February 28, 1996.

  The role in Gattabsp;had already been secured by the talented and highly regarded Ethan Hawke, who was cast as the geically modified younger brother. Despite the iy expected from the filming, this part was sidered one of the best he could take on. It was a retively easy job that would allow him to tih other activities while still delivering a great performance.

  The prevailing se was one nition for Billy Carson, courtesy of Michael Shamberg and Dano, for his work on L.A. fidential. Both men had sharp eyes for spotting young talent, and they saw in Billy someone roached ag like a business—reading scripts, prepariiculously, and making room for improvement. Perhaps, they surmised, this professionalism came from his experience as a producer, where personal iment was on the line and there was no room for pying games in the industry.

  -Thanks for inviting me, - Billy said to Dano, the short but legendary actor.

  -When I mentiohat you were a true professional, they said they’d keep you in mind. And when I added that you were willing to take 200,000 just for a few ses because you loved the script so much, these guys jumped like wolves. I retly watched your movie, Jerry Maguire—what a treat! - Danny joked.

  -Well, I think that's enough. The role I’m pying is only in a handful of ses, but I’d love to see the final cut,- Billy replied.

  -Good, good. You don’t leave anything to ce. Best of luck, - the producer said, fshing finger guns before turning to talk to someone else. Rehearsals followed, and each rehearsal had its unique rhythm.

  Gattabsp;didn’t fare well at the box office. Out of the 36 million ied, it only grossed 13 million—a harsh blow for bia and Jersey Films. But that’s the nature of ema: some filmmakers pursue their vision, chasing the Ameri dream of creating something personal and meaningful, eve doesn’t achieve ercial success.

  Filming was set to take pce at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Marin ty Civiter and in San Rafael, California, both close enough to San Jose that Billy could visit for a few days and catch up on unfinished business like reading scripts and handling smaller matters. Gattabsp;stood out among other films for one reason: "It’s a blend of sce fi, drama, romance, and human ce," Billy said. The script had many yers, but it was undeniably a story that o be told.

  As Billy settled in and began to rex, the cast and crew arrived, preparing t Gattabsp;to life. Ethan Hawke, with his artist’s aura, articurly iing presence. Despite keeping to himself, his eyes often waoward Uma Thurman, who at that time was the epitome of beauty—strong and sensual, with , strikiures.

  …

  The m was reserved for films, and the afternoon beloo fashion. For some time now, Monica had been preparing for the runway. Her physique had ged drastically—her diet and exercise regime were stricter than ever. ing after 8:00 PM, limited carbohydrates, and meals sisting mostly of vegetables, proteins, and some fruit. The result was a body toned for admiration.

  Monica’s opportunity to walk the runway had been taken with relish. Her figure, while not overly thin, erfectly sculpted, and she exuded a natural rebelliousness. With her eyes half-closed and her lips painted red, she strutted fidently down the Calvin Klein lingerie runway. Her demeanor was so different from her usual self that she seemed like another person. Dressed in white lingerie, her walk was fast, sharp, and assertive—something she had learned in her early days in the fashion industry, now perfected in Los Angeles with the help of tutors who had taught her the art of the runway. The cameras fshed incessantly, and as she turned, she caught Billy’s gaze. His eyes, filled with desire, seemed like a refreshing oasis in the sea of onlookers.

  Billy’s moment of solitude didn’t st long as his phone began t insistently. He answered though the loud music made it difficult to hear.

  -I’ve spoken with the Anada produ team. Our friends at bia are on board with the produ, but distribution is another matter. I told them it doesn’t matter as long as we have the lise to distribute as part of the iors, - Jim Waiit said oher end.

  -That’s exactly what we need,- Billy responded.

  -By the way, great job with the press. Your ents about improving sports access for underprivileged groups helped silene of the criticism from those still holding a grudge, - Jim added.

  Because of Jerry Maguire, parts of the agend ma sector had felt attacked. Billy unched a subtle PR campaign in response, emphasizing that the movie was about a man in crisis with his career. Additionally, the press ference about Billy’s purchase of several sports teams helped shift the narrative. Jerry Maguire was not to be tarnished, and its box office tio soar, nearing the 200 million mark just a week after its global release. It was even doing well in Spain.

  -It had to be done. I’ve got something to handle, but I’ll call you ter to discuss things with bia, - Billy said, ing up the call.

  -We’ll meet tomorrow for lunch. I’ve got more to tell you,- Jim cluded.

  Billy hung up just in time to see Monica step bato the runway, now in red lingerie. Out of the er of his eye, he also noticed a young Leonardo DiCaprio with some friends. Gwyh Paltrow wasn’t with them, but Kate Moss and Eva Herzigová were on stage, dressed in lingerie, lighting up the event.

  Hollywood was far more insur than Billy had initially expected. It was on for A-list events, which the public often saw as the pinnacle of fame, to be poputed by the same group of celebrities. For instahe Lakers finals were often filled with Hollywood elites.

  But for Billy, Monica stole the show. Hours ter, the grad elegance of the runway models faded as Monica kicked off her heels, exhausted from standing all day in 12-timeter stilettos that felt like walking on tiptoes. The stant shouting and energy from the crowd were part of the industry, but now she just wao rex.

  -We’ve been io a party, - Monica said, stretg her arms.

  -Right now? - Billy asked.

  -No, ter tonight at a club. All the models and some executives are going, - she replied.

  -We’ll go, but first, let’s rest for a bit… this m, someo my arms too quickly, - Billy teased. She smiled and took his arm, resting it on the gear shift.

  -Let’s watovies, - she suggested.

  ...