Jerry couldn't fathom the shocking secret: a young minor involved with a married woman. The press would have a field day when they found out. The blatant disregard for values and the smirk on Billy's face the next day almost made Jerry want to smash Billy's head against the bus window.
He was particularly serious about keeping this to himself as he walked towards the photoshoot with People magazine. It was better to keep everything under wraps. The next concert was in two days, and Billy needed to rest his voice somehow. Jerry might bring this up later, but these young ones, only care about living in the moment without facing the consequences.
-I'll stay back. I'm hoping to make some visits ahead of time, - Jerry remarked, bidding farewell to the band.
Crossing over the pyramid, he headed to a hotel on the 15th floor—a massive room used for meetings by large corporations. There, he met an old friend, Peter Lynch, who happened to be the best investor he knew and a rock enthusiast. Peter only contacted Jerry when he wanted to organize a private concert, which was a big deal to him.
-Good morning, Mr. Lynch. Sorry for the delay; the streets had me stuck. I know you're a busy man, - Jerry commented.
-I know, I know. You left your guy for a photo shoot at 9:32, and you spent nearly an hour and a half in traffic. Normally, you'd ditch the car and sprint here, but age catches up to us both, my young Jerry. You live just like I do, - Peter commented.
-Yes, sir, that's true, - Jerry replied, knowing Peter had a particular intensity common among Wall Street investors that not everyone could handle.
-Anyway, change of subject. I need a private concert. My niece, a lovely young lady, is having her 17th birthday party, and she's particularly obsessed with the kid. So, a concert on her birthday would be the best gift her godfather could give her. But you know how it goes; the kid has to follow all the party rules, - Peter said.
-Yes, sir, I'll make the arrangements. Billy will be thrilled. He's a very eager young man when it comes to performing for people; it's just that... he's a bit rebellious, - Jerry commented.
-You can't control him, - Peter asked, taking a sip of whiskey.
-I can manage him. It's quite the opposite, sir. This young man tends to stir up euphoria in women. I wouldn't doubt there'll be some women throwing themselves at him. It's his charisma. I live this every day—women sneaking into his room, throwing themselves at him. It's simply mind-blowing. Our security is strict, and I'm working to improve it to prevent any obsession cases. Billy is very receptive, unlike other artists; he capitalizes on that fame, -Jerry explained.
-Oh, I knew someone who had a similar life, but he was rather shy until his later years, - Peter remarked.
-Doesn't matter. There will be few people attending, - Peter commented, handing over a check for 7 million dollars per contract. It was ridiculously high but not uncommon.
-We'll stick to the usual rules. And tell the kid he can sing one person for her birthday, - Peter continued.
The rules were straightforward: five hours of singing divided into two sections. Billy had to be the birthday singer and make space for the band and other backup singers. Five hours of singing for 7 million dollars, tax-free, and no other expenses.
-I think it's better to invest them in your Billy-head fund, - Jerry commented.
-Ah, you surprise me, - Peter responded, pouring himself a drink.
***
Billy posed shirtless, wearing boxing gloves, embodying the two most important things to him: music and boxing. Previously, he had sported an elegant black suit with a deck of cards, a deliberate move to leverage his appearance in People as a ticket to garner attention. Just mentioning poker would boost his earnings, a swift tactic to appeal to the newer generations of event-goers.
-We're done for now! - Mauricio, the photographer in charge of the shoot, exclaimed.
Billy nodded, stretching his body nonchalantly as he gathered himself. Walking over, band members took their positions, joining in on the poker games.
-I think Mr. Perfect is free, - Jack Sauce remarked, dressed in an elegant outfit with a burgundy hat, and hands adorned with tattoos, exuding a rebellious aura that attracted many followers.
-Good, I need to lie down for a bit, - Spencer replied, setting down his cards on the table. As the father figure of the group, his style remained consistent, even though he was more confident now, still living with his grandmother, bald but now dressed in finely pressed wool vests that were soft against the neck.
-Hey, hey, let's hit the casino. I heard I've got a line open with a $50,000 allowance to play in the casino, - Billy happily suggested, eager to indulge in roulette in Vegas or throw dice, able to bet here and there with $100 coins.
-Forget it, kid. I've got a wife who'd kill me if she saw my name next to the word 'gambling,' - Sugar Egg replied. At 31 years old and having gained some weight since marrying a Dominican woman who had him wrapped around her finger and cooked the best meals.
-Well, I think I'll have fun at the casino while you guys do something, - Billy said, walking towards the bus that would take them back to their rooms. The casino wasn't far, located on the hotel's first floor. Billy hummed the song that came to him in Los Angeles, a lyrically allegorical piece that could best be described as extravagant, evoking a feeling akin to hedonism.
Without wasting any time, he headed to the casino, people following closely with their chips in hand. It didn't take long for beautiful women to start approaching him; two women with stunning figures in red dresses moved towards his side, while Connor watched Billy from a distance, twirling some toothpicks with skill.
-I guess you two are what we call a lucky charm, - Billy commented, winning his second round of roulette by betting on the first dozen and odd numbers, landing on seven, and doubling his winnings. He continued making random bets—first rows, colors, and even hitting on zero.
-You're amazing, - the woman in the red dress purred, pressing her chest against Billy's back in a suggestive manner.
-Sure thing, birthday girl, - Billy replied.
-December 12th, - she answered.
-Alright, let's bet on 12, 24, and 36, - Billy said, placing his chips on the numbers and another irrational bet, playing with ease despite the crowded table.
The ball landed on 34, and Billy chuckled under his breath. Without losing anything, he continued playing until the table was full, many placing their bets. He kept winning, surprising the casino owners who didn't expect such a streak. A hotel staff member approached him and whispered something; both exchanged nods, the newcomer appearing older.
-I think that's enough for tonight, - Billy said, handing two $100 coins to the previous dealer, giving the girls $300 each. He then moved to the slot machines, changing currency, and in his hands, he had amassed $734,000 in winnings.
-Connor, we've hit the jackpot, - Billy said.
-I'm heading to my room, - Connor replied, yawning.
Billy noticed a brunette girl walking confidently with another slender model.
In a whimsical spree, he ordered numerous bottles of champagne, and all kinds of food, and invited a few models to keep him company throughout the night. Both women stayed with him, and when Jerry arrived later, drunk, they were both naked, and the room was strewn with $100 bills.
...