Bang! Bang! Bang!
Gunshots erupted one after another. Matthew rolled, dodging the incoming bullets, then scrambled to his feet and launched himself through the upper part of a window just before another gunman ard with an automatic rifle burst in. The specially made glass and wooden fra shattered from the impact.
Matthew used the montum of his charge to land on a platform slightly shorter than the window.
According to the scene's design, he was supposed to keep moving forward, clearing the corner just ahead of the platform.
But as soon as his feet hit the surface, Matthew felt his lower back and knees give out, his legs refusing to obey. His body tilted sideways, and he stumbled to the ground.
Fortunately, years of physical training kicked in. He braced himself with one hand, regained his balance, and quickly pushed himself back to his feet.
"Cut!" the director yelled, halting the scene. "You didn't complete the action!"
Matthew let out a breath and shifted his body slightly, knowing it was his own fault.
From the mont he started shooting today's action sequence, he had noticed that certain moves, which had once been effortless, now felt clumsy and wrong.
The weakness was especially pronounced in his legs and waist.
Just then, the director walked over. "What's wrong? Not feeling your best today?"
Matthew couldn't explain the real reason, so he just nodded. "Not exactly."
Even though he had rested all day yesterday, the night before had been absolutely insane. He had battled one angel after another, and it was still taking a noticeable toll on him today.
To be precise, he was a little drained.
The most obvious sign was the series of mistakes he was making during the action scenes.
After all, he was flesh and blood, not made of iron.
Sitting in a chair to catch his breath, Matthew made a ntal note: he shouldn't make a habit of this sort of thing. Even a man as exceptionally fit as him couldn't take it.
Many on the crew were puzzled, especially those who had worked on Fast & Furious 4. They all knew that Matthew was a natural at action scenes. Except for the most dangerous stunts that required a double, he could handle any sequence with ease.
But today's situation... this was a first since they had started filming.
So wondered if Matthew was getting old, but that seed unlikely. You could count the number of A-listers born in the 1980s on one hand; he should be in his pri.
Nini, who was in the know and had participated herself, watched Matthew stumble through take after take and thought that perhaps this was the price of indulgence...
Besides her, Paul Walker, Gal Gadot, and a few others had seen Matthew get into a van with several of the Victoria's Secret Angels two days ago, so they had a pretty good idea of what had happened.
After a short break, filming resud. Since they were out of breakaway windows, the scene was modified to have him sprint across the platform. The action wasn't as seamless, but post-production would take care of most of the issues.
On the director's command, Matthew sprinted forward, rounded the corner, and waited for the technician to release a plu of smoke before finally coming to a stop.
"Hah... hah..."
As he stood there, catching his breath with two deep inhales and exhales, a cup was suddenly extended toward him. A familiar voice said, "Control your breathing first, then drink so water. You'll feel better."
Matthew steadied his breathing, took the cup, and had a sip. He looked over at Gal Gadot. "You sound experienced."
Gal Gadot suppressed a smile. "Cross-country runs are standard for a soldier."
Matthew took another sip of water. "I almost forgot you served in the Israeli army."
Seeing Paul Walker approaching, Gal Gadot gave Matthew a light pat on the shoulder. "You should learn so self-control."
He watched her walk away, took another drink from the cup, and then casually handed it to a nearby assistant.
"Matthew," Paul Walker said, sidling up to him with a conspiratorial look. "Did you... really score with all of them?"
Among n, this topic never got old.
Matthew saw no reason to deny it. He nodded and said, "As you can see, I'm not exactly at my best today."
A look of undisguised envy crossed Paul Walker's face. "You actually did it!" He bumped his fist against Matthew's. "You're a madman."
Matthew spread his hands in a helpless gesture. "Didn't I invite you the other day? You're the one who didn't co."
"I thought you were joking," Paul Walker said, looking even more regretful. "So many Angels... the thought alone was intimidating."
Matthew shrugged. "It gets a bit... strenuous when there are too many."
In truth, before the party started, he never imagined it would turn out that way.
His original plan was to get close to the Victoria's Secret Angels and see if he could arrange a date with Candice Swanepoel or Doutzen Kroes while they were all drinking and having fun.
For a mont, Paul Walker was speechless. After a beat, he said, "You're exaggerating. Matthew, do you have any idea how many guys would kill for a date with even one Angel? And you had so many that it was 'strenuous'?"
He snorted playfully. "What would it take to satisfy you? All of the Angels at once?"
Matthew quickly shook his head. "I definitely don't have that in mind."
Just as Matthew was talking with Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson ca over.
"Whoa...!" Tyrese Gibson let out a few exaggerated sounds before approaching Matthew with an unusually serious expression. "Matthew, you're my idol! The man I admire most!"
Matthew sighed. "Don't put
on such a high pedestal. The higher you lift , the harder I'll fall."
Tyrese Gibson shook his head emphatically. "No way!" He gave a thumbs-up. "When it cos to picking up won, you're in a league of your own in Hollywood!"
He suddenly grinned. "Boss, can you teach ? Got any tricks up your sleeve?"
Matthew did indeed have a trick, but he had no idea how to explain it.
"Co on, let Matthew rest," Paul Walker said, steering Tyrese Gibson away. Once they were a little farther off, he added, "Actually, Matthew's trick is very simple. It's even passive."
"A trick? Passive?" Curiosity filled Tyrese Gibson's face.
Paul Walker explained, "As long as you're as handso as Matthew, as rich as Matthew, and as famous as Matthew, and as long as your na is synonymous with hot gossip, countless beautiful won in both acting and modeling will take the initiative and co to you."
Tyrese Gibson froze for a second, then shook his head. "That's a tough one to learn. Not many people in Hollywood tick all those boxes."
***
For the rest of the day, Matthew remained in poor form. The action scenes involving him were diocre at best, with most requiring several takes. A few of the longer sequences had to be shot four or five tis before they were usable, which was a definite rarity for him.
Justin Lin temporarily adjusted the shooting schedule and gave Matthew a day off.
Matthew's physical conditioning had always been top-notch, and after a day of rest, the nimble, vibrant action star was back on set.
The incident also served as a reminder to Matthew that uncontrolled group parties like that could really take a toll on the body. Moderation was essential.
Still, who knew when the next opportunity would arise? After all, it was rare for everyone to get drunk and collectively overexcited like they had that night.
It's hard to keep sothing like that a secret. Once soone on set saw what happened, it only took a few days for related gossip to start spreading among the crew of Fast Five.
Fortunately, Matthew didn't care. The rumors about him were already too nurous to count.
This gossip inevitably reached the ears of entertainnt reporters, and a swarm of them began circling Matthew, trying to get a quote.
anwhile, so of the Victoria's Secret Angels were enjoying a surge in popularity.
Alessandra Ambrosio, for instance, gave an interview to the Brazilian dia in which she declared that Matthew was the most perfect lover she could imagine.
When you get sothing from soone, you have to give sothing back. Matthew had understood this for a long ti, so he didn't comnt on the publicity a few of the Victoria's Secret Angels were generating.
Their buzz was just buzz, and there might even be a chance for another deal in the future.
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