Model to Holywood

"Fanny, we've arrived. Time to get out!" 

It was morning, outside the New York airport. Luca pulled a yellow suitcase out of the trunk. 

"I don't want to go back to New York!" 

Fanny frowned and lazily leaned against the car window.

"You're still in school. What else are you going to do if you don't go back?" 

"I don't want to study anymore."

"..."

Luca clenched his fists. "I'm giving you three seconds to get out, or I'll kick your butt!" 

Fanny rolled her eyes and reluctantly got out of the car.

"Take your guitar!" 

Luca slung the guitar over her shoulder. She had brought a large guitar with her, and now she was leaving with a signed one. He also handed her the suitcase.

"You like pears, right? There's a box of them in your suitcase. I picked them from a big pear tree... hey, don't rush off! I'm not done talking."

"Blah blah blah, who wants to hear your nonsense?" 

Fanny pulled her suitcase and started walking.

"How is it nonsense? There are eight or nine pears in there. Don't eat them all by yourself. Share some with Lima and Kate. And be sure to focus on your studies at school. No fooling around, and try to avoid going to nightclubs. You're not short of opportunities right now; what you lack is—"

"Experience and practice, right? You've said that hundreds of times." 

Fanny rolled her eyes.

Luca shrugged. "Maybe I'm a bit naggy, but—"

"You're just doing it for my own good, right?" 

Fanny said with a smirk.

Luca was speechless.

"Fine, go on then. I'm done talking." 

He waved her off.

Fanny snorted, dragging her suitcase as she walked away with her head down.

"If you need anything, call me. If you're short on money, you can ask me for help. Come visit if you have time, as long as I'm—"

Before he could finish, Fanny suddenly turned around and rushed back, jumping into his arms.

"Uncle Luca, I don't want to go back, can I stay?" she whimpered.

"You want a beating?" 

"... Ugh."

"Stop pretending to be pitiful. Get lost already, I've got a movie to shoot soon!" 

"You stubborn old man, Luca! You're the worst!" 

Fanny pushed him away, grumbling as she walked off angrily.

"Goodbye, Fanny! Remember to call when you arrive!" 

"I won't!" 

Fanny gave him the middle finger.

Luca shook his head, watched her for a while, then turned back to get in his car.

After the concert, Fanny left. Britney stayed busy with her music, and Luca continued shooting movies and promoting his films.

"Everyone ready? Let's start filming!" 

At noon, on the school set, Ian, the assistant director, yelled, and the actors took their positions.

The scene was simple today: a "caught cheating" moment.

Katie, played by Lindsey, had discovered Gina's secret. Every Tuesday, Gina would sneak off to the film room to get cozy with the football team's quarterback. 

Many people knew this secret, except for the main character, Aaron, who was completely oblivious. 

Katie wanted to expose Gina's true colors, so she and her classmates set a trap, luring Aaron to the film room.

The first attempt was posting a notice outside the classroom, saying that the swim team's practice was in the film room.

When Aaron arrived, all he found was the naked quarterback.

The first trap failed.

For the second attempt, Katie pretended her bag was stolen and led Aaron to the film room again, but this time, Gina had switched locations, and they ended up catching the basketball coach in an affair with a female student.

"Is everyone set?" 

Director Mark asked after explaining the scene.

"All set!" 

Luca, Lindsey, and Daniel, who played the masked robber, got into their positions.

"Scene 36, Shot 12, Take 1, action!" 

Luca stood in the hallway outside the classroom, putting his book bag in the locker.

"Hey!" 

Lindsey walked over.

"Hey, what's up?" 

Luca turned around, flashing a charming smile. At this point, even though Aaron was dating Gina, he still had a crush on the new girl in school.

"Cut!" 

Director Mark scratched his chin. "Lindsey, why did you frown when Luca smiled?" 

"Sorry, Director. His smile is too... mischievous." 

Lindsey pouted.

Luca touched his mouth. "Is my smile that bad?" 

"Definitely. You're such a liar." 

Lindsey pouted again.

"A liar?" 

Luca was confused. "When did I lie to you?" 

"Hmph! Let me ask you again—can you dance or not?" 

Lindsey crossed her arms, asking seriously.

"..."

"You've been caught! You said you couldn't dance, but Rachel told me you're actually really good. Did you make me teach you just to get closer to me?" 

"Lindsey, I was just joking!" 

"Big liar!"

"Lindsey, Luca's fine. Let's go with this take!" 

Director Mark said after reviewing the footage.

"Alright, alright!" 

Lindsey waved her hand.

"Scene 36, Shot 12, Take 2, action!"

"Luca, congrats, you made the headlines again!" 

Later in the afternoon, at the set's dining table, Rachel McAdams handed him a newspaper, laughing.

"Really?" 

Luca took the paper and glanced at it. The headline on the front page of the *Los Angeles Times* was about Britney's concert.

The main image was of Britney crouching down, with huge letters reading, "Britney Proposing?"

Due to the angle, Britney was positioned right between Luca and Justin.

The report analyzed two possibilities: either Britney was proposing to Luca, because they had a good relationship, or the second possibility was Justin.

Justin's sudden appearance at Britney's concert suggested their relationship was improving.

Not only had Britney sung "Everytime" as an apology, but she also brought out a prop car on stage to clear up rumors, proving there was no scandal.

Because the second explanation had more evidence, the article leaned toward Justin.

Luca smiled slightly. This photo was likely carefully selected by the media. 

A vague image like this stirred up more controversy, discussion, and ridiculous hype.

"Look, it's not just the *LA Times*. A bunch of major papers made it the front page too." 

Rachel pulled out a few more papers.

Luca shook his head. "It was just a small misunderstanding. I didn't expect it to blow up this much." 

"Hah! Someone's enjoying all this attention but acting all innocent!" 

Lindsey Lohan tossed down another newspaper with a teasing remark.

"Luca, was Britney proposing to you or to Justin?" 

Amanda smiled.

"Do you even have to ask? Of course, it's Justin!" 

Lindsey Lohan said loudly. "Justin's a huge star, so cool and talented. He's perfect for Britney. But Luca? Ugh, a liar and a jerk. Britney would have to be out of her mind to choose him."

"Lindsey, am I that bad?" 

Luca asked, displeased.

"Worse than I said!" 

Rachel burst out laughing.

"Sorry, Luca. I accidentally let slip that you could dance. My bad. I didn't realize you were using that to flirt with girls." 

Rachel teased.

Luca shrugged. He was only joking.

"Luca, you can dance?" 

Amanda looked at him. She had also taught him some moves that night.

"Amanda, now you know what kind of person he really is?" 

Lindsey smirked.

"Yep!" 

Amanda smiled. "A total playboy!"

"Hahaha!" 

(End of Chapter)