For at least twenty days now, the balance between fame and business had followed a distant rhythm. For Billy, business success came down to the luck of momentum—taking something he could shape with his own hands, then pursuing it alongside others, gathering opportunities that only fueled his hunger for more. Money flowed steadily into his coffers for two simple reasons: he had enough to make such ventures real, and all of it stemmed from the power of his work—his hands drew, and his body carried out the movement to make it reality.
-What do you think of Iceland's cold climate? Nothing around but a few private homes of wealthy people. Among them, we have this beautiful view, one that can be used to watch the nights unfold. – said Billy, glancing around. What was left was only a simple task, while the chill settled on Monica's figure like nowhere else could. Her dark eyes were frozen wells, blending into the air with graceful harmony, as beautiful as a spirit of the wind slipping along the edges of the cold.
-I wasn't expecting this. – She whispered, caught off guard as her eyes had been blindfolded before boarding the private jet.
-I wanted something private, a place where nothing stood between our lips. – Billy replied, his face carrying the full weight of his desire. Monica was truly intense; as her lips pressed to his, her tongue moved with grace, and her body was perfect, sculpted, and breathtaking.
-Where is this hotel from? – Monica asked.
-In the future, it'll be mine. – Billy answered, slipping the coat off the brunette. Dinner awaited them, covered beneath a steel cloche, the warmth radiating no matter the distance.
-Oh my God, I wasn't expecting traditional pasta. – Monica exclaimed.
-I hired an Italian chef to cook for the entire stay. I take care to know how to satisfy you. Jim told me you've been working hard, and I was surprised you took on modeling as a profession, though it suits you—the air of someone walking the runway. – Billy said, studying Monica. She looked slimmer in her angles, her figure transformed into a different kind of elegance, full of that persuasive allure that inspired a sense of the untouchable. Beneath, she wore a Persian silk blouse, and it seemed she had left her nipples uncovered, pointed.
-I think it's thanks to you. – Monica replied. – Though I feel more at ease acting than in playing the role of any woman—strong, powerful, harsh, or armored. I've got a part in an independent film. I'd love for you to play the role with me. –
-Of course. I just hope my fame doesn't break the spirit of independence. – Billy said with a laugh.
-We'll do wonderfully. They reached out with real enthusiasm about your investment, but I think it's such a beautiful script, every detail of it, that maybe… – Monica began.
-Jim has read it. – Billy interrupted, tasting a bite of the pasta—handmade, kneaded and shaped over the course of forty-five minutes by an expert who started from scratch. That pasta was a work of art; each bite exploded with flavors and delights he relished.
-He liked it, though he suggested working with a writer who could draw out more drama. And of course, it's difficult since it's in French—you'll need a strong base in the language. – Monica explained.
-Wait, and wait, and do it. – Billy whispered.
-You need to learn French, Italian…and well, you already know Spanish, but if you pick up Italian, it'll surprise anyone. – Monica said, shifting in her seat. – It's called Malena. I'm fascinated by the character—trapped and unsettling—of a man and a woman, and how we can build a story of rebirth and commitment. –
Some roles feel destined. And Billy fit perfectly—not as a boy, but as a young man. He had to appear slimmer, different, while she would transform into a grown woman.
-I'll learn Italian, though I already know a bit. – Billy answered, unwilling to deny himself the language. How long it would take to truly master, he couldn't know, but he was sure of one thing—he could always bend the rules a little when it came to setting things for his needs.
-We can learn whenever you want. In fact, independent cinema has been catching my eye. I'd love to create a studio dedicated to it, where authors let their imagination run without limits—no restrictions, just a director and their team doing what they wish. – Billy sighed, thinking of A24, a company that embraced exactly that kind of film.
-It will need some adjustments. You're a little older—just a little. – Monica replied.
-We'll make it work as best as possible. – Billy answered, already thinking the best way was to slim down. The story itself was already taking shape—a daring one, between women and older people. What could be more ideal than two people breathing life into something they were creating together? It was the perfect chance to shed vanity and embrace new roles, all while waiting for Star Wars not to interfere with such a role.
Recasting the notion of Anakin—portraying him as a young man with strength, but not pure discontent, someone passionate, arrogant, and defiant. These three traits would lead to his downfall and drive his triumphs. All while Billy waited for the right moment to step forward as the actor capable of thousands of roles, still suspended in the air.
-Jim has helped you find your way into roles; we can see that. And any decent European film role—if you like it—I'm willing to invest, whether I have the money at hand or not. – Billy said.
For between his work and Netflix's, what was needed was someone who would protect European cinema. To honor people's sensibilities was to give voice to European film and all the studios that seemed lost within the common grounds of streaming platforms, reduced to less popular, niche formats. The success of any library lies in its content.
She smiled, catching her own reflection.
-Then I'll do it. I don't really like American cinema all that much. Well…some roles are excellent, but I think filming in Paris is so enchanting. – Monica whispered, unable to forget her birthplace and the places she grew up.
She opened her eyes and thought of becoming a director, though she knew little of the industry. Making a film her way would not be easy.
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