This time, Hugo and Joseph arrived at the restaurant early and sat down to wait for Nora Ephron. Whether by coincidence or design, Nora still hadn't shown up even fifteen minutes past the scheduled 12:30 meeting. It was hard not to overthink it — perhaps she was intentionally keeping them waiting because of Hugo's recent negative press. But regardless of the reason, the situation left Hugo and Joseph in a passive position, so all they could do was wait patiently.
At 12:45, Nora finally appeared at the restaurant entrance, striding in briskly. When she saw them, she waved and quickly made her way over.
Her long hair was tied neatly into a ponytail today. Dressed in a white blouse and a camel-colored trench coat, she looked sharp and professional — every bit the successful woman she was. As she reached the table, she shook hands firmly with Hugo and Joseph. "I'm really sorry," she said in her characteristic quick, direct tone. "Sleepless in Seattle is scheduled to start filming next week, and there were some last-minute issues with the Baltimore shooting location. We had to hold an emergency meeting to sort it out. I apologize for the delay."
It was a good sign. Nora didn't make any shallow excuses like "traffic" or "lost track of time." Whether her explanation was entirely true or not didn't matter — her straightforwardness showed sincerity, and that was enough.
"No problem, we haven't been waiting long," Joseph said politely. "So, what would you like for lunch?" He waved a server over and gestured for Nora to order first.
"I'll have the seafood pasta and a glass of soda water, please," Nora said without hesitation. Her no-nonsense attitude was the same as before — if anything, she seemed even busier and more pressed for time than during their last meeting.
Hugo and Joseph quickly placed their own orders. As soon as the waiter left, Nora turned to Hugo and went straight to the point. "Give me one reason, why do you want this role?"
Hugo paused mid-motion, setting his glass of water down. He had been planning to start by thanking Nora for giving him a second chance, maybe even to probe why she'd agreed to another audition. But as always, Nora was the first to strike.
Her sharp, intelligent eyes locked firmly onto him, and Hugo met her gaze confidently, though inside, his nerves were twisting. It felt like something was rising up his throat, threatening to spill out. "If I told you I believe in the love story this film tells," he said slowly, "would you believe me?"
"No," Nora replied bluntly. She was right to doubt it — Hugo hadn't even read the full Sleepless in Seattle script, only the general outline. And truth be told, very few people in the industry actually believed in the film's premise. Two people falling in love over a radio broadcast, without ever meeting, was far too unrealistic — even for Hollywood.
Hugo chuckled. "Then I suppose you wouldn't believe me if I said I wanted it for the paycheck either?"
"That, I can believe," Nora said, smiling faintly.
Joseph, sitting beside them, felt a flicker of tension but didn't intervene. By now, he had grown accustomed to Hugo's rhythm during auditions. He knew when to step back and let Hugo take control but he stayed alert, ready to jump in if needed.
Hugo shrugged casually. "Then let's go with that the paycheck." His tone was deliberately light, almost teasing. Nora narrowed her eyes slightly. That wasn't the answer she had expected. The Hugo sitting before her didn't quite match the impression she had formed before.
Sensing her reaction, Hugo smiled and continued. "Nora, from where I stand, I don't think you chose to make a love story just because you're a woman. You chose it because you believe that true love still exists and you want to remind people of that. Even if your film only brings a moment of warmth, or a flicker of hope, that's already a success."
Nora gave a small nod, her expression unreadable. "Go on."
Hugo placed his hands loosely on the table, fingers interlaced. "Lately, I've been rethinking what love really means," he said softly. "I think it helps to keep a little distance from things that change too easily. That way, you start to understand what truly lasts — what time can't take away. Love is unpredictable. You never know when it'll come, or when it'll disappear. So maybe, sometimes, stepping back and simply watching is better until you see something truly genuine."
As he spoke, Hugo's eyes drifted slightly, avoiding Nora's piercing gaze. He didn't want a stranger to see his vulnerability. After the betrayal he had experienced, he had withdrawn into his shell like a frightened snail, hesitant to open up again.
Nora studied him quietly. This Hugo felt real not like the version she saw at the first audition, who seemed rehearsed and overly polished. Today, he was warm, sincere, even charming — yet there was a subtle distance, a fragility beneath his calmness. He didn't look like the Sam she had envisioned for Sleepless in Seattle in terms of age or maturity — he was too young, too boyish. But emotionally, he captured the very essence of the character.
He might not have the gravity of a man in his forties, even made up to look thirty. But he had a quiet gentleness that was just as powerful. More importantly, his words carried an honest vulnerability that touched her deeply — it was exactly how she imagined Sam would feel.
Nora unconsciously tightened her grip on her right hand. His words had perfectly mirrored Sam's emotional truth in the script. The realization made her both nervous and excited. She managed, however, to keep her emotions hidden — Hugo and Joseph noticed nothing.
"I thought young people today believed more in love at first sight," Nora said lightly. "You know — that's what happens in the script. The two main characters only meet once."
"Of course," Hugo replied with a soft laugh. "Love at first sight is still love. But I think lasting love — the kind that grows quietly — is more real. That's how I see Sam too. Otherwise, he wouldn't have held on to his late wife's memory for so long."
Nora's heart silently applauded. In just a few minutes, Hugo had analyzed the character with surprising depth — despite not having read the full script. She hadn't expected much from this second audition, but now, Hugo's insight filled her with a sudden, almost uncontrollable excitement.
"Maybe," she said evenly, doing her best to suppress her rising enthusiasm.
Hugo smiled faintly, pulling himself back from the emotions that had surfaced. He noticed Joseph's concerned glance and gave him a quick reassuring look before turning to Nora again. "I have a question," he said. "If you don't mind me asking — why did you decide to give me a second chance? From what I've heard, the role was already taken."
Earlier, Nora had taken the initiative. Now, it was Hugo's turn to take control of the conversation.
Nora didn't seem surprised by his boldness. A faint smile curved her lips.
"Someone told me that you deserve a second chance, that you're a talented, hardworking actor who shouldn't be overlooked," she said.
Hugo and Joseph both looked genuinely surprised.
"Today's audition proved me wrong," Nora continued with a soft laugh. "I originally thought inviting you back was a mistake."
She recalled Hugo's first audition — how hard he had tried but today, something was different. His mindset, his demeanor, his aura had changed. Nora saw something new in him, something that made her realize the second audition had been an excellent decision.
Hearing her words, Hugo and Joseph couldn't contain their excitement. It was a clear, positive signal — perhaps the best news Hugo had received since A Few Good Men had premiered.
Still, Joseph, ever the professional, kept his composure. As Hugo's agent, it was his job to stay clear-headed.
"But," Joseph interjected, "I heard the role was already filled. Isn't that the case?"
"Plans never keep up with changes," Nora replied lightly, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness — suggesting there might be more to the story than she was letting on. "So, Hugo, would you be willing to join the Sleepless in Seattle production as the male lead, Sam? You should know, if you agree, we'll need to make some adjustments to the script. There's a lot of work ahead, so I'd like to get your answer soon."
Hugo and Joseph exchanged an excited glance. Their eyes sparkled — this was incredible news, almost too good to be true.
"Of course, of course," Hugo said quickly, his face lighting up with a smile so genuine it momentarily stunned Nora. "It would be my honor." Then, after a short pause, curiosity got the better of him. "But, Nora, the person who said I deserved another chance was it Rob?"
Naturally, the first name that came to his mind was Rob Reiner.
Nora just smiled and shook her head without answering. "Let's just say you earned this role through your own performance. That's all that really matters, isn't it?"
"Yes… yes, you're right," Hugo nodded after a brief hesitation.
Joseph then smoothly took over the discussion. "Then, about the contract terms?" he asked. Despite Hugo's recent reputation as a "diva star," Joseph was determined to ensure he was treated fairly that was his responsibility as an agent.
Nora looked at Hugo, then turned back to Joseph. "If you're talking about eight million dollars, I'm afraid we can't agree to that. Our budget is very tight."
It was clear the recent tabloid rumors had reached her. Several gossip columns had claimed Hugo refused to take any new role for less than an eight-million-dollar salary. That was likely why Nora brought it up so bluntly.
Joseph felt a twinge of frustration — the bad press really was a nuisance but he quickly composed himself.
"No, Hugo has never demanded eight million," he said earnestly. "We're absolutely open to negotiation when it comes to salary."
"Good," Nora replied crisply. "Once I'm back at the office, the studio will fax over the official offer and contract. If there are any concerns, we can discuss the details then."
She could sense Joseph's sincerity and professionalism, and she appreciated that. There was no need to drag the matter out further.
....
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