章 58: portrait

Billy performed on stage, his second bar tour. Now, his mother was delighted. Word had spread through all common channels, a video uploaded, and shared, and now the downtown Manhattan bar was packed. Above all, Agustina's happiness was palpable to everyone; she cried at each of his performances, while Jerry remained stoic.

-He sings so beautifully, - Agustina said to Jerry, taking a sip of beer, happiness evident in her heart. -I love everything he sings, but Jerry, a plate of food? What rubbish. They don't even pay him a thousand dollars. -

-Dear, you know that reputation is irreparable for some people, - Jerry replied. - The food they give him, whether it's a sandwich, burger, pizza, or a dish, is a musical symbol. If he gains the respect of the owner and the audience, he may eat for free forever. Only a few have earned that privilege. It's more than money. If he wants a thousand dollars, he just has to ask Ahmet. That guy makes money just by breathing. -

-Respect in the neighborhood, I understand. In Argentina, Maradona could eat for free anywhere. I see. What can be done in the coming days? - Agustina replied, contemplating her son's path.

-We'll have a quick tour, some festivals, and a few details for June. If we're lucky, many opportunities may arise in the future. The British love music, just as Americans love excitement. So I presume Europe could be the tour, and the UK the second home, a place to be, a place to behave, - Jerry dreamt of success.

-Since when have you been involved in music? - Agustina asked.

-For a long time," Jerry sighed. "I can't quite understand the rules. It's something from childhood. Music was the window of a house engulfed in flames. My life isn't simple, well... it never was. In my predicaments, all my attitudes were stunted by my life. I started as an errand boy, finished my education in a small night school, and got a job as a driver. I did my part and studied at university in the evenings, as much as I could. I stayed until sunset, like a hidden call, many of my thoughts could take administrative positions. I think I asked Frank Diller, a manager, everything was impressive, I couldn't believe it myself. I associated with novices who made great gigs, and I succeeded. Now I just watch over Billy, - Jerry explained.

Agustina's flushed face indicated she was about to spit out some words; she enjoyed spitting out her words. Jerry knew that if she didn't like something, she probably wouldn't respond to the question. It was different from his thoughts.

-But... -

Billy had finished signing autographs, taking photos amidst the sea of hands, with the gorilla following closely behind—a steadfast wall, always there, keeping problems at bay.

-Did you enjoy the concert, Mom? - Billy hugged his mother, who was wiping sweat from her forehead with a small white towel she had been carrying for some time.

-You're always fantastic when you play music, but I didn't like you being half-shirtless. Cover up a bit, - Agustina said, straightening Billy's shirt.

-It's part of the image, Mom, - Billy replied.

Jerry nodded at Agustina, who gave him a suspicious look, almost as if to say, - They didn't tell me about this anywhere. -

-So, - she began.

-It's just the image Billy needs to portray to the public to avoid future inconveniences. Creating an image for the public will allow him more privacy. It's just a mask of how things work in the industry. Normally it might be complicated for some, but it's the image that fits best. He already has a touch of rebellion; we just add a bit more here and there, and we have an image, - Jerry explained.

-Why pretend? I don't see the point in people pretending to do things they don't want to do. It's opposite to everything I've taught Billy, - Agustina replied, concerned about this new direction. They whispered secretly, their conversations masked by the background music.

-When he's attacked for who he is, the boy will know it's nonsense and will accept criticism and take it for what it is. It's a mask that will help him defend himself. It's something he needs. While I might be wrong, I'm just teaching him from now on how to behave in public. You've seen that your whole life. Public figures must guard their thoughts. Trying to be sincere or spontaneous is just a mistake people believe in. It might work for some for a few years, maybe two or three, but I want Billy to know how to separate his life, - Jerry commented.

-He's right, Mom. Plus, Mr. Jerry gave me an image I like. At least if I ever punch someone in the face, my image will back me up, - Billy added.

-Punching someone! You'll never do that. Stop behaving like a brute. You should know I don't like you starting fights over trivial matters. If you have something to say, say it. If you want to do something, do it, but violence never solves anything, - Agustina replied.

-What else do you think, Mom? The correctional facility taught me that sometimes talking is just too much. It's better to do as Jerry does, - Billy thought, beginning to follow in Jerry's footsteps of taking a relaxed attitude to everything. But he approached his mother; he would never lie to her.

He was tempted to smile at her as if nothing had happened.

-That's not true, Mom. You know I was beaten up a lot in the correctional facility. Men have to stand up for themselves. I agree violence isn't the first solution; I just don't want to be messed with. I don't like seeing smug smiles on idiots' faces, - Billy replied.

-Stop being such a bull, - Agustina replied, combing his hair. Jerry could see some photos, but that was nothing unusual; when the media took pictures, he would step out to refute any twisted truths from the media.

-He'll have classes with an image and profile advisor, - Jerry interjected, cutting off the conversation. One of the things artists should know is that even language communicates. If he can help reduce those problems, along with his vintage image, no makeup, clean face, and different power actions from body movements, smiles, glances, walking, sitting... everything a star should know.

-It's for his good; it will help him in the future, - Jerry's mouth dried up. - When I'm not here to support him, he'll need to know there aren't many friends in the industry. -

Billy could see the shining eyes of Agustina and Jerry, something tacitly darkened in both of them.

...