January 24th.
-Billy was completely drunk. Even if he didn't want to admit it, his feet weren't cooperating, and his mind was entirely set on having fun, trying to lose himself in the madness. He kept kissing Scarlett, who was with him. They had run off together on Friday, and now it was Monday—a strange day to be celebrating Christmas. They were in New York, doing their best not to look completely blissful.
-So,o what we can do is fly to Nevada. – said the man next to Billy, someone he knew all too well—Leonardo DiCaprio, who was partying with what remained of his old crew: Miranda Kerr and Luke Haas, the only ones left from the original group.
-Let's go. – said Billy, grabbing Scarlett by the waist.
-Hahaha. – They all laughed.
-Then it's settled. Let's fly to Nevada and play roulette until sunrise. – said Leonardo, just as drunk, though hiding it well, with his shirt casually unbuttoned.
-Let's gamble away every last bill we've got. – said Luke Haas, completely wasted.
Giselle shook her head, looking around Leonardo DiCaprio's 300-square-meter private apartment filled with celebrities. Though the circle was tight, Naomi Campbell, Alessandra Ambrosio, Baz Luhrmann, Orlando Bloom, and another mogul were there, with Bar Refaeli hanging close to Orlando, although her eyes were clearly on Leonardo, who radiated confidence.
-I never heard about that signature stunt of yours, Billy. – said Leonardo.
-What signature stunt? – asked Scarlett.
Miranda jumped in.
-In a Soho bar, Billy dropped nearly $10,000—but lost his wallet. So he signed a tablecloth and took a photo, looking shocked as he left the place. I followed the gossip, and it turns out the owner was furious at first, but the next day, the bar was flooded with people. He gave up on the lawsuit. Now it's iconic—actors go there just to sign and take pictures over a meal. It turned into a luxury hot spot. – said Miranda Kerr.
-I didn't know you pulled that off. – said Scarlett.
-You need some serious balls to pull something like that and walk out without fear of backlash. – said Leonardo, who, although he'd also gotten plenty of free meals, always did so through promotions or invitations.
-Just have fun… – said Billy.
...
They were now on Leonardo's private jet, each one of them partying mid-air. It was almost dawn—thirty minutes into the flight, with another hour to go. Billy was giving Scarlett one of his signature steamy dances, the music thumping as the plane shook. Everyone was laughing, far from sober.
-So you're taking me to Nevada? My parents are waiting for us. – Scarlett whispered.
-Doesn't matter—we'll send them a message. They're celebrating too. Besides, you've worked so hard, and we'll spend New Year's with them, I promise. – said Billy, kissing her softly, with care, while they continued dancing to old-school ballads.
-It's the first time I've been away for the holidays. I've only ever missed them for work. – She said, a bit conflicted.
-That's tough. We'll call them tomorrow morning, and I'll have Michael buy them some gifts. I'll send a message the moment we land—he'll take care of it. – said Billy.
-You will? And when you do... – asked Scarlett. – Maybe I'll forgive you. –
Billy looked her in the eyes, defiant.
-You're such a fool. We're family. – said Billy, pushing her to the edge in his way, though he never spelled things out plainly. She melted like a schoolgirl—everything he said felt perfect. Before long, they were back to dancing. Alessandra's fiancé was completely passed out, while she kept watching Billy. That toxic, reckless love pulsed through her veins. Some might've called it exhausting, seeing Billy laugh and pour another drink, as Leonardo teased the flight attendants, drawing Giselle's deadly glare that could've killed him on the spot.
-Hey, Billy! – Leonardo shouted.
-My friends say you're hotter, but I'm more interesting. – said Leonardo.
-You're such an idiot. – Billy replied. – Only one thing left to do—sleep with both of them and let the best man win. –
The two girls were so stunned that Leonardo burst out laughing—and Billy joined in, cheeks flushed. They were idols, each in their own right, both dazzling in their ridiculous way.
-You two are such ridiculous boys. – said Giselle, making her point loud and clear.