Kapitel 406: background.

The woes of Hollywood are masked by a turbulent city full of life and relaxation... It was strange that reservations at restaurants weren't necessary; just stepping out of the car and getting ready, they were promptly offered a table for the three of them, even if the restaurant was full. Some of the diners glanced at them with curiosity, as they shared the same space as these stars. The two women each had their way of expressing their allure.

The dining room was spacious, with numerous round tables scattered throughout the place. It was incredible how this type of restaurant created such an appealing ambiance for the patrons. On a central stage, a band played music non-stop, drawing in the crowd with popular tunes, some classic melodies, and the deep, resonant notes of a cello that pierced through everyone in the room.

White tablecloths, along with glittering silver and gold decorations, adorned the tables, complemented by a floral centerpiece featuring blue, yellow, white, and violet flowers.

-It's been a while since we went out to eat,- Mónica remarked, looking at the menu.

-In Italy, less than a month ago,- Billy responded, scanning the menu filled with curious dishes, such as a vegetable starter, asparagus gazpacho followed by risotto sprinkled with lemon zest and a pinch of sea salt. The risotto came with seafood on the side, a red whiskey sauce, and a two-layer chocolate cake with strawberry shavings and a blackberry sauce that made the dish look irresistible.

-Here's a little secret: Billy doesn't like these types of restaurants because they never fill him up... I think the portions are just right, but if it's not a hefty piece of meat, he can't be satisfied,- Mónica confided to Winona, who nodded, listening intently. They were already discussing opening an Italian restaurant in San Jose, part of a new franchise. But this time, it would be different; they weren't aiming for fast food, but gourmet dining. The menu would change monthly, and the dishes would be prepared by a chef trained for this level of cuisine.

-Billy says Spanish and Thai food will do well in the market, just like Mexican, but he's waiting to see how things play out,- Mónica added. For those who didn't know, she had nearly completed her law degree in Italy, and while she might appear to be just a bystander, she participated in Billy's negotiations from a privileged position.

-That sounds interesting. Billy always has these strange ventures; it's national news every time he starts a new company,- Winona said.

The large eyes of the women exchanged glances, each having much to say.

***

After dinner, they headed to a small club, which had once belonged to Winona's ex-boyfriend, Johnny Depp. Not far from the restaurant, it had been sold in 1994 and bought by an outstanding businessman. After correcting past mistakes, the club had been completely renovated. Now it was a fully-fledged establishment where many stars gathered. There was a private second floor for VIPs, completely separated from the main area, with special seating even for bodyguards.

-Ohhhh, there are so many familiar faces,- Winona commented, noticing the well-known stars who had joined the scene. Even some non-industry folks, engrossed in their worlds, could be spotted. Julia Roberts was sharing a table with Michelle Pfeiffer, Kate Guinzburg, and, surprisingly, the young Drew Barrymore.

Other groups were present too, though Billy didn't fully recognize them. According to the unwritten rules, it was complicated for someone outside the industry to enter this place, but that's just how things worked at "Búho Stars," the newly baptized venue. It was a grand project, but even so, the idea of an even more exclusive area seemed interesting.

They took a seat at a distant table, the red leather chairs surrounding a glass-topped marble table, with ashtrays and cheap candy mints in a small basket. They ordered three bottles of water, a bottle of wine, and an exquisite Bourbon. The dance floor was dimly lit, with multicolored lights, especially a white haze contrasting against the LED lights embedded in the glass tiles. The music was classic with clean undertones; DJs were still a thing of the future, and live music or lounge sets were more common. Here, they alternated between a jazz band, rock, and a playlist that lightened the mood for the performers.

At one point, Winona disappeared, while Mónica swayed softly with Billy.

-We should go to Milan one day and attend a masquerade, maybe even Paris. Do something exciting—laugh, live, and embrace happiness,- Mónica suggested.

Billy's eyes locked onto hers, shining with intensity. They danced together for a while in the club. Although the primary goal was to relax and have a good time, there was always the possibility of a meeting or simply enjoying the night. For instance, Julia Roberts, freshly divorced after a long-term relationship, was enjoying herself, mingling and chatting with others.

-It seems like you want to book my schedule for the next ten years,- Billy said.

Her doe-like eyes were incredibly expressive.

-I'd like to, I'm envious... Would you share your time with me?- Mónica asked, using a subtle technique, but Billy only nodded.

It was often safe to let moments speak for themselves, and though her words were sweet, they carried a hint of commitment. For that reason and others, they continued to dance slowly in a show of companionship.

However, some trust and secrecy lingered—three months together felt too soon for both of them.

...

Winona was chatting with Drew Barrymore, advancing gossip and dark secrets that arose from fears about the recent encounter in the bathroom doorway, even though it wasn't discussed directly. The conversation wasn't uncomfortable, and Drew's gossip could be trusted to some extent, but it was not exclusive—her constant barbs and off-color jokes were well known.

-So, he's Billy Carson,- Michael Pfeiffer commented, who knew the guy casually.

-Hollywood's wealthiest wallet,- Drew said with a chuckle, earning some smiles from the women at the table. The owner of a successful animation company, Apple, and recent purchaser of the Golden State Warriors, he was a magnate in every sense, not someone easily overlooked by industry women. Julia's eyes were shy and somewhat reluctant, but even she couldn't deny that a magnate wasn't charming. Even one without many scandals, young and willing, was something she found appealing. She needed a wild fling to forget her troubles, and if it came with all the luxuries, that was even better.

-Stop being rude,- Winona murmured.

Drew stuck out her tongue.

-However, you're not wrong. He is the wealthiest wallet in Hollywood...- Drew whispered, her eyes provocative. She could do as she pleased, adapting to things that weren't entirely right. Drew had a moral compass, albeit a loose one, and perversions she understood better than most. Winona was well aware of the situation at the table; a separate table for some younger guests had been set up. They didn't dare approach, and some didn't know Billy very well, but the visible presence of the bodyguard made it clear that there were issues with the new guest.

-I miss you, but you've been so committed that I haven't had the chance to relive our fun times. Sadly, we don't have time to see each other,- Winona said to Michelle. They had known each other from the time they worked on the film The Age of Innocence, and through that film, they formed a deep friendship. Michelle had always taught the young, inexperienced Winona many things.

-Darling, don't overthink it. You are and will always be my friend. I'm too mature for these youthful escapades... Besides, we could have a small get-together... I can introduce you to David, who is a remarkable man,- Michelle said, hugging the brunette.

-Right now, we're working on a film with your friend Claire Danes, a very talented young woman, - Michelle added.

The music reached its peak around 11 p.m. The club was at its busiest, and the women danced in their spots, claiming the scene while very few dared to step into the oppressive circle of the famous.

Interestingly, Drew had a brief marriage of one year with a young man.

...