Page 68 of The Producer: Aaron

I chuckle. “No”

“Then I think it’s enough of a confirmation.” She winks at me before returning to pose for the photographers.

Every form of nervousness leaves my body, leaving only the pleasant feeling of being out for this evening with a woman who has turned my life upside down in the most delightful way.

***

The film is one of those where action and explosions are not lacking. It’s a good film, suitable for making huge grosses in the first few weeks right after launch. Those who took care of the launch managed to do a great job creating hype, and the public will certainly not be disappointed, amplifying the word of mouth that has already been made. But I had no doubt about this. My father didn’t reach this success leaving things to chance.

At the bar during the after-party where we are, while waiting for the bartender to prepare me two glasses of soda before returning to Dakota, I had the opportunity to eavesdrop on the conversation of two prominent bloggers who were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the film. When it comes to movies released to make money, rather than to move the conscience of the public, the journalists always are a little biased, but this time my father managed to bring out a good product that entertains the masses.

I watch Dakota converse with one of the protagonists and she seems at ease. I’m glad to see that she doesn’t need alcohol to feel a part of this evening. It’s nice to see how, after dumping her friend, she’s slowly coming out of her shell and growing as a person. She never needed my help to become a pleasant person to converse with, but she needed to convince herself of it. The birthday at our house was just the catalyst for something she already had inside.Our house. It’s strange how I can no longer think of that villa as mine alone, and a smile appears on my lips.

“You chose the young and sexy girl,” a voice that I recognize all too well makes me turn to Jeremiah, one of my father’s oldest partners. An old fox who changed more wives than underwear in his lifetime. His latest conquest is a twenty-five-year-old he will bring to the altar next month. I think she’s wife number seven if I’m counting right.

The smile that appears on my face is taut and fake. “I chose a woman I feel good with and like to live with.”

In all honesty, I am annoyed by his way of dismissing my relationship with Dakota. He has always been looking for younger and younger women, despite his seventy years, and the fact that he insinuates that this thing links us makes me shudder. I have the same respect for this man as I have for my father, which says a lot about my irritation at having a conversation with him right now.

“Of course. We will talk about it again in a few years when she has cellulite and begins to talk about children,” he laughs, amused.

The blood boils in my veins, and the disgust I feel for him almost makes me vomit. I’ve always kept my mouth shut because annoying people like him make my job in this industry more challenging. Still, until now, I had never had anyone I really cared about to be outraged by these statements. I realize only now how wrong my behavior has been in front of certain remarks. I should have put them back in their place years ago when they began to involve me in their sexist and misogynistic jokes.

“I wouldn’t be so much of a braggart if I were you. We all know that the women you marry just want one thing, and I’m sure it’s not your prostate or halitosis problems.” I put a hand on his shoulder while I see him get serious and tighten his jaw in a vice. “What? Do you really think you’re the only one who speaks ill of your exes? Trust that everyone in the industry clearly knows how you are between the sheets.” I wink at him and leave him there with his anger bubbling inside.

I reach Dakota just when she turns around and looks for me.

“I’m starving. How about going for something to eat?” I ask,resting my hands on her hips and dragging her to me. Her hands rise and rest on my shoulders. The man next to me glances at Dakota’s butt, and it annoys me so much that I slip my hands in the direction of his gaze and cover her. The man looks up at me with an embarrassed smile for being caught, shrugs his shoulders almost to apologize, and then turns to talk to the woman he ignored. I have surrounded myself for years with certain people, and only now do I realize how much annoyance their arrogance gives me.

“We’ve just arrived. We can’t leave now” There’s not much conviction in her voice.

“They saw our faces. In a while, they will all be drunk enough to forget about us.” And I don’t want to meet my father. I avoided him all night, but I don’t want him to approach me while I’m with Dakota. He could start making jokes with his ass-kisser that always surround him on these occasions and would end up with a public scene, which I prefer to avoid.

“Ok, let’s go. I’m famished, and in these places, they don’t serve food.” She grabs me by the hand and drags me to the exit.

“I’m glad it wasn’t hard to convince you.” I smile, amused as I avoid meeting the eyes of people who might stop me to exchange a few words. It’s quite a difficult task, as I know pretty much everyone in this room.

“You know I came here for you. If you say we can leave, I will always agree with you. Have you seen the microscopic canapés they serve?”

I laugh, amused, as we exit the main entrance and call Gaspard to pick us up.

***

We enter the small place near Santa Monica that seems to bedeserted. Apparently, not many people want a sandwich at one in the morning on a Wednesday, and I don’t mind it since, with our clothing, we certainly don’t go unnoticed.

“I have to say you’re the most elegant couple I’ve ever served.” The waitress’ cheerful voice makes us smile as we sit at one of the many empty tables.

The woman in her fifties approaches to fill the cups on the table with coffee. It’s one of those places open day and night, serving breakfast at any time, with vinyl benches and stools screwed to the floor in front of the counter. Not a place that often sees Hollywood celebrities, but certainly has a more relaxed and genuine atmosphere than the places we are used to, starting with the smile of the woman standing next to our table.

“When we go out to dinner, we like to dress up.” Dakota smiles at her as she arranges her evening dress, and I unfasten the buttons of my tuxedo jacket.

“Surely you have dedicated time for this outing,” she laughs, accentuating the wrinkles surrounding her eyes. “What can I bring you?” she asks while pouring the coffee.

“A double cheeseburger with bacon and a mountain of fries.” Dakota’s face as she orders looks like that of a person who hasn’t touched food in weeks.

The woman laughs, amused. “Don’t they feed Hollywood celebrities at parties?”

“There are only bars to get drunk but not even the shadow of something edible. The canapés are so small that they look like confetti,” confirms my partner.

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