**Chapter 127: How Big Are You?**

"CUT!"

It was just after 5 PM on the set of *Collateral*. 

Another scene had just ended, and director Michael Mann watched the footage on the monitor once more.

"OK! That's a wrap for this scene!"

Whew.

Luca exhaled a breath of relief. They had shot the scene six times, and apart from one accident involving an extra, the other five takes were all his fault.

"Mr. Cruise, I'm really sorry," Luca apologized.

Cruise waved it off. "You've bumped into me six times. Let's hope your script makes it worth my while."

"Mr. Cruise, I'll get the script to you as soon as possible."

"I'll be waiting!"

Cruise rubbed his shoulder as he and his team left the set.

"Nice job, Luca!" Ed came over, smiling.

Luca shook his head. "Five takes—hardly 'nice,' wouldn't you say?"

"No, no, that's not it."

Ed glanced around before speaking quietly, "Two of those were actually Cruise's mistakes. The director just blamed you for them."

"Really?"

Luca was surprised but still knew his acting couldn't compare to Cruise's level. He had to improve.

"Yeah, I overheard the director. Michael thinks your performance is solid, and you hold your own against the big stars. He also said you have a recognizable look—cool and a bit distant. Perfect for an action film."

Luca smirked, "I'd love to do that kind of movie, but I still need the opportunity."

"Don't worry, it'll come."

After wrapping up the scene, the two of them left the set.

The sun was setting, and the streets were packed with cars and people heading home. Bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues lit up their neon signs, as if competing with the fading sunlight.

Surrounded by the bustle, Luca took off his suit and switched to a beach shirt, shedding his heavy exterior and instantly feeling more relaxed.

"Where to, Ed?" Luca asked.

"Back to the hotel."

"Let's go to The Walker Bar."

Luca looked at his phone. "Britney's in LA. She texted saying she's at a bar near Santa Monica Pier with friends, and wants me to join."

"Alright!"

Ed drove them quickly to Santa Monica Pier. The area was lively, packed with tourists and full of bars, nightclubs, an amusement park, and an aquarium. By night, this place was always a party.

One of the more famous spots was *The Walker Bar*, a members-only place with a private, tea-house vibe, much like those in Japan.

Drinks here were expensive—a simple Scotch whiskey could go for twenty dollars—but it was always packed with patrons.

Within half an hour, they were at the pier. The sunset, beach, waves, and music created a perfect ambiance, with beautiful women everywhere.

"Coming in?" Luca asked as he got out of the car.

"No, no, it's too noisy for me. I prefer quieter places."

"Alright, see you tomorrow!"

Luca waved, then blended into the crowd.

"How was it acting opposite Tom Cruise?" Britney asked as they sat in *The Walker Bar* that evening. It was around 6 PM, and the bar was almost full.

The place always played music from the '60s and '70s—slow, sultry, and stylish.

"It was fine, I guess. I just got cut four times. The pressure was intense," Luca shrugged, feeling a little defeated. At first, the pressure was minor. 

By the third or fourth cut, he saw the growing impatience on Cruise's face. The pressure was immense, and he started doubting his own acting abilities. He almost considered quitting, but fortunately, the fifth take went smoothly.

Even so, it was embarrassing, especially since he used to think his acting wasn't bad.

"Only four times?" Britney said, resting her chin on her hand and wagging a finger. "Last year, when I was filming *Crossroads*, I got cut ten times during one scene. I almost quit."

*Crossroads* was Britney's first movie. It was about three childhood friends reuniting after eight years during a country road trip, rekindling their friendship. A small-budget film of about $5 million, it grossed nearly $20 million, which wasn't bad.

"How did you finally nail it?" Luca asked, curious.

"It was simple. I got angry, and the director passed me," Britney said with a mischievous grin.

Luca chuckled, "That's diva behavior!"

"Yep!" she laughed.

"Hey, Britney! So, this is where you've been!"

A girl dressed in an edgy, punk-rock style approached. Her hair was in big waves, and she wore smoky eye makeup and a nose ring. She looked familiar.

"Hi, Avril! You're late!" Britney hugged the girl.

Avril? 

Luca recognized her—Avril Lavigne, last year's Grammy-winning Best Female Rock Artist and currently on a world tour. She was a huge star, dubbed the "Pop-Punk Princess."

"Is this your Mr. Big, Britney?" Avril asked, turning her attention to Luca.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Lavigne. I'm Luca," he said, standing to greet her.

Avril raised an eyebrow. "Britney, he doesn't seem cool at all. He looks stiff and old-fashioned, like an old man. How could you like him?"

Luca smiled awkwardly. Did she really just say that to his face?

Britney laughed. "Luca's only twenty-one. He's just mature and steady. Don't you think that kind of guy is attractive?"

Avril shook her head. "Not at all. If he wasn't good-looking, I wouldn't even bother."

"Avril, that's enough," Britney said sternly.

"Alright, alright." Avril flicked her hair back and sat down. Then she seemed to remember something.

"Wait a minute!"

"What is it?" Luca frowned as Avril's eyes drifted downward, her gaze turning mischievous.

"Hey, Avril, keep your eyes up!" Britney waved a hand in front of her face.

"Ha! Britney, is it true that your Mr. Big is three feet long?" Avril asked, biting her lower lip with a playful smirk.

"Cut it out!"

Britney pushed her friend away.

"Come on, Britney, you should know!" Avril teased, wrapping her arms around Britney as they playfully scuffled.

Luca shook his head. No matter how big of a star they were, offstage, they weren't much different from ordinary girls.

"Hey, Ryan! Over here!" Luca suddenly spotted Ryan Gosling approaching.

Ryan had trained at the Mickey Mouse Club alongside Britney, Justin, and Christina. But while they stayed in music, he had ventured into acting, doing quite well.

Luca had first met Ryan at a bar called the *Rose Sacrament*, where things hadn't gone well.

The second time was in LA, when Luca auditioned for *The Notebook* and landed a supporting role, with Ryan cast as the lead.

They'd had a few chats since then and were now on friendly terms.

"Ryan, what's with the beard?" Luca asked, noticing his scruffy new look. When they first met, Ryan had been clean-shaven, a pretty boy.

Ryan stroked his thick beard and grinned. "My character in *The Notebook* has a beard. Can't shave it off until we finish filming."

"How much more do you have to shoot?"

Luca invited Ryan to sit and poured him a drink.

"Just a few more scenes. There's been heavy rain in Charleston, and one of our outdoor locations got flooded. So I'm taking a break for a few days," Ryan explained, pausing. "When do you start shooting, Luca? Have you been notified?"

"Next Monday."

"Great! We'll see you on set. I'll take you fishing at Charleston Lake. The grilled fish there is amazing."

"Sounds like a plan!" Luca chuckled and clinked his glass against Ryan's.

"Enough about filming, you two. Let's dance!" Britney suggested.

"Alright!"

The four of them headed to the dance floor as the music cranked up again.