Raimon left the restaurant battered, exhausted, and with his self-esteem shattered. One of the worst things was facing his father without his mother, without someone to defend him from his father's constant insults. He had no one to call; he was afraid of being ridiculed and didn't want to look foolish in front of Billy. He didn't have much reputation left, but what little he had was his pride.
He walked listlessly to the café suggested by Saul Zaents, a man who, according to the data and information provided by Steve Parks, was a tough and complicated person to deal with. -Saul was a tough person to handle, a total diehard. He was whimsical and didn't spare money to do not-so-good things. He's smart and very ambitious, - were the keywords given to Raimon by Steve Parks, who had an eye for detecting personalities when it came to doing business. He knew that accommodation was one of the main points with people with big egos or somewhat arrogant. In his view, it's just business.
-Mom, - Raimon said into the phone.
-My dear cupcake, how are you? - Samantha Green said, knowing her son's weaknesses. They would have lunch with his father. Samantha, as a housewife, leaned against the kitchen counter, watching her eldest son wash the car, oblivious to work, university, or even finding a wife.
-Well, mother, just feeling somewhat nostalgic, - Raimon said.
-I understand. Did you have lunch with your father? - his mother asked.
-I did. Now I'm heading to a work meeting, but the client is late. I hope he arrives in the next ten minutes. What can I say? Big cities, it's chaos; people are in such a hurry, - Raimon said.
-I'm so glad you have a job. How's your friend Billy Carson whom you talk about so much? - Samantha asked.
-Now he's an actor, and he's dating supermodels. I don't see him much, but I handle his money, - Raimon said.
-Oh, my! You weren't born for that world, my little one. Stay away from the supermodels; they don't deserve you. Any special girl, any girl you haven't told your mother about?" Samantha asked.
-Mom! I haven't had time for girls; work keeps me very busy, - Raimon said, embarrassed. He hadn't been able to tell her about his crush, Anna.
-Oh, you little rascal, keeping secrets from your mother. You'd better tell me everything on that trip you promised to take me on at the end of the year, with your aunt Jelly. Your father is too tired to travel now; he only comes back occasionally to make an appearance. Retirement turned out to be more detrimental, and now he escapes reality by meeting friends and making deals, - Samantha said.
-Yes, Mom, I have a wedding on December 8, and before that, I have a lot to do at the company, but we'll have a long vacation. The hotel is already booked, and I've completed all the arrangements. Don't worry; you don't have to ask Dad for money. I have the Christmas bonus, and I'll give you the promised vacation, - Raimon said, pounding his chest in a gesture of confidence.
-Oh, my son is so manly, - Samantha said, teasing Raimon. Unlike other people, Raimon knew that his mother was a charming angel who was always there for him.
-Well, your son is wonderful and now making money. I want to buy an apartment, and I already have some plans. Once I have a spare room, you can come to my house to stay," Raimon said.
-Oh, of course, I'll come gladly. The cold isn't good, and a season in California during the winter could be a preferable option, for my child. Mom also needs to set some meal schedules for you, - Samantha said.
-Yes, Mom, - Raimon whispered happily. She was the only person who truly loved him, never judged him, always stood by his side, and helped him with everything.
"Well, my little one, go and attend to the client. I have to go for tea at Mrs. Brown's house, and I can't be late. I love you so much, my little cupcake; don't take too long to call your mother," Samantha said.
"Goodbye, Mom, say hi to Mrs. Brown and Aunt Jelly," Raimon said. With renewed energy, his father's words were erased by his mother's affection.
Saul Zaents didn't arrive, but it didn't matter. Raimon now cleared his thoughts with a scoop of ice cream and prepared to give his all against the future producer of "The English Patient." For the meeting, they would set the location, the actors, the prices, and how they would handle the minor details for the entire movie. As a novice company lacking contacts, they had
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Billy finished another round of filming; some shots were still missing, but the conversations between takes, which are important when trying to reach a certain state, especially when acting in love with a woman who doesn't have feelings, is a state the actor must struggle with.
On the other hand, if your partner is a beautiful girl, it helps. However, this girl keeps giving him suspicious looks, which are unpleasant for Billy.
-Good job, cowboy, you're as quick as a clock when it comes to acting, - said Amy March, portrayed by Samantha Mathis, whom Billy is now part of.
-I do everything I can, and as I can, - said Billy, with evident fatigue. Taking care of a person, in this case, Winona has only given him headaches, and now he just wants to finish the day and rest.
Samantha, very much in tune with her mischief, a rebellious woman who fits the bad girl role, just bites her lip. Contrary to what Billy thinks, she stifles her urge to laugh, as she sees Billy as a weak man, a lost puppy. It's a truth, but not the whole truth, just a biased viewpoint. However, it remains Mathis's stance, who wants to laugh a little at Billy's expense.
-Black-haired women are more to your liking, - Samantha said.
Surprised, Billy tried to say something, but he regretted it.
-What does that have to do with anything? - Billy asked.
-Just a thought. You didn't kiss me with desire. It's a job, but boy, you're not a passionate lover, - Sam said.
-Was my performance bad? - Billy asked.
Samantha just wanted to hit him.
-It just lacked spark. Technically, there's nothing to complain about, but it lacked shine. When you kiss a woman, it should be lovely. Or is it your first time? - Samantha said, chuckling.
Clarrie, who was watching the conversation between Bill Darwin and Samantha, so close and intimate, couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. The cast is starting to spark, with Claire Denis finding Billy very handsome and a gentleman.
-They seem close, - Trini said beside her.
-It seems so, but Samantha wouldn't have a boyfriend, - Claire commented.
A laugh escaped Samantha, and that only produced more sparks in Claire, who now felt like hitting Billy, who had mentioned he had a girlfriend.