94 Back to New York

[New York]

Fresh off the plane from Los Angeles, Lucas felt a familiar energy pulsate as he stepped back onto the bustling streets of New York. His first stop? Liza's restaurant. He pushed open the door.

The place seemed to be thriving, the aroma of spices and sizzling meats wafting through the air.

Lucas settled into his usual corner, his eyes scanning the room. There was Leonard, his face flushed with concentration as he took orders. He caught a glimpse of Leonard heading back to the kitchen, then a double-take as their eyes met. A grin spread across Leonard's face as he hurried over, "Look who's here! You're back!"

Lucas chuckled, returning the smile. "Hey, Leonard. How are you and Liza doing?"

"Couldn't be better! But come on, let's go see Liza. She'll be thrilled to see you back."

Lucas followed Leonard, stepping into the manager's office. Liza, lost in paperwork, looked up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Lucas? You're back!"

He nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "Just landed. How's everything?"

Liza's face lit up. "I saw your debut film! It was amazing! You were..." She paused, searching for the right words. "Incredible!"

Before Lucas could respond, she pulled him into a warm hug, her genuine excitement radiating outwards. He returned the hug awkwardly, a touch of amusement in his eyes.

Leonard conversed with Lucas before going back to work, hoping to catch up with Lucas later. Lucas and Liza talked for a while as minutes melted away, filled with the comforting warmth of friendship and the familiar buzz of the restaurant.

speaking of the film, my friends absolutely loved seeing you in Modern Family! Some of them are huge fans."

Surprise flickered across Lucas' face. "Really?"

Liza nodded enthusiastically. "They'd be thrilled if you could meet them sometime. Would you be open to it?"

Lucas' gratitude towards Liza for helping him in the past welled up. "Of course! They're your friends, after all. When could we arrange it?"

Liza's smile widened. "If you're free, how about tomorrow?"

"Sounds good," Lucas agreed. "Where do we meet?"

Liza's voice grew softer. "Um, actually... it's at the hospital."

Lucas' brows furrowed slightly. "The hospital? Why there?"

Liza took a deep breath. "My friends... they're cancer patients, spending time with them, talking, playing games... I volunteer to visit them regularly."

Lucas blinked, a mix of confusion and curiosity washing over him. "Volunteer? Play? You mean..."

Liza blushed a light pink. "Well, yes. Most of them are children, with a few teenagers."

Understanding dawned on Lucas' face. "So... your friends are children battling cancer?"

Liza nodded, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. Seeing Lucas fall silent, she worried he might change his mind. "If you're uncomfortable, it's completely fine—"

Lucas cut her off, his voice firm. "Are you kidding? Of course I'll go!"

Liza's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"

He nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "I was just a bit taken aback at first, you know?"

Lucas couldn't deny the surprise. He hadn't known about Liza's dedication to volunteering with these children. A wave of warmth and admiration washed over him.

Liza's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Lucas. This means the world to me!"

They chatted for a while longer before Lucas headed back to his apartment.

Lucas expected his apartment to be buzzing with Paul's usual energy, but the silence greeted him like a forgotten song. Perhaps Paul was out, networking his way through the industry as original Lucas had described in diary sometimes. After all, the man had more connections than his casual demeanor suggested.

Lucas settled in, booting up his computer. His Bitcoin portfolio, a remnant of his future knowledge, was already flourishing, but the thrill of financial security didn't quell the desire to share it with his friend. A significant chunk of those digital coins would soon find their way to Paul's wallet.

The next stop was the familiar IAA building in New York. Vincent, his agent, greeted him with a warm handshake and a genuine smile. After exchanging pleasantries, they settled into Vincent's office, Lucas eager to discuss the script offers waiting for him.

"Like Crazy," "50/50," "Midnight in Paris," "Drive," and even the tantalizing prospect of HBO's "Seven Kingdoms" – the list was diverse and exciting. Lucas began, "I'm interested in these four films, but scheduling them with—"

"Might be possible," Vincent interjected, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Studios aren't as rigid as you think. The filmmakers behind these projects, impressed by your work in '127 Hours,' are willing to adjust their schedules for your auditions, even wait for you to confirm."

Lucas blinked, surprised. "Really?"

Vincent nodded affirmatively. "Your breakout performance seems to have left quite the impression."

A mix of emotions washed over Lucas: relief, excitement, and a renewed sense of responsibility.

Then the conversations shift about Vincent finding Lucas a manager, while Vincent offered some options from within IAA, he also cautioned Lucas against rushing into a decision. Vincent recognized the potential value of waiting for someone with established Hollywood connections, someone who could navigate the industry's complexities and open new doors for Lucas.

Back at his apartment, the four scripts Vincent had handed him beckoned. Hours melted away as Lucas delved into each story.

"Like Crazy" impressed him with its raw honesty, its departure from the sugary cliches that often dominated rom-coms. The film's promise of a realistic portrayal of love's challenges resonated deeply.

Next, "Drive" challenged his expectations. Unlike the adrenaline-fueled frenzy of "Fast & Furious," this script hinted at a deeper exploration, a story where car chases served a character-driven narrative. The intrigue was undeniable.

Then came the French studio offer, "Midnight in Paris." Lucas was enthralled by its premise, but a nagging doubt gnawed at him about the ending. Still, the script sparked his imagination, leaving him wanting more.

Finally, "50/50" tackled the sensitive topic of cancer survival. The script offered a unique perspective, a character named Adam undergoing the emotional journey of a cancer patient. Lucas found himself drawn to the role, wondering how he would embody Adam's vulnerability and strength in the "Mind Workshop".

The mention of cancer triggered a memory. He thought of Liza, his friend and former boss, and her dedication to volunteering with children battling the disease.

Lucas closed the final script. The possibilities ahead seemed endless, and he was determined to navigate them with both ambition and compassion.