Three weeks into a packed tour, and I was just arriving in France, where I had three tightly scheduled dates in five days—two performances in Paris and another in Marseille. But Lyon was next, then I’d head down to Italy for two more shows—Rome for two nights and Naples. All within the same five days. That was just how things worked—then came the after-parties, three extra dates in Spain, and two in Portugal, all before October came to an end.

  -So after the tour, you'll need to do some recordings before heading back on tour in Latin America—twelve locations—then you’ll return to Europe and a few countries in Asia where market research suggests you can sell out venues. Then in 2006, another U.S. tour. – Michael Ockrs listed.

  -I don’t think that matters. Just tell me the truth—why are you outlining my next two years of servitude? – Billy asked.

  -It’s simple. You’ll be part of the James Bond soundtrack. They currently have two artists lined up, but you need to deliver a strong song. Your track for the Nike commercial has opened doors in advertising. – Michael Ockrs expined.

  -I see. I’ll think about the soundtrack. But… we have something even bigger. Warner is very pleased with your work, and there’s a new blockbuster in the making. It’s fantastic. The director is Percy Jackson, and the cast is top-tier. There are also other films you could join. Jerry likes the idea of you getting into acting, as long as you manage your image carefully. Image is everything for any role—big projects, good directors, a solid cast, and, of course, a strong story. – Michael Ockrs said, pulling a script from his briefcase. – You need to study. Filming starts the day after the tour—October 22. Make sure you’re prepared. You’ll be working with some top-tier actors, but your scenes aren’t too demanding. Luckily, your role picks up in the final scenes. -

  -What’s the production?– Billy asked.

  -King Kong. – Michael grinned.

  Billy’s eyes widened like two shining stars. He was fully on board.

  -Then I guess I’m more than ready… I like that they see me this way. – Billy smiled, thinking about how surreal it was to be in a movie he had once watched in theaters in a past life. His hazel eyes lit up with that mischievous grin he always had when he got away with something.

  -It’s all because of your Grammy snub. A lot of people pulled a lot of strings, some paid a lot of money, and now the awards are yours… Many artists—especially in rock—refuse to py along. When they’re about to win, they often step back, and if they do win, they go up against their bel, act out, and rebel. It’s not common to hand out these awards… even for money. – Michael Ockrs stated.

  -That could even happen at the Oscars. – Billy mused.

  Michael shrugged. The Grammys had a different kind of visibility, one that wasn’t often discussed. It was a delicate subject, and with a subtle wink, he moved on.

  Billy held the script in his hands, feeling a little more resolute now. He started reading through the story he’d been given. That was how things got resolved—when they surfaced, they were reshaped. He hadn’t held a script in a while.

  …

  -I think you should quit smoking, man.– Billy commented, watching Connor take a long drag of nicotine. He looked a little out of it, lost in the distant haze that separated them.

  -Hmmm. – Connor murmured, slowly closing his eyes.

  Sugar Egg was in the same state. Both of them were too high to react. Billy gnced at his guitar in the corner and decided to entertain himself with some music. He thought about pying some fmenco, maybe jazz, but his fingers instinctively followed the sound of rock.

  Two steps ter, Jack walked in with Kate Bosworth. Billy let out a sigh, fully aware that Jack’s retionship had long since crossed the line into toxicity. They loved each other, hated each other, fought, ignored each other, and then got back together. Jack always blew off steam with escort models—anything to get Kate out of his mind. It was his way of retaliating, of loathing the pull they still had toward each other.

  -So, I guess they’re back together… Who would’ve thought? For a moment, I really believed they’d finally break up. – Billy said, zily strumming his guitar as he stretched out for a moment of rest. – “I’m already gathering some inspiration for breakup songs.”

  -We’re heading out to party. You coming?– Jack asked.

  -Sounds great! A little break from all this silence… I just want to do whatever the hell I feel like and stir things up a bit. – Billy stretched his arms, almost fully aware that it had been way too long since his st real party.

  -A few friends, not too many, but I told them it’d be fun to go to the concert. Since you and Jack were kind enough to hook me up with six VIP tickets, we’ve got plenty of space to enjoy ourselves. Best way to unwind… The U.S. is totally captivated by everything you’ve been doing. MTV, that Nike commercial—you’ve caught the attention of a lot of sharks. – Kate Bosworth remarked.

  Jack leaned in close and whispered to Billy that Kate’s damn ex was going to be there. Billy looked at him. What do you want me to do about it?

  …

  As expected, Kate’s ex turned out to be Orndo Bloom, alongside Helena Christensen. They arrived with a stunning Siena Miller and Jude Law—Hollywood’s test “it” couple.

  Liv Tyler walked in with Royston Langdon, while Nicole Richie and Rosario Dawson, another trending pair, completed the group. It looked like this would be an elite gathering. The party was in a nearby mansion—elegant, though a little chilly, but everything was perfectly arranged.

  People stood around in circles, chatting. Meanwhile, Billy and Jack didn’t quite fit in. Their rebellious energy cshed with the pretentious atmosphere.

  -When does the party actually start? – Billy asked Jack, taking a sip of his gin and tonic.

  -No idea, man. The richer they are, the weirder the whole thing is. They’re probably just waiting to get drunk.– Jack muttered before disappearing onto the dance floor, leaving Billy alone. He didn’t mind.

  He sighed, sinking into a chair and closing his eyes, listening to the piano. The music was soft and sweet, and it rexed him. He could have fallen asleep among the cocktails and murmurs. Ideas for new songs started swirling in his head.

  -You look more annoyed than you let on. You’re like a lion resting.– Liv Tyler remarked, standing beside her husband as he greeted Billy.

  Billy opened his eyes and nodded, zily letting his gaze travel—first her eyes, then her lips, then her figure—before closing his eyes again.

  -Thanks, but I’m just enjoying the piano… though the pyer has hit three off-notes. He’s talented, though.– Billy said.

  -Off-notes? – Royston asked. – I haven’t noticed anything. I thought he pyed beautifully. -

  -It’s when someone pys the note but doesn’t hit it precisely. It’s almost imperceptible—just a fraction of a second off, or maybe a slightly higher tone. It’s one of those moments where it sounds right, but it isn’t. – Liv expined.

  -True…”– Billy murmured.

  The couple seemed slightly uncomfortable, but Liv ughed. She liked that Billy couldn’t care less, that he denied others what they wanted, that he was never easily impressed.

  -Hahaha, so you’re singing tomorrow. Ready to give it your all? Jack says you don’t really care much when it comes to performing—that you’re always fwless when you sing. – Liv commented.

  -It’s just push and pull. Singing is like solving a simple math problem. When I sing, it’s easy. There’s nothing to be afraid of. -

  -We’ll see tomorrow. – her husband said.

  …

  Later, as expected, it felt like all of France’s entertainment elite had gathered here. The way they moved was different—more refined, yet somehow detached.

  By midnight, the atmosphere had shifted. People were getting bolder, pushing boundaries, indulging. The air itself felt charged.

  Long live the party.

  ...