Billy finished the concert, wasting no time as he retraced his steps backstage, utterly exhausted. The way his footsteps echoed, and among them, a completely drenched Billy was greeted by a calculating Avril, who leaped into his arms. Despite his disheveled appearance, the blonde didn't mind; rather, she smiled, eager to see Leighton Menester's face, assuming it would be her way of feeling excluded, supposing the party continued after the stage. But Billy wanted none of that, giving her a light kiss and asking if she'd like to spend the night with him, to which she assented with a nod.
He whispered some words, and Avril murmured in a pout but complied, casting a long glance at Leighton, who could only raise her nose in disdain
-I thought superstars would have a party after a big concert, - Leighton commented, smiling.
-I'm so worn out that I can only take a long rest. I'd like you to accompany me tonight, just you and me, - Billy said, drawing close and holding her hands. The girl's breath caught, and she couldn't give a proper response, completely disoriented by how fast everything seemed. A fear settled in that Billy might abandon her tomorrow, even if he didn't want to. She wished to be by his side constantly, having an audition in two days, but that didn't matter; she was entirely absorbed in her relationship with Billy, forgetting all responsibilities.
-Walda left some food; we can reheat it and sleep in late, darling, - Billy said, leading her to the van in the parking lot. At the exit, the tinted windows, a group of people began to obstruct the exit, thousands of people on the street, shared traffic, by a group of police trying to bring order.
-I'll drop you off at your apartment, boy, - Jerry commented to Billy, who nodded without a care, his head resting on Leighton's lap as she caressed his hair.
-Thanks, Jerry. I'll attend the conferences tomorrow. I'm utterly exhausted today and want some calm. Tomorrow, I'll have lunch with Avril at a restaurant near Fifth Avenue and do some shopping, - Billy said.
-Alright, boy, - Jerry replied, the slightly congested streets giving them a bit of occupied time to cover the car in a silence that seemed uncomfortable.
They arrived at the apartment, reheating rice with stew meat and tomato soup for dinner, eating casually at the kitchen counter with glasses of Coca-Cola. Leighton was completely indifferent to what would happen tomorrow, but it was tender, oblivious to anything beyond the reheated meal. Even now, Billy simply embraced Leighton's body at night as they watched television and shared secrets, a long but short night, expressed by a quick casualness, without looking further ahead.
***
-A NEW LOVE IN NEW YORK CITY-
Leighton Meester and Billy, both eager young souls, were spotted together at a music concert, with Leighton closely attending at the MetLife, fueling rumors of a potential romantic connection between them. Billy, a music superstar known for topping the charts and delivering electrifying live performances, was seen holding hands with Leigh, a rising actress making her presence felt.
After the concert, several onlookers witnessed them sharing intimate moments and enjoying the music together, leading to widespread speculation about the start of a romance. Fans of both have been buzzing, sharing photos of the two at the concert's entrance and exit. The heartthrob seems to have fallen under the spell of this emerging actress, and while details remain scarce, the images are enough to spark rumors.
…
The photos were clear and telling, enough to ignite the rumor mill. The way they held each other, a tender detail, stood out amidst media speculation, hinting at a budding, intriguing relationship.
The next day, word spread that they had breakfast together, turning rumors into certainties, much to the dismay of young women across America. But it was only the beginning of what Billy was coming to represent… a figure who, though far from conventional, has captivated attention with his irreverent lifestyle.
…
-It doesn't matter if they take pictures of us, - Leighton asked, a bit shy as she noticed the paparazzi swarming around Billy with their cameras.
- Don't stress about it. They'll come, take their photos, and then leave. They can't enter certain places, and the bodyguards will intimidate them a bit. You negotiate with them, and most will go away; only the boldest will stick around. The key is not to be afraid of them. Once you have the media's attention, you have to stay calm and not let them take advantage of you, - Billy said, sipping some orange juice.
-I have to go home; I have an audition tomorrow, - Leighton murmured.
- No problem, darling. Adam will take you home. You have my number now, - Billy replied.
-Thank you, - Leighton said.
Lost in the calm of the restaurant, she felt a complex mix of emotions. In such a short time, she had found a sense of understanding with Billy, seeing a loving side of him, yet the musician was already emerging.
-She's just a fame-hungry leech trying to take advantage of Billy, - Avril muttered, not far away, slamming the newspaper down on the table... to one of the closest people in her life, her mother.
Her mother paced back and forth, and though she wouldn't admit it, she was relieved. She didn't want a rock star with depression anywhere near her daughter—a guy who screamed trouble, rebellious, selfish, charming, a bad influence, a womanizer, and a liar… a cocktail of terror for any woman with a sensitive heart.
- I think you shouldn't stress about it. Sometimes, I can't tell what you're thinking, but that Billy is someone harder to figure out, - Avril's mother, Judith, commented, offering complex advice that seemed intent on sowing chaos, in a different, almost pitying way.
- I need to get ready, - Avril murmured, gathering a bunch of things and heading to the bathroom. It was 9:30 AM, and finding the right response was almost impossible—"Don't go!