The party was traditional in a broad sense—it was on a rooftop, the air warm despite the night. Still, the sea breezes brought a certain freshness, a slight chill that helped balance the climate. Torches were set up, casting a flickering glow over a lavish gathering by the beach. In truth, it was more like a penthouse—a sprawling fifth floor large enough to host all the high society of Brazil's entertainment world, at least those living nearby.
Many of them were people with an apparent fondness for parties. Among them were Ana Beatriz Barros, Alessandra, Izabel Goulart, Adriana Lima, and Gisele Bündchen—each a commanding presence in Brazil, arriving the way stars appear in spring. There were also socialites such as Luciano Huck, Angélica, Roberto Justus, Donata Meirelles, and Glória Maria, each carrying a certain weight in Brazilian tradition.
-Where did all these people come from?-
Well, fame explains it. The party was Billy's, and one thing led to another, as the new mingled with the old, giving way to one of the stars of the night: Billy's band. They were, however, a rather peculiar bunch. Jack and Connor were each in their own kind of gloom—one barely speaking above a whisper, the other brooding over the heartache of a recent breakup, drinking quietly, fading away from everyone around. Spence and "Sugar Egg" preferred playing cards over getting tangled in Billy's troubles, which only led to sighs and headshakes. Knowing better, they kept their distance from the chaos he tended to create.
Even football stars were invited—well-known players from the local team came to enjoy the abundance of models drifting about. Beautiful women with long legs, sculpted figures, and Latin charm, their eyes shining with colors that recalled the exotic animals of the skies—macaws, parrots, toucans—birds of every kind, each a marvel to behold.
-Your husband's not watching you,- Billy remarked to Alessandra, who seemed unfazed.
-He's jealous, but it's fine. Tonight… maybe we can see each other,- she whispered before slipping away. Billy took a drink; his throat was sore, so it was honey water, hot, almost unpleasant to swallow from the extra pinch of salt. But it soothed the congestion and scratches.
He laughed lightly. The odd connection he had with Alessandra was volatile—very volatile—and they behaved like jealous lovers. Of course, it didn't matter if you knew that among her friends, they covered for each other with men but were like fierce rivals with each other. At least the unspoken code of keeping things within their circle still held.
-You shouldn't do that,- Adriana said.
-Do what? Got something to tell me?- Billy replied, now with a bit of space to himself. -Your sister's beautiful.-
-Sister?-
-Fernanda Lima—the one with your green eyes, though yours are more beautiful,- Billy answered. But it was different; Adriana swatted his hand. Fernanda was undeniably stunning, but her eyes were a deep green leaning toward brown, while Adriana's were pure green, like twin lenses drifting over the glowing plankton waters of the bay, bright even at night.
-You're such a fool. I heard you talked to my agent. You want to take me on a trip,- Adriana said.
-In fact, I want to take you all over Latin America. Tomorrow I have some restaurant visits. We can eat and take some interesting photos—it's good to bring along people native to the place,- Billy said, well aware of the fine line between acceptance and refusal.
-We can tomorrow… though maybe Alessandra will come,- Adriana replied.
-So you are jealous,- Billy teased.
-Stop being childish,- Adriana said, tossing her hair over her back as if it were nothing. Her manner was sharp and precise, the kind that made reality into a truth shaped by its own flaws.
-It'd be childish if I said I liked you like ice cream… truth is, I like you more,- Billy laughed. He knew Adriana couldn't help but melt when he played the fool, without crossing lines, keeping his words private. She broke into laughter, her eyes lighting up like two bright stars.
…
The party gradually grew livelier. The DJ's music gave everyone space to find their rhythm, while the elite began to slip away. Some stayed to dance. The high point came when Alessandra managed to get her husband drunk—he ended up completely lost, which freed her for the rest of the night. Waiting for dawn, the host simply watched as everyone went wild with a certain beautiful madness. He danced and jumped as much as he could, swept up in the vibrant flow of colors that carried them along. It was pure joy—even when he had no idea who half the people were, they came and went in waves of laughter and movement, their steps bold and skillful.
By 2 a.m., people were tiring; some thought of heading home, while the dimmer lights settled in to make the party's space more intimate.
-I'm going to bed,- Connor said with a wave.
-Where's Jack?- Billy asked.
Connor shrugged. He was pretty sure Jack had left with a woman less than half an hour ago, though he might still be around.
-Alright, go to bed—your room's to the left,- Billy said, continuing with the party, which now seemed on the edge of chaos. His eyes kept drifting to Alessandra, stretching her long legs over a cushion as she spoke with another woman. He watched with pride as the women made their own moves, the air thick with tension—two women he wanted but couldn't have without breaking ties. His only choice was to stay apart, somewhere else.
-So tomorrow we're going to the restaurant,- Billy said. His sleep schedule was strange, but that didn't dampen his mood to spend the day playing guitar or reading short stories to teach himself, still chasing what he thought might be the meaning of life.
-You know how it goes,- Billy said, stepping closer to Alessandra. -Go home, see you here tomorrow. You have the key—go through the garage. It's too suspicious for you to stay with me. Tomorrow I'll be out with Adriana, and people will talk.-
He cursed himself, but women were the only thing he dreamed about.
…
Billy was kissing Adriana, his lips on hers, his hands tracing her body. Being with her was a desire he only corrected when people came too close.
-What did you tell Alessandra?- Adriana asked.
-That she should leave. This isn't a good thing to do,- Billy said, ruffling his hair. -When you looked like a dragon.-
-Hey, idiot.-
-What can I do when the rules you set are always so demanding?- Billy said, shaking his head. He was sure that in a few months, his relationship with Adriana might end—maybe by tempting fate.
He cupped her neck gently, pressing her beneath him, feeling her body. He took her shirt off, revealing her bare chest, as they tangled in the sheets. She refused to go beyond this—her virginity remained intact, guarded, and secret.
-You're ticklish,- Billy said, noticing her reaction when he lightly touched above her ribs—she couldn't help but squirm.
-We have to sleep,- she whispered.
...