August 4.
Where the chestnuts echoed, Spain blinked with its ambivalent charm. The tour was set to begin in exactly one month, and Billy was somewhat drained from all the activities he'd had to deal with recently.
Taking a deep breath and blending with the old air drifting through the streets, he stood at the border between Spain and France, in a luxury villa known only to a select few. Avril had stayed in London with her band, rehearsing for the tour and working on their next album. There was something unique about recording in London compared to the U.S.; while she preferred warm climates, she didn't mind working there. Everything was quiet for now—the media found it challenging to track stars without deliberate exposure. With careful discretion, traveling incognito was still possible.
A private jet was a prime example—the best example of all. The wind brushing against his face led him to the mansion he would visit over the next three days. It was astounding what a pair of models could achieve with a flutter of their eyelashes. They got whatever they desired, though with more risks. Yet, it was still desirable for them.
Taking his place, he noticed Alessandra sunbathing, her slender legs stretched out, a mischievous smile on her lips. She looked captivating, as she was meant to. He moved closer to kiss her, but something held her back—she turned her face, offering her cheek instead.
–You're impossible,– the man said, greeting Adriana, who looked as enchanting as ever. Youth displayed a beauty that defied the norm; she was like a porcelain doll. Her bronze skin, long black hair, and green eyes, paired with a slender, elegant figure and subtle curves, could drive anyone mad.
–I wasn't expecting to see you, Adriana,– he remarked.
–It's a girls' trip. Alessandra will explain,– the woman replied, rising from her seat.
Billy glanced at her sideways as the woman remained as indifferent as she usually was when denying their relationship. Billy simply laughed—he understood the situation now.
–Who's the guy?– he asked.
–Excuse me?–
–Yeah, the guy you've started dating. Must be serious if you're trying to blow me off,– he said.
She studied him, lowering her sunglasses. Her chocolate-brown eyes met his green ones—a dangerous combination. Women like her were a real hazard, something she could now see as a necessary asset for her career. It was all part of the entertainment business, where people were interchangeable for the sake of profit.
–He's a businessman with shares in Victoria's Secret. He's helping me take off my career—or at least, that's how I see it. Although he seems intent on claiming me as his, he's been quite possessive. He thinks you're dating Adriana, and she's covered for me a little. Under Adriana's wing, I've had better opportunities. It's just business—don't take it personally, Alessandra explained.
But beyond that, she saw stability, a future, and a relationship that could make her happy—a relationship that would provide everything she needed now and later, without worry. Still, the money came from her parents. The best face is always the one we show to others.
Billy sighed. That's what he liked about women like her—they were ruthless as hell.
–I don't care. You're free, Alessandra. You don't have to be so secretive. A phone call would've been enough—no need for a trip like this. I'm a busy man, you know,– Billy commented.
–But we can have some fun. Tonight—just don't let things spiral out of control.–
Adriana returned with some drinks, and they all drank together. Billy practiced his Portuguese while sharing his new Spanish songs with the girls, especially Adriana, whose Spanish was better than Alessandra's.
…
Though it might not seem so, Alessandra's new boyfriend wasn't naive. The grand villa, complete with chefs among the staff, and the way he monitored her—it all pointed to someone keenly aware. When he learned a rocker was visiting the house, he left immediately. As he approached, Alessandra was exploring the limits of her fortune in various ways with Billy, who savored her exquisite body like a delicacy.
Instincts are one of the most crucial tools for survival—they allow you to detect what would otherwise go unnoticed. Alessandra's skin bore his kisses, and her boyfriend was just two hours away. The night became their best refuge.
She was drying her hair when they heard a car arrive. They paid it little mind until Adriana appeared, slightly nervous, with chilling words: "Javier's here."
It was a quick move. Billy grabbed his clothes and fled like a lost lover, heading to another room. Adriana followed.
–You're a mess,– Adriana remarked.
–I'll wash my hair. We'll sleep together tonight, but you're taking the couch,– the brunette declared.
They were masters of deception. Alessandra, three rooms away, opened the balcony door, messed up the bed, scattered her clothes on it, and sank into the tub, leaving the place in disarray.
It was fortunate because Javier's friend, Jamie, arrived with his current partner, Sarah, a stunning Mexican model. Their delay in entering gave Alessandra just enough time to settle in with her luggage. Her cheeks were flushed from running—perhaps it was the hour, but no one spoke about it the next day.
–If you let me sleep holding you, I'll sing you lullabies for the rest of your life,– Billy teased, following her to the bathroom, only to be pushed out by the Brazilian. He'd need more persistence to get his way. He'd been the cause of her breakup with the charming prince of some country that, frankly, Billy couldn't locate on a map.
He picked up his acoustic guitar and began strumming a few chords. His musical skills were growing sharper—it was disconcerting to play without an audience, but it felt more private and peaceful. Without the screams, only the calm of his mind remained to unravel the song.
🎶🎵🎵🎵 🎶🎵🎵🎵
I'm walking without knowing
Anything about you,
Not even the water surrounding my feet
I can feel.
I try harder each time,
But I won't be
Satisfied until I finally forget about you,
Just like I dreamed.
There's so much I want to say,
But I can't seem to remember.
I think it's too late for me.
🎶🎵🎵🎵 🎶🎵🎵🎵
🎶🎵🎵🎵 🎶🎵🎵🎵
I think it's time to let go of you now.
Rain falls over the city
Because you left,
And there's nothing left behind.
Rain falls over the city
Because you left,
And there's nothing left behind.
I'm walking without knowing
Anything about myself,
Because everything I ever wanted to be
🎶🎵🎵🎵 🎶🎵🎵🎵
🎶🎵🎵🎵 🎶🎵🎵🎵
I could never become.
Death feels like happiness,
And I know it well.
Today I'll consider it once again,
Even more than yesterday.
So much time wasted here,
With nothing to do.
If you'd give back what I gave,
There'd be no more worries left to be happy.
🎶🎵🎵🎵 🎶🎵🎵🎵
🎶🎵🎵🎵 🎶🎵🎵🎵
Rain falls over the city
Because you left,
And there's nothing left behind.
Rain falls over the city,
And you've gone missing
Along with my happiness.
I've got so much to say,
So much I've already forgotten.
I've told you time and again,
I think it's time to forget and never return.
🎶🎵🎵🎵 🎶🎵🎵🎵
–Was it better slow or fast?– Those were Billy's thoughts as he tried to figure out how to shape the song. A fast tempo to make his words hit harder, or a slower one to give him room to play more with the guitar and less with the drums?
🎶🎵🎵🎵 🎶🎵🎵🎵
Rain falls over the city
Because you left,
And there's nothing left behind.
Rain falls over the city,
And you've gone missing
Along with my happiness.
Rain falls over the city,
And there's nothing left behind.
Rain falls over the city,
And there's nothing, and you're not here.
🎶🎵🎵🎵 🎶🎵🎵🎵
–I've always loved the way you sing,– Adriana commented in Spanish.
–It's the only thing I'm good at,– Billy sighed, watching her gently dry her hair.
–Don't say that. And no, you're not getting into my bed, not even with that pout.–
–I thought it might work, you know, the broken artist who's just been dumped and now finds himself in an awkward position,– Billy replied, strumming another of his songs as Adriana sat down beside him, listening. They each took a side of the bed and immersed themselves in music.
–Your tour starts in September.–
–It does. I think we'll wrap up by January. You should come along; there's always room for you.–
–I hope you don't have any bad intentions. I've always been wary of your tours.–
–You've gone on others' tours.–
–Stop being so dramatic. I was invited by chance; it was a last-minute thing you don't need to know about.–
–I don't care. A polite hello would've been fine. I don't bite. Besides, I'm not always in the mood to talk to people after a concert. My mind just wants to focus on resting or finding peace at the hotel. Partying every day at that pace is impossible. I don't know how Sugar Egg or Jack pulled it off. Their lifestyle is far more rock-and-roll than mine. My crime is that everything I do gets caught on camera. Sometimes I just talk to a woman, and the tabloids call it a conquest. Worse would be if they didn't see me with women—they'd assume I'm into men or something even crazier. The press is insane.–
–I can see that. Though I don't understand what you had with Alessandra,– she murmured in a softer tone. –She was genuinely crazy about you. When you went out in London, she came back swooning, but the constant tabloids drained her spirit. At some point, she decided to date Javier. I think you might be sabotaging your relationships by not being in one.–
Billy sighed, realizing he was probably to blame for the chaos in Alessandra's mind, so similar to his impulsiveness. They might break up tomorrow if he pushes, or in a week. But he didn't want to fight; he preferred the thrill of being her lover. The risk was intoxicating.
–She's peculiar. She told me she wanted nothing from me, that what we had was just a few weeks, and that was it. Women like to keep their options open. I find it odd that she's in a relationship now, but it doesn't matter. We always move on to something we want.– Billy turned to Adriana, her green eyes shining like two glowing bulbs in the darkness.
–How was Fashion Week?–
–The same as always. My feet ache from all the walking and rehearsing. The runway scene is entirely different from what I dreamed of years ago. But I'm the lead, with a great contract and excellent sponsorships paying the bills. I'd love to start my clothing line.–
–Do it! Waiting is the worst step for a businessperson. Though I imagine it might conflict with your obligations. I don't know much about legal terms, but you should keep that in mind. Jerry, my agent, always says there's fine print within the fine print, ready to mess you up.– Billy stretched his arms as the cold night contrasted with the mild day. Closing the windows, he picked up his guitar.
–Want to learn?–
She nodded.
He gently guided her, placing the guitar on her lap and patiently teaching her the simplest notes and how to strum with the pick. Her fingers grew tender quickly, and soon she felt the ache from the exercise. Billy showed her the basics of "Nosa" and sang softly as he strummed.
–Can you bring me onstage?–
–I would, but no one would hear my lyrics, sweetheart. Even at night, they'd say there's a sun rising in the east with your name on it.– Billy smiled, moving closer and holding her hands. Adjusting himself behind her, he played along with her, leaving her neck free as they shared three stanzas. His whispers were like a song in her ear. He kissed her neck, and she trembled.
–You know it's only until marriage.–
–I know, I know. Just cuddling is fine, he murmured, kissing her as she fell into his arms, setting the guitar aside. They didn't stop until they were breathless.
–Let's not tell Alessandra.–
–We'll pretend we're dating. Isn't that what Javier thinks anyway? Just tell him there are suspicions, and we're faking it.–
–But...–
The kiss continued. They spent the night entangled, feeling each other's touch.
...