Two weeks was the length of the tour, starting in New York, the last stop on American soil. At his home, in the morning, while waiting to unleash his voice, Billy took a glass of water as he headed to his workout routine. He punched and danced, and the women watched, pristine in their gaze at the handsome guy who exuded the confidence of someone who could hold the world in his arms. Even those who didn't know much about Billy couldn't look away.
-Have you thought about competing? You have at least a semi-professional level of skill. Your striking techniques are fantastic. -commented Jad, a Boxing and Kickboxing instructor.
-I don't think so. I get enough from my acting roles. I think I practice my acting more than anything else. -Billy replied, now having a close relationship with Jad. He saw a very beautiful woman nearby. At a certain distance, he saw Leighton Meester, her cheeks flushed as she glanced between Billy and Jad. She hovered from many angles, trying to be discreet. Jad, though, just turned a blind eye but whispered to Billy about his new admirer.
Their encounter was nothing but a coincidence!
She resided in California, but her comings and goings were common. She often strolled around some afternoons, and her youthful body was irresistible to Billy, who kept track of the young woman who looked at him with hopeful eyes.
-Stop giving those looks. Although I admit it's a good place, everyone here talks. This place is worse than a gossip mill. -Jad said.
-Shall we do the usual? -Billy asked, feeling a strong urge to talk to Leighton at any cost.
Jad felt like rolling his eyes.
-I'll tell my wife. -Jad said. His wife was an instructor at the same gym and talked with the girls in brief conversations. It was perhaps the most feasible method. They would approach Billy to say hello, and in their greeting, they would start talking by text. She waited in the parking lot below, and they would take a quick trip through Manhattan, arriving at Billy's place. The women, excited, would chat with Billy or play around for a while, preparing something to eat... the routine repeated until Billy expanded his circle of women.
Why didn't he ask himself? A simple reason, image matters. It's normal for him to do so in certain circumstances, except in public places. It breaks the spark, as Jerry says.
In the basement, Billy waited in front of the elevator door. Leighton Meester walked in, somewhat shy, and as soon as she saw him, she approached, her cheeks flushed.
-Billy Carson, a pleasure, miss. -Billy greeted.
-Leighton Meester, I already knew you. You're very famous. -she said, avoiding his gaze.
-Look me in the eyes. -Billy said, stepping closer to her, invading her personal space. -We can go to my place, have something to eat… I'm sorry I can't invite you to a public place, but I can't live a normal life, especially since I have a concert tonight.
The girl bit her lip. Going to his place? The excuse seemed so logical that she just nodded slowly.
Holding her hand, the girl flinched. Her hands were sweaty, but Billy grasped her fingers, not caring. She walked beside him, nerves on edge. Numerous questions flooded her mind—should she accept the invitation or decline? On the way, she got into the car driven by Billy's private driver. Seeing the young woman enter, he just focused on taking Billy wherever he needed.
-Are you an actress? -Billy asked.
-Yes. -the girl replied, losing all her wits. Understanding only a few words, Billy didn't mind. The silence was better for now. He had the invitation, and he would handle it in private.
With a smile, he looked out the window and waited. His current practice with women was cold in public, sensitive, and tender in private. However, seeing the slender line of Leighton Menester's neck and her trembling hands was enough to increase the intimate desire between them. Billy's gentle squeeze, an affectionate gesture, subtly radiated emotions of understanding. Their hands united, and he gave a small smile, calming her tremors.
'So close,' the girl thought, initially desiring to escape at the first chance. But now, what should she do?
The attack of a star was phrases about what a star should have. Morally, this had a couple of hidden songs.
They took the fast route, going up in the elevator while Billy gently held her hand. The apartment, a simple two-room place, seemed so unassuming to Billy, yet the first time he had experienced it, it felt like a dream, much like what had happened with Gwen. He almost connected with her in a way that wasn't normal.
-My dear Walda, -Billy embraced the short woman in an apron.
-Food for two, -Walda said.
-Of course, prepare something delicious, taking into account my guest's preferences, -Billy replied.
-Anything special, miss? -Walda asked. -Anything you can't eat?-
-No.
Walda disappeared into the kitchen.
-She's my housekeeper; she'll cook something delicious for us. In the meantime, I'd like you to listen to a song, but you'll have to come close. I'll have to sing it in a whisper; I have a concert tonight and can't waste my voice, -Billy said, walking straight to the piano.
-A song you haven't published? Isn't that forbidden? -the girl asked.
-Come. You can try out the piano firsthand. This baby sounds fantastic. As for the rest, it'll be a secret between us, -Billy said, playing a few notes, setting the scene with his graceful movements. The melody was soft, showing the girl what such a song should be like.
-Do you like music? -he asked. -Don't look at me like that; I'm talking about music, not me. Some people are just fans of me. I'm asking about the music.
-I do... I've studied music a bit. I'm good with the guitar, not with the piano, -the girl said, calming her emotions. The star-struck feeling was fading.
-Well, the piano is a tender instrument, a bit tricky to understand. It takes a lot of thought to play it, but it's so satisfying to compose with. If you get the chance, don't miss the opportunity to learn it. You need to be gentle, sweet... pay attention to timing and the moment, -Billy said, running a single finger up Leighton's leg, up her arm, adjusting her hair, and focusing on her dark eyes. The slight tremble of her lip and the way she lifted her chin to his touch was all Billy needed for now.
-I think I'll practice a bit, -Leighton responded.
Focusing on the piano, she played a soft melody, while Chasing Cars went through her mind, though the melancholic tone didn't quite fit. She decided to let loose with Everflow's songs. For the next few minutes, she became more expressive, and the moment drew closer. They were inches apart, each applying a hint of desire, a hint of need, subtle but enchanting. With just a request, Billy placed his forehead against hers and sighed.
-We need to eat, while you can give me some feedback, different from what others give me, -Billy said.
-Ah, yes, that's not a bad idea. Although I didn't hear the secret song, -the girl replied. Still leaning her head, she whispered the song Chasing Cars, this time with a tangible desire for love.
...
"We'll do it all
Everything
On our own
We don't need
Anything
Or anyone
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?"
...
She felt him sigh; she wanted to respond, but Billy pressed his lips against hers with sweetness and delicacy. The teenagers craved this—love, understanding, and fantasy that they would not find elsewhere.
Their lips were cold, and they spent half an hour kissing as Billy gently caressed Leighton's cheeks, silencing her. The passion he exuded was enough to make her melt.
Both of them quickened the pace of their kisses. Amid laughter and playful teasing, they ascended to the second floor, to a small room filled with various instruments. Billy closed the door and led her to the large bed, perfectly made. As soon as the door clicked shut, they slipped beneath the covers, playfully nudging each other. Billy bit her earlobe, and a soft moan escaped her lips as she found herself lost in a glorious fantasy, her mind clouded. Even her phone vibrated beside the grand piano they had both used earlier.
Quick and clever, Billy removed her fitted workout pants and the shirt that concealed her slender figure, gazing at her as if she were a Christmas gift. He took off his shirt without breaking eye contact and joined her, planting kisses with the same intensity.
His smile stretched from ear to ear; it was enormous. Their bodies embraced, exploring the intimacy they shared. To Billy, her body was tender and beautiful.
He bit her neck with a bit of force, and she said nothing. - I wish I could bite every part of you… you smell delicious. -
***
It was six-thirty in the evening, and Jerry paid no attention to the clock. He needed to check on Billy, who had much to discuss. After greeting the security guards, he spoke with the security team. Billy had two bodyguards stationed downstairs in a small control room that monitored any security breaches in the building.
-Boss, as we informed you, he came in at 10:00 AM with a girl his age. He's been locked in the apartment since then… Walda prepared their meals, but we don't have cameras on the second floor; it's Billy's private floor, and we can't confirm anything relevant, - reported John Bellegren, Billy's security guard in the building. Although it was one of the most luxurious buildings in Manhattan, Warner supported the oversight of a minor living alone, emancipated at 15, with Jerry Wexler acting as his official guardian.
The governess, Mrs. Greenwood, spent her time, with Walda's help, keeping Billy away from any destructive behavior, but her absence during the vacation created a gap; he needed to have a break.
-Thanks for everything, guys… I'll take Billy, - Jerry said, ascending a floor. Without paying further attention, he crossed the entrance to the orderly foyer.
As he climbed the stairs to the second floor, he noticed the television was on, perhaps showing a movie. The lunch dishes were at the entrance. Stepping over the tray, he opened the door, hearing a faint scream from the girl.
He spotted Billy in the corner, almost naked, playing the guitar with concentration.
-You have a concert in an hour and a half, - Jerry remarked.
-I know, man, I was just about to shower, - Billy replied, downplaying the importance of it while continuing to play some new riffs that sounded unfamiliar to Jerry.
-Well, what are you waiting for? - Jerry asked.
-Come on, man, I'm relaxing… Leighton is coming in with me; it would be nice to have some space for her and a dress that fits her proportions, - Billy said.
At Jerry's questioning look, he attempted to nod in appreciation.
-She can be in the dressing room; I'll be downstairs talking to Walda. I hope you hurry, - Jerry said, heading back on his way. Billy smiled as the door closed, chuckling at Leighton's panicked expression. She was a seventeen-year-old girl, her body smooth, and her childhood made her almost unrecognizable as a future actress.
-I don't think I have time to go, - Leighton said.
Billy set his guitar on the chair and approached her, resting his head on her stomach. - Come with me, listen to me sing. Jerry will invite your parents or talk to them. Come on, sweetheart, they'll understand that love should be free. -
Billy leaned in to kiss Leighton.
The girl tried to nod, but incompletely, she gave Billy the response he hoped for by returning his kiss. The web of love and madness began to weave itself around Leighton.
...