The nights in California, at certain times of the year, were simply perfect. Though the midday heat could be unbearable, by te 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 fabriket, read a book, and maybe even stay out until seven ht when the sun dipped below the horizon and the chill set in.

  -It’s a fantastiovel,- ented Winona, engrossed in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Bur.

  Moniodded; they had both bought the same book and were reading it in their dowhey settled into their reading while Billy, equally absorbed, was busily sketg his new cepts. His fingers moved swiftly, crafting designs for Mortal Engines, rapidly produg illustrations—perhaps it would be the first title published by Lux ics. For him, there was a uisfa iing 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, f 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 fai 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,- Winoed with mild surprise at Monica’s choice. Though not averse to meat, she preferred simpler dishes with chi or salmon, perhaps a sad with a special dressing—tartar sauce was her favorite, particurly with a gss of white wine.

  -Oh, darling, I’m sure they’ll have some sads you 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-knowauranteur and ior, he was a familiar name around California, where he owned six popur eateries across the state.

  Billy finished writing his story, ready to send it by fax for someoo 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, cheg 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 ughed. -Though rumor has it you tried to buy a stake in Paramount, which was relut at first but ter decided tthen its produ, 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-wrag, being part of something so risky,- Winona admitted.

  -It’s going to be Hollywood’s mega-produ. Imagine something that sets a andard—a defining moment, a bea that will shine forever,- Billy replied, sighing. It was hard to put into words how magnifit it would be, a twist in history that would st ay.

  -You’re making me want to a it—just to be part of Titanic, - Winona said, struck by Billy’s vision for the film.

  -We’ve got everythi up with Cameron; the finalists are o,- Billy said. -But when a project worthy of you es 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 ce I could be in the James Bond. I think being a Bond girl could be signifit 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 traio make me even more sculpted than I already am,- Winona answered.

  Their versation turo the bang act of choosiween ercial and artistic roles. Winona, who saw this as possibly her final film before returning to theater csses in Los Angeles, felt that ag had pushed her to explore new boundaries.

  …

  They headed to the steakhouse, the current treer, where there was a liside. But as always, Billy’s name carried weight, seg them a private table. Billy wore a chic look: a rge-patterned shirt tucked into slim bck pants and wide gray boots. His shirt en, and he sported yellow-tinted sungsses—all pieces picked out by Monid 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 cssic blue hat, a sleek dress, and a sheer, pale blue jacket paired with white shoes. Monica’s expression was serious, trasting with Winona’s pyful 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 fshed as they entered, capturing the moment. It was rare for Billy to be seen casually dressed; the st outing was a month ago.

  -A bottle of wine and three gsses of water, please, - Billy called to the waiter without missing a beat, knowing that steak paired well with wine. Each eat had its fvor, and the yuca sticks, a rare treat, plemehe sads.

  Billy even ordered some steak to go—it was his weakness. The marinated cuts transported him somewhere else entirely as he savored each bite.

  ...

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