August 13.

  As the protagonist of Jerry Maguire, Billy had to be present in every single rec, most of which were close-up shots of him, the main character. Just as with all his performances, Billy poured his heart into each se; the nighttime shoots were the most demanding of all.

  Now, the recs were headed to the Arizona stadium. Billy would have to travel for m shots. He could see Cuba, who was different from his character; not as intense and stressful as portrayed, but rather calm and somewhat fresh, stretg his body while calmly sampling his food.

  Renée Zellweger, oher hand, was strikingly different. Now a bombshell blonde, with a certain paleo her plexion aiful greehat sparkled uhe stars. Beyond her physical beauty, there was a rexed aura about her, living a life different from the typical actress, yet her allure made her distinct.

  Cameron had sought a star, but none had captivated them. They were looking for someone simple, reflected in seeing her devour a burger, her grey jacket stained with burger remnants, her smile inviting indulgence.

  -Damn good, - Renée ented, sampling T-Box Burgers, which had been refining their burgers over the years, while Cuba ate calmly, oblivious to the taste.

  -Thanks, we've been in the market for five years, - Billy erying his favorite, the reended pink sauce with bits of ba.

  -Well, I think I'll eat here every day, - Renée ented, pausing briefly in thought. -Just when I o, I have to stick to a diet. -

  Everyone was dining at the new branch of T-Box Burgers in Los Angeles, not so new si was taken over a year ago. Although it was a famous pce, it wasn't as renowned as expected. The restaurant had two floors, including a patio with a giant garden for te afternoon dining in the sun, even with self-parking, making it one of the pricier spots. Billy gnced over and noticed paparazzi, as ubiquitous as flies in blessed Los Angeles; a on sight.

  -Thanks for inviting us, Billy, - Cameron remarked.

  -Thanks, Billy, - Janusz Kaminski, the director of photography and one of the team's most voracious eaters, ented, twers, one Mexi and one breaded chi, with a side of plum sauce. The potatoes were delicious, with a touch of paprika. The six-dolr burger was a steal, quality, fvor, and price all in one.

  The Los Angeles location sold the least but sistently exceeded monthly targets.

  -It's really good, - Janusz remarked. -Why didn't I know about this pce before? -

  He tasted it with a smile on his face, his mustache twitg.

  -I think we might o adjust Janusz's sary pletely off, I'm afraid we might o get a gym and a sed job to keep up with his appetite, - Cameron replied.

  -Is Billy the businessman now? What a fresh idea, artisanal burgers that evearians and vegans enjoy. I'm surprised you're thinking about this poputioor that some establishments pletely overlook, - Renée ehey were all seated on the sed floor, squeezed together, eating with tained joy.

  -That's true, I thought I could o fries and soda, but now I'm happy to enjoy lentil burgers... if that's the ingredient, it's fantastic. The fact that I add egg makes it even more perfect. I'd like to vert other establishments to this kind of service, - Bonni Hunt replied.

  She pyed Dorothy's sister with her charismatic demeanor, always finding a way to make people ugh; she was a edian.

  -It's been a headache training people to follow protocols. I mean, you need a specially designed pan for these burgers. In the end, we decided to use a special pan to please our audience, and it's bee one of our most popur items, - Billy ented, eg Bonni's words. The quality was straightforward, aiming to utilize everything learned from a high-eaurant bined with simple fare like burgers.

  ***

  Jim Waitt nodded in agreement. They had agreed that Billy would audition for the film "A Time to Kill." He walked in with the script in hand, knowing he was peting against three other actors. Billy's impressive resume and renowned works were setting him apart, making his name a chosen advertisement for what could proceed to bee a successful film.

  Arriving at the hotel in his car, Billy found Cameron in the lobby, having drinks. The director seemed serious, with a silent and focused demeanor that drew everyone's attention as he took a seat at Billy's table.

  -Gentlemen, - Billy greeted as he sat down. The bar lounge was warm and inviting, with orchestral music softly pying in the background.

  -Jim, good to see you, - Billy responded, shaking hands and breaking the trance. Jim's arrival prompted Cameron to excuse himself abruptly, leaving the versation hanging as he headed home; tomorrow's early m was going to be tougher for some. Billy preferred to seek refuge at his Los Angeles home.

  -Did I e at a bad time? - Jim asked.

  -Not at all. He was about to leave half an ho to see his family, but he deyed it while we talked about this and that. Do you have something to tell me? Your ing here usually means good news, or perhaps bad news, - Billy remarked.

  Taking a sip from his whisky on the rocks, the liquid trig down his lips, both men adjusted their expressions.

  -You've got the audition for 'A Time to Kill,' and 'A Fix.' However, I have some idea that produ doesn't have much mohe problem always ends up being your sary. You ask for a bit less, but I'll try to iate around the usual 2 to 3-millie. But it seems we have some favorites in mind for the movie, - Jim Waitt ented.

  He wasn't lying; the casting was active, and there were many vying for the role. Samuel L. Ja to Sandra Bullod Kevin Spacey, added to a cast, though the tter two were not firmed, their repts were not lesser, and each actor had someone peting for the role.

  -Thanks, Jim. I also heard about your efforts to reect. Lux Distribution has new ts knog at the door, hoping for a distributor who at least gives them a face. We decided to finance distribution and tih some films, at least to participate in film festivals, - Billy replied.

  Seeing how sometimes it only takes one person to push, recalibrate a business, and gee more business or necessary agreements, Lux Distribution was only in animated films. Still, now it would take on "The English Patient" and "Jerry Maguire," along with two other indepely themed films, approved by Jim Gianopulos and Wanda Franz, the tter now holding a directorial position but having more influen the television division.

  -However, we o act quickly. Three days, I've already booked your flights. - Jim ehat shooting from Arizona to Los Angeles is slow, not very fast.

  Seeing the role Billy had to py, he couldn't be happier.

  -It's going to be a good movie, - Billy ented.

  ...