The media were utterly thrilled, snapping photos from the moment they departed to the way they approached—every picture taken with clinical precision, each shot a hit. Billy's indiscriminate relationships had become a wall of people.
A nine-hour journey where the only thing to do was let time pass by. Just three people, passing the hours. Somehow, Billy had convinced Scarlett to take a twelve-hour flight, only to take another twelve-hour flight on the same day. One day in New Zealand, one day in the air. "The planes had Wi-Fi—only the best," he said. Each one was state-of-the-art. The plane was unlike anything he'd ever considered—beds to sleep in, movies, private suites.
–That look of hopelessness you make, that's the one I like.– said Scarlett.
–Puppy-kicked-in-the-face expression.– Billy replied. –Reminds me of a song.–
–My throat's dry.– she murmured, stretching her muscles as she stood. Their part of the plane felt more like a meeting room, a cabin that cost 3,000 euros a ticket—not cheap for a flight like this, gathering first class, business, executive, and an "economy" that was anything but.
–I'll grab some drinks.– Scarlett said, rubbing her head—they'd been working for six hours straight.
–A bottle of water.– Billy muttered, answering his phone, trying to handle the flood of messages.
...
Amanda: They say you live in Europe permanently. I was hoping we could meet before the end of the year.
Billy: I'm heading to Australia. Maybe next year. I miss you.
...
Emma: I don't get why women think there's something special about you. I listened to your new album. Some songs are good. Still think your voice would sound better if you softened it.
Billy: I can do that. But when I scream into the mic, something wakes up in me. I dive into the mud, and I want to breathe. I do, and when I do, it feels good.
Emma: I wish you'd sing softly.
Billy: I could. But I don't want to. Listen to the soft ones I cherish… If you behave and stay obsessed with me, maybe I'll sing something just for you. Send me my daily prayers.
...
–Stop playing with your phone.– Scarlett whispered, arriving with a pasta lunch.
–Wait up… people are talking. They say you're my next conquest.– Billy replied. –I've got a PR team that's in the dark, bandmates, and a few others who think our relationship's strange.–
She blushed, but not out of shame—out of anger.
–Well, we agreed to help each other's careers, have fun, and maybe… if it works out, something serious.– Scarlett answered, avoiding the kind of pressure that usually came crashing down.
–I just hope you respect me. I don't want to be the fool who gets lied to every time.–
Billy began writing down every detail, learning each step...
...
Adriana Lima: So this is another one of those girls the studio throws at you to keep you in the spotlight?
Billy: It's not what it looks like. She's my girlfriend.
Adriana Lima: And what about our wedding?
Billy: When you're ready to have a bunch of kids. Work comes first, and it's not about me.
Adriana Lima: Liar.
Billy: You're in your prime. I'm too cool… maybe when you turn thirty, we'll get married, babe.
Adriana Lima: Idiot.
...
Just one of many conversations—most ending with a loss. The real fight began with promises and ended with whether they were kept. Moving on sometimes hurts in ways that don't show.
–What are you doing?– Scarlett asked beside him.
–Just turning down a marriage proposal, babe. So, what do you think of my performance, playing the dumb guy who just wants to grow up?– Billy replied. They were on Warner's private jet heading to New Zealand—the perfect place to disappear. But forgetting wasn't just a step away. It was on the production lot, which began in September, with filming starting on October 15. He'd arrive ten days late, with barely enough time.
–It's good, just try not to freak out when the spotlight's on you… Relax and do what you do onstage—ignore the world and live in your own.– said the blonde, her sharp profile shining, typical of someone still in her youth.
–I'll try, but this is a role with Peter Jackson, and Peter's one of the greats. Since The Lord of the Rings, he's royalty.– Billy said, feeling the pressure as he prepared to shoot King Kong. Just a small role, but one he'd use to open doors.
–Yeah, that always happens in film, especially with directors. They're like our bosses, but I don't think it's quite that. It's creative work—people pretending to be someone else, and doing it well.– Scarlett said, resting her chin on her hand. –Use that soulless look, try to seem beaten down every time. When you're happy, it'll feel different. When you're truly happy, the blow will hit harder… the change will be obvious and add drama.–
Kiss me.– Billy said.
He wrapped his arms around Scarlett, still growing into herself, her body not yet fully defined, still seeking balance, but the blonde hair suited her perfectly.
–You know, I like the blonde.– he said, taking her hand, giving it a light shake before kissing her warm lips as she hugged him tight against her chest. The boy was everything you'd expect from a rocker—so rebellious you could hardly imagine him as a hopeless child.
–We'll fix the details, even your posture needs a makeover.– the girl insisted, staying in character.
–No need to get all serious—let's rest a little… How about some music for the rest of the flight, while we pretend to watch the stars?– Billy said, adding a romantic tone to the secret they were trying not to define. He watched those bright green eyes light up so vividly, he couldn't resist kissing her again, slowly, tasting her sweet lips. Everything else faded away—forgotten, erased from the pain he once thought was real.
–How can a woman look more perfect in every pose?– Billy said, spinning her in his arms the best way he knew how, positively.
–I wouldn't mind… but you have to listen to my favorite songs. Right now, I want to hear tracks where the loudest scream is just a sigh.– she said, unhurried, never defining the real boundaries between musical partners, each one blending in different ways.
They both took their time getting comfortable in the spacious cabin seats, resting side by side, hand in hand.
...