August 13.
As the protagonist of Jerry Maguire, Billy had to be present in every single recording, most of which were close-up shots of him, the main character. Just as with all his performances, Billy poured his heart into each scene; the nightti shoots were the most demanding of all.
Now, the recordings were headed to the Arizona stadium. Billy would have to travel for morning shots. He could see Cuba, who was different from his character; not as intense and stressful as portrayed, but rather calm and sowhat fresh, stretching his body while calmly sampling his food.
Renée Zellweger, on the other hand, was strikingly different. Now a bombshell blonde, with a certain paleness to her complexion and beautiful green eyes that sparkled under the stars. Beyond her physical beauty, there was a relaxed aura about her, living a life different from the typical actress, yet her allure made her distinct.
Caron had sought a star, but none had captivated them. They were looking for soone simple, reflected in seeing her devour a burger, her grey jacket stained with burger remnants, her smile inviting indulgence.
-Damn good, - Renée comnted, sampling T-Box Burgers, which had been refining their burgers over the years, while Cuba ate calmly, oblivious to the taste.
-Thanks, we've been in the market for five years, - Billy comnted, trying his favorite, the recomnded pink sauce with bits of bacon.
-Well, I think I'll eat here every day, - Renée comnted, pausing briefly in thought. -Just when I need to, I have to stick to a diet. -
Everyone was dining at the new branch of T-Box Burgers in Los Angeles, not so new since it was taken over a year ago. Although it was a famous place, it wasn't as renowned as expected. The restaurant had two floors, including a patio with a giant garden for late afternoon dining in the sun, even with self-parking, making it one of the pricier spots. Billy glanced over and noticed paparazzi, as ubiquitous as flies in blessed Los Angeles; a common sight.
-Thanks for inviting us, Billy, - Caron remarked.
-Thanks, Billy, - Janusz Kaminski, the director of photography and one of the team's most voracious eaters, comnted, ordering two burgers, one xican and one breaded chicken, with a side of plum sauce. The potatoes were delicious, with a touch of paprika. The six-dollar burger was a steal, quality, flavor, and price all in one.
The Los Angeles location sold the least but consistently exceeded monthly targets.
-It's really good, - Janusz remarked. -Why didn't I know about this place before? -
He tasted it with a smile on his face, his mustache twitching.
-I think we might need to adjust Janusz's salary completely off, I'm afraid we might need to get a gym and a second job to keep up with his appetite, - Caron replied.
-Is Billy the businessman now? What a fresh idea, artisanal burgers that even vegetarians and vegans can enjoy. I'm surprised you're thinking about this population sector that so establishnts completely overlook, - Renée comnted. They were all seated on the second floor, squeezed together, eating with contained joy.
-That's true, I thought I could only eat fries and soda, but now I'm happy to enjoy lentil burgers... if that's the ingredient, it's fantastic. The fact that I can add egg makes it even more perfect. I'd like to convert other establishnts to this kind of service, - Bonni Hunt replied.
She played Dorothy's sister with her charismatic deanor, always finding a way to make people laugh; she was a codian.
-It's been a headache training people to follow protocols. I an, you need a specially designed pan for these burgers. In the end, we decided to use a special pan to please our audience, and it's beco one of our most popular items, - Billy comnted, echoing Bonni's words. The quality was straightforward, aiming to utilize everything learned from a high-end restaurant combined with simple fare like burgers.
***
Jim Waitt nodded in agreent. They had agreed that Billy would audition for the film "A Ti to Kill." He walked in with the script in hand, knowing he was competing against three other actors. Billy's impressive resu and renowned works were setting him apart, making his na a chosen advertisent for what could proceed to beco a successful film.
Arriving at the hotel in his car, Billy found Caron in the lobby, having drinks. The director seed serious, with a silent and focused deanor that drew everyone's attention as he took a seat at Billy's table.
-Gentlen, - Billy greeted as he sat down. The bar lounge was warm and inviting, with orchestral music softly playing in the background.
-Jim, good to see you, - Billy responded, shaking hands and breaking the trance. Jim's arrival prompted Caron to excuse himself abruptly, leaving the conversation hanging as he headed ho; tomorrow's early morning was going to be tougher for so. Billy preferred to seek refuge at his Los Angeles ho.
-Did I co at a bad ti? - Jim asked.
-Not at all. He was about to leave half an hour ago to see his family, but he delayed it while we talked about this and that. Do you have sothing to tell ? Your coming here usually ans good news, or perhaps bad news, - Billy remarked.
Taking a sip from his whisky on the rocks, the liquid trickling down his lips, both n adjusted their expressions.
-You've got the audition for 'A Ti to Kill,' and 'A Fix.' However, I have so idea that production doesn't have much money. The problem always ends up being your salary. You can ask for a bit less, but I'll try to negotiate around the usual 2 to 3-million range. But it seems we have so favorites in mind for the movie, - Jim Waitt comnted.
He wasn't lying; the casting was active, and there were many vying for the role. Samuel L. Jackson to Sandra Bullock and Kevin Spacey, added to an elegant cast, though the latter two were not confird, their replacents were not lesser, and each actor had soone competing for the role.
-Thanks, Jim. I also heard about your efforts to reconnect. Lux Distribution has new clients knocking at the door, hoping for a distributor who at least gives them a face. We decided to finance distribution and continue with so films, at least to participate in film festivals, - Billy replied.
Seeing how sotis it only takes one person to push, recalibrate a business, and generate more business or necessary agreents, Lux Distribution was only in animated films. Still, now it would take on "The English Patient" and "Jerry Maguire," along with two other independently thed films, approved by Jim Gianopulos and Wanda Franz, the latter now holding a directorial position but having more influence in the television division.
-However, we need to act quickly. Three days, I've already booked your flights. - Jim comnted that shooting from Arizona to Los Angeles is slow, not very fast.
Seeing the role Billy had to play, he couldn't be happier.
-It's going to be a good movie, - Billy comnted.
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