lux.

February 17.

There was a Cruze, a Cruze that turned Billy's stomach. First off, Donnie Brasco was a relief, the production was underway, but it was safe to say it might overlap with Titanic. It was a matter of being caught between a rock and a hard place. The pre-production for Donnie Brasco began now in January. However, many producers were confident it would start in March, May, or June. Curiously, the auditions for Titanic were ready to be released. Billy knew perfectly well that the gold mine before his eyes had to be exposed and exploited with the same dedication he had shown on other occasions.

-I'm afraid pushing the production forward will only cause inconveniences unless you decide to spend more money. These things aren't meant to be rushed. We have many types of shoots and things that need to be done,- commented Jim Waiit, who was well-versed in the timing and form of success. But some films were ready to be shot. Billy had his audition, and thousands of people were called to participate in it. For now, it would be a massive chain of numerous people, all dressed and imagined as Jack.

He bought some old brown pants, a second-hand blue shirt with suspenders, and some comfortable leather shoes, a bit dirty, and his hair, which was still growing, needed pins. But it had a slight wave that fell over his face. He shaved his beard and wore a brown cap— a beret over his face.

-We'll take the big ship on our side… I think we support Donnie Brasco as part of the production's slate. That leaves us a role we can be a part of,- said Billy, organizing his clothes. It was morning. Billy's mansion was simple but had a large, well-tended green lawn.

-By the way, Monica was called to star in a movie… called Accomplices. It's about lesbianism, but I think she can do a good job. The production is in Los Angeles, and well, the role doesn't particularly involve any explicit scenes,- Jim Wait remarked.

-It doesn't matter then… I'll talk to her. For now, I think the outfit we chose is perfect. The character is a painter,- said Billy, standing in front of the mirror. He didn't have much to say at the moment. Three films for now, but it would be interesting to take the role in Gattaca if it came his way, even if it was just for a secondary character's scenes alongside the protagonist.

-I think you get the point…– replied Jim Waiit, nodding over his papers. –"I've got three scripts you should read. They may not be fantastic, but they bring interesting ideas you can use to improve your skills, and they don't require lead roles. You don't always have to go for the lead. Sometimes some roles are better than others."-

Among them was a secondary role with some scenes in Air, which began shooting in two weeks, a sci-fi movie Starship Troopers, along with My Best Friend's Wedding in New York, or even a role in Seduction, but that one was discarded. Lastly, there was a low-budget horror film they were considering him for a leading role. To Jim, it would give Billy some range as an actor and wouldn't take long to film.

-I'll keep them in mind. Considering how things are going, I think I need to focus on production. We've got two films this year, Donnie Brasco and Men in Black. I need time to organize my ideas and oversee the production process,- Billy commented.

-I'll send over the scripts. We'll handle the rest in the coming months,- Jim said.

They finished their conversation, with many promises in mind. Billy returned to the set of L.A. Confidential. The directors wanted to film a few extra scenes, which could take an unknown amount of time. But it wasn't much, just a wish from the editing room. Nothing significant had changed. The set remained intact, and the permits to shoot were extended until May.

He laid his costume on the table and opened the curtains. The Italian woman, asleep on the quilt, let out a small protest, a muffled whimper of pure whim.

-You've got to go to work,- Billy said, sitting beside her, brushing her hair. -Someone has a little cameo to make in Alien.-

-Nooo.-

-Come on, come on,- Billy coaxed, caressing her under-eye circles, a sensitive spot for the woman, who now raised her hands, wanting to move past the early morning discontent and finally open her dark eyes.

***

For some time now, he had been pushing his work to the extreme, managing to make purchases from many places. Buying sports teams was a move that not everyone considered the right decision. Many doubted Billy's idea of getting into the world of sports so early. It's undeniable that whenever they think something is wrong, it might turn out to be the opposite. Billy's thought process was much more complex, and the fact that he was putting so much focus into sports was evidence of his commitment.

The San Francisco 49ers, an American football team playing in Santa Clara, just 25 minutes from Billy's company, were the perfect team for him to buy. The first step was the sale from DeBartolo Jr., who had faced some corruption issues in Louisiana and recent problems with casinos. The DeBartolo family's assets had caused recent trouble. The sale was something that had to happen, according to his mother's remarks. Meanwhile, John York, his sister's husband, had been advocating for the team.

-Mr. DeBartolo, thank you for considering our offer,- said Steve Parks.

-Well, we haven't accepted anything concrete yet. It's something that could cause slight complications. For now, the priority is reviewing the offer's value,- DeBartolo responded.

-It's simple. You leave us with a $200 million debt on the team, and we take on the debt. You can use that extra money to resolve your financial issues, and the purchase won't bring you many inconveniences. It's a type of financial leverage, claiming the debt, and we'll take care of both the debt and the team's situation,- Steve Parks explained.

The financial idea was designed to seek the highest value for the seller, more in terms of distribution than revenue. But it wouldn't cause much discomfort— it would just be a price-cost idea that brought many issues, particularly with the debt they were buying. It was the right business for the situation of both parties, though it required a lot of work and effort.

-Regarding that, would you assume the other $13 million debt?- DeBartolo responded.

Steve Parks nodded. They already had a hockey team, a basketball team, and now, a football team. The shape of a sports conglomerate was taking form. They had the San Jose Sharks, the Golden State Warriors, and now the San Francisco 49ers, part of Lux Sports' acquisitions. If they could add a baseball team, and a soccer team, and build a tennis stadium to create the Lux Cup, sanctioned by the ATP, it would be just another way to turn San Jose into a sports capital, which now had plenty of room to grow.

-For now, this is the offer we must present,- said Steve Parks.

Initially, they had wanted to buy it for just $150 million, but the negotiation pushed it up to $213 million. In the end, despite some reluctance, they reached an agreement.

...

We are on chapter 459 on Patreon, I'm writing about Titanic, hahaha it ended because they chose Kate Winslet as the actress, of all the votes, she received 8 votes, Charlize 4 votes, Jennifer conneñy 4, Alicia Witt 2, Angelina Jolie 1.