Chapter 230: The Viper Room Club
Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades.
Morning sunlight streamed into the bedroom. Aaron opened his eyes, still holding Nicole Kidman in his arms.
"Nice weather today," he murmured.
Half-awake, Nicole shifted closer against him. "It's the weekend. You don't have anything urgent, do you?"
"What could I possibly have that's more important?" Aaron brushed a hand through her golden hair. "It's been a while since we've seen each other. I can actually spend some proper time with you."
As for Cameron Diaz, whom he had run into at the Château Marmont party the night before—she had clearly been eager for something to happen. But Aaron hadn't felt particularly compelled.
The American economy had been slowly recovering since 1991. Unemployment had continued rising for a time, but since President Bill Clinton took office this year, job growth had steadily improved. Inflation was under control, export growth was strong, and the overall outlook was increasingly optimistic.
Yet headlines were dominated by other matters.
In sports, Michael Jordan had just announced his retirement.
In entertainment, pop superstar Michael Jackson was facing child abuse allegations.
And in politics, U.S. forces were engaged in a violent confrontation in Mogadishu, Somalia—urban combat between American special operations units and local militia fighters.
"Black Hawk Down…" Aaron muttered while watching the news footage replaying images of Somali crowds dragging the body of a fallen U.S. soldier through the streets, along with reports of an American captive.
That afternoon, Aaron and Nicole drove northeast of Los Angeles to Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest.
The autumn scenery was breathtaking—crimson leaves, cool air, the still surface of the lake. Boating across the water, the two enjoyed a rare stretch of uninterrupted privacy.
That night, in a lakeside cabin, Aaron lay behind Nicole as they gazed out at the shimmering reflection of moonlight over the water.
"You're still doing two films a year?" he asked.
"Usually," Nicole replied, turning to kiss him lightly. "If there's a strong script, I wouldn't mind doing more."
She hesitated before adding, "When I went back to Australia this year, I met with Village Roadshow. They're interested in expanding internationally—Hollywood, Europe, even Asia."
Aaron smiled.
"Are they looking to partner with Dawnlight?"
Nicole understood immediately when she mentioned Village Roadshow—Aaron knew exactly what she meant. Village Roadshow was a major force in Australia, and many Dawnlight films were already distributed in the Australian market through Village Roadshow Pictures.
"Yes, they're definitely interested," Nicole nodded. "The success of The Piano proves that Australian cinema can absolutely compete on the international stage."
As one of Australia's most prominent entertainment figures—arguably the most successful Australian actress in Hollywood aside from Mel Gibson—Nicole had become a symbol of the country's rising film presence.
Aaron reassured her, "Don't worry. Dawnlight won't neglect the Australian market. As part of the English-speaking world, Australia and New Zealand are natural homes for Hollywood films."
He added, "We've already established an international branch in Japan. Australia will be next."
---
On October 31st—Halloween—Dawnlight Pictures held the final audition for The Mask at its Burbank headquarters.
Since Aaron had already leaned toward casting Cameron Diaz, the final round went smoothly.
"Thank you for giving me this opportunity," Cameron said excitedly as she stepped into Aaron's office, barely able to contain her enthusiasm.
Aaron poured two glasses of wine and smiled. "Then we should celebrate."
She perched on his lap, took a sip, and leaned in to kiss him. Aaron responded, his hand resting lightly along her thigh.
After the kiss, she leaned close to his ear, her voice soft and teasing. "How should I thank you?"
"You're a Hollywood mogul now," she continued playfully, "and I'm just a model stepping into the film world. There's a great place on Sunset Boulevard—the Viper Room. Let me take you there tonight?"
Aaron leaned back on the sofa, fingers brushing her lips lightly. "The Viper Room? Sounds good."
"Then I'll pick you up later," he added.
She smiled, kissed his cheek, and whispered something that made him chuckle.
---
That night, at the newly renovated Viper Room on Sunset Boulevard—co-owned by Johnny Depp—Aaron and Cameron swayed together on the dance floor.
The club had quickly become a gathering spot for Hollywood's rising young stars and rock musicians.
At one point, Aaron noticed River Phoenix take the stage to jam with a band. Not far away stood a youthful-looking Leonardo DiCaprio, who had recently starred alongside Depp in What's Eating Gilbert Grape.
The atmosphere was electric—music, flashing lights, and youthful energy filling the air.
Later that evening, River Phoenix stepped offstage after his performance and joined his family at a table—his girlfriend, his brother Joaquin Phoenix, and his sister.
Someone handed River a drink. He took it casually and finished it in one go.
"How was I?" he asked with a grin.
"You were amazing," his sister said proudly, raising her glass.
But soon, River began to shiver. His complexion turned pale.
Joaquin noticed immediately. "You okay?"
River shook his head slightly. "Maybe I just need some air."
Joaquin moved to steady him. "Let's get you out of here."
Suddenly, River staggered, losing his balance. He vomited, alarming everyone at the table.
"Come on—we're going to the hospital," Joaquin said urgently, helping his brother toward the exit.
Outside, under the flashing lights of Sunset Boulevard, chaos began to unfold.