"This film's shooting will wrap in three months," Martin told producer Emma Thomas. "Editing will be quick too, so we can start promotion early."
Emma, Christopher Nolan's wife, had joined Martin's Inception crew thanks to her husband's connections. Hollywood's hottest director didn't hesitate to get her on board. With her extensive experience managing projects in Europe, Martin welcomed her without question. In the original timeline, she produced nearly all of Nolan's films—a proven talent.
Emma nodded. "I'm already prepping. What do you think of hyping the fact that most of the cast are former child stars?"
"Really?" Martin blinked, surprised. He'd cast based on the original timeline, except for swapping Ellen Page's role with Yang Mi.
Emma grinned. "I noticed it going through their résumés. Leonardo was 16 in Growing Pains Season 7. Joseph Gordon-Levitt debuted at seven in a TV movie. Yang Mi was 16 in Harry Potter. Lucas Haas acted in Testament in 1983 while still in kindergarten…"
"Wow, I didn't realize we had so many child stars," Martin said. "But you forgot one."
"Who?"
"Me!" Martin smirked.
Emma burst out laughing. "My bad! I forgot the most famous child star in the crew!"
Martin chuckled. "Probably because I'm so mature now. Your idea's solid—let's kick off the first wave of promotion with our child-star angle."
…
"What? A sudden break? What's going on? Where's Martin?" Leonardo was floored when Emma relayed the crew's three-day hiatus notice.
Emma looked equally puzzled. "Honestly, I don't know. Martin called me this morning, said we're pausing for three days, then left Paris."
Leonardo's eyes narrowed. "Someone might know."
Knock knock knock.
"Who's there?" Yang Mi called, hanging up her phone and opening her hotel room door.
"You guys?" She blinked at Leonardo and Emma.
"What's up?" she asked.
Leonardo cut to the chase. "Mi, you were with Martin last night, right? Any idea why he suddenly ditched the set today?"
"Uh…" Yang Mi hesitated. She did know—Martin got a call while she was sleeping beside him. But…
"I know, but it's personal. I'm not sure I can say. You should ask Martin."
Leonardo nodded. "Fair. I'll call him now." Concerned, he dialed right there in Yang Mi's room.
"Hey, Martin, it's Leo. Where are you? Something up? Need help?"
"Sorry, Leo, I'm in a rush and can't explain now," Martin replied. "Mi knows the deal—let her tell you."
"Alright, Emma and I are in her room. She said she can't talk without your okay."
"Pass the phone to her."
Leonardo handed it over.
Yang Mi took it. "Yeah, okay, got it." She hung up, returned the phone, and smiled. "It's good news, actually. Nicole Kidman's pregnant, and Martin's the father."
"What the fuck?!" Leonardo gaped.
"Holy shit!" Emma echoed, stunned. Am I supposed to hear this?
Sensing Emma's unease, Yang Mi added, "Martin said it's not a secret. He's not hiding it—it's his kid, and he won't let their father be a mystery."
After a long pause, Leonardo processed the bombshell. "Martin's, what, barely in his 20s? And he's gonna be a dad?!"
[GodOfReader Wait what? Martin's already in 20? Man. i'll just turn 20 in aug 12.
…
Australia, a sprawling ranch.
The pristine living room hummed with soft music, filling every corner. Nicole Kidman sat on a plush sofa, cradling her belly, a faint, sweet smile on her lips, radiating joy. Even her pale skin glowed with a rosy warmth she rarely showed.
Her best friend, Naomi Watts, sat across from her, jaw dropped, staring at Nicole's still-flat stomach.
After a long silence, Naomi exhaled. "My God, Nicole, you're having another kid? I don't know whether to call you crazy or congratulate you."
"Congratulate me," Nicole said, her smile blooming like a rose. "This little life is what I want. My heart's full of joy."
"And… the father's Martin?"
"Yup."
"Does he know?"
"I called him yesterday. He's on his way."
"And he… I mean, will he…?"
Nicole laughed, cutting Naomi off. "No worries, dear. He said he'll claim the child. He'll tell everyone it's ours."
Naomi beamed. "Congrats, Nicole. Martin may be a player, but he's stepping up!"
…
The Washington Post: "Shortly after the final election results, McCain gave a public speech congratulating Barack Obama on his victory, calling the election historic…"
Associated Press: "Delaware's Senator Joe Biden, who entered the Senate at 30—the minimum age—finally reached the White House as vice president after two failed presidential bids and 36 years of Senate experience. Following Obama's win, Biden's long career paid off…"
The Chicago Sun-Times: "In Chicago, President-elect Barack Obama spoke of America's new chapter. He thanked his family, campaign team, and opponent McCain, singling out Martin Meyers for his extraordinary contributions to the campaign…"