Before the film festival

January wrapped its icy fingers around Los Angeles, the promise of a new year already eclipsed by Lucas's relentless schedule. Celebrating on December 31st was a fleeting dream, replaced by the familiar hum of film sets and the constant buzz of his phone. Brief phone calls with Liza, Paul, and Samantha - their voices tinged with festive warmth that felt distant through the crackle of the receiver - were the closest he got to New Year's revelry.

Los Angeles beckoned, a brief pit stop before the Sundance whirlwind. His "Modern Family" cameo was a blink-and-you-miss-it affair - Dylan, perched in front of a laptop, delivering lines that felt more like a voiceover than a physical performance.

The scene, a glimpse into Dylan's digital connection with Haley, didn't necessitate Lucas's presence on set. A few hours, a handful of takes, and the cameo was wrapped.

No need to mingle with the cast, no lingering on the familiar soundstage. Lucas, his schedule a tightly packed puzzle, simply boarded the next plane, the excitement of Sundance already tugging at his focus.

Flight arrangements? Logistics? Lucas could blissfully ignore them. His agency handled the machinery behind the scenes, leaving him free to focus on the exhilarating anticipation of Sundance. This time, his destination wasn't the familiar bustle of New York, but the crisp mountain air and burgeoning energy of Park City, Utah.

The Sundance Film Festival loomed large on the horizon, and Vincent, ever the resourceful agent, awaited his arrival. He'd even orchestrated a surprise – a collaboration with a designer from Dolce & Gabbana to outfit Lucas for the festival's glamorous nights. The news sent a thrill through Lucas.

Lucas couldn't help but be impressed by Vincent's industry finesse.

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The wheels of the plane kissed the tarmac at Salt Lake City Airport, a gentle sigh escaping Lucas as the engines whined down. He unbuckled, excitement bubbling in his chest as the scent of anticipation hung heavy in the air. The Sundance Film Festival was a mere breath away, and even the sterile airport buzzed with a creative energy. Movie posters plastered the walls, whispers of upcoming premieres danced on the wind, and a palpable sense of artistic camaraderie thrummed beneath the fluorescent lights.

Emerging from the terminal, Lucas hailed a taxi, the crisp mountain air replacing the stale air of the cabin. The drive to Park City was a scenic journey, winding through snow-dusted valleys and revealing glimpses of the town nestled amidst the majestic peaks. Finally arriving at the restaurant, Lucas spotted Vincent at a corner table, a warm smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. A hug, a flurry of greetings, and the air crackled with the promise of the festival's exhilarating chaos.

"Good to see you, champ," Vincent said, his voice tinged with excitement. "Settled in alright?"

Lucas nodded, taking a seat as the menu clattered softly behind them. "As well as one can be in this pre-festival frenzy," he chuckled, glancing around at the energetic murmur of filmmakers and journalists. "So, about the schedule," he began, "we meet the cast and directors closer to the opening, right?"

"Exactly," Vincent replied, stroking his chin. "They'll be trickling in over the next few days. Speaking of directors, I just got off the phone with Boyle. Let me tell you, he's singing your praises! 'Raw talent,' he called you, 'infused the screen with authenticity.' Pretty high expectations, wouldn't you say?"

Lucas couldn't help but grin, a touch of nervousness bubbling beneath the pride. "Sounds like I'd better bring my A-game," he said, then paused, a question bubbling up. "And the whole… fashion designer thing? Really necessary for a newcomer like me?"

Vincent chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "First Sundance? Gotta make a good impression, wouldn't you say? Besides, with Boyle's name attached, you're bound to attract some press eyes. Gotta look the part, eh?"

A wave of heat flooded Lucas's cheeks, a mixture of anticipation and self-consciousness. "Alright, alright," he mumbled, unable to hide a smile. "You win. Let's see what magic my wardrobe team can work."

Vincent's smile widened. "Remember your fashion designer? Big name, Dolce & Gabbana. Get ready to be pampered, champ."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, a playful grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "D&G, huh? When do we meet the designer?"

"Later, after we've fueled up," Vincent replied, gesturing to the half-eaten plates on the table. "You'll need to get used to the clothes over the next few days, fittings and whatnot. But hey, consider it a perk. Now, you look like you could use a rest before diving into designer fittings. Let's grab some dessert and talk about the real work tomorrow."

The meal lingered pleasantly, leaving Lucas feeling satiated and ready for the next step. Vincent, ever the efficient agent, led him to a quiet corner of the hotel lobby. After a brief knock on a specific door, a moment of silence stretched between them. A flicker of doubt crossed Lucas's face. "Are you sure the designer's here?" he inquired, brow furrowed.

Vincent, a picture of calm, simply nodded. Just as he was about to reply, the door creaked open, revealing a woman in her thirties, the assistant to the designer Cary Porter. Her voice, crisp and professional, greeted Vincent with a polite, "Oh, Mr. Smith! I wasn't expecting you this soon."

Vincent chuckled. "We thought we'd catch Mr. Porter early," he winked. "Is he in?"

Before the assistant could reply, a voice like velvet flowed from behind her.

"It's Ms. Porter, Mr. Smith," it purred, undeniably male yet imbued with a theatrical lilt. Lucas watched as a figure emerged from the shadows, a man impeccably tailored and adorned with light makeup.

Lucas watched as a figure emerged from the shadows, a man impeccably tailored and adorned with light makeup.

"Cary Porter, at your service," the figure announced, extending a hand with perfectly-manicured nails. Lucas cautiously shook it, his gaze flickering to Vincent, who offered a quiet, "That's your designer, Cary."

Cary scanned Lucas with the practiced eye of a hawk, his smile tight. "Well, Mr. Smith, I have to say, on the phone I envisioned a celebrity of a slightly... higher profile."

Vincent's smile flickered, but he remained unfazed. "Perhaps I didn't specify. My client is indeed the lead in a Sundance film premiere, quite a promising talent."

Cary's frown deepened. "A lead, yes, but I had pictured some established starlet, not… whoever this is," he huffed, gesturing dismissively towards Lucas.