Billy finished the concert, leaving hand in hand with Adriana to a traditional restaurant. Although they took a few photos, nothing was particularly remarkable, yet the rumors followed them at every turn. They dined together, strolling through the streets of Germany, close, whispering words and sharing smiles.
–I've always wondered… just how much of a virgin you have to be to wait until marriage.– Billy asked Adriana, who was near him, as they both sipped from a large German beer. The flush on Adriana's cheeks hinted that she might have been drinking too much.
She rolled her eyes.
–Completely virgin. Stop teasing me about that… I'm being careful, and you should know that only my husband will enjoy me.– Adriana replied.
–Let's get married tomorrow and have two litters of kids.– Billy said, taking her hand. –Enough to make two basketball teams. We can go to church as long as we don't have to wake up early. Let's buy a big villa near New York, so big we can keep some animals, grow carrots and a few root vegetables… maybe even get a little house in Brazil for vacations.–
–You make things so complicated… what happens when I'm expecting our second child, and you start looking for someone more beautiful?– Adriana retorted.
–How could that even be possible? We'll do it so many times it won't be an issue.– Billy said with a smile, gazing at her with such tenderness that it made Adriana blush. She was caught off guard. Alessandra had never mentioned anyone proposing to her before, but there was something so romantic about a guy throwing himself into it without hesitation… maybe… no!
–Stop blinking at me. If in five years—yes, five years—you still feel the same, I'd say yes.– Adriana murmured, moving closer to him, just inches away. Her curvy body smelled of cinnamon.
–That's a shame… I have a concert tomorrow. Will you come? It's here in Munich.– Billy asked, taking another sip. She drank with him, and Billy finished his beer. They were so close, like two teenagers. It was fantastic like this… Billy found the pace of their time together refreshing, taking things slow, getting to know each other, enjoying the small trivialities of love. Women were now willing to give him their attention, but this was his way of reconnecting with his past. From a distance, women this beautiful would have never given him the time of day. But of course, back then, trust wasn't his business strategy for making money—it was different.
–I have to leave tomorrow morning; there's a fashion show in Milan, sweetheart… but we can meet there. I'll be waiting for you in Europe.– Adriana said.
That sounds good. I've started reading again. Recommend me a book—I've got a lot of free time, and I figured I should dedicate some of it to reading.– Billy replied, now just a breath away from Adriana, almost tempted to steal a kiss. He finally did, softly, sweetly.
Now he wanted to see how many women could be more than just lovers of his confidence—lovers of his lifestyle, lovers of the way he carried himself. He wanted their hearts to go wild, to leave imprints on his life.
Billy arrived at the hotel, grinning. Jack was stressed, but he had managed to talk to some German models he knew, getting Billy into a party that started at the hotel-casino before moving into private rooms. The party lasted until 3 a.m., when Sugar Egg and some others nearly knocked the door down, finding him on the brink of madness.
***
Billy took a deep breath. Once again, he stood before an immeasurable crowd that bowed before him. The morning had been a whirlwind, with the launch of Billy's new commercial making waves. The moment that stunned everyone was a single response—Billy looking straight into the camera and saying, "And what are you doing to improve your life?" before leaping backward out of a helicopter, the breathtaking view captured as he fell.
People were hyped to see him perform such a rebellious mid-air dance. A behind-the-scenes music video showcased his entire training process, and it was predicted to become one of the most iconic ads of the era. The commercial featured the catchy song Hall of Fame by The Script, amplifying the energy. It was all part of Billy's latest single.
MTV released a video of Billy performing an acoustic song on his guitar, intercut with footage from the Nike ad. It promoted not just the brand's products but also his music, creating a synergy that had marketing teams reevaluating their entire strategy. The campaign was a huge success. His style was purely athletic—black with gold and silver, luminous and sleek, paired with black and glossy gray pants and matching sneakers.
There were sleeveless pink shirts, completely black fitted pants, and printed shirts with a sporty aesthetic. Sneakers with silver stripes for everyday wear.
–I like how the new brand looks.– Billy commented as he checked out all the bags they had sent him—enough clothes to dress ten people. It was almost ridiculous how many outfits he had now that he was the face of the brand. A shame that Kate Bosworth wasn't part of it, aside from a few pieces and some photos.
–Stop staring at yourself in the mirror. There's a crowd waiting for us.– Sugar Egg muttered, still annoyed by the party Billy and Jack had thrown with some models the night before.
–Yeah, yeah… man, I'm tired. You had the same twelve hours to rest as I did.– Billy yawned.
–It's not good to sleep at odd hours.– Sugar Egg grumbled.
He wanted to argue, but he knew it was pointless with someone who barely considered anyone else's reasoning. It was always the same.
–We're fifteen minutes late.– Spencer cut in, clearly irritated by the situation.
–Alright, Spencer, you're right… What's up with you guys? The fans are waiting!– Sugar Egg shouted.
–Don't yell.– Billy muttered as he took a bite of his lasagna. –Once I finish this, I'll go. I need to be in top shape to give my best.–
Sugar Egg cursed under his breath, his urge to punch something growing. Jack smirked as he smoked a cigarette, Connor lay sprawled on the couch with a towel covering his eyes, and Spencer was composing music. Sugar Egg paced like a rabid dog.
–You have five minutes.–
–My lasagna first. I have to eat.– Billy replied, eating slowly to Sugar Egg's absolute frustration.
...