The nights in California, at certain times of the year, were simply perfect. Though the midday heat could be unbearable, by late afternoon, you could enjoy the coastal breezes and the dry atmosphere. The winds came in from the coast, and it was refreshing to watch the sky. You could sit on the grass under a fabric blanket, read a book, and maybe even stay out until seven or eight when the sun dipped below the horizon and the chill set in.
-It’s a fantastic novel,- commented Winona, engrossed in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Monica nodded; they had both bought the same book and were reading it in their downtime. They settled into their reading while Billy, equally absorbed, was busily sketching his new concepts. His fingers moved swiftly, crafting designs for Mortal Engines, rapidly producing illustrations—perhaps it would be the first title published by Lux Comics. For him, there was a unique satisfaction in setting aside time to flesh out twenty drawings at the very least, bringing the world to life one sketch at a time.
What made Mortal Engines so intriguing was how every element fit together, forming a dystopian world where cities devour each other, and life as we know it is entirely different. Society is fractured, and people live with the faintest hope of seeing the sky unpolluted, without breathing in the decay of their surroundings.
-Billy, my love, shall we go to that famous steakhouse on the boulevard?- Monica asked.
-Of course! Should we make a reservation?- Billy replied.
-Steak,- Winona repeated with mild surprise at Monica’s choice. Though not averse to meat, she preferred simpler dishes with chicken or salmon, perhaps a salad with a special dressing—tartar sauce was her favorite, particularly with a glass of white wine.
-Oh, darling, I’m sure they’ll have some salads you can enjoy,- Monica reassured her.
-Let’s make the reservation and check the menu,- Winona replied. Both women enjoyed nighttime outings, especially with Billy’s reputation. As a well-known restauranteur and investor, he was a familiar name around California, where he owned six popular eateries across the state.
Billy finished writing his story, ready to send it by fax for someone to type up in Word. Then he could turn his focus to Hunter x Hunter, one of his favorite series. He admired the subtlety of each frame and the way every detail worked together yet stood apart, giving a vivid impression.
-I heard you’re involved with Titanic,- Winona remarked as Monica spoke on the phone, checking on the restaurant.
-That’s right—rumors travel fast in Hollywood,- Billy replied.
-Ahaha, you know how it is; it’ll always be that way,- Winona laughed. -Though rumor has it you tried to buy a stake in Paramount, which was reluctant at first but later decided to strengthen its production, using you as a success symbol. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword, isn’t it?-
-Oh, I’m nowhere near failing—at least, not yet,- Billy said, adjusting his casual suit and taking a deep breath.
-It’s a bit nerve-wracking, being part of something so risky,- Winona admitted.
-It’s going to be Hollywood’s next mega-production. Imagine something that sets a new standard—a defining moment, a beacon that will shine forever,- Billy replied, sighing. It was hard to put into words how magnificent it would be, a twist in history that would last an eternity.
-You’re making me want to act in it—just to be part of Titanic, - Winona said, struck by Billy’s vision for the film.
-We’ve got everything set up with Cameron; the finalists are on set,- Billy said. -But when a project worthy of you comes along, I’ll let you know. It would be great to see you in something like The English Patient. I’m curious about how the industry will react this year.-
-Noted-” Winona nodded. -I’ve also been talking with my agents, and there’s a chance I could be in the next James Bond. I think being a Bond girl could be significant if the role is strong. I’ve asked for a role that’s both. -
Billy’s eyes widened—he hadn’t expected her to join a franchise like that.
-What did they ask of you? - he inquired.
-Exercise, a strict diet, and a special trainer to make me even more sculpted than I already am,- Winona answered.
Their conversation turned to the balancing act of choosing between commercial and artistic roles. Winona, who saw this as possibly her final film before returning to theater classes in Los Angeles, felt that acting had pushed her to explore new boundaries.
They headed to the steakhouse, the current trendsetter, where there was a line outside. But as always, Billy’s name carried weight, securing them a private table. Billy wore a chic look: a large-patterned shirt tucked into slim black pants and wide gray boots. His shirt was open, and he sported yellow-tinted sunglasses—all pieces picked out by Monica and Winona. Billy had a strong aversion to pink, yellow, and green, colors he’d never wear.
Monica looked stunning in a fitted white-and-yellow Dior dress with brown heels, while Winona opted for a classic blue hat, a sleek dress, and a sheer, pale blue jacket paired with white shoes. Monica’s expression was serious, contrasting with Winona’s playful demeanor. Monica’s makeup was subtly pale, a muted red-brown instead of the usual red.
There was a certain mystique to being a star. Cameras flashed as they entered, capturing the moment. It was rare for Billy to be seen casually dressed; the last outing was a month ago.
-A bottle of wine and three glasses of water, please, - Billy called to the waiter without missing a beat, knowing that steak paired well with wine. Each cut of meat had its flavor, and the yuca sticks, a rare treat, complemented the salads.
Billy even ordered some steak to go—it was his weakness. The marinated cuts transported him somewhere else entirely as he savored each bite.
Hello, subscription discount. Good day.