[Chapter 40: Rehearsal]
After dinner, the three of them felt a bit awkward. Linton sensed that both women were holding back, not willing to let their guard down. So he decided to take the initiative.
"Why don't we go out to the terrace to sit for a while, have some red wine and enjoy the view?" he suggested.
The two women exchanged a glance. "Sure, it's a perfect chance to admire the Beverly Hills nightscape."
The three shifted to the terrace garden outside the master bedroom. Under the vast starry sky, overlooking Beverly Hills, they felt immensely relaxed as they sipped red wine and chatted.
Thanks to Linton's efforts to ease the mood, Cameron and Naomi gradually warmed up to each other. All three shared recent successes in their work.
Since meeting Linton, both had done well. Cameron had successfully broken into the film industry, recently landing the supporting female role in Sunshine Journey. Though Sunshine Journey was a low-budget film, it was a great opportunity for newcomers. When not on set, she had constant gigs.
Naomi had also firmly established herself in Hollywood. After starring as the lead in Linton's music video for Numb, she appeared in a TV series and then as the lead in the music video for You're Beautiful, which boosted her fame significantly. She then took a supporting role in the indie film Manhattan Girl. Even when not filming, her schedule stayed busy.
Linton's rise was even more astonishing -- less than a year in and he skyrocketed from newcomer to a top pop star and super idol, faster than anyone could believe.
The two women listened in awe to Linton's story. His rapid rise in under a year left them starry-eyed.
...
Time slipped into the late night. Both women had grown tipsy. Linton said, "It's late, let's head inside to rest." He supported them into the bedroom and was about to ask who would stay when Cameron suddenly pulled him into a hug.
"Did you plan all along to have both of us stay with you? Well, as you wish, since you're so strong," she teased.
Naomi shyly joined the embrace. "I'll stay too."
Perhaps it was Linton's charm and good looks, or his commanding presence, or simply the grandeur of his estate, or maybe the influence of the wine -- either way, both insisted on staying.
Since that was the case, there was nothing more to say. Naturally, the night's fun ramped up, the three of them more passionately engaged. Under the lights, their alluring forms were mesmerizing, the temptation multiplied, with loud cries echoed throughout the night.
---
The next morning, Linton awoke and gently withdrew one hand from Naomi's embrace. She still slept soundly, her golden hair tousled, cheeks flushed, with Cameron still cuddled close behind him.
"Hey, good morning," a voice greeted from the embrace. Linton looked down and smiled into Naomi's eyes. "Morning, Naomi."
From over Linton's shoulder, a somewhat sleepy face appeared. "Morning, Linton."
"Morning, Michelle!"
"Linton!"
Both women seemed to suddenly remember something, quickly sitting up and glancing at Linton and each other. Some fragments of memory made them shyly cover their foreheads.
"Oh my God," they admitted, a bit embarrassed despite having volunteered last night.
Linton hugged both of them and said, "Don't be nervous or shy. From now on, you two are best friends. I'm going to Universal this morning with the band and dancers to rehearse. You should each go upstairs, pick your rooms and decorate as you like. I'll have Amy help you, but you should coordinate with your managers on dealing with the paparazzi."
...
Both Cameron and Naomi had work commitments but after breakfast, they each picked their rooms on the second floor and then left separately. The room decorations would be done gradually.
---
Linton arrived at Universal where Jimmy and Anne awaited him. Anne first explained the choreography ideas and key moves for the live performance of That's The Way Love Goes to Linton.
The dance was simple, and with Linton's level eight skills, it was no challenge for him.
Jimmy then introduced Linton to the band, the eight backup dancers (four men and four women), and three backup singers. Then rehearsal began.
...
At noon, Daniel came over to greet Linton and asked about the morning rehearsal. He then asked, "I heard you bought an estate. When's the celebration party?"
"Yes, I just completed the paperwork yesterday. I'll definitely invite you when we host the party."
...
Jimmy was very professional in arranging the band, dancers, and backup singers. Anne's choreography was pleasing to watch, and rehearsals proceeded smoothly. Linton expected to reach the desired performance level in about three days.
---
Returning to the estate that evening, Linton was surprised to find Cameron and Naomi already there, each decorating their chosen rooms.
They asked his opinion, but Linton, not knowing much about decoration, told them, "Just do what feels right to you."
...
Since the chef hadn't arrived yet, Amy prepared dinner again -- lamb chops, salmon, truffles, seared foie gras, caviar, bacon, chestnut soup, two large bowls of fruit salad, dessert, and a bottle of red wine.
During dinner, Linton encouraged them to eat more, joking, "We'll be burning off all these calories tonight with some intense activity."
Cameron and Naomi were tempted and ate slightly more than usual, tasting each dish and focusing on the fruit salad. They also drank plenty of wine.
Linton happily finished the rest of the food.
...
After dinner, the three continued their wine and moonlit chat on the terrace garden outside the master bedroom. Linton asked them, "Have you talked to your agents about handling the paparazzi and media?"
"We have. I'll keep living in my current rented apartment and won't be coming here regularly. If the paparazzi snap me here, I'll just say I'm visiting old friends. But I will claim one room," Cameron said first.
"I'm the same. Since we can't publicly say we're dating, and Cameron's involved too, I'll only come occasionally, but I want to keep my room too," Naomi added.
Linton showed understanding, "I support your decisions. Let me know how I can help. I'm recruiting security now. Once they're in place, if you want to avoid the paparazzi's eyes when you come, just call me and I'll have security pick you up."
Both women were pleased with Linton's care. Cameron said, "You'll need to get a regular car, since the paparazzi recognize your usual license plates."
"Here's the plan: you both pick a car you like at the dealership. Once security is ready, I'll buy each of you one. You can use them for rides and keep them parked in the garage when not in use."
"You're so generous," they said, each blowing him a kiss.
"Also, I previously told you to persist with acting training. As a graduate director from the University of Southern California Film and Television School, I can tell you that your acting skills are still raw.
You both have great looks and have gotten a good start. With your hard work, if your acting improves, I truly believe you'll secure your place in Hollywood."
They both nodded in agreement, admitting they'd been trying hard.
As expected, that night was full of passionate fire again, to Linton's delight.
...
The next morning, Cameron left first to avoid the paparazzi, as the three had to split up when leaving.
Linton gave Naomi the LV bag he bought in Paris last time (he already gave Cameron her LV when he returned; he knew giving gifts to women should be done individually).
Naomi gave him a kiss and decided to stay another night with Linton.
*****
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