Chapter 134: sixth night.
This was supposed to be the day when many people would wrap up the party. It was June 14th, and Billy had a flight scheduled for the morning. Adriana planned to meet with the prince, who was currently absent, while the girls were free until June 23rd. After that, they'd dive into a full-blown runway schedule. Fun fact: Gisele, part of the group, had landed a supporting role in a production through Leonardo, who was friends with someone on the project. The fifth night had been fantastic for Billy, for two simple reasons: first, he'd hit it off with Leonardo, their contrasting vibes syncing effortlessly. Two carefree, handsome guys are the perfect cocktail for sparking a bit of wild excitement among the ladies.
Leonardo's joke about suggesting a threesome to a woman was amusing. Both of them looked about the same age, which was perhaps another reason they got along so well. Leonardo also explained the rules of Hollywood to him. "First, you can be as arrogant as you like, but only if you've got the goods to back it up. Second, steer clear of hard drugs—always keep things in check. Champagne is better than anything else anyway. Never go to parties for old folks, stay clear of the red couch, and don't run your mouth; silence is often better than too much to say."
They were at the bar, and it seemed that the Princess of Monaco and many others had found Billy charming; his rebellious streak was embraced in everything he did. Billy was at the bar in tight white jeans and an open black shirt. He wore necklaces, no rings (having given them to Avril), and a cross-shaped earring.
–Will you come with me to get a tattoo? -Billy asked, grinning as he sipped his mojito, letting himself unwind. The group had shrunk by now as the party grew increasingly overwhelming, leaving mostly the older crowd and Karolina Kurkova, who, despite speaking little English, was certainly up for drinking till dawn and dancing endlessly. She mainly spoke Russian, German, and Turkish, which was both curious and intriguing.
–Of course, where are you getting it done?- Alessandra asked.
–Kari Barba's doing it, with another of her collaborators who specializes in color, honey. It'll be a Bengal tiger, taking up my upper back, in full color,- Billy replied.
Alessandra wore a silver dress, her long, enchanting legs crossed, her hand resting on her knee. Her friends watched their interaction with a hint of curiosity, though no one said much; Billy's rebellious charm always carried the day. The tattoo appointment was set for the 25th in London, which might annoy Jerry since Harry Potter filming was set to start on the same day. But as Billy only had a few scenes, they wouldn't need him long—just some light shots.
That was Billy's plan anyway, hoping for minimal issues. He was set to film an underwater scene on July 28th, allowing plenty of time for makeup or prosthetics to work their magic.
–Your whole back, that's pretty bold, - Alessandra commented.
–Yep, all the way. The guy already has the design. He sent me some photos—they're fantastic, - Billy replied, thinking of the hours ahead, lying down while he recovered under tender care.
–I'll be a bit wounded, and I think I'll need a woman's care,- Billy teased, winking.
–If you behave, maybe I'll consider it. My season starts on June 23rd, with various jobs until summer ends—except for one week in July—then we'll stop until the November show, - Alessandra teased back. Though, truthfully, the schedule was packed with events, there were still plenty of travel days, for other… let's say, personal pursuits.
–I'm a very good boy, - Billy replied, sensing she wasn't keen on playing nurse for five days. But for Billy, it was simple; he'd just hire a beautiful nurse to take care of and adore him for two weeks. If things went well, perhaps he'd try to seduce her—or maybe not. He'd discuss it with the old man; health was important, and Warner would cover medical expenses.
Billy's song came on, the infectious beat of "Take Me Out" lighting up the festival's vibrant colors.
–It feels strange hearing you on the radio, - Alessandra said.
–It's strange because I'm right here with you, a privilege only you among millions get to enjoy. Imagine yourself on a screen—everyone would be begging to get close, but here I am, the only one lucky enough to see you,"-Billy said with a smile. –It's the beauty of life; we get what we want for only a short while, and the heat of the moment fades, but I can only savor it. -
Alessandra smiled, and as the song changed, they were invited to dance. Billy remarked that he never danced to his songs, but he did, despite his reluctance, allowing the music to move him. The lights danced in vibrant colors, shadows playing around them. Billy lost himself in the moment, sharing hidden kisses with Alessandra, their chemistry visible to everyone.
The fast beat continued, each song carrying a rhythm of pure happiness—his signature. The intense movement of people indulged in a constant, boundless joy, while their private circle grinned ambiguously. They enjoyed the entire night, spurred by drinks and the heat of the moment.
The songs cycled over and over, and after hearing another of his songs three times in a row, he found himself sitting alone while women dared to flirt with him—tempting, wealthy, and bold. They watched each other, attempts to engage blocked by an invisible wall of constant rejections.
–Dance with me, Billy, - Alessandra said.
–I don't dance to my songs, - Billy replied.
–I hate how you act, - Alessandra shot back, stomping off in her heels as Isabelli Fontana laughed at her, the two girls leaning provocatively toward each other.
Billy sighed deeply, surrendering to the continuous dance rhythm, moving seamlessly between the lyrics before he took a break. He was suddenly surrounded by numerous women, celebrating the night with joy, basking in the dance. "–A massage!" Adriana asked, her feet dirty from dancing barefoot. She leaned on his pant leg, flashing a smile with emerald-green eyes that seemed to read his soul.
–So the prince didn't show up?- Billy asked.
Adriana's scowl was answer enough.
–I don't want to talk about it,- she said.
–You can always cry on my shoulder.-
–I don't share shoulders with friends, - she snapped.
–You don't have to share it. A good friend helps you clean and forget, like a true friend. It's not my fault he's jealous; commitment is just part of who you are. If he doesn't understand that, it's his problem," Billy replied.
–Your bad reputation even gets to me, - Adriana noted.
–Speaking of that, I'd love to meet a woman to guide me in the ways of Christianity,- Billy teased.
She raised an eyebrow.
–Is that a joke? -
–Not at all, - Billy replied.