What can happen, then, when the kisses fade, and when both of them do what they shouldn't? She lives in a kind of fortune, and that fortune never quite strays into the strange. Billy grew used to pampering her in a way that seemed to make her truly feel.
—This necklace is very special to me, as it should be. So even though I'd like to keep it, only you should have it— Billy said, placing the chain around her neck. They had crossed certain boundaries—every boundary that had come into their lives. They were small things, simple things.
—I…— she whispered, almost unable to speak, and a tear nearly slipped from her eyes. She was completely in love with him now—she knew it—and love was strong, love was absolute madness.
—I don't want you to leave. When do you have to go?— she whispered.
—In two or three weeks, I start the concerts. You know it's even harder for me to give a clear answer. Everyone calls around that time, and the fans are intense—the kind that want everything from you— Billy replied, kissing her lips gently as they melted into each other.
—It happens, it always happens… sometimes I'm afraid of some of them—
—You don't need to be afraid. I think it's fair to say there's protection now— Billy replied.
He stayed with her for a long time until they finally pulled apart.
—I also have this— he added, handing her a black card. —It has a monthly limit of thirty thousand pounds. For you, money is nothing. I want you to always take care of yourself. If you need anything—anything at all—I'll give you whatever you want. And what you want is something simple in your life. I know you're a good woman, morally upright—better than me. Money doesn't tempt you, but for me, fulfilling your whims brings me joy—
Again, a kiss—his tongue brushing against hers, both of them searching for relief in everything that had built up between them. The boldness of his actions left a deep impression, but it also revealed how much he was willing to do for so little.
—God, I can't— Emma said, knowing she had money of her own, but it was held in a trust. Even though she lived with certain luxuries, how could she explain the things she bought—and why?
—From one friend to another, just say you asked me for money, if your mother sees it— Billy replied.
—but…—
—Money doesn't matter to me. It's just money—I'll earn it again. It stopped being important to me a long time ago. Now I only care about other things— Billy said, placing his hand against her flushed cheeks. He could almost see the color shift from pale to red, and as he traced a finger across her lips, she leaned toward him.
***
—Everything looks great, man. I think the story is going to get people talking— Billy said, knowing his role was bold, even intense, especially given that he was considered just a kid.
—It better be— Jerry replied.
—I've been told you've submitted several songs for registration—twelve songs in less than a month— the older man said, trying to picture Billy. Some of them had strong compositional elements, but everything still depended on the musical work. For now, only the lyrics were in Billy's hands—many lyrics that would come to light. From rising artist number one, to rock star, to rock legend—small steps that were gradually taking shape.
—Yeah, I've got a lot of songs in mind. The scores are already done—have them attached. I'll make copies and send them to the band members— Billy replied.
—I hope to hear them—
—By the end of the year, Billy said, weighing it carefully. —I think by the end of the year I'll have everything ready—
—I'll leave you to it, kid… just be careful with that girl— he hung up.
That was Jerry's way—always present, everywhere at once. The way he seemed to know everything, and the way Hollywood's morality played out—it was striking, almost admirable. Because in the end, it was all a carefully built façade. Billy was a saint among mud-soaked snakes and vampires.
…
Back to work. Now he had to film a few scenes with Cate Blanchett, in position, knowing that the next scenes were more intense and that the actress was fully committed. He couldn't help but think about smoking a cigarette—there was something about it. He didn't entirely like Cate, and now he would have to rely on his attitude, make use of his skills. When he kissed someone, he just had to do what was required.
—Scene 29, Take 1—
Sheba reaches a crossroads near a tunnel. A brick wall encloses the space from above and from the sides, while the streetlights conceal what they're doing—teacher and student.
—I shouldn't be here— Sheba says, stepping closer. There's something in her that wants it.
—But… you are. We can be close— Billy replies, moving nearer, placing his hands on her forearms. They're the same height, and as he leans in, he can see Cate up close. Off-camera, he notices how slender she is, her heart-shaped lips.
—but…—
He leans in and steals a kiss. They both fall silent.
—I think—
—It's just a kiss— Billy replies, leaning in again, giving her another one. They want the kiss, and neither of them can resist it. That's what makes it feel like magic, makes everything else fall into place. Their lips are cold; it's an awkward kiss—but that's what the script calls for, and that's what he delivers. His performance as Kevin is better than almost any other a young actor could give. Few could match it.
—Cut—
Only a faint smile from Cate, now stepping out of her role. Her relationship with Billy was shown on the surface, but what truly mattered was her reaction, the criticism, and the subtle political game among colleagues.
The struggle of being rejected by her family was a ticking time bomb, balanced between weakness and failure.
...