahead of you mentally. Even Jeffrey and Kepler think I'm their contemporary."
"Uh-huh," Virginia nodded like a chick pecking for grain.
"Since we're on the subject, it's better to lay things out plainly to avoid you making foolish choices," Eric continued. "There's no future for us. If you're willing to be my woman, I'll support your career as much as I can. But if you ever grow tired of it and want to settle down, just let me know, and I'll set you free. Until then, if I find out you've been unfaithful to me, that would be considered a serious betrayal. So please, don't go there."
Eric didn't explicitly mention what would happen if she broke that promise, but Virginia caught a fleeting chill in his eyes. She stumbled for words, clumsily assuring him, "Eric, I would never do that!"
"Just remember to respect the boundaries," Eric said, pulling her onto his lap. He leaned in, inhaling her captivating scent, and whispered softly in her ear, "Prepare well for the script. With your acting, a little effort might make this story really shine. If you hit it big, a few nominations aren't out of the realm of possibility."
"Hmm..." she hummed a sultry note in response.
Gradually, the two fell silent. Virginia, familiar with Eric's personality, passively allowed him to take the reins.
He shifted the coffee table away slightly to create enough space before guiding her to lean over it.
They hadn't touched their dinner, instead spending hours wrestling together deep into the night. Eventually, Eric dozed off first; men always wore out more easily than women did. Under the faint light of the bedside lamp, Virginia lay on her side, wide awake, gazing at the little man beside her. She hesitated, extending a finger to trace along his prominent nose, but then retracted it. Waking him up might lead to more trouble.
"What kind of person are you?" she finally sighed after a long moment, then a sly smile crept onto her face as a thought struck her. "And to think you say you're not a young punk. Hmph."
*****
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