Billy strolled hand in hand with Adriana through the Spanish streets, whispering sweet nothings like a pair of lovestruck birds. After the tender and affectionate way he had been with the Victoria's Secret supermodel, it felt like a sunrise breaking over their shared complicity—a lie binding them in a playful dance.
-I think I'd like to try that soupy rice they mentioned,- Adriana said.
Billy felt so free, walking the streets so casually, unnoticed by most. He wore a black cap that hid his blonde hair, his earrings abandoned on the bathroom counter back at the hotel. Adriana had her hair tied up under a wide-brimmed hat. Both were simply trying to blend in, appearing as ordinary as anyone else. The quiet streets in the morning felt like a blessing to them. It helped that Billy's Spanish was impeccable; he passed as a foreigner, but that was it.
-You and me,- Billy said, twirling her playfully, stealing another fiery kiss as she drew closer.
-Yes,- the Brazilian woman replied with a soft laugh.
They wandered, caught in a world of their own making—a world neither of them could easily escape. Time seemed to blur, slipping away like a quick tug of a rope.
-You'll always be welcome there,- Adriana said, referring to Rio. - The people are so warm, and we can eat all the meat you love. It's your dream, isn't it? -
-I'd love to visit Thailand. Maybe Bali. Something paradisiacal. A monastery where privacy could be our sanctuary, a true escape from the world. But for now, there's a charm to partying every night,- Billy answered.
-I want to go to that restaurant,- Adriana remarked, pointing to a trendy spot with an appetizing allure. The line outside didn't deter her. She strutted in, her heels clicking as if she owned the place, Billy following in her wake.
From across the street, a photographer snapped pictures of their entrance. The waiter, perhaps recognizing them—or perhaps not—skipped them ahead of the line, seating them immediately. The restaurant exuded elegance: sleek white walls accented with polished red and glossy black surfaces. It had an effortless sophistication, though it could use a few tweaks. The Michelin two-star plaque by the entrance was reason enough for Adriana to choose it.
-Do your tours usually last long?- Adriana asked once they had placed their orders.
-They're exhausting. Exhausting. My throat hurts most of the time, and people are always trying to get close. During tours, fans are completely unhinged—it's overwhelming. My head pounds from the noise, and it feels like everyone wants a piece of you, - Billy said. - Women sneak into my bed without asking. I can ask for anything, and people give it to me, whether they want to or not. Everyone expects me to do something crazy. Even the hotel staff encouraged me to jump off the balcony into the pool when no one's around. Theyclearedr the nearby rooms because of the noise from my crew. It's uncomfortable, but it's the business. This is what we live for, Adriana.-
Her bright eyes studied him. -It sounds chaotic,- was all she said.
Billy's intense personality kept Adriana on edge, her emotions swinging between suspense and intrigue as she glimpsed his vulnerability beneath the confidence he wore like armor.
***
Jerry was finalizing the schedule for the European tour, locking in performances across 63 cities: five in Portugal, seven in Spain, seven in France, seven in Italy, seven in Germany, one in Norway, two in Poland, four in the Netherlands, four in Belgium, two in Turkey, six in Greece, four in Austria, three in Hungary, two in Denmark, and two in Sweden.
For any artist, such a grueling calendar could feel like a death sentence. The tour would begin in colder regions—Denmark, Poland, Norway, Austria, Hungary, and Turkey—before moving to Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
-The schedule is perfect,- Jerry remarked.
He glanced at the extensive list of destinations. The tour had been meticulously crafted and designed to dominate the market. Whenever Billy performed in a country, sales for sponsored brands, albums, and merchandise soared.
-And how will we handle the marketing campaign?- Jerry asked, studying the figures. -We need to start flooding the market now, filling stores with albums under a six-month sales agreement, timed to coincide with the tour.-
-Do you have any ideas?- asked Roger Ames.
-I've got something in mind, though it's a bit complex. We'll need to coordinate with sponsors. Nike, our official partner, will likely step in to help, - Jerry replied.
In addition to Nike, Vans was another major sponsor. However, a conversation with Billy sparked an idea for a new partnership.
-Red Bull,- Jerry said. -If we can secure a six-year contract with Red Bull, we could launch a series of engaging campaigns.-
-Billy himself suggested it, - Jerry continued. - It's an energy drink brand, and he believes we can build strong brand loyalty. It's a smart move, and I fully support it. -
-We'll review the overlap with other sponsors. We don't want the tour to feel like a walking billboard. That could cause major problems, - Roger Ames cautioned. -Also, Warner needs to remain prominently represented in all campaigns.-
The international tour was already generating immense buzz. In North America, its success had been a financial boon for the label, reshaping the fiscal year with substantial profits. While other artists had faltered due to various issues, Billy's partnership with Warner was proving to be a goldmine.
Unbeknownst to many, Billy owned another property—a modest house next to Spencer, rented out to other tenants. The rental income was deposited into a 60-year pension fund, managed by Michael Oclkars. The long-term, low-cost lease ensured the house remained in good condition, providing Billy with a steady income stream. If he ever hit rock bottom, at least he'd have enough to buy a trailer and survive.
...