Headaches began for Billy after his workout following his talk with Jerry. He worked on everything he could without taking a break. February was ending, and March was just around the corner.
He wore a black sweatshirt and a white T-shirt. Some people in the hotel watched him, but he didn't care about his looks and continued with his work. He kept up his exercise routines almost until noon. On his way back to his room, he encountered a small gathering. Connor was in the center of the room, whispering something to Gwen, who only shrugged. She looked a bit exasperated, her usually neat blonde hair now disheveled. Connor had a strange anxious look, and Gwen wasn't in a better state.
-What's going on with you two? -Billy asked as he entered the room, his voice enough to snap Gwen and Connor out of their daze.
-Nothing -Connor sighed.
-Thanks for everything, Connor -Gwen said, kissing him on the cheek and glancing around the room. Something about her behavior seemed a bit off. -Do you want to join me for a moment?-
Billy couldn't help but notice Gwen's hips; she looked gorgeous to him. The last look of disappointment Connor gave him was foolishly forgotten as he focused on Gwen. He closed the door, and the room was clean and pristine, freshly tidied by housekeeping, unlike Billy's usual mess. He approached Gwen and hugged her from behind. The gesture made the blonde shiver, adjusting sensitively. Her exposed heart wanted to cry, maybe because she had discovered her pregnancy and didn't feel well.
-What's wrong, honey? You're not yourself -Billy said, stroking Gwen, who started to cry uncontrollably. She began to realize the cost of her mistakes, and although her husband didn't fill her body and heart, he was good, noble, and always cared for her.
-It's terrible, Billy! It's terrible! -Gwen Stefani said.
-What happened? -Billy asked.
-It's…
-What's wrong? You're worrying me -Billy insisted.
-I don't know, I took care of myself, followed my plan, and we were careful, but… now I see it might have been more intense than we thought. Billy, I'm pregnant. I don't know how it happened, but it's yours, you're the father, and now I don't know what to do. I might be in a dilemma, but I'm scared -Gwen said, hyperventilating. Her words hit Billy, but, on the contrary, he felt pleased that she was on his side, that she and Gavin were creating something good, something worthy.
-I like it, it doesn't matter if you want me to acknowledge it, I will. But if you want to keep it and raise it with Gavin, it doesn't matter, honey, I want your happiness -Billy replied, kissing her gently with affection. Each kiss gave him pleasure, following a line of kisses, knowing this was probably the end of his relationship with Gwen. There was a bittersweet feeling intertwined, both accumulating fear.
Cowardice was something Billy couldn't forgive himself for, and it was this fear, the fear of not being part of the blonde's life. He always had a poorly directed excuse. He didn't want to separate, but he didn't dare to commit to what he wanted. He didn't have the strength to face the truth, the cameras, the people, and the public, much less confront Gavin, a musical companion. His reputation weighed more than love.
Clearing their doubts, they shared a passionate kiss. For the first time in their seven-month relationship, they made love. Gwen's black eyes calmed before Billy's green eyes. Somehow, they sealed a pact to see each other more in the future. For both, it was a strange perspective, a perspective that couldn't be celebrated in wonder.-
-State. –
Billy Carson.
Singing: (1204/2048) Level 9: Master
Piano: (600/640) Level 6: Novice
Guitar: (900/1024) Level 8: Expert
Violin: (34/64) Level 4: Semi-Professional
Ranking: Worldwide.
11/8,340,000
Numbers: Followers.
24,693,030
...
Billy played his guitar from a distance, with some disdain, due to how he parted with his lover. The fear, a complete and utter fear, was a way of seeing how the woman he loved was leaving. He felt like a coward.
From his guitar, the notes of "Chasing Cars" came one after another, the notes he needed to say goodbye to Gwen. It didn't matter why or how, he left his room, gathered the whole band, and proposed a quick tempo. Within ten minutes, all the band members were in Billy's room with guitars, a piano, and an intensity few could remember. They were all lost in the music.
-The drums come in here -Billy said to Connor and Sugar Egg.
The neighboring rooms began to hear the guitar and drums, the sound spreading through the hotel.
-They're calling -Spencer said.
-To hell with them. Keep playing the piano. We need to nail this song -Billy replied.
Spencer saw the intensity in Billy's eyes that almost pierced his soul, so he decided to stay silent. Connor laughed at Spencer's expression, alongside Jack Sauce. Both were playful and enjoyed when Billy silenced the so-called "dad" of the band. But they all kept playing the songs. Spencer's strumming accompanied a synthesizer track when the door was opened by Michael Ocklars, Jerry's illegitimate son and the one monitoring the music.
-What's going on here? -Michael asked, astonished at the mess in the room.
-I'm inspired, Michael. Can you close the door? I can't hear my music with it open -Billy said. Michael closed the door behind him, took the phone, and called Jerry. After a few calls, Michael was sitting in front of the hotel owner.
-Are you kidding me? -the hotel manager asked.
-Not at all, sir. Billy is inspired… it's something I can't change. Jerry is the only one who can calm the stasis when he writes. I'd like to do something different, but this kid is the record label's favorite, as well as Warner's -Michael Ocklars explained.
-Are you stupid?! The answer is clear, turn off the music or else… -the rage was evident, but Michael swallowed his words and took a deep breath. "Look for the third option, don't drown in arguments, money usually solves everything."
-I think we can see this differently. Let's invite the distinguished guests to dinner at the five-star restaurant with some vouchers for the massage parlor, perhaps an extra night, all on the record label's tab. We want to strengthen our relations. My client is worth billions. Maybe there's another way to solve this. He recently performed at the casino, and I heard attendance doubled -Michael Ocklars suggested.
-Well… I think we can work something out.
-I knew I could count on the people of Las Vegas. You are geniuses in business -Michael Ocklars said, shaking hands, sweating inside, dodging a bullet. From the elevator, he could hear the band playing, and it was almost maddening. It was as if Billy wanted someone else to listen, and far away, Gwen decided to leave and take some time for the concert and return home, maybe to think things over when she faced them.-
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