[Chapter 54: Connections Entangled in Connections]
Just before late April, The Scorpion King, starring Dwayne Johnson, held its premiere in North America.
Hawke Osment, accompanied by his bag-carrying friend Edward, entered the Chief Stone Theater just before the red carpet event began. There, he ran into the square-faced beauty Katherine and her sycophant director Eric.
Katherine stepped forward, giving Hawke a tight embrace. "What happened in Park City was like a miracle. You truly opened the doors to the film industry for me and Eric."
Hawke quipped, "If you go bankrupt from investing in films in the future, don't blame me."
Katherine, serious and stern, replied, "That would only be because I got too carried away and didn't hire you to manage my films."
Her compliment sounded so sweet that it was hard for Hawke not to feel flattered. He turned to Eric and joked, "Your girlfriend is hyping me up too much; if I fall, it's going to be a hard crash."
He looked back at Katherine but then asked Eric, "Don't you think Katherine is getting more charming?"
Eric, hands stuffed in his dress pants pockets, answered, "Because we are happy. D.C. Heights did pretty well in the VHS market. Castle Rock Studios bought it out, and in less than a month, they recouped their investment in VHS and DVDs."
There was a newfound confidence in his smile. "Castle Rock Studios has decided to invest in my new film."
Katherine corrected him, "Remember, it's our new film."
Eric's confidence faltered instantly as he quickly reiterated, "Right, right, our new film."
Nearby, a well-dressed couple passed by, and the burly man spotted someone familiar in his peripheral vision.
Miller Collins slowed his pace, his gaze landing on Eric. That artistic, youthful vibe made Eric quite alluring in his eyes. His wife, Maria, was holding their young daughter, who asked, "Daddy, why aren't you walking anymore?"
Miller quickly caught up, gesturing towards that familiar figure. "I saw a few acquaintances; we ran into them at Tracy Gym."
Maria looked over in recognition and agreed that they did indeed seem familiar.
The trio hurried away, entering the VIP lounge.
Suddenly feeling uneasy, Eric glanced around but only saw a family's back.
Hawke noticed he was looking around and asked, "Waiting for someone?"
Katherine perked up her ears.
Eric shook his head. "No, it just felt like someone was watching me, but I didn't spot anyone."
Hawke teased, "Maybe a hot girl has her eyes on you."
Eric clarified, "My heart and mind belong to Katherine. I'm not interested in any other women."
Katherine felt pleased; having a director with a project on the market was definitely raising her profile in the industry.
...
The group chatted for a while before heading into the VIP room together. Inside, Hawke hardly recognized anyone. Eric, being a tape director, hadn't made a name for himself in Hollywood, and Katherine couldn't strictly be regarded as a member of the film circle, either.
The three of them found a spot to sit down and chat.
Edward, feeling uncomfortable, told Hawke he'd wander off for a bit.
At that moment, key members of the crew began to trickle in, including Dwayne Johnson's wife and manager, Dany Garcia.
She approached Hawke and said, "Wait just a moment; Dwayne will find a chance to introduce you to Stephen Sommers."
Hawke smiled, "There is no rush."
After a brief wait, when Johnson came over, Hawke followed him to the crew section.
Stephen Sommers, an impressive Hollywood director, was best known for two films, The Mummy and The Mummy Returns.
Johnson introduced them.
Stephen shook Hawke's hand, saying, "You've done an excellent job with the promo; it boosted Dwayne's profile immensely in a short time, and the movie benefited from it."
Hawke replied, "I hope it helps with the box office."
Stephen, with a polite nod, said, "You're making a mark, young man. You've got a bright future ahead."
This introduction was brief, and Stephen Sommers left quickly.
Johnson remarked, "That's how the big names are in the industry; don't feel bad. I can barely hold a conversation in front of him myself."
The disparity in their power and status was significant.
Hawke understood that while Johnson had earned his 'The Rock' title in professional wrestling, which gave him a leg up, but he was still a newcomer in the Hollywood film scene.
Johnson suddenly remembered something. "Oh, I've got someone else to introduce you to. Want to go meet them now?"
Hawke understood right away; this sounded like trouble on the horizon. Being a good guy, he enjoyed helping others out of sticky situations. "Let's go."
...
Johnson scanned the crowd and spotted a tall girl, gesturing for Hawke to follow him over.
As they approached, Hawke took in the girl -- she wasn't very tall, but she had a great figure. Her made-up face was quite pretty, with a slightly darker skin tone. He couldn't tell if it was a tanning job or if she had some African heritage like Johnson.
Johnson reached the girl and introduced, "This is Allison Faith. I'm good friends with her mother. Allison, this is Hawke Osment, the founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio."
"Nice to meet you," Allison said, her voice light and rhythmic.
Hawke responded politely.
Johnson asked, "Where's your mom? Why isn't she around?"
Allison replied, "She was just here, but then she ran into a handsome black guy and started chatting. I don't know where she went."
Hawke's mind immediately went to Edward.
Allison seemed very dependent on her mother. "I'll go find her."
Once she left, Johnson explained, "Allison was a child star and singer; she was popular before the age of fifteen. But her irresponsible father squandered all her earnings. After her parents divorced, they battled over her custody. For the past few years, her career has suffered -- she hasn't released any new albums and hasn't had many acting opportunities."
Hawke picked up on a key point. "She wants to make a comeback?"
"Exactly," Johnson said. "Both she and her mother are looking to revive their entertainment careers. The divorce took a toll, but it's all behind them now. Allison is an adult and has signed with a new record label; she might release a new album this year."
Hawke began to contemplate this scenario: a divorced woman with a young daughter, and that handsome black guy...
Sure enough, Allison returned, arm-in-arm with a glamorous middle-aged woman who closely resembled her -- her mother, Joanna. Edward trailed closely behind.
Once introduced, Johnson said, "Jo, I suggest you find a time to have a chat with Hawke. He's got great ideas for image branding and reputation management. He might be able to help Allison."
Joanna glanced at Hawke then at Edward, laughing lightly, "Could you leave me a business card?"
Hawke took out a card and handed it over. "Feel free to give me a call if you need anything. I can offer you different options and plans."
Joanna seemed to trust Johnson's recommendation, stating, "We'll find an opportunity to discuss this further."
As crew members started calling people to head in, most of the VIP guests began moving out.
....
Hawke lagged behind, watching Joanna and Allison as they walked away, deep in thought about how a past-her-prime pop star and former child star could make a comeback.
For a moment, he had no clear ideas, so he set it aside for now.
As he entered the theater, he ran into Eric again.
"Want to grab a drink after the movie?" Eric suggested.
Hawke replied, "Sure, it's on me."
As they walked into the screening room, Hawke and Edward took seats in the third row. Eric and Katherine sat beside them.
Behind them was the guest section, with more people arriving.
Miller Collins' family occupied the fourth row.
*****
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