Billy walked towards Winona's room. About two meters before he arrived, he heard pop music and realized the fun people were having inside. ABBA? He tried to knock, but it wasn’t loud enough. He waited for half a minute and hit harder, only to be greeted by Colin Firth with a tie around his head like a cliché movie scene, his shirt open. It was quite a sight.
Billy could only smile.
-Billy, great to see you, - said Colin, hugging him.
- Colin, I took a bit longer to get here. Some inconveniences caused delays, - said Billy, entering the hotel room. He found the windows covered by curtains and pop music blaring. He greeted Winona, who was wearing a white shirt with jeans. The shirt was a bit large, and her cheeks were flushed.
-I thought you wouldn’t make it, - said Winona.
-I tried, but my work ended earlier. Today was cooler than usual, - Billy said with a slightly crooked smile, receiving a greeting kiss.
Briefly glancing at Winona, he then turned to Juliette Binoche and Monica Bellucci, who were sharing a seat. Juliette, being closest, extended her hand with a slight bow. Following Gwyneth's instilled manners, Billy knew to respect the predetermined boundaries, fitting his personality to be distant yet polite. However, etiquette prevailed as Juliette extended her hand upwards, signaling for him to kiss it.
-Billy Carson, Miss Juliette. I’ve heard of you before, - said Billy, dedicating his next greeting to Monica, who sensually extended her hand. Recently divorced, Monica was a ticking time bomb, a woman who claimed happiness was making love every day.
-A pleasure, Miss, - said Billy.
-Bellucci, young man, but you can call me Monica, as long as you do so with the respect I deserve, -responded Monica cheerfully.
Billy raised his eyebrows.
The mere question elicited laughter, or rather, a burst of laughter from Monica and Juliette. Each was beautiful in her own right. Juliette was French, a dancer. Monica was Italian, a supermodel, thus her mannerisms exuded an inherent eroticism, and the atmosphere in the room heated up. Billy's gift was perfect for lightening the mood.
-Work in what? - Monica asked.
-Ohhhhh… you’re talking to the American man of the moment. Billy is a renowned illustrator with his own comic book company, and of course, he’s well-known for animation, - responded Winona, knowing his story.
-You’re quite young to have your own company. Maybe a second-generation entrepreneur? - the young Italian commented boldly.
-You could say I’m lucky to have parents with good capital to start my business, - responded Billy, taking a beer in hand, thinking it had been a long time since he had more than one beer. It wasn’t the occasion, but the unbearable heat of the day made him crave a beer. Monica noticed his strong jawline, youthful appearance, perhaps twenty years old, characteristic maturity, and his well-kept, large hands. She almost wanted to devour him.
She tossed her hair back, exposing her neck, and moved closer, cornering Billy on the edge of the sofa where he sat, placing her hand near his.
-I want to start a company, but I never had the guidance, - said Monica.
-Well, that depends on the type of company. It’s always advisable to have professional help. Secondly, you should have at least a basic understanding of the industry, - said Billy.
-I love this song! - said Winona, listening to pop-rock.
-Hahaha, - laughter echoed.
Winona invited Colin to dance, and Juliette joined them.
Colin Firth danced with Winona. Juliette saw them paired up and felt like a third wheel.
-Sure, I want to create my own restaurant. More than a restaurant, an elegant social lounge with food and snacks, cheese tastings, snacks, wines, special drinks, something amazing, - said Monica, moving closer to Billy. The way she spoke oozed sensuality.
-You can do it. Your idea is feasible as long as you have good suppliers and special locations. For example, who is willing to eat there? Students, artists, workers? You need to identify who and how you can attract these clients. Lastly, recognition: it needs to have good prices but also quality prices. It depends on whom you target the business towards. And finally, expect to fail. Failure is something that happens often, - said Billy.
-That’s fantastic, - commented Monica after hearing the brief explanation.
-Let’s dance, Monica, - said Winona.
Monica smiled and let her hair down, following the rhythm as she started to dance. Billy joined in, aware that it had been a while since he last danced.
As the five of them danced tentatively, each with their own unique and somewhat awkward style, it was clear none of them were skilled dancers.
-Ah, these radio stations are annoying, - said Juliette, as a slow Italian song played.
-I song, - commented Monica, watching Colin having fun with Winona. The British guy was amusing, she thought.
Exhausted, Colin lay back on the rug, pouring more wine and opening another bottle.
-I can’t drink anymore, we have a shoot tomorrow. But thank you, - Billy responded.
-Oh, come on, my young American, have a little more, - Monica said, moving closer to Billy and brushing his hair back.
-Sorry to disappoint you, but I have several things to do tomorrow, and if I wake up early, I’d rather be sleepy than have a headache. So, I apologize. However, let me invite you to dinner. I understand you live in Italy, and we’ll be filming there, - said Billy.
-Always so perfect. I accept! - responded Monica. The small party of five continued in high spirits.
Not far away, time flew by in the fun atmosphere, encouraging Billy to stay longer. After two hours, he finally excused himself to go to his room, leaving the beautiful Bellucci behind.