Chapter 80: Under the Moonlight
"You're Ethan? Wow, so young and handsome! I'm jealous!"
"I thought you'd be a man in his forties or fifties, honestly! Ethan, you should be an actor."
"My new song will be released next year. Are you interested in directing my music video, Ethan?"
"Your song's next year; mine's this year! Ethan, why don't you check out mine first? I promise it'll get you dancing."
Ethan smiled and responded politely to each of their questions and compliments, skillfully redirecting the conversation without accepting any offers. He took the glass Jennifer handed him, and they moved further into the party.
By the pool, a few block sofas were set up, where Kelly, Nelly, and another stunning Black woman sat.
To be honest, in Ethan's eyes, most Black people looked quite similar, but a few stood out with beauty that transcended skin color, capable of stunning anyone. One such person was the woman before him: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles. In the future, she would become a household name, winning 32 Grammy Awards as one of America's iconic singers.
"Ethan! Over here, long time no see!" Kelly stood up warmly to hug him, then introduced her friend. "This is Beyoncé…"
"Of course, I know! Destiny's Child. I love your music," Ethan said, smiling as he shook Beyoncé's hand.
"Ethan? Or should I call you Mr. Ethan?" Beyoncé wore a loose slip dress that emphasized her figure, with a bold and elegant look, as if ready for a grand event.
"Whichever you prefer." Ethan shrugged, and they sat down together, drinking and chatting.
"Ethan rolls off the tongue easier," Beyoncé said directly. "I'm releasing my album next year. I've already discussed it with Jay-Z, and we're about to start recording demos."
"So, Ethan, would you be able to help Beyoncé shoot her music video?" Kelly asked on behalf of her friend, her face showing a bit of uncertainty.
Beyoncé, too, felt slightly nervous. Though her former group was quite popular in the U.S., she was venturing out as a solo artist, and it was hard to predict how well her new album would sell. Moreover, in the music industry, Ethan was practically a prized director; every artist wanted him to direct their music videos, even if it meant paying extra.
While Ethan hadn't directed many projects, his work was undeniably impressive. His videos for Ray, Nelly, and Avril had amazed fans and even boosted album sales. You could see how fans lined up to buy Avril's new album—many artists had bought extra copies for themselves, stunned every time they watched the music video.
As the magazines had remarked, Ethan's ideas were truly remarkable and wildly creative. Naturally, Beyoncé worried he might turn her down, which was why Kelly had asked him to join the party.
To her surprise, Ethan didn't hesitate much, shrugging as he agreed, "No problem, Beyoncé. Just let me know when you're ready to shoot. But fair warning: I can be a bit demanding on creative details."
"Really? That's amazing!" Beyoncé said, raising her glass to clink with his. "Kelly told me, don't worry; I'll follow your direction on set."
"Sounds perfect." Ethan laughed. "Cheers."
They continued drinking and chatting, with Ethan mostly listening to gossip about the music industry. As they talked, he heard the approach of high heels from behind.
"Oh! Annie, you're looking more gorgeous every time I see you!" Jennifer stood to greet her, and Ethan turned to see a familiar face: Anne Hathaway.
This actress, known for her roles in The Princess Diaries, Brokeback Mountain, Love & Other Drugs, The Dark Knight Rises, and many others, was standing right in front of him.
She wore a black deep-V dress, the neckline plunging down to her navel, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her figure. Her voluminous hair was parted stylishly, and she tucked her black sunglasses into her Chanel purse.
"Jennifer, you look fabulous too, and that necklace is stunning," Anne said as they hugged warmly, clearly longtime friends.
Once they parted, Jennifer introduced Anne to Ethan, "This is Ethan, the renowned music video director. Lots of artists are trying to get him to direct their projects."
"Ethan? Pleasure to meet you," Anne said, raising an eyebrow with interest and extending her hand. "Mind if I ask you a question?"
Ethan shook her hand, nodding. "Go ahead."
"Have you ever done a cover shoot for T magazine?"
Ethan furrowed his brow, recalling his shoot with Fiss and the amateur model Ayala. "Now that you mention it, yes—some photos they wanted for a cover."
"Ah, so it was you. Small world, isn't it?" Anne covered her mouth in surprise, but her characteristic smile was still evident.
"What, you two know each other?" Jennifer looked between them with a playful grin.
"No, no, Jennifer," Anne clarified, waving her hand. "We don't know each other exactly. It's just that I had a confirmed cover shoot, but Ethan's photos bumped mine to the next issue"
"Wow, so it's a 'fated encounter'?" Jennifer laughed. "Well, now you've met, let's put this behind us. Maybe Ethan could do a special cover shoot for you sometime?"
She winked, as if hinting at something to Anne.
Anne turned to Ethan. "I'd love that. I think your photography is fantastic; your aesthetic is amazing."
"Thanks for the compliment. But should I call you Hathaway, or Anne?"
"Anne will do."
They sat with their drinks, and soon, the party music grew louder, with Nelly and the others heading to the poolside dance floor.
Anne, however, remained seated, sipping her drink, and noticing Ethan was doing the same, asked, "Not a fan of dancing?"
Ethan shrugged and leaned closer to say, "Not really."
"Me neither!" Anne answered loudly, trying to be heard over the increasingly loud music.
She then motioned to Ethan, suggesting they take a walk outside, and he agreed.
They wove through the crowd and found themselves in the villa's quieter garden.
Once they left the loud music behind, Anne took a deep breath, tucking her hair behind her ear as she turned to him with a smile. "So much better out here."
"Then why did you come?" Ethan asked, genuinely curious.
"Jennifer invited me; we're friends, you know."
"Ah, friends." Ethan chuckled. "So, any new films coming out?"
"You mean mine? Yeah, Nicholas Nickleby, but that was shot last year." At this point, Anne, just 21, was still relatively new to Hollywood, actively searching for opportunities.
"Have you seen any of my movies?"
"Actually, no, sorry," Ethan replied honestly.
"Ouch! That hurts. I guess I still need a little more fame," she said with a smile. "But I've seen your work—the video you did for Avril. It's everywhere; everyone's talking about it. How did you come up with all that?"
Leaning against the garden railing, with moonlight illuminating her like a statue of Venus, Anne was radiant.
Ethan placed his elbows on the railing, explaining, "Divine inspiration...it always hits when I least expect it."
Anne laughed. "Oh, divine inspiration, huh? When does it usually strike?"
"Oh, you know… while showering, driving, sleeping…or like now." Ethan looked at her with a serious expression. "She's stunning."
"Who's stunning?" Anne asked, slightly flustered but curious.
"Your eyes. They're filled with strength, independence, courage, and a beautiful soul," he said, effortlessly charming her.
"Thank you." Anne was clearly moved by his words, her lips pressed together as she glanced at the lawn nearby.
After a moment, she slipped off her high heels.
"Here, let me hold those for you," Ethan offered.
"Aren't you going to ask why?" Anne, now barefoot, looked at him.
"No need. It's your choice."
Anne handed him her shoes, smiling as she strolled barefoot on the grass under the moonlight.
Ethan watched, then held up his hands, framing her through an imaginary camera lens. Anne, noticing his gesture, laughed and started to dance slowly, setting her own beat.
"Da…da…da…"
She danced gracefully, moving with elegance, and Ethan kept shifting his position, making clicking sounds as if taking photos.
When she finished, Anne turned, her silhouette framed by the full moon. "Ethan, could I invite you to shoot a magazine cover for me?"
"Of course, no problem!"
Later that night, Anne rode with Ethan in Jennifer's car, which dropped her off at her community gate.
"Sweet dreams tonight," Ethan said as she stepped out.
Anne leaned down to the car window, leaving a light kiss on his cheek. "Sweet dreams to you too."
"Bye!"
Watching her walk away, Ethan sent Avril a goodnight text. As for Scarlett, she was busy with late-night shoots, working non-stop.
"Looks like things are about to get busy," Ethan murmured as he told the driver to take him home.
As he watched the night lights pass by, he began tapping his knee rhythmically, his fingers moving like he was playing an invisible piano, lost in thought about the upcoming Oakley cereal ad campaign.