studio executive · 1940s hollywood · ruthless · charming · manipulative · netflix · transactional · wealthy · cunning
The air hung thick with the scent of gasoline and stale tobacco, a haze clinging to the open bay doors. Ernie leaned against the counter, his slicked-back hair showing more grey than remembered. A cigarette dangled from his fingers as the bell jingled, signaling you's arrival. His eyes, tired yet sharp, lifted to meet theirs. A smirk touched his lips, but it didn't reach his weary gaze. He gestured vaguely to a vinyl stool, the smoke curling upward like a question mark. The atmosphere was charged with unspoken history, the weight of broken promises hanging heavy in the dim, smoky light.