[Chapter 872: The World is Too Small]
Eric heard Drew shout "Kate" as she answered the phone, and he could guess who was on the other end. Kate Hudson, still one of Hollywood's second-generation stars, the daughter of the original American sweetheart, Goldie Hawn.
To be fair, Drew's outgoing and playful personality made her social circle ten times larger than Eric's. With MGM's revival in recent years, more people naturally wanted to befriend Drew, and her network was expanding. Coming from a family of entertainers and rising in Hollywood, Drew's closest friends included a group of second- and third-generation stars and daughters of wealthy elites around her age.
After chatting with Kate Hudson for a few minutes, it seemed that Drew had turned down some invitation from her before hanging up the phone.
Curiously, Eric looked over, but Drew thought he was interested in the person on the other end and explained, "That was Kate Hudson. Maybe you don't know her, but you definitely know her mom, Goldie Hawn."
Eric finally realized he was hearing the name Kate Hudson for the first time in this context. Nodding with a smile, Eric replied, "Goldie Hawn, huh? I remember she had a set of photos with body art all over, short blonde hair, wearing a bikini, looking quite beautiful. Just forgot where I saw them."
As Eric spoke, he opened the browser on his laptop and began searching. While there were already a good number of Goldie Hawn's photos online, the resources hadn't become as abundant as they would later, leaving him somewhat disappointed when he couldn't find the photo set he remembered.
Drew leaned next to Eric, glancing at the laptop screen with a smile, saying, "Eric, if you like, I can help you find it."
"Let's skip that; I don't collect those things," Eric chuckled, then asked, "What did she want from you just now?"
Drew mentally noted the details of the conversation and answered, "She asked if I was still going to yoga class today. I wanted to stay home to keep you company, so I said no."
Eric was curious. "When did you get interested in yoga?"
"I've been practicing for three months! They say it helps maintain your figure," Drew said, twisting her waist towards him playfully, "Don't you think my waist feels softer lately?"
Eric recalled the extra yoga mats in the villa's gym, although Drew seemed to have been slacking off in the last couple of days. He reached over to touch her waist, laughing, "Yeah, it's definitely softer. Since that's the case, you should stick with it; there's nothing else happening at home, so you can go to class."
Drew's eyes sparkled. "Then you should come with me."
Eric typed a couple of times on the laptop keyboard. "I've still got a bunch of unread emails; you should go alone. I'll probably finish them this morning."
But Drew became even more excited, closing Eric's laptop and insisted, "C'mon, let's go together! Work is never-ending; if you keep going like this, you'll turn into an old man too soon."
"Alright, enough about that; let me shut this down," Eric surrendered reluctantly, flipping open the laptop to shut it down.
Seeing Eric agreed, Drew quickly instructed the twins to get the car and props. Meanwhile, she dialed Amy Pascal to briefly discuss the acquisition of E! Entertainment and then called Kate Hudson to let her know she would still join the yoga class.
After Eric powered down the laptop and closed it, he asked Drew, "So, is yoga class an all-day event?"
Drew casually placed the cordless phone on the round table. "Not really; there are only two-hour classes on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and I just need to practice at home for 20 minutes every day."
"What's the plan after yoga then?" Eric asked.
"We had originally agreed to go to yoga together in the morning, have lunch, shop on Rodeo Drive in the afternoon, and then a party at Kate's place in the evening."
Eric sighed in envy. "You certainly have a sweet life."
"Of course weekends are for fun! I wouldn't let myself turn into a workaholic; what's the point of living then?"
Suddenly remembering something, Eric asked, "So, considering that, it sounds like all the guests today are girls. Is it okay for me to tag along?"
Drew chuckled, "Oh, I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun!"
Eric hesitated. Being a guy surrounded by a bunch of girls for yoga, shopping, and a party didn't sound quite right. Just then, the twins drove up in a black Range Rover, loading yoga mats and props into the trunk, glancing over at them.
Drew giggled, tugging Eric's arm. "C'mon, since you're here, we'll definitely adjust our schedule!"
Pulled along by her, Eric found himself wanting to grab his laptop; it would be nice to work on the outline for The Fast and The Furious in case things got too boring. But before he could act, he was ushered into the car.
...
The Range Rover left the Trausdale estate and headed south for about two kilometers, arriving at a bustling commercial area at the foot of Beverly Hills.
The car pulled into a yoga center's parking lot near Sunset Boulevard. As Drew got out from the other side, a group of seven or eight girls who had been chatting in the parking lot rushed over excitedly. Eric pushed open the door from the other side, casually glancing over and recognizing the two girls at the front -- Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson.
Noticing Eric, one girl curiously asked, "Oh, Drew, who else is with you?"
Drew laughed and said, "Guess!"
As Eric walked around the car, a crowd of girls turned their attention to him. The feeling was vastly different from the night at Gisele's place; perhaps due to it being daytime and outdoors.
After a brief silence, one girl let out a small scream, "Ah, it's Eric!"
Eric waved, "Hey, everyone!"
Seeing most of the other girls hesitating, Gwyneth Paltrow felt a bit superior, noticing that Drew had never introduced Eric to them before. Among this group, she was the only one who had actually met Eric.
Eagerly walking over, Gwyneth stretched out her hands toward Eric. "Hey, Eric! I didn't expect you to come today!"
"Yeah, me neither," Eric joked, giving her a hug. As Gwyneth leaned in for a kiss on the cheek, he wasn't quite used to such intimacy but still gently kissed her cheek before stepping back to check out the others, scanning the group.
To Eric's surprise, besides Gwyneth and Kate, there were two more familiar faces. Looking at the shy, youthful expressions of the two girls on the outskirts, Eric couldn't help but marvel at just how small the world was, considering Drew had just mentioned the E! Entertainment acquisition!
Noticing Eric looking at them, the taller blonde girl among the two raised her hand and boldly introduced herself. "Hi, Mr. Williams, I'm Paris Hilton."
Eric smiled, casually glancing at the dark-haired girl next to Paris, who seemed to have a hint of Latin in her features. He nodded, "Hello, Miss Hilton."
Drew came over, affectionately linking her arm through Eric's. "Alright, Eric, let's head inside. We might get mobbed out here."
...
The group of girls moved briskly into the yoga studio. The receptionist at the front desk smiled as they entered but was evidently startled when she saw Eric, nearly stumbling over her words.
Drew quickly exchanged a few words with the receptionist, and they all headed straight to the practice room on the second floor. The receptionist opened the door and respectfully stepped back.
Drew led Eric inside, explaining, "I've rented out this place. No outsiders will disturb us."
With Drew's current financial strength, she certainly could have hired a private instructor to teach her yoga at home. Choosing this place was clearly her personality showing. Eric looked at the spacious room of over a hundred square feet and felt even more uncomfortable. Surely he wouldn't be joining the girls in their yoga practice.
"There should be a lounge area, right? Maybe I could just wait there?"
She pointed at a little rest area in the corner with a long bench and bookshelves, her expression mischievous as she pointed, "That's it! We're going to change first; heh."
With that, Drew released Eric's arm and instructed the twins following her. The other girls followed suit, moving to the changing room.
Eric shook his head helplessly and walked over to the so-called lounge area to sit down. He casually pulled a magazine from the bookshelf, glancing at the cover, and couldn't help but chuckle softly.
The cover showcased photos of Leo DiCaprio and Helena Christensen, framed by a lightning bolt-shaped crack, with black text announcing, "Leonardo's relationship with Victoria's Secret Angel girlfriend ends; rumors suggest she initiated the breakup."
Just as he was about to open the magazine and read the article, the practice room door swung open, and a few girls walked in chatting. Following them was a tall, graceful woman in a snug white sports tank and form-fitting leggings, likely the studio's instructor.
Noticing Eric seated in the lounge, the girls wore expressions of disbelief, clearly questioning whether he was really the Eric Williams everyone knew.
Eric pointed to the changing room, "C'mon, go on in. Drew and the others are already changing."
As the girls disappeared, the yoga instructor approached Eric.
The woman looked to be in her thirties; her skin was slightly darker, showcasing some South Asian heritage, giving her a soft, warm appearance with dark hair and light brown eyes. Perhaps due to years of practicing yoga, she radiated a charming tranquility.
"Hello, Mr. Williams, I'm Victoria Price, the owner of this studio."
Seeing her slightly bow and extend her hand, Eric politely stood to shake her smooth, pale hand.
Feeling her fingertips graze his palm lightly, Eric wasn't unfamiliar with this situation, so he maintained his smile, saying, "Hello, Miss Price."
Victoria's expression remained composed as she continued, "Mr. Williams, we do have men's yoga attire available. Would you like one?"
Eric laughed and shook his head, lifting the magazine he held. "No thanks, I'll read for a bit while I watch Drew and the others practice."
Victoria Price, not ready to give up easily, pulled out a card from her tank top. "Mr. Williams, here's my business card. You might need it someday."
Eric observed her gesture and raised an eyebrow. He took the card and brought it to his nose, catching a hint of subtle, feminine perfume from it.
Chuckling, Eric slipped the card into his shirt pocket. "Great, I'll call you if I need it."
Victoria's complexion flushed slightly, especially when she heard the changing room door open again, clearly startled. "Well, I'll go get ready then."
With that, the woman turned and walked away. Gwyneth and a few girls stepped out first, casting skeptical glances at the hurriedly departing Victoria Price. Then, they quickly brightened and swaggered over to sit down next to Eric. "Eric, long time no see! What have you been busy with lately?"
Eric glanced at Paris Hilton coming out behind Gwyneth, casually saying, "A lot of things. How about you?"
Gwyneth followed Eric's gaze, her expression shifting slightly, then directly asked Paris Hilton, "Paris, could you help me roll out the yoga mat? Just place it over there."
As she spoke, Gwyneth pointed to an area only three or four meters away.
*****
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