121 Friends

In the bustling heart of New York, as the early morning sun cast its first golden rays upon the city, Lucas made his way to the imposing IAA building, navigating the quiet streets with a purpose. His destination was Vincent's office, nestled within the labyrinthine structure, where he intended to retrieve the script for the project known as "The Walking Dead."

Upon his arrival, Vincent greeted him with a mixture of curiosity and surprise. "Oh? Lucas, are you considering throwing your hat into the ring for that zombie apocalypse series?" he inquired, his eyebrows arching in mild astonishment as Lucas took hold of the project's script.

To Vincent's bewilderment, Lucas shook his head, a firm resolve etched on his face. "No, I wouldn't dream of auditioning for this series," he confessed, his voice steady yet contemplative.

Vincent, puzzled by this unexpected revelation, pressed further. "Hmm... Then why haven't you discarded this project alongside the others?" he probed, seeking clarity.

Lucas paused, collecting his thoughts before responding. "Well, although I don't see myself fitting into this particular narrative, there's a friend of mine who I believe could embody the role perfectly," he explained, a sincere glint in his eyes.

"So, you wish to pass this opportunity onto your friend?" Vincent remarked, his tone laced with a newfound respect and a touch of surprise.

"Yes, and to spare my friend any potential embarrassment down the line, please communicate to the production team that while I may not be the right fit, I know someone who could be," Lucas urged, his request underscored by a sense of loyalty and concern.

Vincent nodded, understanding the gravity of the gesture. "It seems you share a strong bond with your friend, huh?" he observed, intrigued by Lucas's altruism.

Lucas nodded in affirmation, his features softening. "Actually, if it weren't for him, I doubt I'd have been offered so many projects or even had the chance to be in '127 Hours,'" he admitted, a note of gratitude coloring his voice.

"Oh? How so?" Vincent inquired, his interest piqued, sensing there was more to the story.

Lucas smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting a fond recollection. "Well, the role of Dylan in 'Modern Family' was actually handed to me by Paul. It was originally intended for him to audition for," he shared, his smile conveying a deep-seated appreciation.

As the conversation unfolded, Vincent began to understand the depth of Lucas's actions. It wasn't merely a gesture of friendship; it was an act of profound gratitude, a way to repay a debt of kindness that had once been extended to him.

After their enlightening conversation, Lucas left Vincent's office and began making his way out of the IAA building. As he navigated through the maze-like corridors, he couldn't help but notice the curious glances cast his way by passersby. It seemed as though his presence was causing quite a stir, with many giving him a second, more scrutinizing look than usual.

Lucas couldn't shake off the feeling that the lingering stares were a notch more intense than when he first stepped into the building. "Must be because of those photos making the rounds," he mused to himself, a wry smile playing on his lips. The thought amused him, knowing how quickly news traveled in their circles.

Shrugging off the lingering attention, Lucas finally stepped out into the bustling streets and made his way to the café where he was to meet Paul. Upon arriving, he spotted Paul seated at their usual spot, lost in thought over a cup of coffee. Lucas waved to catch his attention, and as soon as Paul looked up and saw him, Lucas approached with an easy stride.

"You're here," Paul greeted with a nod, his eyes curious and expectant. "So, what's this project you mentioned that you think will suit me?"

Noticing Paul's genuine interest, Lucas couldn't help but smile as he handed over the script. "Take a look for yourself," he encouraged.

Paul eagerly accepted the script, his eyes scanning the pages intently as he flipped through them. Lucas watched, a sense of satisfaction growing within him as he saw Paul become increasingly engrossed in the material.

"This... This is incredible," Paul whispered, his voice barely containing his excitement. He looked up at Lucas, a mixture of astonishment and gratitude in his gaze. "Lucas, are you really sure about this? Don't get me wrong, I'm captivated by what I've read. I can see the potential in this project, which makes me wonder, are you truly okay with passing this opportunity to me?"

With a reassuring smile, Lucas responded, "Don't worry, Paul. The role didn't feel right for me. But seeing your reaction, I'm convinced it was meant for you. If you're drawn to it, then it's because the role suits you perfectly."

Paul's face lit up with gratitude, a heartfelt "Thank you" escaping his lips. Lucas could only smile softly in return, content in the knowledge that he had made the right decision.

After chatting with Paul, Lucas made his way to the restaurant to meet Liza and Leonard. They greeted him warmly, as always, and it was clear from the bustling atmosphere that their business was thriving.

Located in a vibrant New York neighborhood, Liza's restaurant benefited from a strategic location that attracted a steady flow of patrons.

During their conversation, Liza shared with Lucas that the children from the hospital, who were her friends, missed him dearly, which brought a smile to Lucas's face.

Lucas was curious about how Liza had formed a connection with these children, a question he had forgotten to ask previously. He learned that Liza's younger brother had passed away from cancer and, astonishingly, the CEO of Bellevue Hospital was her father. This revelation helped Lucas understand Liza's deep affection for the children, treating them almost like siblings.

As Lucas left the restaurant, he was relieved that Liza and Leonard seemed unaware of the recent scandalous photos of him with a young actress, sparing him from potential embarrassment.

He then headed to the bar where Samantha worked. Upon his arrival, Samantha immediately greeted him. She had been expecting him since he had reached out to her and Elena the day before to discuss some song recordings.

Lucas's music, particularly his song "Perfect," was climbing the charts, an impressive feat given that pop music, largely popularized by Michael Jackson and other stars, dominated the industry. His folk and acoustic ballad style standing out in the pop-dominated charts was a testament to his unique talent.