[Chapter 757: Just Have to Sit in the Steps]
With only twenty minutes until the show began, backstage was a whirlwind of activity. Crew mbers were busy with final confirmations over their headsets, and the Victoria's Secret Angels had started waiting in the wings. As Eric walked into the backstage area, he was quickly approached by Emily, Edward Razek, and Michael Bay, among others. The surrounding Victoria's Secret Angels greeted Eric warmly.
Seeing everyone clustering around him, Eric waved his hands and said, "You all keep busy; we can chat at the party later."
Everyone had plenty to do, and their gathering was due to Eric's special status. Upon hearing Eric's words, Edward Razek and Michael Bay nodded and headed back to their workstations, leaving only Emily behind.
Eric scanned the room and noticed five young n in their twenties about to take the stage. He asked Emily, "Is that the Backstreet Boys?"
After Firefly Records decided to go with the Teen-pop route, they poached the JIVE Records team, who had initially created superstars like the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears. Coincidentally, Barry Weiss, the CEO of JIVE Records who had recently jumped from Sony, brought along a batch of newly recruited talent, which included none other than the Backstreet Boys, who had helped solidify Teen-pop's global success.
Emily followed Eric's gaze and nodded, saying, "Yeah, they've been doing really well since they dropped their single in September. They'll be performing a new song tonight. If you have any questions, Barry Weiss should be in the main lobby."
Eric shook his head with a smile, replying, "No need, just curious. I don't want to talk shop tonight."
Emily pointed at a makeup area filled with Angels. "In that case, feel free! I have a ton to do, and your favorites are over there. But no funny business until after the show ends."
Feigning discontent, Eric replied, "Are you questioning my professionalism?"
"Of course not," Emily responded, shaking her head with a smile, her tone serious, "I'm questioning your character."
Eric shrugged in feigned exasperation. "Fine, I give up. I guess I'll just go hang out in the main lobby then."
As Emily was about to leave, she said, "But I didn't save you a seat."
"Ah, that's a bit much, isn't it?"
"You were the one who ntioned on the phone that you might be too busy," Emily said, winking, then added, "But hey, you can sit on the steps in the aisle."
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"That's settled then," Emily nodded to herself, pleased with her quick thinking, saying, "Besides, no one else would be allowed to sit on the stairs. You get special treatnt due to your status."
After saying this, Emily's intercom beeped, and she quickly spoke into the mic, then waved goodbye to Eric as she rushed off.
Eric wasn't the type to seek the spotlight. The thought of sitting alone on the aisle steps felt awkward to him. He wished he had a companion; two people would be less conspicuous. Unfortunately, he was on his own that night. Drew and Amy Pascal returned to Los Angeles a few days ago after completing discussions on the stock pricing adjustnt with Morgan Stanley. Chris, who was Emily's boyfriend, was supposed to attend but flew to San Francisco the day before to address so issues at the R&D center for MP3 players and e-book readers. Virginia and Joanna would never accompany him to an event like this.
...
As he pondered in boredom, Eric headed towards the makeup area. As a special representative, Linda and her friends had their own privileges, occupying a row of makeup stations. At the mont, only Linda, Tyra Banks, and Diane Kruger were present, while Cindy Crawford prepared to kick off the show and Christy Turlington was set to close it.
"Hey, ladies, you all look gorgeous tonight," Eric greeted, gently hugging the three won and nodding at the surrounding Angels.
The won's makeup took four hours to perfect; the nervous makeup artist nearby clearly worried that Eric might accidentally ruin their looks.
After Eric settled into the empty seat next to Diane Kruger, Linda played with her eyebrow pencil and curiously asked, "Eric, I asked Emily, and she said you weren't coming tonight?"
"I thought it would be a sha not to see this big show in person, so here I am," Eric smiled, admiring Diane's radiant face frad by her blonde hair, and inquired, "How's shooting going?"
Diane Kruger nodded, softly saying, "I didn't do very well, but Director Fincher is incredibly patient, and everyone has been looking out for ."
When Gwyneth Paltrow turned her nose up at a minor role in Se7en, Eric had casually passed the lead role to Diane Kruger. Now, Se7en had already wrapped and was in post-production with Firefly setting a release date for Easter next year.
Eric advised, "Make sure to find more roles to practice your craft. You have the perfect vibe for a working woman, so don't rush into the film industry. There's plenty of ti after you turn
25."
"Sure, I'll take your advice," Diane Kruger nodded obediently.
Linda, overhearing their conversation, chid in with a grin, "Eric, which type of female character do you think suits my vibe best?"
"Your vibe is more suited for being a loyal model, or maybe guest-starring as a reality show
host."
"Sounds like jealousy; People used to say I had the aura of a Hollywood golden age star." "Yeah, but unfortunately, that golden age has passed, never to return."
"Humph."
While they were chatting, the lobby music started playing. Eric recognized the familiar sound, glancing at his watch -- only ten minutes remained before the show would officially start.
As the music played, a staff mber rushed over, saying, "Miss Kruger, Miss Banks, it's
almost ti. You need to change."
Both won nodded and stood up.
With the row of makeup tables now empty, Linda, evidently excited, moved a bit closer to Eric and whispered, "Eric, I bought an apartnt in Greenwich Village. The real estate agent said it belonged to an artist -- it's beautiful. Do you want to co see it tonight?"
Eric joked, "I'm more into simple, modern style hos. I don't think I'd appreciate an artist's
place."
Linda playfully slapped Eric's arm, "Are you coming or not? If not..."
Eric narrowed his eyes, "Oh, what are you planning?"
"I'm inviting Cindy back ho with tonight," she said.
"Sure, just send a box of tapes tomorrow. I love those edge-of-the-seat types of films."
Linda tugged at Eric's sleeve, looking impatient, "Are you coming or not? If you're not..."
"Alright, fine," Eric said, adjusting Linda's notion slightly but nodding in agreent. "Then it's settled; you can't invite any other won tonight."
"Fine, I promise."
Just then, the lobby music stopped, and it appeared the official event was about to start. Linda looked at Eric, who remained rooted in place. "Aren't you going to go to the front?"
"Well, here's the thing -- Emily didn't save a seat."
"Ah, ha-ha," Linda chuckled in surprise, sensing everyone around them was stirring back to
life. As the music resud, knowing the show had begun, she waved over her makeup artist to check her look, then said to Eric, "I need to go get into my costu soon. I have a beautiful pair of big wings tonight, but it's too bad you won't get to see them."
With a smile, Eric said, "No worries, I can catch you another ti."
"Humph! Bad guy; you're definitely thinking sothing bad."
After quickly touching up her makeup, Linda stood up and headed towards the dressing room.
...
As the lobby music played on, Eric listened to familiar voices and lodies. Although the Backstreet Boys weren't the most conventionally handso group, their voices held the enchanting quality that young girls adored.
Apart from various makeup tools on the table, so boxes containing fruit salad and chocolates were present. For that night's big show, the Victoria's Secret Angels had undergone over two months of body training, and in the days leading up to the event, they had been on a diet. Not to ntion the incredibly heavy angel wings, the high-energy atmosphere during the show was exhausting, so starting last year, Eric had made sure to have small snacks prepared for the Angels, and this year was no exception.
Popping a chocolate into his mouth, Eric contemplated whether he could find a spot to watch the performance from the photographer's area at the end of the runway. Just then, he caught a whiff of sothing, and a woman wearing a specially designed pink Victoria's Secret robe sat
down next to him.
"Hi, Eric."
Turning his head, Eric recalled the woman and smiled, extending his hand, "Hi, Stephanie.
You look stunning tonight."
The woman in front of him was Stephanie Seymour, who had unexpectedly replaced Heidi Klum last year. Eric rembered she was likely married to publishing mogul Peter Grant now, but he hadn't expected her to be at the Victoria's Secret Show this year.
"Thanks for the complint, Eric," Stephanie Seymour smiled, nodding, her gaze lingering
on Eric.
Feeling sowhat uncomfortable under her stare, Eric thought that such looks usually ca from n to won.
"How's Peter doing? I'm sorry I couldn't attend your wedding."
"He's right in the lobby; we're doing well," Stephanie Seymour replied.
"Oh, that's good," Eric responded, glancing around the room. "Looks like everyone is getting
ready." "Yeah," Stephanie's expression shifted slightly, hinting at so reluctance. "But I'm only walking for the finale the, so there's no need to worry."
From her deanor, Eric could sense so underlying tension.
As a publishing tycoon, Peter Grant was worth over a billion, and given his age and conservative personality, it was likely that he might hold reservations about his wife participating in such a provocative show. It seed Stephanie Seymour's only role in the show tonight might have been a compromise with Peter Grant.
Bored with the conversation, Eric realized he didn't have much to discuss with Stephanie
Seymour. Not only was she a mother, but she was also quite a fierce woman. Eric recalled how she once sued the lead singer of Guns N' Roses for damages relating to her youth -- he wasn't interested in getting caught up with soone like that.
Seeing that Stephanie Seymour didn't seem ready to leave, Eric pushed the box of chocolate-
covered treats towards her, asking, "Want so?"
"Thanks," Stephanie Seymour gracefully took a chocolate, sucking on it slowly with a hint of
flirtation in her gaze.
With his misgivings rising, Eric looked around. Most people were busy, seemingly unaware of what was unfolding between him and Stephanie. But from a makeup artist who imdiately feigned searching for sothing the mont Eric glanced her way, he knew that many eyes
were on them.
Not wanting any wild rumors to spread, he said, "Okay, Stephanie, I think you should go prepare. Even if it's just one the, it deserves your full attention."
"Don't worry, Eric. I won't ss it up," Stephanie Seymour said after swallowing her
chocolate. "By the way, Eric, Peter and I are hosting a family gathering tomorrow, and I was wondering if you'd like to co?"
Eric shook his head. "I'm sorry, Stephanie, but I have to head back to Los Angeles tomorrow."
"Oh, that's too bad," Stephanie Seymour said, expressing just the right amount of regret. She realized that opportunities to connect with him would be hard to co by. Even at the afterparty in an hour, Eric would likely be surrounded by people.
After slightly rephrasing her words, Stephanie Seymour added, "Actually, Eric, I heard that Lifeti is preparing a new drama series with four female leads. Do you think there's a
suitable role for ?"
*****
spatreon/Sayonara816.
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