"Hey, Kris, Martin's out," Daniel Kaluuya said.
"Oh, I see him. Thanks for the heads-up. Catch you later, Daniel," Kristen Stewart replied.
Daniel watched as the girl headed toward Martin. Kristen's heart was pounding. Tonight, she was determined to confirm something: Was Martin the only man who didn't make her feel uneasy?
So nervous!
God, he's so handsome.
But so skinny! Probably from filming The Joker. The papers were right—he's dedicated.
As Kristen approached, Martin noticed her. His first impression was sweet. At just eighteen, Kristen Stewart's face still held a youthful roundness, softening her sharp, boyish features with a touch of charm. Her gray eyes caught the terrace's ornate lighting, giving them a dreamy glow. She wasn't the curvaceous type, but her proportions were balanced, and her long, slender legs gave her a deer-like grace.
Martin recognized her instantly. "Hello, Kristen."
Kristen's eyes widened in disbelief. "You—you know me?"
Martin smiled. "Of course. I personally picked you out of over 2,000 résumés for Bella."
That was true, though it was more like five résumés. For Twilight's casting, the director had narrowed down over 2,000 auditionees to a shortlist of five: Lily Collins, Sarah Parkston, Emma Stone, Sarah Highland, and Kristen Stewart. A who's-who of future Hollywood starlets. Martin didn't hesitate to choose Kristen, the original timeline's Bella, who had defined the role and risen to fame with it.
"Really? Thank you!" Kristen's eyes sparkled with joy, feeling an instant connection, as if some invisible thread had drawn them closer.
Is this fate? Maybe it's divine intervention—Martin's the only man I don't recoil from!
"Want to find a quiet spot to chat?" Martin offered. "Oh, and you can call me Martin."
"Absolutely, Martin!" Kristen beamed, thrilled at the suggestion.
On the sidelines, Chris Pratt sidled up behind Daniel. "Damn, Daniel, I didn't think you had it in you—setting Martin up with a girl? That's next-level."
Daniel, startled, spun around to see Pratt. "Bullshit! I'm not like you, stooping that low."
"Oh, come on," Pratt grinned. "I saw it all. You were chatting with her, then you saw Martin, said something, and she went straight for him. No shame, man. Buttering up the big shots is what us little guys do. We're both Martin's guys now." He pointed to himself. "Number one lackey." Then to Daniel. "Number two lackey."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Daniel groaned.
"Alright, fine," Pratt said, smirking. "Since you pulled off something I didn't see coming, I'll give you the win." He pointed to Daniel. "Number one lackey." Then to himself. "Number two lackey. Happy now?"
"That's not what I meant!"
"What, you want to be the only lackey? You're going too far, bro."
…
Kristen found chatting with Martin genuinely delightful. Before she knew it, she'd scooted from one end of the circular couch to his, inching closer.
Strange. Martin has this unique pull. Not only does he not repulse me like other guys, he feels more approachable than even my girlfriends.
With that thought, she slid closer still, giggling, "Haha, you're so right."
Martin sensed she wasn't really listening, too busy finding ways to cozy up to him. He'd never admit it was because he'd dialed up his "charismatic aura" with a touch of magic.
This is just my charm!
Yes, my natural charisma!
Time slipped by unnoticed. Martin's hand found her slim waist, and Kristen didn't resist—instead, she nestled deeper into his embrace, sniffing lightly. She noticed Martin was one of the rare men who didn't douse himself in cologne or deodorant. He lacked that heavy scent she associated with others, and his warm, inviting presence made her feel utterly at ease.
Martin glanced at his watch—nearly midnight. "Chris, where you at? I'll drive you home."
"I don't want to go home," Kristen said softly, her tone unmistakable.
As a seasoned player, Martin caught the hint immediately. "Hold on, let me make a call."
He stepped aside with his phone, leaving Kristen with a pang of disappointment. Moments later, he returned, extending a hand. "Come on, I'll take you somewhere fun."
…
The Florida Times: "On the 20th, Democratic candidate Barack Obama kicked off a two-day campaign swing in Florida, attacking Republican rival John McCain's 'say-anything, do-anything' political style…"
The Wall Street Journal: "With just two weeks until Election Day, Obama's campaign is soaring. On the 19th, he secured the endorsement of former Republican Secretary of State Colin Powell and broke fundraising records, gaining a massive financial edge. Meanwhile, McCain faces a double blow, and questions are resurfacing about his choice of Sarah Palin as running mate…"
The Hollywood Insider: "Our reporter spotted Martin leaving last night's The Joker party with a young, beautiful woman, heading to the Griffith Observatory. Security blocked our access—damn those VIP privileges…"