Chapter 138 Good Intentions
On Christmas Day, Hawke found himself alone.
Edward went to accompany Deborah, Meghan and Caroline returned to their hometowns for the holidays, Erica attended the family Christmas party, and even Frank across the road came with a Salma Haye gram.
Opening the window, Hawke picked up the telescope. In the open space of the parking lot, Frank set up an oven to enjoy a barbecue with Salma.
“You bastard, the barbecue didn’t even call me.” Hawke put on his coat, went out, crossed the road, and entered the parking lot.
Frank saw Hawk coming from a distance, stood up from behind the grill, picked up the barbecue steel drill, and pointed towards Hawk from a distance.
The meaning is very clear, you shameless guy, don’t even think about coming here for free.
Hoke pretended not to see him, came over, pulled up a chair, sat down, and greeted Salma opposite: "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas." Salma went Get cutlery and cups.
Frank said: "Don't worry about him, let's eat and let him watch."
Salma didn't listen to him and went to get a set of tableware and a few bottles of beer.
"Thank you." Hawke took it, opened a bottle of beer, and said to Frank: "Don't be so stingy. I bought the barbecue grill you are using, the meat you are grilling, and the beer. "
Frank was shameless: "You gave it to me, it's all mine."
Having said that, Hawke sat down and didn't rush out anymore. people.
Salma was curious: "Are you always like this?"
"More than that, he's going too far!" Although Hawke didn't act like a savior, he stabbed Frank's vital part with the knife: "My girlfriend and I were resting at night, and he actually hit my bedroom window with a slingshot."
< br>Salma turned to look at Frank and said in surprise: "You even do such a thing?"
Franc He was so angry that he wanted to hit someone with a poker, and pointed at Hawke: "This bastard did it first."
Hoke plausibly said: "I did that because you stole my slingshot."
Salma didn't want to hear these two rotten people arguing and interrupted them: "Is the barbecue ready? How long do we have to wait?"
Frank said angrily: "I'll be ready soon."
Salma changed the subject and asked Hawke: "Your studio specializes in public relations, but you didn't receive any business this awards season?"
"Took a big order." Hawk said vaguely: "It's basically completed."
Salma was curious: "We are not competitors, right?"
Hoke was confused : "Are you also competing for the prize?"
"The movie "Frida" is an autobiographical film about a Mexican female painter." Salma roughly said: "My goal is to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress."
Hoke said: "My It's a TV series."
He looked at Frank and figured out what he didn't understand before.
Last time, Hawke also guessed why Salma came to find Frank, a down-and-out old bastard.
It can’t be for Frank’s dead grass.
It turns out it’s award season.
Based on Frank's age, he is the core white male member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, that is, the core member of the Oscar jury.
Moreover, Academy members are tenured for life, and the first Harvey Weinstein to be expelled from the Academy would have to wait many years.
Frank must have some old friends or something.
It can only be said that Salma Hayek's approach is in line with the consistent style of Hollywood actresses.
When competing for Oscars, all resources will be used, and the body is also part of it.
Frank brought the barbecue over.
Salma went to the RV again and got the Mexican-style food she brought.
The three of them ate, drank and chatted, and also talked about the Hollywood awards season.
By December 31st, the Academy will mail out Oscar ballots.
Frank pointed at Hawke: "For the sake of fairness, Hawke will fill my share."
Salma picked up the wine glass and clinked it with Hawke: "Remember to vote for "Frida" One vote?”
Hoke took a sip of beer. Helpless: "This is a serious Oscar vote, you are so casual?"
"How else to vote?" Frank said casually: "Find a sheep to vote?"
Huo Ke pointed his middle finger directly in front of him.
Salma turned to ask: "Did you call me?"
Frank thought of the withered grass at home that had been soothed and nourished, and said: "The phone call was made, but the old guys back then were willing to If you don’t want to buy it, I can’t guarantee you that they don’t owe me anything.”
“That’s good.” Salma was satisfied and picked up the wine glass: "I respect you two."
Hoke drank the wine and said casually: "Every line of work has difficulties."
Salma said: "Especially for women, there is a workplace rule in the United States that women cannot complain when their superiors harass them, but must endure it."
Hawke heard a lot from Caroline, Johnson and Josh Hartnett: "In Hollywood, men are the same."
Frank responded: "Don't talk about men, the same is true for underage children. "
"You wouldn't have done it, would you?" Hawke stared at Frank.
Frank said disdainfully: "I am a normal man who likes normal beautiful women, such as Salma."
He sneered and raised his voice: "Don't compare me to those who like to study nothing. I'm disgusted by the comparison with the hairy black hole bastard."
Hawke brought him a new can of beer: "You bastard is still a man."
Salma has experienced these days: "Although he is not as majestic as in previous years, he is indeed a man."
The atmosphere has been heightened to this point, and the King of Forces went online: "Think about ten years ago, I held Julia Roberts, who was running away from marriage, in my left hand, and Cameron, who wanted to enter the entertainment industry, in my right hand. Diaz, with Marissa kneeling in front Tomei, followed by Robin White, can even call Spielberg’s two goddaughters over with just one phone call..."
Hoke couldn’t see people being so pretentious: "This is one of them Is there your fiancée?" He called the king back to his original form: "I have written down all the names and let the savior try them."
Frank shook his head: "Don't ask me for help in the future. ”
Salma finally discovered that these two people have a unique way of getting along.
She glanced at Hawke and changed the subject: "Isn't your studio doing business strategy consulting? Can you do one for me?"
Frank reminded: "He charges a fee It’s very expensive. The salary you earn is not enough.”
“I have a popular suggestion, don’t charge me.” On the one hand, for the sake of the long term, on the other hand, he deliberately created obstacles for Frank: "If you can get the Oscar nomination for Best Actress this time, your prestige and fame will reach a new level. Find a rich businessman to marry."
He He specifically said: "There are many precedents like this in Hollywood, such as Grace Kelly."
Salma thinks this is a good idea: "Don't think about it in the United States. You can go to Europe. After all, across the Atlantic Ocean, Hollywood stars still have a halo..."
"Wait, wait, wait. !" Frank was angry: "I'm not dead yet, and you two are discussing this?"
Hoke added insult to injury: "Can you give Sal a try? Can you get her the Oscar-winning life that Salma wants? If you are together, Salma will give you a bad old man to support her in her old age."
Frank picked up the steel of the kebab. The hammer was inserted into the wooden table with a bang, and he said: "Let's go, let's go quickly! I don't welcome you!"
He turned around and got into the RV.
Hawke and Salma ate Frank's barbecue and chatted leisurely.
Not long after the meeting, Frank came out of the car holding a pile of newspapers. He threw the newspaper to Hawke: "Read the newspaper and eat less."
Hoke pointed at him , said no more.
Hungry Frank hurriedly eats.
Hoke flipped through the newspapers. These were basically entertainment newspapers. The most popular pages were all about building momentum for awards season movies or people.
The headline on the second page of "Hollywood Life" published a piece of gossip related to the topic the three of them had previously discussed.
Hoke looked at it carefully for a while.
The parents of several young actors revealed to the media that Van Waglun, the director and producer of "Criminals" and "Alain and Nomi", violated their children.
The children are both boys and girls.
Hoke took the newspaper and showed it to Frank.
Frank glanced at it: "It's not a rare thing in Hollywood. Don't think that child stars are safe. There is no such thing as a lower limit for those disgusting things covered in human skin."
He said: "I really want it. If you think about it, those of you who engage in candid photography are a hundred times more noble than them."
Hoke looked through other newspapers and found that except for another tabloid, there was nothing relevant in the more formal entertainment newspapers. Report.
When Salma saw the two of them finished eating, she took the initiative to clear away the tableware and said, "I have something to do in the afternoon, so I'll leave first."
Frank said nothing and waved his hand casually.
Hawke is also ready to leave.
"Won't you drink with me?" Frank asked.
Hoke said: "I'm going to the shooting range to practice shooting."
I am full of energy now and need to vent.
…………
Brentwood, Edward drives the Cadillac, shopping and returning to Deborah's house.
The car stopped in the yard, Deborah came out of the villa, put her hands around Edward's neck, and took the initiative to kiss him passionately. The two were emotionally moved for a moment, and the former's hand had already fallen.
Edward caught him and asked: "Where is Indio?"
On hearing her son's name, Deborah remembered that there was something serious and whispered Said: "I discovered a situation, which is not good."
Edward pulled her into the car: "About Indio?"
Deborah nodded: "He went out to attend a class reunion at noon today. When I picked him up, I smelled it on him. The smell of leaves."
Edward thought of Indio's age: "Are you sure?"
“It can’t be wrong.” Deborah said: “I have lived with Robert Downey Jr. for so long, and the taste of these things is too familiar.”
She was anxious : "This is a false start, I'm worried that Indio will be like his father..."
Edward comforted him first: "Don't worry, don't worry." His brain was not very good, and after thinking for a while, he said: "Maybe Indio is just curious, and there won't be another time."
Debo La shook his head: "His grandfather did it, and so did his father. I'm worried that he will also go down this road. If a normal person gets exposed to those things, his head will be full of shit."
When Edward was in Compton, he saw too many people like this, and the environment had a great impact. He asked, "Has Downey used it in front of Indio?"
Deborah nodded: " Yes, more than once."
Edward reached out and hugged Deborah: "It's so difficult for you as a mother. It's all Donnie's fault."
These words reached Deborah's heart: "That bastard deserves to die!" She was worried about her son: "I dare not talk to Indio about this. Doesn't Indio regard you as a good friend? Talk to him?"
Edward didn't understand this, but at this moment he could only bite the bullet and said, "Okay, I'll go talk to him."
"He is in the recreation room." Deborah said.
Edward got out of the car, entered the villa and went straight to the entertainment room.
Indio was playing video games. When he saw him coming over, he said, "Let's play together!"
"Okay." Edward played a few games with him first, and when Indio was satisfied, he said, "After sitting here for so long, it's time for us to move around."
Indio understood what he was saying. He stood up and moved his hands and feet: "Do you want to compete with me?"
Edward also followed his example and moved: "Let's go to the fitness room."
The two of them I changed my clothes, put on protective gear, and stood on the thick sponge cushion.
Indio patted his helmet lightly and said, "Were they the previous rules?"
"Change the play." Edward said: "You kick me, I answer you a question. I kick you, you answer me a question."
Indio said: "I am much more flexible than you. ”
He feinted and then kicked.
Edward pretended to be too late to react and was kicked in the leg.
"Yeah!" Indio raised his fists in the air in celebration, and asked at the same time: "Why are there pictures of my mother and father hanging in some rooms at home?"
Edward was almost stunned by the question, but fortunately he was still a bit quick-witted and said, "Because I want to thank your father."
Indio nodded: "I'm going to attack."
This time Edward hid Use your kick to kick him, then turn around and kick him down.
When Indio stood up, Edward asked: "Is there anything new and interesting at the party attended by your classmates?"
Indio looked here, but did not see his mother, and whispered Said: "Someone brought a kind of cigarette. They said it was very exciting. I also tried it."
Edward asked: "How do you feel?"
Indio looked in pain: "It's very uncomfortable, very uncomfortable."
"If you feel uncomfortable, don't try again." Edward said: "We Playing video games and practicing Taekwondo don’t all bring happiness ?”
Indio thought for a moment, and it was indeed the case, and nodded and said, “Okay, I won’t try.”
He suddenly felt something was wrong: “Hei Xiaoshuai, you. What a shame, you only beat me once, but you asked so many questions.”
Edward hooked his hand: "Come on, let me show you how powerful I am."
Deborah appeared at the door at this time, and saw through the window that her son was kicked to the ground again and again by Edward, not only He didn't go in to stop him, but instead secretly cheered in his heart.
She heard everything Edward said to Indio just now.
Edward has good intentions.
When the two of them finished practicing and went to take a shower, Deborah quietly followed Edward, and while throwing herself into his arms, she said: "Thank you, I really don't know what I would do without you. .”
Edward had enjoyed the joy of beating Downey's son and holding Downey's wife. He was in a very good mood: "I can solve any little thing easily."
Deborah was particularly satisfied with him: "Last time When we came back from the cemetery, you said you wanted Donnie to see how happy I am now?"
Ed? Hua smiled and showed two lines of white teeth: "I want him to know that you are well taken care of by me."
Deborah herself was at odds with Downey and said: "Let's pick a place that is not crowded on weekends." Let’s go visit Donnie together and let him know how happy I am!”
Of course Edward agreed.
…………
West Los Angeles, Arter Mountain Shooting Range.
Hoke packed up his firearms, changed his clothes, came out of the locker room and entered the gun shop.
He found the store manager Palmer, whom he knew well, and asked: "Has the gun I ordered arrived?"
Palmer said: "It's here, please wait a moment."
He opened the cabinet at the back, took out a walnut gun box, unlocked it, and made a sign of invitation.
In the box, there is an M1911 pistol and two magazines.
This is a special commemorative model specially ordered by Hawke. The significance of collection and exhibition is far greater than practicality.
The gun body is engraved with patterns, the handle is inlaid with century-old walnut, and some areas are silver-plated. The original factory has a special commemorative number engraved on it.
The gift prepared by Hawke for Erica.
For Hawke, a gun is a weapon.
But in Erica’s eyes, guns also represent a culture.
When the two were chatting, they talked about this gun, and Hawke naturally remembered it.
After checking the pistol, Hawke paid the balance, and Palmer put the gun away and put it into a special gun bag.
Seeing Hawke coming back, Palmer handed over his gun and said specifically: "If you need anything, just come to me."
"Thank you." Hawke gave him a tip, put his bag on his back, and left with the gun bag.
After leaving the club and coming to the parking lot, Hawke put away his gun bag, got in the car, took out his phone and called Erica: "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas. Erica quietly turned on the pulling mode: "I'm very sorry." , let you spend Christmas alone."
Hoke specifically said: "There is something wrong with practicing shooting alone."
Erica made a pun: "Me too. I want to practice shooting, but I really can’t get away..."
Hawke said: "It doesn't matter. I have prepared a special gift for you. I will give it to you when I see you."
"I'm looking forward to it." Erica's voice sounded like it was true: "I've never I'm not looking forward to Christmas gifts as much as I am now."
Hoke called and said, "You go ahead, there's someone here looking for me."
"Okay. Rika hung up the phone.
Hoke looked at the call and found that it was Josh Hartnett. Just as he was thinking about whether to call back, the call came again.
Josh Hartnett said Merry Christmas and asked: "Hoke, do you have time?"
Hoke asked back: "Is something wrong?"
Josh Hartnett Te said: "Will and I have something to talk to you about, about business matters." The main thing is to introduce you to a new business."
Hoke remembered that Will was Josh Hartnett's agent and asked: "New business?"
Josh responded: "About my new movie."
Hawke thought it was related to movie marketing: "Beverly Business Club, I have a reception room there, just say my name when you arrive."
"Okay." Josh agreed.
In the store, a Mexican came over and asked Palmer: "Are these the two people with the best marksmanship in the club?"
Palmer nodded: "That's right. Erica and Hawke are recognized as the top shooters here.”
The Mexican said: “Let’s introduce them when you have time.”
Palmer asked: "What, you want to test your marksmanship with them?"
"No way?" The Mexican looked very confident: "My marksmanship is also good."
Palmer nodded: "Wait until they come next time."
(I've had a fever these past few days and I've been in a daze. I've spent all my time saving the manuscript. I haven't finished the second chapter yet. It should be posted around noon. Come out)
(End of this chapter)