Lucas noticed that the controversial photos featuring him with Jennifer Lawrence and Felicity Jones were quickly managed, and he couldn't help but feel a slight sense of admiration for Vincent's and the agency's rapid response.
Meanwhile, during a call, Vincent shared some potentially exciting news with Lucas, albeit cautiously, "Lucas, there's something I need to tell you, but don't get your hopes up..."
"What is it?" Lucas inquired, intrigued.
"You might be nominated for an upcoming Primetime Emmy Award. The announcements will be made in July, but the agency is quite hopeful about your chances," Vincent revealed. Despite trying to maintain a calm demeanor, excitement was evident in his voice, suggesting he was genuinely thrilled for Lucas.
"That would be amazing, but I won't get ahead of myself since nothing has been announced yet," Lucas replied, managing a hopeful smile.
After their conversation, Lucas made a brief appearance on the set of Modern Family before heading back to New York.
On the Modern Family set, friends like Julie, Ty, Steven, and Christopher playfully teased him about the photos that had gone viral on Yahoo. Lucas noticed Sarah's occasional glances, suggesting she might want to ask him something. However, when he approached her, she seemed hesitant to speak her mind, so Lucas chose not to press the issue. After spending time with the crew and wrapping up filming, his involvement in Modern Family Season 1 came to an end.
The cast shared a bittersweet farewell, uncertain of when they would reunite for Season 2, despite the main actors having secured contracts for it. Lucas, not having received a contract offer yet, left everyone wondering if they would see him on the show again.
---
In New York, Lucas was back NY not just to catch up with friends, but also to prepare for his audition for the "Seven Kingdoms" at the HBO building. He was curious to find out if this project was actually "Game of Thrones," a series he had adored in his past life.
Despite the less-than-stellar final seasons, there was no denying the overall excellence of the series.
If it turned out to be "Game of Thrones," Lucas intended to try out for a role that wouldn't demand too much commitment, as he was primarily focused on film projects at the moment.
After all, he had chosen the acting path to experience a multitude of stories, embodying different characters in a single lifetime. It was akin to immersing oneself in a novel, where the reader steps into the shoes of the protagonist and, with each new book, becomes part of a new narrative.
Lucas made his way through the bustling streets of New York, his footsteps echoing against the pavement as he approached the modest facade of his apartment building. The city's vibrant energy surrounded him, but as he climbed the stairs to his unit, a familiar sense of solitude settled over him. However, that solitude was short-lived.
Upon entering his apartment, Lucas was greeted by an unexpected sight. His roommate Paul was there, engaged in a lively conversation with an attractive woman whose presence filled the small space with a new energy.
The moment Paul caught sight of Lucas, his face broke into a wide, welcoming grin. "Lucas! It has been a while!" he exclaimed, rising to envelop Lucas in a hearty embrace, the kind that only old friends can share.
"What's up, Paul," Lucas replied with a casual nod, his attention shifting to the woman seated on the cramped bed that doubled as a couch in their modest living quarters. "Oh, I hope I'm not intruding," he added, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Paul's laughter filled the room, dispelling any awkwardness. "Haha, of course not," he assured, before turning to introduce the woman. "Lucas, meet Josephine, my girlfriend."
Lucas extended a hand, which Josephine bypassed in favor of a friendly cheek kiss, a gesture that spoke of warmth and familiarity. "It's a pleasure to meet you," Lucas said, matching her warmth.
Josephine's smile was infectious. "I've heard so much about you from Paul, Lucas. And I saw your film, 127 Hours; your performance was incredible!" Her compliment was sincere, adding a glow to the modest room.
Lucas couldn't help but smile, touched by her words. "Thank you very much," he replied, his humility shining through. "I had no idea Paul was championing my work so fervently."
Paul, ever the supportive friend, clapped Lucas on the shoulder with a smile. "Of course, man. And that song at the end of the film—phenomenal. I tried finding it on iTunes, but no luck... You really should record it, Lucas. We're all waiting for an official release."
Josephine nodded enthusiastically, her eyes alight with agreement. "Absolutely, I rewatched the film just to hear that song again. There's something special about it."
The laughter that escaped Lucas was genuine, a moment of shared joy among friends. "Well, you'll be pleased to know I've been planning to lay down the tracks. I've even got a contact at a renowned studio here in New York."
The revelation seemed to take Paul by surprise, a mixture of pride and disbelief painting his features. It was a stark reminder of how much had changed. Lucas, who had once been struggling just to make ends meet, was now on the verge of breaking into Hollywood's elusive circles. Paul's emotions were a complex blend of happiness for his friend and awe at the rapid transformation from the struggles of the past year to the successes of the present.