The intense desire slipped from Monica's lips; their kisses were like two honeyed apples drawn to each other. From distant places, stillness was the name of every corner that seemed to form itself to its own purpose. With a soft moan, Billy gently bit her lips. They had been kissing for a while—something they often did after making love, with such tenderness and passion. Things always seem to wait for the most meaningful moments—the feeling of affection, and the ironic subtleties that arise when two people give themselves to love.
She gently caressed his neck, burying her head without trying to be too intense. When they were in San Jose, time felt different compared to their daring days in Los Angeles—or even in the cozy places of Italy, where their kind-hearted stay made it feel like they lived in a time of their own.
What can you do when all you've ever wanted is to be close? And when they were, with need and passion, it felt eternal. Two years, and the trust between them was so deep and true, it felt like they had shared far more than just two years, with such intensity. Their kisses were deeper, more tender, soft touches without fear of judgment. When their tongues met, it was with such necessity and allure that anything less felt like an interesting rejection.
-Tomorrow we change locations again.–Monica whispered, almost unhappy, with a hint of distant regret for the postponed moments they'd promised one another. And yet, their commitments arrived with such force that being apart carried real emotional weight.
-Tomorrow is the Titanic premiere. I want you to wear that white and gold dress they sent you… It's a special day. –Billy whispered, holding her tightly, her wonderful breasts pressing gently against him. Her body's delicate warmth was deeply comforting.
-I know, and it hurts even more that all these fashion shows and events come crashing in without giving us time to just be. –Monica replied, filled with a well-earned weariness, though she didn't complain or resist. Her modeling career was soaring, and by next year—with a clear improvement in English—she would take her acting skills further. Still, whatever role she was given was always wrapped in so much sensuality that it hardly made sense for her to play anything else; her strength had always been that sculpted elegance and beauty.
-I'll be in Australia for the next few months, but next year, maybe I'll find myself with you in Italy. There are some good travel options. –Billy said, not denying that the months ahead would be full of relentless work. Among his luggage, he carried the ambition to begin a new series, Eyeshield 21, and continue Hunter x Hunter without pause. At the same time, he planned to write Brent Weeks's saga and the Silo trilogy.
-It doesn't seem fair, but that's how it is. We'll do whatever we can to meet up. –Monica whispered, squeezing his hand tightly, with care, knowing that the next few months would be a test for both of them. Still, she hoped the movie would finish earlier than expected.
-I have an early gift. –Billy said, kissing her forehead… taking a long step forward without waiting for denial or approval. He took an envelope from his suitcase. For September 30th, he had planned his own private getaway—a fair of opportunities and something more irreversible: two tickets to Switzerland, a place of pure serenity. Attached was a reservation for a three-story cabin deep in the woods, designed for those of high standing.
-Last year it was Italy.–
-This year it's Switzerland—and then Italy, at least for a few days. It's your birthday, darling. –Billy said, kissing her lips. But deep down, he couldn't deny that his intentions were laced with darker desires. With certainty and without rest, he knew that giving Monica her well-earned birthday retreat was as essential as the brilliance in her eyes filled with longing.
The trip was short, but the Chinese Theater felt so close. Not only would Titanic premiere there, but later that year, it would also host the debut of several Lux Animation films, offering a fortunate opportunity for development. Lux Films, however, had to step aside, as they were still raising capital, pouring their existing funds into Matrix and Star Wars. The latter was soon to launch its live-action series and the premiere of Clone Wars—a lineup of productions that, in both presence and tone, felt like a pardon from chasing film after film.
Still, the urgency of his needs felt tied to time itself, and the space denied to them lingered.
-It's pretty hot for this time of day. –James Cameron commented, walking hand-in-hand with Linda Hamilton. He wore a light blue shirt buttoned to the top, clearly feeling the heat. Alongside him were the 90s action legends—Sylvester Stallone, attending alone, and Arnold Schwarzenegger with his wife Maria Shriver. Elijah Wood had arrived with friends, along with the DreamWorks entourage, Jim Gianopulos, Uma with her guest, Winona, and an unexpected Jodie Foster—signaling a truly luxurious guest list.
-The climate intensifies along with the circumstances. –he replied, avoiding any other answer than the one already pressing on his shoulders.
…
Billy watched as they arrived, the cameras flashing nonstop. The shots came endlessly, and he could sense the building rhythm of a press routine that was only just beginning. The months ahead carried a foreboding energy, but he didn't care. He'd be filming in Australia, while the media searched for scandals or a stray photo that could spark speculation.
-They say some are unhappy with how long the script is. –Monica said beside him, wearing a simply stunning dress—gold silk that flowed as she walked, like waves of fog dancing in the wind, like a shining serpent or a glimmering zigzag. Thin straps held her shoulders, revealing her back entirely. It flowed down with majesty, full of promise.
-How do you know that? –Billy asked.
-Men talk when they're around a beautiful woman… They say it's the producer. –Monica replied.
-He is. And it's surprising when you hit the mark so perfectly. –Billy answered, wrapping his hand around her back—so soft and smooth it gave her chills, touched by the cold fingertips tracing her spine.
-You have so much going on... do you really believe it'll be a success?–Monica asked.
-I do. I can't predict the future exactly, but I can give it my approval… People won't always notice the finer details, but this film carries the essence of cinema's true evolution. –Billy said, once again feeling, as he often had before, that his shadow marked the end of the 90s—a golden age—before the dawn of the 2000s, an era still in transition, birthing a wave of new series.
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