Chapter 222 – America's Sweetheart in the Making
"Gwyneth Paltrow? Good evening."
Aaron wasn't sure when Winona Ryder had become so close to her, but clearly they'd grown friendly.
He knew of Gwyneth, of course—but not well. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he politely excused himself.
His attention had already shifted elsewhere.
---
Near a quiet corner of the ballroom stood someone who had just caught his eye.
Jennifer Aniston.
Sweet-faced, bright blue eyes, delicate yet defined features. She wore a simple white blouse that gave her an effortlessly graceful air.
Aaron approached with an easy smile.
"Good evening. May I buy you a drink?"
She blinked in surprise, then excitement lit her face.
"You're Mr. Aaron Anderson! Wow… good evening. I'm Jennifer Aniston."
They shook hands and soon moved to the hotel bar.
"I can't believe the Aaron Anderson is buying me a drink," she said playfully, still half in disbelief.
"Just Aaron," he replied with a grin, taking a sip of beer. "We're about the same age."
She laughed. "Actually, I'm a year older than you."
That wasn't exactly a secret—Aaron was only twenty-three.
As they talked, he learned she'd spent the past few years bouncing between small TV roles and stage performances. Earlier that year she had even starred in a low-budget horror film, Leprechaun.
"So no new roles at the moment?" Aaron asked as they drifted onto the dance floor.
Jennifer leaned closer and kissed his cheek lightly. "Broadway shows and auditions. That's my life right now."
Aaron kissed her back, lingering just long enough to turn a few heads.
Friends hadn't started production yet—that much he was certain. It was probably still in development… if it even had a final title.
After some time dancing and flirting, Aaron took her number.
"I'll call you."
"I'll be waiting," she said, cheeks flushed as she adjusted her blouse.
"If there's a role that suits you, I'll make sure you hear about it."
Not long after, Aaron phoned his assistant Evelyn Beckett, instructing her to look for sitcom concepts centered around young people navigating love and life in New York City.
If he remembered correctly, Friends wasn't even its original working title.
And he had no intention of missing that one.
---
Later That Night – Upper East Side, Manhattan
Jennifer Connelly lay draped across him, breathing softly.
"Winona's heading to Italy soon," she murmured. "The Age of Innocence—directed by Martin Scorsese—is competing for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival."
"Right," Aaron replied thoughtfully, running a hand along her back. "Venice is coming up."
Among the films in competition was Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, starring Uma Thurman and Keanu Reeves, directed by Gus Van Sant—whom Dawnlight had previously supported on My Own Private Idaho.
"Want to go to Italy?" Jennifer asked softly. "I could go with you."
Aaron shook his head.
"I probably won't make it to Venice. Dawnlight has too many projects in motion."
Films. Television development. And ongoing negotiations with CVC over AMC.
Italy would have to wait.
Previously, after its French release, The Piano had rolled out across Europe and Australia, and had just opened in North America. Its international box office had already surpassed $50 million.
Aaron truly had a packed schedule. He had attended the Cannes Film Festival back in May, and with so much on his plate, Venice didn't seem to offer anything urgent enough to justify another overseas trip.
"Alright," Jennifer Connelly murmured, rubbing gently against him before leaning down to kiss him.
Aaron returned the kiss briefly, then laughed. "Wasn't that enough just now?"
She blinked mischievously. "We haven't seen each other in a while. The last time was the night of my graduation."
"Wait here," she added with a smile. "I'm going to change."
Moments later, she reappeared in a striking flight attendant outfit—long, pale legs accentuated by the tailored uniform, the look both playful and daring.
"Well?" she asked. "Do you like it?"
Aaron raised an eyebrow, amused. "Which airline does that belong to?"
She licked her lips lightly. "Anderson–Connelly Airways. Exclusive line."
---
Over the next few days, Aaron reviewed stacks of urban romance scripts in his New York office. Eventually, one concept caught his attention:
Insomnia Café, created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman.
The premise centered on six young men and women sharing life—and an apartment—in New York City.
Aaron leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes.
"This is it."
He immediately summoned Evelyn Beckett.
"This concept is excellent. Dawnlight Television should invest in David Crane and Marta Kauffman's project."
He paused.
"And change the title. Let's call it Friends."
Evelyn nodded. "I'll move it to the television division right away."
"Any updates from CVC?" Aaron asked.
He had been closely monitoring negotiations over AMC and was waiting for Charles Dolan's final decision.
"Not yet," Evelyn replied. "Charles Dolan has gone to Minnesota to visit his son, James Dolan."
James had recently been sent there by his father.
Aaron clicked his tongue softly. "No idea when he'll be back?"
She shook her head.
"Keep monitoring the situation," Aaron said. "Maintain contact with CVC."
The future of AMC was still hanging in the balance.