When Martin returned to his Coty Community home, he was pleasantly surprised to find the house meticulously cleaned, with a note from Blake resting on the living room coffee table. She had gone out of her way to tidy up the place.
Even the wine cabinet and refrigerator had been stocked with several varieties of wine that Martin frequently enjoyed.
Bruce, noticing Martin's return, retrieved two bottles of wine, handed one to Martin, and quipped, "This girl seems more interested in you than Elisha, Annie, and Julie combined."
Martin took out his mobile phone and dialed Blake's number.
"My dad, my idiotic brother, and I are out of town meeting with screenwriters and acquiring scripts," Blake regretfully informed him. "It'll be a few days before I can return to Los Angeles."
Martin reassured her, "No worries, I've been in Los Angeles recently." They chatted for a while, and as soon as he hung up, another call came in, displaying the name Harold.
Chairman of the Social Committee.
Martin promptly answered, exchanged greetings, and remarked, "I just saw an online report. Have you returned from New York?"
"The paparazzi work astonishingly fast," Martin marveled, "less than half an hour after I arrived home."
Harold extended an invitation, "Today is the community's wine tasting day. If you're available at three in the afternoon, you're welcome to join us in the community theater square."
Martin, who hadn't participated in community activities before, accepted, saying, "I'll be there on time." He then hung up his phone and informed Bruce, "We have a free wine tasting event in the afternoon."
Bruce promptly set aside his unopened beer can and joked, "I'll save my stomach for the afternoon's free wine."
Before three o'clock in the afternoon, Martin entered the community theater. The theater's square had been set up with numerous long dining tables, plastic tables, and chairs for relaxation, all stocked with an array of wines.
There were options ranging from Budweiser, Cordon Bleu, Heineken, and Corona for beer lovers to red wines, tequila, and whiskey for those with different tastes. Promotional activities for various brands were also on-site, targeting the high-quality clientele residing in the Coty community.
Harold soon approached, shook hands with Martin, and remarked, "I spotted a picture of you and Director Scorsese in the newspaper. Are you bringing another masterpiece this time?"
Martin responded with a smile, "Director Scorsese's works have always been a mark of quality."
Harold led Martin and Bruce into the event, explaining, "Wine tasting day is an open event. You can sample various wines and socialize freely. The community aims to foster connections among its residents."
Martin observed the crowd and commented, "I can see that."
Once Harold departed, Bruce fetched a glass of gold whiskey for Martin, who took a sip and found it quite pleasing. He was considering mingling with acquaintances at the event when his neighbor from across the street, Gillian Flynn, an Entertainment Weekly reporter, approached.
"Hi, Martin," she greeted him without formalities and dove right into her question, "Can you spill some details about Scorsese's new film?"
Martin understood there were certain things he could share with the public, as the crew also needed its stars for promotion. However, he kept his voice low and confidential, "I can share a bit, but remember, we're neighbors. Let me give you a small tidbit."
Gillian nodded, acknowledging their proximity as neighbors.
Martin adopted a mysterious tone, "In this film, Jack Nicholson's character is described by Director Scorsese as the ultimate embodiment of evil."
Gillian promptly retrieved her notebook, scribbled down the note, and inquired, "Any other insights?"
Martin didn't miss the chance to boast, "To prepare for this role, I immersed myself in the world of the Boston Police Department, patrolled with officers, collaborated with detectives on anti-drug operations, and learned various professional skills. Safety of the community is a top priority."
She appeared poised to ask further questions, but Martin cut her off, saying, "I can't reveal more than that. Besides, the crew could hold me accountable for contract breaches and leaks."
Gillian stowed her notebook away with a smile, commenting, "You're quite the good neighbor."
Martin playfully suggested, "According to your industry's standards, shouldn't I be compensated as an information source?"
Gillian joined in the laughter, replying, "No problem, I can file for that."
Then, she introduced Martin to a middle-aged man who had just approached, saying, "Allow me to introduce a friend."
Martin had attended the wine tasting event with the aim of expanding his social circle, so he readily agreed, "Of course."
The middle-aged man, Alan Greene, was Gillian's neighbor from across the road and served as the managing editor of the Los Angeles branch of Empire magazine. In addition to his editorial work, he dabbled in writing novels.
Gillian made the introductions, "This is Alan Greene. He's the managing editor of Empire magazine's Los Angeles branch and, like me, a part-time novelist."
She gestured subtly, "Alan, you don't need an introduction for Martin."
Empire was the largest film magazine in the UK, with distribution in North America, Australia, and Russia.
Martin and Alan exchanged pleasantries and a few words. Alan, with a British accent, remarked, "I didn't expect you, Martin, to move into this community."
Martin grinned, "It just so happens that Gillian and I are neighbors." Intrigued, he asked, "Is it common in your industry for everyone to dabble in novel writing?"
Gillian answered, "I've only written a few short stories and can only get them published because I have connections. Alan is different. He's published full-length novels."
Martin directed his next question to Alan, "May I be fortunate enough to read your work?"
Alan replied, "Certainly, it's called 'Dark Realm,' and I can provide you with a copy."
Martin saw potential usefulness in having the editor of Empire magazine as a contact, so he exchanged contact information with Alan.
"My home isn't far from here. Let me retrieve a copy for you," Alan said before hastily departing the square.
Jillian shared her thoughts, saying, "Maintaining a creative hobby in one's spare time isn't easy. In reality, most of the sales after publishing are quite average. But there's always the hope that a film company might spot your work and adapt it into a movie. After all, when you look at Hollywood's most popular films, the shockingly low percentage is comprised of original content; most of them are adaptations."
Martin went straight to the point, asking, "Is that your motivation for creating as well?"
Gillian nodded slightly, "Certainly. It's one of the reasons I've kept at it." She didn't mince words, "With you as my neighbor, it gives me a bit more hope."
Martin offered, "Someday when you write something, I'll be your first reader."
Gillian smiled and added, "And do recommend it to others."
Martin agreed, "No problem."
He understood that it was a mere recommendation, and the ultimate decision lay with the film company.
Alan returned promptly, presenting Martin with a signed copy of his novel.
Martin glanced at the title, "Dark Realm," on the cover and passed it to Bruce behind him, saying, "I'll take a closer look when I get back."
Bruce stored the book away, suspecting that Martin might take a month to finish reading it.
Alan was quite pleased, feeling hopeful that Martin might recommend his work.
Just then, their neighbor Mr. Jones, an artist whose daughter worked in San Francisco Valley, approached quickly, accompanied by a young girl who clung to his arm.
Alan exchanged nods and tactfully excused himself.
Jones greeted Gillian with a smile, then shook hands with Martin and introduced the lovely girl beside him, "This is my daughter, Jenna, who works in artistic creation in San Francisco Valley. A new film of hers just released, so please make sure to support the original version."
Martin politely assured, "I'm a strong advocate for genuine products."
Jenna extended her hand to shake Martin's and remarked, "Hello, Martin. I appreciate your discerning taste."
Martin paused for a moment, thinking it wouldn't be appropriate to say he liked her very much. He smiled instead, "It's an honor."
Continuing her father's conversation, Jenna mentioned, "This weekend, there's a premiere for my new film in West Hollywood, and I've set aside seats for family and friends..."
Martin and Gillian both responded politely, unable to decline the invitation.
After a brief chat, Jenna spotted a familiar acquaintance and departed on her own.
Gillian also took her leave.
Jones stayed behind to converse with Martin, expressing his concern as a father, "Martin, you have many connections in Hollywood. If you come across a suitable role, please consider introducing Jenna." He said politely, "I'd be more than happy to return the favor if you ever have any art-related needs."
Martin suddenly recalled something, reached into his pockets, and realized he didn't have anything on him. He asked Bruce, "Do you have any of those horn carvings?"
Since Martin often gifted them, Bruce had a few on hand. He retrieved one and handed it over.
Martin presented the horned clown carving to Jones, inquiring, "You're a seasoned practitioner in the art world. How do you find her work?"
Jones carefully examined it, running his fingers over the carving, "It's somewhat unrefined, but it shows thoughtfulness and good knife skills. However, professional training is needed to elevate the level."
He looked at the bottom of the clown, noting, "Lily Carter?"
Martin inquired further, "Do you think she has potential in this field?"
"Not bad," Jones replied, his words sincere, "She needs a good mentor."
Martin, recalling the information he'd gathered about Lily from his neighbor, queried, "Do you happen to know anyone in the field?"
Jones answered, "I do know a sculptor at the California Institute of the Arts."
Martin briefly explained Lily's situation, and Jones suggested that if she wished to pursue a career in this industry, she could apply to the California Institute of the Arts.
As the first private college established with investment from Walt Disney, Martin's Hollywood connections would certainly help her secure a strong recommendation letter. Even if she didn't become a sculptor, finding work as a special props maker in Hollywood after graduation wouldn't be difficult.
Of course, all of this depended on Lily's own desires.
Martin made a mental note of this and called Atlanta back.
The conversation came full circle to Jones' daughter, and he shared, "Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend Jenna's new film premiere this weekend."
Martin was surprised, asking, "But didn't she reserve seats for you?"
"The main reason is that I'd feel embarrassed seeing the actor in the film," Jones sighed, "The clip will be played at the event, and the actor might come over to say hello. How should I react?"
Martin considered it carefully, realizing it would indeed be a tricky situation.
Jones added, "Should I pat the actor on the shoulder and tell him, 'Well done in those scenes, young man. Just remember to be a bit gentler next time...'"