In a mansion on the outskirts of Los Angeles, a wild Hollywood party was in full swing, with the fever and madness of Hollywood palpable in the air. Women in barely-there attire, men sprawled in chairs, their drunken state evident on their bodies—everyone had their reasons for indulging.
-Billy. - slurred a drunken Winona, hand-in-hand with a brunette Christina Ricci, both exuding their brand of charm. Hollywood's elite were all present; Billy spotted Ethan Hawke in the distance with Ben Stiller, alongside a youthful Alicia Silverstone, still vibrant and beautiful as any '90s icon.
I didn't think you'd show up at parties. - Winona blushed.
I wouldn't have, but someone called me about something important. - Billy replied.
Not long ago, he received a last-minute call that Liam Neeson would be attending, introducing Billy to some common acquaintances. Billy had accepted a role in Star Wars, and before that, decided to strengthen his relationship with George Lucas, who asked him to keep a closer eye on Liam.
-Ohhhh who are you looking for? - Winona asked, blushing, as Drew Barrymore arrived—a bold and youthful presence, known for her Playboy appearance and recent return to the limelight.
-You're Billy Carson, right? I've heard a lot about you. Why don't you join us? - Drew suggested.
-I've got someone to meet, but maybe later. - Billy casually brushed off Drew, not many dared to confront him face-to-face; the younger generation hesitated in his presence.
-Come, I'll help you find him. By the way, you should meet Christina; she's a good friend of mine. - Winona suggested.
-Pleasure, Billy Carson. - Billy replied.
-Nice to meet you, Billy. - murmured the black-haired woman, Winona's gothic style complemented by her dark locks, parted by bangs covering her forehead.
-Pleasure's mine. Didn't expect to see you here, Wina. - Billy said, embracing the brunette.
-Well, been a bit stressed, and decided to take a weekend off. - Winona replied.
Gwyneth was secretly discussing matters with Leonardo in a private room, both tense despite their nonchalant attitudes. Leo simply wanted to sleep with her, while Gwyneth hoped he would propose something more serious.
They were in a small closed room, hidden behind glass.
-I think we should go out. - the blonde said, cheeks flushed.
-Come on, woman, don't deny what's between us. It's simple; we're attracted to each other, and it's not good to suppress it. - Leo remarked, lightly biting her shoulder. She sighed, melting into Leo's arms.
But as she opened the door that confined them, she disappeared and went her way. She spotted Billy with a couple of older actors but shook her head; despite her foolish ambition, she knew she had to prioritize her well-being above all else.
-I don't like being ignored so much. - Leo remarked, grabbing her waist and walking out with Leonardo.
He found what Leonardo called the gang: Alicia Silverstone, Tobey Maguire, Kevin, Luke Hass, and Kate Moss.
-So this guy is loaded, huh? - Kate Moss asked.
-Well, he owns a film production company, something called Pixar, and he's been making money year after year without losses. Some say the day he faces a flop, it'll be consecutive, but no one's talking about that since he sold a company for 500 million dollars. - Luke Hass commented, a handsome blond actor often seen with Leonardo as his wingman.
-Who are you talking about? - Leonardo asked, seemingly disconnected from the social scene, though the blonde by his side bit her tongue, but in the end, it didn't matter much. Or did it?
-Billy Carson. He was seen arriving at the party in a suit like he just come from work. - Tobey opened up for Leo.
-Ahhhh, that's the guy who beat us to the role. You know him, Gwen? -
-Yeah, he's visited my godfather's mansion several times, and they have various business dealings. They're starting a film company together; the price tag must be insane. - Gwyneth commented cautiously, mindful of her words—after all, they could bounce back on her, and Billy would move on, but her career was just beginning and couldn't afford a scandal.
Kate Moss grabbed her arm. - What else do you know about him? - she asked closely.
-He's disgustingly rich and good at business. We did a movie... He's a good actor, but business-wise, he's in a league of his own. He has that air of power that even the big shots respect; he talks to the CEOs of Warner, Universal, and Paramount—honestly, it's kind of ridiculous. - Gwyneth replied.
-Wow! He must have some serious guts. - Leonardo joked.
-Hahaha, Leo, man, what have we done with our lives? - Luke Haas chimed in, eliciting smiles from everyone.
-I think just being human... in my opinion, he needs to loosen his tie knot, but let's change the subject; this gathering is boring. We could visit the lounge. - Leo suggested.
The lounge was an erotic club where all kinds of acts took place. Gwyneth reluctantly joined them, still resentful, her eyes occasionally darting towards Billy who was deep in conversation with two men she didn't quite understand why.
-Sure, let's go then. - Gwyneth said, as Kate Moss chuckled.
-Mr. Lucas mentioned we should start filming by December. I'm committed to being part of it, but I find it hard to believe you're doing this just for the pride of production. - Liam Neeson remarked.
-Well, I don't have a role, and I'd rather not get into these types of films right now. - Billy replied, not wanting to seem intrusive, but his role in Star Wars was demanding a triple schedule—perhaps Anakin Skywalker? With constant revisions to explore a dark yet intriguing theme, it was possible for Billy.
-Shame we won't be working together. - Liam commented, smiling as he sipped his soda. He gestured, and his wife smiled back, surrounded by some friends.
-I think our chat has come to an end. Thanks for clearing things up. - Liam said, anticipating his contract would arrive at his doorstep in a few days. He took his wife's hand as Billy glanced around; the music was quieter now, nearing midnight.
Before he could sit, an older woman approached, seemingly here on business. With a heavy sigh, Billy greeted her, wondering where this encounter would lead him.