Two people getting closer, then pulling apart for similar reasons. For Billy, love before, during, and after sex was a necessity. It was how he protected himself. For Kristin, it was a reason to escape, to run.
Some show their love through tenderness, some through intensity, and some know nothing of love at all. For Billy, relationships with lovers and companions were about surrender—offering his soul in its entirety. Gwen, Amanda, Avril, Merche, Karina, Leighton, and Kristin—these were his women, his loves.
A hedonistic spirit often left others broken, yet Billy's passion and freedom made women cling to him, even knowing he might betray, forget, or abandon them. Being with Billy always felt right.
—Can you drop me at my hotel? —Kristin asked quietly, blushing furiously. a fury that bordered on fear of losing the composure that had always been at his side.
The driver, eyes fixed on the road, didn't glance back. Billy observed her closely, trying to read her body language. She radiated discomfort, a desire to flee, and anxiousness. For reasons he couldn't quite explain, Billy instructed the driver to head to his house, where she could wait for another car to take her to her hotel.
—Yes, that's probably for the best, —Kristin replied, retreating into silence—a safe haven from which neither could escape.
Kristin was skittish, frustrated, and desperate.
—Good luck, then, —Billy said, leaning in for a kiss. She turned her face away, terrified.
—Yes, —she muttered, a mess of emotions.
Billy chuckled, retreating to his house to sleep. His life revolved around being with beautiful women and sleeping soundly afterward. Kristin, however, spent her night in restless contemplation, using her remaining time in London to sift through her tangled emotions in the fragile and fleeting realm between two people.
Billy, on the other hand, woke early with boundless energy, his morning routine starting with exercise. He prepared a hearty breakfast—peanut butter smoothies with blueberries, milk, and eggs, alongside toast and soft-boiled eggs.
Between stretches and high-intensity intervals, Billy pushed his body to the limit. By 8 a.m., he had already clocked three hours of grueling physical activity.
—Good morning, neighbor, —he greeted a mother walking her daughters by his backyard. Shirtless, tattoos covering his back, he was a sight to behold.
Women like her were tempting, but they reminded him of Gwen.
Meanwhile, Kristin prepared to leave the country.
Kristin: I'm leaving today.
She checked the message from two hours ago.
Billy: Got it. Good luck.
Kristin: Is that all?
Billy: Darling, if you need anything, just call me.
As the call ended, Billy's white teeth flashed in a smile.
But for Kristin, a feeling of defeat came over her when she did things she would never be proud of. Billy took each of his darkest thoughts to the limit and made them come true, tears escaping along the way.
Was what she was doing wrong? She should just keep it to herself, no one could find out and if someone did, it would be the end for her. Secluding herself at home, in her bubble, and facing the problem was not an option, she had to remain firm in hiding in her mask and stay away from men, women, and anyone who could see the path she was beginning to follow.
***
—Of course, I'll head to your hotel. —
—The kid landed a movie role, —Jerry said, incredulous. Billy always seemed to have it all—the roles, awards, gifts, women. It was as though the universe conspired in his favor.
—It's another cameo as a womanizing rock star. He was born for this part. The production company is DreamWorks. What matters is that he stays in the industry and builds connections for the next few years. By 2010, he'll have more experience, —Michael replied.
—Fine, keep me updated. He's probably in trouble, even if he doesn't realize it. Check his circle of friends and potential threats, —Jerry ordered.
—I'm not sure, but it seems like he's managed to keep things relatively smooth with people. The driver mentioned he's made a new friend, which surprised me. Doesn't seem like it caused much damage, though, —Michael added.
—What about his music? I heard he's got a new song. —
—It's a single. He wants to create a classic rock ballad but is dissatisfied with the rhythm he's come up with, —Michael explained.
—Spencer and Connor can refine the melody based on his ideas, —Jerry suggested.
—They've already received his notes. Also, Billy's planning a trip to Spain with a Brazilian model. She apparently gifted him the tickets. He's set to leave on Wednesday, —Michael said.
—And the recordings? —
—I'm not sure, but he's determined to go. I'll speak with the producers to get the schedule, —Michael said. —HBO mentioned potential projects with him, and thanks to your negotiations with the executives, we're seeing more offers, even if they're modest. —
—Let the boy do as he pleases, —Jerry concluded. —I'll handle Warner. Let's just say he's shooting a commercial and having a good time with friends. —
Billy and the models make excellent publicity.
Jerry was starting to think about advertising campaigns.
- arrange the deals with that boss of the energy drinks that Billy talks so much about. -