Capítulo 121: vacuum tunnel.

Billy's involved promotion still gave a lot to talk about, in different time zones, the boy was a sensation, and now his training practice would be covered by Nike. At Nike, they led him into a room where a giant wheel spun intensely on the ground. Billy looked up but didn't question the training, though his eyes gleamed with recognition. What stood before him was a wind tunnel or free-fall simulator. Kate's eyes widened with a bit of fear at how impressive everything looked.

This was a representation of the money a company could spend on a commercial campaign. The fact that they installed a wind tunnel made sense and seemed considerate—a great way to take high-quality photos for their website. The always reliable Nicola and Octavio Brown, siblings, half-Russian, half-English, were a blessing after the world united in harmony.

They took the photos, which would later be uploaded to the web circle, featuring images of Billy as a model, those he represented, his iconic moments, some album samples, and him playing the guitar with a few capella pieces.

-So, are they going to teach us how to control our free fall? - Billy asked with mute surprise, finding it simply awesome. They were suited up as pilots, with helmets, and performed relevant jumps. Nike's strategy was far more advanced than expected, though little did they know this was just a rented wind tunnel.

-So, what do we have to do? - Kate Bosworth asked, curious. Jack wasn't with her this time, but the eye candy she'd spotted at the last event left no doubt there was more than a friendship there.

-It's like having time in the air; I want you to practice your expressions during the experience, - commented the director of the commercial, an old man who suspiciously didn't look his age, but that was Nike's call.

-Mr. Tiggens, we just need to jump and get our best shots. That's it, - Billy said.

The director nodded, speaking a few words. They performed joint flights, explained by the instructor, from different types of jumps to how they should act. With a pair of goggles and a helmet, it was the best way to get the job done.

Near a fence, resembling a tornado, they practiced for 10 minutes at a time, different poses. At one point, they took off their helmet and goggles. After much training—about an hour—Billy could only shrug. A green screen was placed over the entire glass wall, and they set up some safety nets on the ceiling, adjusting the power a bit lower and hooking them up to some cables.

They shot from different angles, pretending to be skydiving.

-What are you doing? - the director bellowed.

The sounds weren't clear, but all the takes were captured from different perspectives and at various moments. Billy, however, just played around in the air, as if sipping tea, mimicking the old Looney Tunes. It was brilliant to experience it while Nicola snapped a few photos—it was just another step in the routine. They wrapped up after two hours, with sore necks; the force of the air pushing against your face was exhausting. Kate didn't look any better, but her pale face indicated she was adjusting to the whole ordeal. Amid those minor mishaps, they took a break, and the production team brought them some snacks. They could order whatever they wanted. Kate requested chopped fruit and coffee.

Billy ordered a turkey sandwich, a liter of water, and protein bars. Nothing off-plan, as his diet was strict—he needed to prepare for boxing and to give it his all in whatever game he chose.

-That was intense, - Billy remarked, breathing deeply.

Kate nodded. Both had chapped lips from the wind, exhausted and a bit worn out from the spectacle that became tiresome after a while.

-Why did you want to do this? - Kate asked, her curiosity piqued. She knew he had suggested the promotion… something she doubted she would have done herself.

Billy's intense eyes reminded her of someone, but she couldn't pinpoint who.

-I just wanted to do it. If I didn't do it today, I'd regret it. Plus, I had the time, - Billy replied, knowing it was a chain reaction triggered by Warner's desire to sideline his acting career. That was a definite "no," and who knew—something good might come out of it.

-You sound impulsive and reckless, - Jack commented, overhearing the conversation. - You're the leader of the band. I heard the story that the band had to bear your name, or you wouldn't sing. Now that was intense. -

-Jacky, is always the talker. Well, they're good, but I'm the best. Though it may sound bad, there are 10 good bassists or guitarists in the world, but no one sings like I do, - Billy said, winking.

The blonde had expected a response like that. After an exhaustive explanation of the difference between self-confidence and arrogance—where Billy walked the fine line—Kate realized that his magnetism was the key to presenting an image to the public. This young rebel, strong and fiery, was more than a persona—it was his way of doing things.

She just made a face at him.

-I don't believe your answer; there must be more, - the blonde pressed, seeking a deeper response.

-There isn't. I just like to feel the adrenaline in my veins, - Billy said.

***

Among the many songs surging like a tidal wave, taking flight and becoming part of the music, of an airplane launch, was Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run, a classic rock song with incredible lyrics—a ballad that inspired. It could make for an excellent chorus, transforming into something magnificent. Other options followed, but as he took note, more songs reached him, like Ain't It Fun by Paramore, an intriguing and wild curiosity.

Living on a more inspiring side, music makes the video move from something slow to something that highlights the wonders of life. That's why, and for other reasons, Billy presented three proposals for Jerry to review, each a great song.

-I think we should record all three, even if they don't all get accepted, - Jerry commented.

-What are you talking about, old man? - Billy asked.

-They're fascinating, every single one of them could be hits on your next album. You're playing with genres like only a few good singers I've seen before, - Jerry said, deciding to lock Billy in the studio and let his imagination run wild.

-This last one, it's a bit edgy, but it fits perfectly with some of the new genres. I think it's something we'll hear more of in the future, - Jerry said, referring to the fiery electronic music song with a fast rap. The vibrant beat didn't ruin the song, as it sometimes could. The power was in the voice and the wild rhythm, shaping the atmosphere like birds soaring in flight.

-Let's do it. We'll release some singles next year. For now, let's focus on what Nike wants, old man, - Billy said, stretching in his chair, tired of using the cymbal system all morning. Jerry had arrived and organized his life, from setting up a gym to improve his diet, putting an order in while teaching Michael Okclars, and scolding Billy for not asking for it.

-Your birthday's coming up soon. What have you planned? - Jerry asked.

-Well, a yacht party, out at sea. It's a big yacht, almost like a ship. We'll sail to Monaco and return the following week. Some friends will come, a few women, something casual, - Billy said.

-The security team will go with you, - Jerry replied, wanting to avoid problems by hiring a security detail.

-Of course. My photographers will come too, and my writer—she promised to write the best feature for my website, - Billy added.

Jerry raised an eyebrow but nodded, not giving it much importance. Billy would do whatever he wanted. His blogger phase had lasted three months, and it seemed as serious as his boxing.

...