hollywood system: art

Billy was negotiating with George over a few adjustments regarding the purchase of Lucasfilm, which was proposed to take place after the end of the license. Lucas was a clever man; the first thing he did was extend the waiting period, pushing the purchase to the conclusion of the three movies—a non-negotiable obligation. Secondly, he mentioned he would only sell 49%, assuming no other company could acquire his percentage. It had to remain under his control, not in the hands of a corporation or investment fund—a costly and demanding stipulation.

-I'll do it, George. That margin of action seems fair to me, - Billy commented, conceding. The old man would likely demand at least $500 million for that percentage, but it was manageable. Billy stood to make far more in the long run.

-That's good to hear. So, when do you plan to release the second part? I'm afraid the first one has left audiences divided. While fans and children have shown their support, some critics weren't impressed, - George noted.

-I'm waiting, still waiting. It's scheduled for next year, hopefully in May. Steven has a lot on his plate and wants me to handle the entire production while he focuses solely on filming, - George explained, gazing deeply at Billy. The profits Billy reported amounted to $90 million, but every penny had been reinvested. The returns were still on paper, yet Billy had put up additional funds to improve production elements, particularly the necessary special effects.

-It's a great film, - Billy replied, wrapping up the conversation. George observed him thoughtfully.

-Why don't you join my movie? I've seen your performances, and you're quite good. You could play Anakin. I believe a well-executed role could give you room to grow as an actor, - George suggested.

-I'm not as good as you think, - Billy countered.

-On the contrary, I find you perfect for the role. You're one of the most talented young actors we have in Hollywood right now. Even though you often sport a beard in your roles to appear older, Anakin is 20—close to your age. You're ideal for the part; the right wardrobe, and you'll be just the young man we need, - Lucas insisted.

-No casting, no external approval. Only like this, - Billy asked, deliberating the opportunity. He already had Titanic on his slate, and shifting to Star Wars seemed efficient. But his ambitions went beyond just landing a role. George smiled. With Billy as an actor, he could mentor him on production work during the waiting period for the grand production facility.

Every decision Billy made was deliberate. Filming two movies back-to-back required more time, but wasting 1997 might be a bad move. However, with some schedule adjustments, he could make it work. He just needed to secure his mark on pop culture.

...

The day ended in exhaustion. The countless meetings he had attended left him overwhelmed. On his desk lay the approved publishing list, along with numerous original scripts submitted by the animators at Lux Animation.

-Anne, I wasn't expecting you… I'm sorry for the delay. Work had me tied up; the meetings ran overtime, - Billy said.

-Don't worry, - Anne replied nervously, holding a folder of accounts in her hands. -These are the yearly account summaries. I've included an overview, personally reviewed and approved. Raimon is excellent with numbers. You can see how he stretched our production lines in ways I didn't think were possible.-

Billy glanced at the folders, noticing the evening sky darkening. He still had a mountain of work and felt utterly drained.

-I'll review them more thoroughly tomorrow, - he said.

-We could go over them tonight, - Anne suggested. Her hair was loose, her glasses missing, and the vivid scent of her perfume filled the room—a subtle sign of something he might have overlooked, perhaps a signal of obligations he had yet to fulfill with her.

-You're right. Nothing a good meal won't fix. Go get ready, and we'll order something to eat. We'll work late, reviewing these accounts. And bring the Lux Films reports as well; I want to see the balance sheets, - Billy instructed.

-Sure, - she murmured, almost like a sigh, but her dreamy expression revealed she was hopeful. She gathered her essentials and her bag, knowing discretion was key. Everything needed to stay between them.

Billy adjusted his thoughts and swiftly dialed a number, making one call after another in quick succession.

-Let's go, - he told his security team.

The ride was short. His apartment loomed, stocked with groceries and other essentials. He knew he was digging his own grave, but Anne's skill was too vital to overlook. Monica was everything he dreamed of—beautiful, endlessly passionate, seeking warmth and connection. Their intimacy was fiery, a shared effort to satisfy each other completely.

Anne, on the other hand, was brimming with anticipation and desire. Alone together in the apartment, the atmosphere was charged.

-I'm going to take a shower. I expect you to join me. From this moment on, in this place, it's just you and me. No one else. You and I belong to each other, - Billy declared, pulling Anne close and giving her a deep kiss. He wanted to set things straight before diving into what they both knew was inevitable.

She followed him, feeling his hands undress her, making her feel beautiful despite her doubts. She wasn't as striking as others, but with Billy, they shared a connection that transcended appearances. He kissed her skin and caressed her hair.

The bathwater was warm, infused with oils and fragrant soaps. They synchronized their movements, surrendering to one another. She giggled like a girl as she rested her head on his chest.

-If we have a child, they won't take my surname; they'll take yours. But I'll raise them as my own. I promise to care for them. We'll be strict parents. I want children raised outside of Hollywood—nothing good comes from it. I want a life filled with education, discipline, and care. The best schools, a governess, a tutor who teaches them to be self-reliant. They'll practice sports, learn music, and grow to be kind and well-mannered, - Billy mused, his finger tracing the curve of her chest.

His hand moved lower, slipping a finger inside her.

-So, you'll take care of us, even when you don't have to, - Anne said, her voice escaping in a deep moan.

-I'll provide for you, give you everything you need, and more. But for children… I fear bringing them into this world. It's a place filled with vanity and nonsense. Lives are wasted without motivation or limits. I need someone good, but that requires constant care, - Billy replied, kissing her neck and nibbling her ears—her most sensitive spot.

-And me? What am I to you? -

-You're my woman now, Anne. I want you, but you know I'm not ready for commitment. Don't ask for more than this, and I promise to give you everything else, - Billy said, cupping her breast. She arched her back, revealing her hips, which he gripped firmly. He entered her with ease, and she moaned deeply, her sighs filled with pleasure.

-You'll give me everything I want, - Anne murmured.

-As long as you remember the promises I've made. And understand that I still have work to do, - Billy replied, his tone firm yet distracted as the rhythm of their bodies made them lose track of the conversation.

-Just don't abandon me. That's all I ask, - Anne said shyly. -I have no one else… no one but you.-

Billy climaxed again inside her. "It's safe," she whispered. "Again," her voice echoed, her words a constant refrain.

...