Their lips parted, a soft, lingering warmth remaining. Breathless, Alex's forehead rested against Mia's, a shared chuckle bubbling between them, the world outside their intimate bubble momentarily forgotten.
"So, what now?" Mia whispered, her eyes, still sparkling, fixed on his.
Alex pulled back slightly, enough to meet her gaze, a more serious expression now on his face. "Mia, if we start dating, you won't get any privacy anymore. The paparazzi, the tabloids... they'll always be following you."
Mia nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "I understand. I've seen it with you. It's... intense."
"It is," Alex confirmed. "But if you think you can manage that, if you're truly okay with that level of scrutiny, then... I'd like to explore this. Explore us. Our attraction, our connection."
Mia's smile widened, a quiet certainty in her eyes. "I agree." She leaned in, giving him a quick, soft peck on the lips.
Alex's gaze searched hers, a hint of concern lingering. "Are you sure? Once we leave this party, we'll walk out hand-in-hand. And I'm pretty sure there are reporters out there who will photograph us, and we'll be on every tabloid cover by morning. You can still back out now."
Mia just smiled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. She took his hand, her fingers intertwining with his, a silent but firm answer.
"Well," Alex said, a grin spreading across his face, "I got my answer. Let's go."
Hand in hand, they walked out into the lingering buzz of the party, stepping together into the glare of a new, public chapter of their lives.
*****
The very next day, photographs of Alex Hayes and Mia Sara walking hand-in-hand dominated newspapers and flashed across television screens. "Hollywood's Hottest Star Finds New Romance!" screamed one headline, while another pondered, "Who Is Mia Sara?" The media circus erupted, with reporters scrambling to uncover details about the mysterious young woman who had captured the heart of Hollywood's golden boy. Within days, articles about her role in the upcoming Ferris Bueller's Day Off began to surface, adding fuel to the already burgeoning public interest.
While this media circus swirled around them, the intense world of film production continued unabated. Pre-production for Alex Hayes's next project, Say Anything..., had officially begun. Though the film's narrative was firmly rooted in the atmospheric, often rainy city of Seattle, pragmatic production decisions meant that most of the actual filming would occur in the more accessible backdrop of Los Angeles. Only a few strategic exterior shots of Seattle's iconic skyline and drizzly streets would be integrated into the final cut to lend an authentic Pacific Northwest feel.
Alex Hayes was, of course, already locked in for the pivotal role of Lloyd Dobler, the eternal optimist. For the crucial part of Jim Court, Diane's intensely protective father, Alex had a strong, personal recommendation: John Lithgow. Having worked with him intimately on both Footloose and Catch Me If You Can, Alex knew Lithgow's dramatic range and subtle comedic timing would be perfect. After Lithgow's audition, Cameron Crowe, the director, and Sherry Lansing, who was producing the film alongside Alex Hayes, readily agreed. Lithgow's nuanced portrayal sealed the deal.
The casting of Lloyd's musician best friend, Corey Flood, was a slightly simpler affair. The role went to Sarah Jessica Parker, his friend Robert Downey Jr.'s girlfriend. Her quirky charm and acting talent made her an excellent fit, adding another layer of familiarity and comfort to the on-set dynamics.
However, the real challenge arose with the casting of Diane Court. Her character was a paradox of brilliance and naiveté. As Lloyd Dobler's friends, Corey and DC, so aptly put it, she was a "brain trapped in the body of a game show hostess," incredibly intelligent yet completely unaware of her own striking beauty. This unawareness stemmed largely from her isolated existence; her entire life was consumed by studying and working, with her father serving as her sole best friend. Finding an actress who could embody this intricate blend of intellect, innocence, inherent beauty, and a deep-seated loneliness, proved to be an arduous task. The casting team sought an actress between the ages of 18 and 21 to capture the character's nuanced maturity.
Actresses from across Hollywood auditioned for the coveted role. Brooke Shields, Maura Tierney, and Demi Moore all read for the part, among many others. While talented, none quite captured the elusive essence of Diane. Some couldn't convey intellectual depth, others the vulnerable isolation, and some simply didn't possess that unconscious beauty Cameron envisioned.
A young actress named Jennifer Connelly auditioned. She certainly had the fresh, almost ethereal look Cameron Crowe envisioned – a striking beauty. But at just 15 years old, she was undeniably too young to play the mature, nuanced role of Diane, especially in scenes opposite a slightly older Alex. Her youth, while undeniable, also limited her ability to convey the character's profound sense of isolation and the complexities of her relationship with her father.
As the team struggled with the casting dilemma, hitting what felt like a creative wall, Cameron Crowe, almost as a final, desperate resort, suggested an unexpected name.
"What about Mia Sara?" he asked, looking directly at Alex.
Alex looked at him in confusion. "What about her?"
"I mean for the role of Diane," Cameron clarified, his gaze unwavering. "I've seen you two together in newspaper articles. You have this undeniable chemistry. And she seems incredibly close to the vision of Diane Court I've had in my head."
His first thought was of their burgeoning relationship, the recent headlines. He was troubled by the suggestion. If Mia was selected, especially given their public romance, it might easily be perceived as favoritism, a celebrity pulling strings for his girlfriend. That went against everything he believed in regarding merit and fairness in the industry.
Cameron, sensing Alex's hesitation, chuckled. "Hey, don't think about all that unnecessary stuff, man. If Mia is right for the role, then it doesn't matter what anyone thinks. This is about finding the best actress for Diane, period. And honestly, she has that certain something. The dignity, the intelligence, and that quiet beauty we're looking for."
Alex looked at Cameron, then out the window, a small smile touching his lips. Cameron was right. He was thinking too much. If Mia truly was the perfect Diane, then everything else was irrelevant. He nodded, a decision made. An invitation for an audition was officially sent to Mia Sara.
Mia Sara, upon receiving the invitation, also harbored the same doubts as Alex Hayes regarding how her potential casting would be perceived. She worried about accusations of favoritism. However, her agent was quick to quell her concerns. "Mia, you have to know how to separate your personal and professional lives," her agent advised firmly. "And working with Alex Hayes, especially in two movies back-to-back, is a golden chance. It will give you invaluable exposure."
Convinced by her agent's pragmatism and the undeniable career opportunity, Mia decided to audition. And as Cameron Crowe had expected, she proved to be the most suitable candidate for the role of Diane Court. Even Alex, despite his initial reservations, had to agree; her audition was simply perfect.
So, Mia Sara was officially cast as Diane Court, a decision that would undoubtedly stir more media attention, but one they all believed was creatively sound.