CHAPTER 58 THEPRINCE

Eric, Drew.. lives in your house ? Aniston asked after a sweaty session of lovemaking as she laid on the mans chest, her hand gently caressing his torso.

Eric nodded and told her exactly what had happened.

Jennys tone slight soured: But. you said you dont have that kind of relationship, so why are you doing so much for her ? Going so far as spending one million dollars. He, youve never spent that kind of money on me. Ahem, youre definitely up to something.

Erics hand darted under the covers and caressed the girls smooth bottom: I just see Drew as I would a little sister, youre my girlfriend. If you want, let alone a million, Ill give you a hundred for you to spend.

Jenny could tell from Erics tone that he was sincere, she felt warm inside but still pouted: Dont think this will be resolved with money. Although the girl said so, her hand reached under the cover as she intently groped him, and soon, little Eric stood proud again.

Youre the one who asked for it, girl. Eric laughed as he pressed Jennys body under him.

Ah.. not here, its all swelled.. Feeling the mans strong hands pinning her down, the girl struggled, to no avail.

Eric evilly smiled to her and said: Not here ? Alright, then Ill do it in another place.

Although she knew he was joking, Jenny still couldnt help but shiver at the thought.

Oh, Al Pacino fromThe Godfather? Hes really cool and manly, its a pity he didnt make a movie in recent years.

Last night had been really heated, and Jennys face was especially radiant as she carefully tied her boyfriends tie. Noticing Erics expression turn sour at her praising another man, she quickly stepped in and landed a peck on his cheek: Alright, alright, my Eric is the most handsome, Al Pacino is already an old man anyways.

I was gonna take you and have a look at Als play thats currently on Broadway, but Ive changed my mind now.

Aniston laughed and said: Even if you had asked me, I really dont have time do not have time, since Christmas is coming soon the director has us working overtime. Eric, are you staying in New York for the holidays ?

Eric shook his head: Im not sure, if Al Pacino is game, then Ill be able to stay. Otherwise, Ill have to fly back to L.A and start looking for someone else.

Oh. Aniston said in a slightly dejected tone.

Jenny, why dont you go back to L.A with me ? Your relatives are back there anyways.

Aniston shook her head, No, I dont want to go back there. they have their own families, I feel out of place there.

What are you talking about, they love you, you know ?

You dont understand, Eric. Aniston bitterly sighed. She adjusted her boyfriends collar before saying: Alright, go.

Hello, Mr. Pacino. Although he hadnt seen seen many Al Pacino movies, Eric was still slightly excited to meet the man in pers

on.

Hello, Eric. Please, call me Al.

After Kapoors introduction, the two of them shook hands, and they all sat down together.

A few pleasantries later, Al Pacino opened: Eric, Ive read the outline ofPretty Womans script. You may already know that, because of the 1985 incident, I havent acted in a movie for 4 years now. Although Im really thankful to you for extending an invitation, some parts of the script just dont fit with me.

Eric asked: Can you tell me which parts ?

Al Pacino said: The script focuses on the female lead, and when I asked Kapoor before, he said that it was a newcomer named Julia Roberts who would play Vivian. I deliberately went to seeMystic Pizzato have an idea of how her acting was like, and to be honest, it was just average. If the script doesnt get modified a bit, when I play Edward, wont I completely suppress her performance ? I dont intend to lower my standards just to be on equal standing with her, and in the end, the movie will be a complete bust.

Here, Al Pacino paused and stared at Eric with eyes full of confidence, he said: Eric, this is not me being arrogant, Ive had five Oscar nominations, and although I have yet to win any because I used to be prejudiced against as a newcomer, you cant deny my abilities.

Eric pondered for a moment, and soon his mouth broke into a smile. He had understood Al Pacinos intentions, the guy actually really wanted to act in the movie, however he had read that the focus would be more on Vivians character than his, which had left him dissatisfied. Thats probably the reason why he had insisted to meet Eric and person, he wanted to convince him to modify the script.

Eric acted intrigued and asked: Al, if you were to star as Edward, what changes do you think we should make ?

Al Pacinos face lit up as he collected his thoughts and put forward his own ideas: First, increase Edwards scenes, I think the characters personality should be explored a little more too. Ah and I think hes not nearly as outstanding as he should be.

For about ten minutes, Al Pacino had given his opinion about a full set of changes, and he was obviously very sure of himself when talking, so much so that, if Eric hadnt already seen the future and knew thatPretty Womanwas sure to succeed, he would probably have agreed.

However, this would definitely not happen now. Al, you actually really want to star in this movie, right ?

Al Pacino was startled, and when he caught Erics meaningful glance, he cheerfully shrugged, smiled, and said: Yes,I really want to do this movie. Im acting again after four years of break, and even though I received your script after the other studios, they are still discussing their respective projects. I dont know how long those discussions will take, so I wanted to seize this opportunity.

Al, your suggestions were pertinent, even I have to agree with that, however, I definitely cant make any changes to this script. Pretty Woman is a clichd modern Cinderella fairy tale. What you are suggesting will emphasize more on the character of the prince in order to make the story more realistic, which will mess up the entire concept. The essence of a fairy tale lies in its unrealistic side.

Al Pacino nodded disappointingly. He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something, but Eric beat him to it: Al, do you know aboutHome Alone?

Of course. Although I havent acted in a movie in recent years, I still keep myself updated in regards to Hollywood.

Well then you should know that thanks to my gambling agreement with Columbia, Ive made a lot of money, right ? Ill make you a deal, you act inPretty Woman, and Ill prepare another movie just for you to star in. I guarantee you will be satisfied with the role.

Al Pacino hesitated, Can you disclose a bit about that movie ?

Sure, Eric nodded, Ive read this Italian book before calledIl buio e il miele, Ill have to buy the adaptation rights before I can proceed though. In the script I envision, youll play a blind retired army ranger, a lieutenant colonel who has lost interest in life because of his impairment and decides to lose himself in debauchery and then commit suicide. So he hires a college student as a guide, and goes on a trip where he indulges in alcohol, women, and race cars. In the end, the colonel learns to appreciate life again thanks to the college students help. His character is rude, conceited and in the middle of a depression. Its a very complex role, but Im sure youll be able to manage.

As Al Pacino listened to Erics resume, he became more and more excited, and he couldnt help but start imagining how he would go about portraying that lieutenant colonel. Once Eric finished, Al was still indulging inScent of a Womans plotline, unable to extricate himself out of it. It was a full five minutes later that he looked up at Eric and hastily said: Eric, that script, Ill do it even without you paying me.

Youll have to doPretty Womanfirst for me to consider you though.

No problem, Ill listen to whatever arrangements you make, Ill. Ill try to act so that I dont overshadow Miss Julia too.

Eric keenly felt it was a good time to broach the subject, he tentatively said: Al, I heard youve yet to join an agency, what do you think about UTA ? Kapoor is an excellent agent.

Al Pacino hesitated a little, Is this a binding condition ?

Eric hastily shook his head: Of course not, this is a sincere invitation, even if you dont agree, Ill still have you act in the two movies Ive promised you.

Al Pacino thought for a moment and said: Okay, but I know that youve had some friction with the CAA, so I want to be free to leave at anytime should something happen.

Right now, Eric only wanted to win him over, he was confident that the man wouldnt leave in the future anyways. After a few great movies, Al Pacino was sure to be tied to the UTA. Of course, no problem, Ill prepare an easy-going contract for you, you can choose to leave at anytime.

Alright then, I agree. Al Pacino quickly nodded.