I am Hollywood

Chapter 60: The Photo



[Chapter 60: The Photo]

After Sheryl Cody and Brad Pitt parted ways, they took their time returning home. Aniston looped her arm through Eric's as they strolled along the bustling streets of New York City at night.

After chatting about some aimless topics, Aniston couldn't help but say, "Eric, I think what you did was a bit excessive."

"Huh?"

"Brad Pitt finally landed that role, and it hasn't been easy for him."

Eric playfully pinched Aniston's cheek, prompting the girl to protest, "Looks like Brad Pitt has spun quite the inspirational tale. You've developed a soft spot for him, haven't you? That means I should push him out of the crew even more."

"I just think he's a decent guy." Aniston puffed out her cheeks and shot Eric an annoyed look, bravely expressing her true feelings with an attitude that said, "What are you going to do about it?"

"Do you know Mike Tyson?"

The shift in topics seemed abrupt, but Aniston nodded, "Yeah, his messy divorce from Robin Givens has been all over the news lately."

"You probably didn't know one thing, though. Not long ago, Brad Pitt was caught cheating with Robin Givens and Tyson caught them red-handed in the house. Tyson decided to divorce Robin because, after marrying him, she still kept a connection with Brad Pitt."

Aniston's eyes widened in disbelief. "No way! Why didn't I hear about this? You must be pulling my leg."

"Do I really need to trick you about something like this?" Eric shrugged.

Curious, Aniston asked, "How do you even know about this?"

"It's been all over the industry. But Brad Pitt is just too low-profile compared to Tyson. Even the gossip magazines couldn't bother to verify his name, just referring to an unnamed actor instead."

Years later, the scandal of Brad Pitt getting caught in the act would become common knowledge, after he faced a series of controversies, bankruptcy, and even prison time. Tyson had eventually confessed on an interview, no longer caring about his reputation.

Eric suddenly thought of something amusing -- clearly Aniston and Brad Pitt had a diametrically opposing fate. One always ended up getting caught, while the other had a knack for catching those unfaithful. He remembered how Pitt had been caught by Tyson and Aniston, and right before he was about to marry Jolie, he was sadly caught with an assistant, which delayed his wedding.

"So," Eric gently patted Aniston on the head, taking on a serious tone, "you really ought to stay away from people like that. You never know what's beneath the surface."

Aniston nodded thoughtfully and then looked up at Eric with a hint of longing. "Yeah, you can know someone's face but not their heart. Who knows how many women you've attracted on the sly? That party you threw with a bunch of actresses? It made the papers! And what about that shirt..." She wagged a finger at him as if ordering him to stop defending himself.

"Alright, alright, Jenny," Eric quickly wrapped her in his arms. "I'm guilty. I repent."

"You jerk!" Aniston playfully hit his chest a few times.

Eric eagerly agreed, "Yes, yes, yes."

After she finished pouting, she settled down, resting her cheek against Eric's chest and listening to his heartbeat. They held each other close, creating a warm scene amidst the busy streets filled with people.

...

A passing photographer found the image heartwarming and couldn't resist snapping the shot, capturing this moment on film. Neither Eric nor Aniston noticed this little detail.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

As Christmas approached, the photographer developed the photograph, which showcased the girl in a white short coat, quietly hugging her boyfriend's waist, their foreheads touching; the boy in a black coat held her tightly, resting his chin on her soft golden hair. Black and white, cold and warm, among the blurred crowd, the two seemed like they were on a serene little island, their love story framed beautifully against the illuminated city background.

Satisfied, the photographer sent the photo to a New York newspaper. Soon, the two were recognized by the editorial team, with a particularly sharp editor promptly passing the photograph on to the editor-in-chief's office.

...

The following day, a photo of the young miracle director, Eric Williams, embracing his girlfriend in New York City graced the front page of the newspaper. However, the article that accompanied the photo was pure gossip, filling up more than half a page with dramatic storytelling. It claimed Eric had abandoned his movie project to rush to New York and miraculously reunited with his girlfriend on the streets.

Anyone with a bit of smarts realized the photo was real, but the story was just made-up nonsense. Still, the reporter had a knack for writing, and most readers found it entertaining, causing the newspaper's sales to increase slightly.

During this chaotic time filled with news swirling around him, Eric suddenly vanished from Los Angeles, appearing in New York, capturing the attention of gossip columnists again. They didn't buy that Eric had come to New York for true love, making him a target of their obsession once more.

...

Arranging for Al Pacino to play the lead role had been finalized. To escape the relentless pursuit of paparazzi, Eric mostly stayed at Aniston's Manhattan apartment, avoiding the outside world. The paparazzi seemed to be in it for the long haul, patiently waiting outside the apartment building for Eric to show up.

Aniston, of course, became another target of their chase. To avoid drawing unnecessary trouble, under Eric's insistence, she ditched public transport and bought a used car, not letting Eric spend a single dime.

After several days of intense shooting, Aniston's TV crew finally welcomed a two-week Christmas and New Year break.

At home, Aniston picked up the newspaper yet again, having read the article countless times, her expression a mix of playfulness and annoyance. "It's all your fault! Now every time we go out, we have a whole pack of paparazzi trailing us. Otherwise, I could have taken you around New York properly."

After typing out a line, Eric turned around with a smile. "Why do I get the feeling there's a twinkle of joy in your eyes? That reporter truly is a genius, weaving an entire New York love

story from a single photograph."

"Eric, have you contacted that newspaper yet?"

He nodded. "The photo was taken by an amateur photographer who happened to be out on the street. He initially intended to enter it into a contest, but the editor quickly recognized us." He took out an envelope and handed it to Aniston. "This is the original film, bought for a thousand bucks, but totally worth it. The shot is just beautiful and has great collectible value."

Aniston carefully took the envelope, gently pulled out the film to inspect, and then carefully placed it back.

"One more thing, Jenny. Even though the article is all made up, it inspired me to think of a great script. How about a film based on our 'true events'? You as the leading lady?" Aniston tucked the film neatly away in an album before walking over to Eric, taking the draft of the script he had handed her. After reading it, she wrinkled her nose slightly and said, "Other than the coincidental meeting at the end, there's really nothing of ours in there." Eric shrugged in defense. "Art is all about many layers of refinement. So, what do you say? Are

you in?"

Aniston hesitated, then shook her head. "The lead character is older than I am, plus I don't want to star in a movie directed by you."

Eric didn't press any further; he was beginning to accept her little stubbornness as part of her.

...

Christmas came swiftly.

Kepler had already returned to Los Angeles, and Al Pacino was busy with his life. After that day, Eric hadn't seen Al again, but they spoke daily over the phone to discuss the script for Pretty Woman. So, this Christmas, it was just him and Aniston spending time together. They happily decorated the room, selected a Christmas tree, prepared the turkey, and quietly spent Christmas Eve watching tapes on the sofa late into the night.

After Christmas, Eric had to return to Los Angeles. Pretty Woman was set to start filming after the holidays, but as a director, he required a head start on numerous preparations. Though reluctant, Aniston drove Eric to the airport, gazing after the plane until it vanished into the sky before reluctantly heading back to the apartment.

*****

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