Chapter 109: Support You

In Sherman Oaks, within Louise's villa, Kelly reclined on the sofa, delicately holding a piece of notepaper, and playfully extended it towards Louise. "Master bartender, do you want in on this? Martin's got a knack for naming drinks."

Louise, shedding her work jacket and rolling up her sleeves, turned to Martin. "What's your take on this, Martin?"

Seated at the bar, Martin pulled out two cocktail shakers, tossed one to each of them, and declared, "Let the battle begin! I'll capture it all on video."

Louise caught one, gripped the kettle's head with one hand and the base with two fingers, smiling mischievously at Martin as she began to bend the uniquely shaped kettle, threatening to break it.

Martin shuddered, exclaiming, "This is a showdown between you two. Why drag me into it? Don't scare me, you tipsy duo! With this strength, you won't break it!" He gestured, "Come on, have at it!"

Louise and Kelly exchanged sly glances. Both combatants, equally matched in their determination, turned their attention to Martin.

Martin, standing up, chuckled, "Alright, alright, I see I've united you against me."

Kelly and Louise rose and stood together, eyeing Martin up and down, as if plotting some playful mischief.

Facing this playful yet potentially dangerous situation, Martin made a swift decision. He lay down on the spacious bar, raised his finger, and teased, "Come at me, one by one or together. My suggestion: all together. You're no match for me!"

What transpired in the villa defied description.

In the midst of this, lured by the promise of a new cocktail recipe, Master Louise Meyer from the International Bartender Association managed to mediate between Martin and Kelly.

Under the night breeze, the three of them changed into more comfortable attire and relocated to the villa's terrace, sitting together beneath the moonlight, sipping drinks, and engaging in conversation.

Martin inquired with concern, "Kelly, did your business go well this time?"

Louise, still nursing a grudge, retorted, "Besides capturing you, what else would she do? I secured the business for her."

Kelly countered, "It was you in the middle of it all! You!"

Ignoring the tangential argument, Martin placed a glass of wine before him and redirected the conversation, saying, "Let's get down to business."

Louise raised her glass and took a sip, remarking, "Is there anything more serious in human history than this?"

Kelly, somewhat more serious, nudged Louise and whispered, "She helped me negotiate 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' with Warner Brothers. All filming will take place at Gray Studios in Atlanta."

Martin asked, intrigued, "Is that the Tim Burton project?"

Louise replied bluntly, "You needn't bother. I've invested heavily in 'Alexander the Great' and didn't secure a part. Tim Burton's using his friend Depp, and the other roles aren't suitable for you. No need to chase after minor roles. I haven't had any platter projects recently. You've got time to figure things out on your own."

Hearing the mention of 'Alexander the Great,' Martin queried, "Drunkard, how much did you invest in that film?"

Louise evaded the question, stating vaguely, "Over 20 million dollars."

Kelly playfully needled her, saying, "I genuinely hope that film tanks, and you, you eccentric, go bankrupt and have to return to bartending."

Louise chuckled, "I learned everything from you. If I do go bankrupt, I'll work as a bartender and sell drinks."

Martin didn't defend himself and shifted the topic, saying seriously, "Kelly, you're the producer of 'Zombie Stripper.' Let me share some good news. My agent struck a deal with Lionsgate Pictures, and I've been submitted for the Best Young Actor Award at this year's Saturn Awards. There's a chance I might get a nomination."

Kelly replied, "The global rights for the film have already been sold. I can't assist with that."

Louise chimed in, "You just want a nomination? Don't you aim to win?"

Martin agreed, "Of course, winning would be ideal." He then mentioned the applied film and the list of actors, adding, "Aside from Lindsay Lohan in 'Hot Mom,' I've hardly heard of the other actors. Their credentials aren't much better than mine."

Louise picked up her wine glass and gestured for them to join her in a toast. "This is a tricky matter, but it's also quite straightforward. The School of Science Fiction and Horror Film isn't as unified as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; it's more fragmented. Right now, Wes Craven holds the most influence in the School of Horror Film. If you can get on his good side, small awards like Best Young Actor become quite attainable."

Martin recognized the name, saying, "Wes Craven, the writer, producer, and director of 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' and the 'Scream' series."

Louise affirmed, "He's often regarded as the godfather of modern horror films in Hollywood."

"How can we reach out to him?" Martin inquired directly, addressing Louise and Kelly. He added humorously, "Do you mind if I use my charm?"

Louise responded with a fierce warning, "I'll cement you into a pillar and toss you into the Pacific Ocean if you try that!" She softened her tone, adding, "But seriously, impressing someone like Wes Craven isn't easy. He's been famous for years and has diverse interests."

Martin inquired further, "What's his biggest hobby?"

"Throwing rave parties," Louise replied succinctly. "He's quite well-known for it in the industry. Loves wild and extravagant party games, but he hasn't been as active in recent years. Probably worn out from all the partying."

Martin pondered for a moment, then asked, "Do you have any personal connections with him?"

"Just nodding and saying hello when we cross paths," Louise explained, extending her hand with a playful smile. "What about you?"

Kelly, observing this exchange between the two, interjected, "Martin, this troublemaker will drain you dry and then kick you to the curb."

Martin wasn't about to let that happen easily. He replied, "Give me some time. I need to concoct a winning strategy."

"Alright, I'll handle the logistics," Louise chimed in, playfully teasing. "I'll see how we can connect with him."

Kelly, feeling somewhat left out, spoke up, "Martin, it's been a while since you've given me any advice."

Martin contemplated for a moment and then suggested, "California has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. I think it might catch on in Georgia eventually. When the time is right, Kelly, consider launching a new version with a focus on LGBTQ+ rights."

"Bisexual?" Louise, with a hint of seduction in her demeanor, leaned over to Kelly, planted a passionate kiss, and then turned her gaze to Martin, raising her eyebrows provocatively. "Is this your idea for a new version?"

Martin couldn't resist, standing up and downing his drink, declaring, "I'll show you both what the new version looks like."

The next morning, Kelly was enthusiastic as she met with producer Brad Gray to discuss collaboration on "Charlie and the Chuckle Factory."

Martin, on the other hand, accompanied Louise to the LA Women Rights Asssociation, where Louise was one of the trustees.

The chairman, Caroline, a influential woman in her forties with the power to sway the political landscape of Los Angeles, was introduced to Martin by Louise. Caroline noted, "You did great work in Atlanta. I know Kelly Gray, and she doesn't have your capabilities. You're the true force behind the scenes, right?"

Martin, giving credit to Kelly, replied, "Kelly did the lion's share of the work. I merely provided a few ideas, and Kelly turned them into reality."

Caroline invited Martin to sit down and asked, "Are you planning to stay in Los Angeles for the long term?"

Martin explained, "I'm an actor, and this is the best place for my career."

Caroline expressed some regret, saying, "Atlanta is rather limited. If the kettle had been released in Los Angeles, its impact would have been much greater."

Louise interjected, saying, "My decision in life also stems from Martin."

Caroline looked at Martin with a deep gaze and formally invited, "Are you interested in joining us?"

Martin responded earnestly, "This is what I've been hoping for. Just like what I did in Atlanta, I'm willing to contribute to this great cause."

Caroline acknowledged, "Even though you may underestimate yourself, you hold a certain reputation and respect among liberals associations nationwide. Those fighting for this cause recognize you as a significant comrade."

Martin replied, "It's an honor."

Caroline then turned to Louise and said, "You'll take Martin to complete the formalities and become an official social investigator."

She also dangled a carrot, saying, "Martin, as long as you make a meaningful contribution, I'll recommend you as the 8th male committee member at the next committee meeting."

Martin graciously accepted and proceeded with the formal joining procedures.

In Los Angeles, salaries were generally higher than in Atlanta, and Martin, as a social investigator, earned a weekly salary of $600, in addition to submitting a monthly investigation report. It was more than sufficient for a comfortable life.

As they left the headquarters, Martin recalled their discussion from the previous night and suggested, "Alcoholic, if you ever find yourself bankrupt, your director's salary should provide a basic living."

Louise teased, "You think I can still be a bankrupt director?"

Martin quickly adjusted, saying, "Well, I'll be there to support you."

Louise joked, "If the movie truly fails, I'll start by silencing Kelly's big mouth!"

As the conversation took this turn, Martin thought of another individual with an even more notorious reputation.