Billy and Alice were engaged in an intense kissing session that lasted for 25 minutes, but their bodies were enamored with each other, drawn by a hesitant image of hormones and chemical attraction.
-We have to go have dinner with my father, but the rest of the weekend is ours, - said Billy.
-Yes, no problem, - said Alice, hypnotized by the kisses, forgetting the rivalry between her and Claudia. A previous friendship had turned into a rivalry because Claudia considered it a betrayal when Alice ended up dating her ex-boyfriend. In Alice's view, Claudia is immature, and her constant and incessant threat to sleep with Billy sends shivers down Alice's spine.
At a nice restaurant near her father's law firm, there was Billy Carson in the parking lot, adjusting his attire and wiping his lips from Alice's lipstick. Of course, the girl was fixing her dress and organizing her makeup.
-Hahahahahaha, - Alice couldn't help but laugh at seeing Billy so disheveled. The rebellious appearance suited him very well.
-What? - the boy replied.
-Nothing, darling. We have to get ready. It's getting late, and your father must be furious, - said Alice, getting out of the car, her glamour evident, concealed by her childlike appearance.
-Don't worry; we're right on time. The appointment is in ten minutes, - said Billy, adjusting his navy blue tie, a shiny touch that highlighted his blonde hair.
They walked to the restaurant slowly, enveloped in that heartwarming spark of romance. Nervous laughter filled the air, worth every moment of calm when the two could just enjoy each other's company.
The table reserved by Thomas Carson was empty; there was no trace of his father or any of the Branovich women. It was 7:00 pm, and the restaurant was empty. Very few people accompanied the elegant setting, complemented by ambient music. Round tables were arranged in rows, each table with a centerpiece lamp, catering to two, four, and six people.
-Good evening, sir. For today, we have a special menu featuring a favorite soup selection, with five special soup flavors followed by a main course. If you'd like, you can take a look and call me, - said the young waiter, only a few years older than Billy.
-We'll have a seafood appetizer for me and the lady, with a little cream for the lady and no peppers. We're waiting for other people, - said Billy, closing the menu.
-I thought your father had arrived, - said Alice.
-Well, since Ivanova is here, she doesn't usually arrive very early. They always manage to turn time against them, and they may be half an hour late. But enough of that. How's the university treating you? - Billy asked.
-Same as always. There's this teacher I hate, who supervises the practical internships at the hospital. But in June of this year, I'll finish and move on to a new department. I hope it's better than the others, - said Alice.
-What can you do? - said Billy.
-Mmmm... endure. It depends on my registration. I've already completed the procedures for my next year, focusing on pediatrics as an emphasis in my medical career - said Alice, excited to be part of the pediatrics department.
-I'll be participating in a new audition, but it's something you know. In the last few months, I've gained some visibility. I hope to shoot my second movie by August, and well, I think once it's done, we can go on vacation somewhere—Spain, France, Hawaii, I have no idea, just you and me, - said Billy.
-I'd love for you to take me, - said Alice.
In a brief moment, the seafood arrived, served in two porcelain cups.
-I've planned something interesting for both of us. When the preparations are ready, I'll let you know, - said Billy.
The seafood cups came with a red, spicy sauce and a touch of cream. The seafood was arranged in the middle of the cup, coated with the seafood cream. His father used to come often and recommended the seafood as an appetizer.
In his mind, Billy thought about Spain and the last time he visited the place—a good destination to forget about the world for a while.
Thomas Carson arrived behind two troublesome women. Although one was younger, the slightly pregnant state of the elder was noticeable. The high heels were now replaced by shorter heels, more like sandals.
-Sorry for the delay, son. I had some inconveniences, - said Thomas, shaking his son's hand and greeting Alice.
-Billy, again. Every day you become more handsome. Are you taller? - The height was obvious; Billy had reached 6.1 ft (184 cm).
-I haven't measured recently, -- said Billy dryly. Thomas raised his eyebrow as a reproach. -- Good evening, Livy. Please, have a seat, - the boy said, extending his hand to help his father's future wife.
Everyone settled at the table in a woven silence. There were no conversations. Billy concentrated on Alice, and his father did the same with Ivanova. Claudia felt like an extra wheel. Faced with the obvious behavior of her companions, she could only play with a napkin and stretch the tablecloth, distracting herself from her own world.
-You should visit the pizzeria. Your friend Raimon usually buys two boxes of pizza from time to time, but I think you haven't been able to try it, -said Thomas.
-I'll check out the pizzeria, Father - said Billy, nodding.
-How about the burger joints? - Thomas repeated.
-I'll check those out too, - said Billy.
Initially, the burger joint made very little money, and the profits were minimal, only helping with the maintenance of the franchise. After a few years, the burger franchise began to gain some popularity, and the economic growth, along with profits, improved significantly. There were more earnings, some offers for food festivals, and recognition from companies, and brands looking to establish longer-lasting relationships.
Between the lines, Thomas was not just inviting him to visit his businesses but also to his office to discuss the course of the companies and new business ideas for the coming years.
-Don't worry, Father. I'll sort things out tomorrow, and on Sunday, before my departure, we'll talk about the important matters that concern both of us, - said Billy.
Thomas nodded, while Livy squeezed his hand under the table as a sign of support and strength. After all, even if he didn't express it directly, Thomas was not happy with the situation.
The restaurant began to fill up, and the music of two violins lightened the atmosphere, making it more comfortable as the Carson table progressed. The food was delicious, with utensils and a few details coming and going. Claudia and Alice exchanged some disapproving looks from time to time, which Billy ignored, and Thomas just shook his head.
-Tell me, Billy, will you be shooting a second movie in August? - Ivanova asked.
-That's the plan. I still need to secure the role, - said Billy.
-When is your movie premiering? - Claudia asked.
-At the end of June, - said Billy.
-We'll be there, son, - said Thomas.
-Thank you, although you should go to see The Lion King over Stargate, - said Billy.
-The Lion King? - Livy questioned.
-Billy did the voice acting for the protagonist. He's part of the main cast, and it will be an animated production released in early June, -- said Thomas. -- I heard they're having a screening a week before for the industry and critics. -
-It seems so, - said Billy.