Chapter 129: fourth night.
This was spiraling out of control in an unhealthy way. There was Avril, completely drunk, sprawled on the carpet of the hotel in Monaco, while Billy tried to make sense of the night before. A dizzying hum started in his head; he could hear the faint ebb and flow of the waves. It was 12:05 AM, and he had just woken up. He had been celebrating all day, in so many different ways, and it had gotten a bit wild.
He took a long, cold shower, which revived his senses. As he dried his hair, he tried to piece together what had happened. He had a party, and it had been a pivotal moment. The music played through his mind over and over, each song fitting the mood perfectly. In just his underwear, he grabbed his guitar, but not before gently placing Avril on the bed—she was a complete mess.
-I'll crash after I finish this song! - he thought.
A knock on the door interrupted him. He knew exactly who it was and the kind of party that was about to happen. It was going to be a full-blown event. He opened his suitcase and pulled out a tank top, his skinny pants, and a pink shirt. Without even addressing the knock, he walked into the hallway. There, a group of models stood in their high heels and tight dresses, slightly flushed and a little tipsy, but not too much.
-Are you ready to go?- the girls asked, the same ones he'd had the pleasure of seeing not too long ago.
-Of course, let's go.- Billy replied, closing the door behind him.
-You took forever; I thought you weren't coming.- Gemma Ward remarked, looking somewhat lonely.
Robert Pattinson had left a long time ago. He'd taken a flight from France to London earlier that morning, claiming he had some small job or audition to attend. Three nights of nothing but partying had been enough for him.
-I was focused; some great songs came to me, darling.- Billy said, winking at her. He gazed out at the paradise that was Monaco—beautiful women in the skimpiest of outfits, all incredibly stunning in their way. Billy just shook his head, feeling a bit dizzy. Surrounded by all this, it was impossible not to attract attention. People were snapping photos, and the Parisian press was thrilled, overjoyed at the sight of people gathering to gawk.
His grin widened. The flashes fueled his ego, and he smirked. Nothing else mattered but the party—he was 18, and he could tell the world to screw off.
-So, what do you think?- Jessica Stam murmured, having watched him intently for some time. She had only come on this trip because of Billy, bringing her friends as an excuse to mingle with the stars. The flashes continued—there was no escape from the cameras.
-I think we're going to have a great time.- Billy replied.
Many people stared at the young man, who was considered one of the greatest rock singers. His songs were the stuff of fantasies, and seeing him live was even better. The screams of fans couldn't be ignored; word of his arrival had spread quickly.
A crazy fan, nearly naked, approached him, her cheeks flushed. She asked if she could get his autograph. Billy, grinning mischievously, nodded, and then pulled her in for a deep, passionate kiss, leaving Jessica Stam stunned. The other women raised their eyebrows at the move.
-I've got to hit the club, darling. I'll be back in France this year... wait for me.-
The girl stood there, frozen and speechless, but Billy patted her cheek with a hint of affection. She nodded, blushing hard, and let out a squeal as she collapsed onto the pavement. Billy's path became more intense as people grew bolder in asking for autographs, but unfortunately, Billy was getting into the car, and the moment passed.
-What was that?- Jessica murmured, taking a seat next to him, along with Gemma Ward and Coco Rocha—the trio of friends.
-Nothing.- Billy replied, trying to fill the silence. -I just wanted to do it. She looked intense, but who cares? It was better than an autograph.-
-Your interviews always say you do things like that, but I didn't believe it. Now I see you're even more of a womanizer than the rumors say.- Adriana commented.
-I'm just being me.-
-Where's the bar?- Coco Rocha, the youngest of the group at 17, changed the subject. Even at her age, her beauty was captivating. Her mother thought she was on a runway in Europe, not partying on a yacht, and now in Monaco.
-It's an exclusive club. Well, they rented it out for two weeks. They've been throwing parties regularly. You can get on the list if you're famous, for a price, or if you're invited... and you're invited, Billy.- Adriana said, laughing.
-How exclusive?- Isabelli Fontana asked.
-So exclusive that only the richest of the rich get in, and, of course, beautiful women.- Adriana replied, her captivating green eyes lighting up anyone who looked at her. Her prince had left that afternoon, so she seemed freer and more at ease.
Billy had a song playing in his head, and he remained silent, brushing off everything else. He felt Jessica's warm hand on his, and when he looked into her doe-like eyes, they were asking for more than just a simple embrace. He leaned down and kissed her deeply, and she didn't resist.
Jessica Stam was crazy about Billy, even if she wouldn't admit it. She had even kissed a woman for the first time because of him—Avril's lips still fresh in her memory. For Billy, she had done many things that went beyond her moral boundaries. The last few days were a blur, and the young rock star was so intoxicating to Jessica that refusing him was never an option.
She rested her head on his chest, her face dreamy.
-Adriana,- Billy exclaimed, suddenly realizing something.
-What?-
-It's your birthday, oh my god, happy birthday... now I understand why I had this song stuck in my head, it's because it's your birthday.- Billy said, finally piecing it together.
-Did you write me a song?- Adriana's green eyes locked on Billy. -Oh my god, sing it! No one's ever written me a birthday song, it's like... wow, and why did you do it?- she asked.
-I didn't write you a song.- Billy said, almost seeing the disappointment in her eyes.
-My gift is singing that song for you. It's different, don't look at me like that. No song could ever do justice to a woman as beautiful as you. It's more of a song that reflects the vibe you give off. That disregard for tradition, that fiery Latin spirit that captivates everyone. If anyone deserves to be the muse of the song, it's you. Don't worry, I'll sing for you as soon as we get to the club.- Billy assured her.
-I don't think they'll let you sing. I mean, it's a bit strange to stop a party just because you say so.- Giselle teased.
But Billy was in full rock star mode, ever since he had woken up. He needed a mic in his hand, the intensity building inside him. He didn't know why, but he felt a strong urge to belt out those songs echoing in his head. They were fresh, and they needed to be sung.
-They will because I'm me.- Billy said with such confidence that Giselle, who had been trying to provoke him, couldn't say anything more than a resigned smile.
***
Buddha Bar in Monte Carlo had a capacity of 160 people and had been rented by the Princess of Monaco for a special gathering, coinciding with the Formula 1 event. The place was packed with stars—French athletes, big-name celebrities, Formula 1 drivers, football players, fashion icons, a touch of royalty, and beautiful women that made it feel like a beauty contest. Among them was Madonna, hidden away with her usual boyfriend, Guy Ritchie. The flashes lit up their faces as they walked in.
Adriana gave her name along with the others, and they were allowed entry, understanding that it was a private party. People asked who was hosting, and it turned out to be the Princess of Monaco. As they entered, curious eyes followed them. Billy's hair was still damp, and though the room was packed, it felt more like a gathering than a wild party. People mingled, but there wasn't much dancing.
-The prince of rock at my party.- remarked the hostess, a mature woman who had seen better days.
-Well, your party has me now.- Billy said, giving off the familiar aura of someone in charge. He took Adriana's hand and pulled her close.
-This beautiful woman is celebrating her birthday, and she's been so lovely to me that I'd like to sing her a few songs. Is that alright? I promise it'll be something you've never seen before.- Billy said, his sharp eyes observing the hostess's every move. It was almost a command, but the casual way he spoke forced the woman to give her approval. A team got things organized in less than 20 minutes. Billy didn't let go of Adriana, who sat on his lap with ease, while Jessica settled on his other leg. Giselle had disappeared with Isabella, and curiously, Leonardo DiCaprio was at the party too, along with Miranda Kerr and another angel, Naomi Campbell, it looked like a high-end catwalk.
...