[Chapter 66: The Actor's Self-Cultivation]
Los Angeles had a vast pool of actors, boasting that one in every five people was an actor. Hawke, using Eric's name, placed a recruitment ad in the newspaper.
That afternoon, the studio Eric rented temporarily was packed.
The initial selection process moved rapidly; appearance was the most basic requirement. The rest, involving acting skills, orientation, and psychological resilience, eliminated a significant number of candidates. A few days later, four names appeared on Hawke's list. He selected the most suitable one for an interview.
...
That afternoon, Kevin Lee arrived promptly at Eric's studio. He was thirty years old, having entered the industry at nineteen, and he had worked as both a part-time and full-time actor for eleven years, playing his most substantial role with seven lines in a TV movie.
Stepping down from the upstairs office, Eric remarked to Hawke, "During the audition, his acting was solid, and he matched the desired look and demeanor that Miller liked."
Hawke said, "After eleven years of being a small-time actor, he still hasn't given up -- there's got to be some obsession in there."
As they descended the stairs, Hawke entered an office and, through the large one-way mirror on the wall, spotted Kevin Lee sitting in the adjacent conference room. The guy's hair color, face shape, and aura were somewhat reminiscent of Eric. He was a tailored fit for Miller Collins.
Eric entered the conference room, and Kevin instinctively stood up, greeting him, "Good morning, director."
"Please, have a seat," Eric said directly. "The project I am directing, Night Journey, has been green-lit and is backed by Castle Rock Entertainment; you can verify this with the Director's Guild and the Producers Alliance."
"I called and checked." Kevin had been scammed by too many Hollywood conmen over the years, losing both money and dignity.
With Castle Rock investing, the project was guaranteed a theatrical release.
Eric continued, "Alright, let's get to the point. You auditioned for the film's male supporting role, which comes second in line to the lead characters. I have complete control over choosing the cast."
Kevin was already accustomed to the Hollywood rules. "Director, what do you need me to do?"
Eric's expression turned serious. "Before you get the role, you need to do something for me."
Kevin understood the implication and unbuttoned one of his shirt buttons. "Now? I'm ready anytime."
Eric's stomach churned, leading to a fit of coughs as he frowned and said, "Don't say things like that; I prefer women."
Kevin was taken aback; the situation had unfolded completely differently from his expectations.
He thought, 'I can't just go and cut myself right now -- there's no time for that.' The director hadn't suggested any shady practices, which left Kevin feeling uneasy.
"Just sit down," Eric said, taking a sip of water and pausing for a moment, and spoke slowly for a while.
Kevin fell into deep thought. After a while, he said, "If I hit it off with someone, a one-night stand or multiple nights wouldn't be an issue; even if something goes wrong later, I can just walk away. But director, let me make one thing clear: I don't do hidden cameras; filming is your job."
Eric replied, "You won't need to touch a camera; just be with him and choose a suitable location."
After waiting for eleven long years, Kevin felt he had little to lose aside from his body, which he had already sacrificed multiple times.
He hesitated for only a few seconds before saying, "I want to sign a contract with the crew in advance."
Eric responded, "Have your agent come over. I'll call the production manager, and we can sign the deal today."
Kevin wasn't of the caliber that had a dedicated agent, but finding someone temporary wouldn't be difficult.
...
After signing the actor's contract, Eric kept Kevin's contact information, requesting that he stay on standby. Kevin indicated he could live at the studio, ready to leave at a moment's notice.
The conditions there were far better than the short-term rental he was in. Eric instructed him to go gather his things before meeting Hawke: "What's next?"
Hawke said, "You'll help him prepare while waiting for my call."
Eric asked, "Prepare for what?"
Hawke laughed, "Make him learn your behaviors and demeanor; if you can make Miller Collins unable to resist, it proves you have something exceptional in his eyes."
Eric slumped, "Don't bring that up; just thinking about it gives me nightmares."
...
Hawke left and drove off, calling Edward.
"Boss, that guy's been home all day; he hasn't gone anywhere," Edward reported.
Hawke instructed, "Keep an eye on him and alert me if anything changes."
To their surprise, for several days, Miller Collins kept a predictable routine, either at home or at the Tracy Gym. He even took a trip back to San Diego with his agent for a team event.
...
Both Edward and Eric became increasingly impatient, especially Eric, whose nerves were fraying. When he saw Hawke, he defended himself, "Catherine's been extra needy lately."
Edward sympathized, "Looks like being a director isn't easy, huh?"
"Stay calm," Hawke, like a fox hunter, advised, "The savior has been going through Miller's trash every day, and recently all he's seen are used sanitary products. With athlete hormones running rampant, he won't be able to hold back for long and will soon be out hunting."
Eric remarked, "Your job must be tough."
Edward puffed with pride, "Every bit of effort we put in is worth every single dollar we earn."
...
After nearly a week of watching closely, Miller Collins finally made a move. Edward spotted Miller's Mercedes heading east on Wilshire Boulevard and wasted no time notifying Hawke.
As the Mercedes turned through several intersections and into Sunset Boulevard, Hawke took over driving from Edward.
Before long, the Mercedes slowed, arriving in front of the Viper Room. Hawke's first encounter with Miller had occurred at the Viper Room.
He called Eric, "Get ready to bring Kevin over; it's the Viper Room on Sunset Boulevard."
The Mercedes came to a stop in front of the bar, and Miller tossed the keys to the valet, entering the bar alone. Hawke parked, went inside, found a table, and scanned the room until he spotted Miller at the bar, drinking.
Like before, Miller sat at the bar, but this time without Beckham.
Hawke texted Eric, who replied he had arrived.
...
Kevin entered the bar and, following Eric's instructions, spotted his target at the bar. Though he hadn't played significant roles, he had passed various special tests by directors and producers, making him quite experienced.
Kevin slid into an empty seat at the bar and called to the bartender, "I'll have a Metropolitan."
It was the most popular cocktail in the circle, sometimes serving as a sort of unspoken code.
As the bartender mixed the drink, Kevin's voice drew Miller's attention. The mention of the Metropolitan instinctively made him glance over.
Just that one glance seemed to hold Miller's eyes captive. The slender, tall figure with brown hair falling over his forehead, paired with a long face, stubbly beard, and moody gaze, exuded an artistic vibe that reminded Miller of that little director.
Kevin noticed Miller's gaze and gave him a subtle nod.
Miller lifted his drink slightly in acknowledgment.
Kevin mirrored the gesture with his Metropolitan.
Inside the bar, things went smoothly; Miller stood and walked over. They clinked glasses, introduced themselves, and began to chat, gradually growing more familiar.
Miller asked, "What do you do?"
Kevin replied candidly, "I'm an actor. Unfortunately, not very successful; the biggest role I've had was just a minor character in a TV movie."
Miller inquired about that TV movie, expressing he would definitely check it out.
As they finished their drink, Miller received a call and had to step away early.
Hawke and Eric had prepared for various scenarios, including this one. Therefore, Kevin remained unflappable.
Miller, being a star, had certain suspicions. As he reached the bar's door, he turned to find the artistic young man drinking by himself and headed back to request Kevin's phone number.
...
Later at home, he soothed Maria, who was cranky due to her menstrual cycle, before stepping onto the balcony to call a friend in Hollywood.
"Today, I met an actor named Kevin Lee; he seems to have appeared in a TV movie," Miller mentioned, giving the title. "I clicked with him; have you heard of him?"
His friend replied, "I haven't heard of him, but I know a producer from that crew. Let me check for you."
Miller felt a twinge of impatience but held his composure as he waited.
A few minutes later, his friend called back, "Yes, there's someone by that name; I hear he's just a struggling actor, but he's got decent skills."
His friend added a caution, "You might want to keep your distance; I've been told he's a gay."
"I got it," Miller thought to himself, a wave of delight washing over him.
...
The following morning, Hawke received a call from Eric: Miller had asked to meet with Kevin.
Hawke reminded him, "Tell Kevin that if Miller wants to take things further, he shouldn't suggest a hotel -- lead him to invite him back home.
Hotels can be overly tricky; you can't even let off fireworks during the day."
*****
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