Chapter 60: Lucky Charm

Underneath the Smoky Mountains, the crescent moon cast its reflection upon the serene lake. In the yard of their lakeside holiday house, Elena kindled a crackling bonfire.

Martin adeptly prepared a barbecue, brushing sauce onto the skewers, and releasing a mouthwatering aroma that wafted through the air.

Across from him, Lily clutched a pink water bottle with a drop-shaped straw, eagerly sipping.

Elena playfully punched her on the head. "Silly, don't use that."

Hall took a shovel, dug a hole near the campfire, and buried the potatoes Martin had wrapped. He muttered, "A bunch of idiots."

Harris perched on a rock, suggesting, "I should call the Cole sisters. They're sure to come."

Lily was still in high spirits despite her older sister's scolding. "I want to go to the lake and try catching a grizzly bear."

Martin chimed in, feigning seriousness, "Vacation camps like this are prime settings for horrific incidents. A deranged murderer is lurking in the Great Smoky Mountains, hunting down people in the dark, especially beautiful girls."

Elena scolded him, saying, "Stop scaring everyone." She turned to Lily, "Let's dine by the lake. You can even swim here." It was, after all, a well-established resort and not the perilous place Martin described.

After dinner, Lily and Elena changed into their swimsuits, wrapped themselves in blankets, and headed to the lake. Various groups of tourists were scattered across the lake, enjoying their nighttime swim.

Elena followed Martin into the water, which had an artificial sandy bottom. The water was relatively shallow, allowing them to walk out a fair distance.

The two shared an unspoken agreement and swam to a secluded spot, where they climbed into a small boat and reclined.

Martin, burdened by recent troubles, asked, "Do you think someone might be watching us from afar?"

"You can't see clearly from a distance," Elena responded, direct as always. "I'm not afraid, silly. What are you afraid of?"

Martin chuckled nervously. "I'm afraid the boat might sink."

As the water rippled and waves rocked the boat gently, the two enjoyed their peaceful moment.

...

The resort was entirely secure, with no signs of any terrorist activity. The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, Martin headed to the Production Center to make his presence known to director Michel Gondry.

During lunch with Louise Meyer, he engaged in a conversation with the influential producer Steve Golin. In Hollywood, where producers held significant sway, Steve Golin was undoubtedly one of the most powerful figures on the entire crew.

For now, Martin kept his interactions with Steve polite and brief.

After finishing their meal, Martin crossed paths with the director of the Marietta Theater Company.

Taking shelter under an awning, Jerome explained, "I removed Rosa from our troupe and spread the word among Atlanta's extras. She'll have trouble finding work in this circle again." Jerome's rationale was straightforward, "Our industry has far too many drug issues. No one wants a ticking time bomb around."

Martin expressed his gratitude, "Captain, you've gone through a lot of trouble."

Jerome, in his role as the troupe leader, asserted, "When my members are mistreated, someone has to set things right."

Martin understood that Jerome expected something in return for his efforts, and he inquired, "Is everything going well with the crew?"

"The collaboration is excellent," Jerome replied confidently. "After this first interaction with a Hollywood crew, there will likely be more in the future. The first time is always the most challenging."

He wanted to ensure he wasn't forgotten, adding, "Martin, Robert Patrick mentioned that he'll always consider himself part of the Marietta troupe."

Martin responded solemnly, "So do I."

Jerome produced a card from his pocket and handed it to Martin. "This is Robert Patrick's contact information in Los Angeles. If you decide to head there for your career, it might come in handy."

Martin accepted it eagerly. "Captain!"

Jerome offered a piece of advice, "If the day comes when you truly want to leave Atlanta, let me know. I'll contact him to explain your situation." Jerome couldn't resist a pun, "Marietta Troupe members should look out for each other."

Martin agreed wholeheartedly, "No matter where I go, I'll always be a member of the Marietta Troupe."

Jerome gestured towards the office adjacent to the studio. "I'll go have a word with Andrew."

As he walked away, Martin glanced down at the card in his hand. It bore only a name and a series of numbers, clearly private contact details not meant for the average person.

Just then, Robert approached, scratching his head, and said, "The boss approached me this morning and told me he won't be charging me dues anymore."

Martin inquired, "Did you think I put in a good word for you?"

He pointed to his temple and replied, "The boss has his ways of thinking. I don't need to say much."

Robert, not missing the implication, commented, "I should say thank you; $300 a month is no small amount for me."

Martin responded differently, "You're my lucky charm, Robert. If I ever make it in Hollywood and compete for significant roles, I'll bring you on board."

It was not just about luck; it was for good fortune too.

He playfully mimicked Harris, saying, "With you around, my chances of success increase by 60%!"

Robert didn't mince words, "When the time comes, help me find a character with lines, and make sure it's a positive role. And, please, don't make it like your current drama where you have tons of lines but minimal screen time."

Martin assured him, "Don't worry. If the opportunity arises, I'll certainly find you a role with lines."

Veterans like Robert possessed basic acting skills but often struggled to secure roles with speaking parts due to other factors.

In the evening, Martin treated director Michel Gondry to a meal filled with authentic Atlanta-style cuisine at a high-end restaurant in Peachtree Center.

With over a month of filming in Atlanta nearly complete, the crew would soon return to Los Angeles.

Due to their shared sentiments about the British, Martin and Michel Gondry developed a strong rapport.

Personal connections were nurtured step by step, their value perhaps not evident now but potentially invaluable in the future.

Two days later, Louise Meyer was bidding farewell to Atlanta.

On her last night in the city, Martin visited her at her hotel and prepared a glass of a slow-speed screw modified with an expansion twist.

Countless bubbles danced in the wine, and Louise Meyer exclaimed, "Martin Davis, how many new cocktails do you know? You rascal, you're toying with the heart of a cocktail enthusiast!" Martin feigned innocence, "It seems like you're pulling a fast one on me. You're a top-notch producer, and I'm just a small-time actor. Let me think of the right words... Yes, you're trying to use your influence on me!" Louise couldn't help but chuckle at this charmer's antics, but she did chime in, "And what about that Kelly? No one knows me better than her, so she went out of her way to prepare for you two. You're quite the pair!"

Martin, seemingly oblivious, continued, "The slow-speed screw with an expansion twist is my parting gift to you. I've even given you the recipe. Louise's version of it will undoubtedly make its mark in cocktail history!"

As the room eventually fell into silence, Martin inquired, "Where are you off to next? Morocco?"

Louise nodded, "I'll take a week off in Los Angeles before heading to Morocco. There's a film crew there. Don't even think about it; I won't be using you. You still haven't passed the accent test."

Martin didn't push the matter, saying, "I need to shake off the zombie stripper role first."

Louise advised, "Use every trick in the book to secure your first leading role. This is just a small game compared to Hollywood."