Billy walked out of the tattoo parlor and answered a call from Avril. For a long time, she had dehat there was anything more between them. Billy had beeed to pursue a retionship with her, but it was impossible to have such a public partner due to Warner's decree. Sales were higher if women believed they had a ce with him.
He didn’t want to share this, but he also had a weakness for long-legged models. The steamy versations with Jessica Stam tely filled him with a particur sense of power—a feeling of invincibility, as if he could have any woman he desired. This led him to flirt with Alessandra, though deep down, he also wanted all her friends. It was the desire for what wasn’t his. Avril was uandably hurt.
–I’ve missed you,– Billy said, soundiful.
–Oh, so much that you slept with that model? The one who looks down on everyoh such disdain? – Avril retorted over the phone.
–I don’t remember those dates... but hey, how are you? I just got a tattoo on my back—a tiger, just like we picked out. – Billy replied. Avril sighed while her friend, sitting beside her, cursed her for being so foolish. Surely, she was under his spell, the bruhought, as Billy’s words effortlessly made her ugh.
–I’d love to see it. I really would. – Avril said softly.
–I want you to sing with me on the European tour. People o hear how talented you are. It’s one of the best improvements the European market has seen in a while. – Billy added.
–Of course! Whehe tour start? – Avril responded eagerly, while her friehe urge to bang her head against the wall. She simmered with disapproval, uo prehend how someone could be so smitten and mortified at the same time.
–I’ll call my agent to coordih yours. – Billy replied. –I bought a few things for you. A friend of mine runs a shop with some amaziher jackets. I might pick out a few for you. I still think red looks fantasti you. –
After some more small talk, Avril hung up. Billy g the three young guys sitting at a white table nearby. Cheg his tacts, he noticed several ignored messages. For instance, Amanda Seyfried had ented on his ret trip to Monama had sent him five messages every couple of days.
"Someone’s persistent," Billy typed with a smirk. "Hey, if you’re in love with me, just say so, and I’ll make time… I was celebrating my birthday in Monaco, but of course, I’d be happy to visit you. Though I think your parents would love me." He sent the message. "See you at the recs—rehearsals start week."
It was hard to expin Billy’s fidehe young girl was waiting to tell Billy how she felt, but a photo of him kissing a supermodel four years older than him had left her feeling ie. It was almost like a punch to the gut.
Billy returo the lunch table where the four boys were waiting. People started eg the dots: Billy was hanging out with the cast of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The revetion was staggering. His move to a new residence sparked even more questions.
Merche ag bad forth nervously. Pau handed her a few outfits as she touched up her makeup. She wao feel beautiful for her date. Her hands trembled slightly, and she tried to take deep breaths.
–You look stunning. That skirt is killer. – Pau said, admiring Merche’s slim legs and the bd-gold top that fit her beautifully.
–I don’t think this suits me…– Merche murmured anxiously.
–You look geous! Holy, there’s er woman than you. You’re breathtaking, friend… though I don’t think your date will even care about the outfit. He’ll probably just pin you against the wall. Oh my god, did you see those abs? He could stop a bullet. – Pau teased.
–I’m such a fool. He’s a rock star. I’ll just enjoy myself and hope it’s a niight. At least I’ll have a story for family gatherings. My parents, uncles, cousins—they won’t believe it. It’s like Mom going out with Robert Redford. Oh my god. – Merche’s nerves were pletely getting the better of her. She feared reje and ridicule as if she were part of some cruel joke.
–He’s dreamy, like someo of a fairy tale. Nobody’s that perfect. Maybe he’s Illuminati. – Pau quipped.
–Don’t ruin this for me! Now that’s all I think about. – Merche ughed nervously.
Merche arrived around six. She didn’t take Billy’s driver—her friend Pau dropped her off instead. It was better this way; her friend could help her expin things. With her heart pounding in her chest, she asked to ehe security guard’s stern gaze made her feel small, but she waited, trying to appear i.
Mrs. G, Billy’s housekeeper, opehe door. She gave Merche a once-over, sighed as if resigned, a her in. Billy was w out in the backyard, doing pull-ups. His body moved up and down, his arms thick—or at least to her, they seemed massive.
–Merche. – Billy grinned, dropping to the ground and easily pulling her into a hug. –You look incredible. God, the wait was worth every minute. –
She melted at his words.
Roger Ames had beeiating with various people for some time. It seemed unlikely Billy would win a Grammy this season. Billy’s power in America came down to three things: he put on the best shows in the world, even with just a mic stand; he was already pared to the greats; and his stage presence captivated a geion of young fans. All signs poio John Mayer, who had signed with bia, taking the Grammy. Meanwhile, Ray Charles, in his final days, was also in the mix, with Universal Music holding his rights. The importance of the Grammys lies in their impa sales and future opportunities.
Evanesce had just released My Immortal, adding to the petition. U2 wanted a Grammy badly, and Billy had already beaten them onow, they were determio take it back. The stakes were high—future earnings and legacy were on the line.
–We’ve got it. I’ll step aside, but I expect your help… you know we’re taking a big risk. – Roger Ames said in a tone ced with greed and ambition. As aive, his goals revolved around pertages, dividends, and market dominance.
–Then we’d better talk terms. What did you promise the kid? – asked bia Records’ agent, setting a clear boundary. Beyond that, the bia board would o weigh in.
Within ten mihey decided who the Grammys would favor this year. The industry would make the call.
...