superstar: sings for everybody

The music kept going strong, even though they had only recorded two songs, Ain't It Fun and Best of You. They needed one last track to call it a day. Billy had already sent his ideas for the rhythm of at least five songs, but mistakes kept slipping in. Still, he had the song hanging by a thread.

-Take a break; we'll record more later, - said Josh Robert, taking note of the band's ability to play around. Two songs in a day were a good pace, especially with someone who seemed to know exactly what the final product of a song should sound like.

-Sure, old man, - murmured Billy, taking a long breath after singing for so long. It seemed possible that in the coming days, they'd have each song embedded in their minds and be able to record three or four in a single session. Some had rhythms that were simple and easy to grasp because of their structure.

The band followed Billy to a table, while the producers stayed back, chatting about this and that.

-He's got an excellent rhythm and knows what he wants, and how it should be delivered. That kind of skill is hard to come by, - said George Martin.

-What do you think, Alan? -

-Singing in another language is risky—for him and the band. But he seems to have strong vocalization in other languages. Didn't he record a song in Portuguese recently? - Alan asked.

-He did, - Michael Ocklars cut in. -But the kid has a knack for languages. It's like he's a little genius. He knows that winning people over requires identity. -

…

At the table, the band enjoyed a lavish meal with everything they could ask for. Billy had a sliced steak with chimichurri, mashed potatoes, tomato soup, and a house salad with olives and diced chicken—a big plate, as usual. Connor had rice with filleted fish. Sugar Egg was the only one complaining, saying his wife cooked better. Spencer had traditional pasta with a tomato-based sauce, sometimes varied with basil, pepper, salt, cheese, or some protein.

-These songs are sounding great, Billy, - Spencer remarked.

-Although I don't get the lyrics of that song we were working on. It's particularly challenging in its constants, - Jack Sauce added.

-It's about a man dating two women, each completely different—one blonde, one brunette. It explains the process of juggling both and how hard it is to manage two relationships simultaneously, - Billy replied.

-Very educational… Is this song inspired by that girl, Avril? - asked Sugar Egg, biting into his wine-marinated pork chop.

-I don't know what you're talking about, - the boy dodged, though he did see the resemblance between Alessandra and Avril. Neither wanted to fully commit to him, yet they both wanted him around. And he wasn't giving his 100% either; he was just enjoying the ride, as he always tried to do in those situations. It was a particularly charming song.

-That doesn't matter... The guitar solo chords are great. It's got that sync with the drums that I haven't seen in a while, - Spencer commented. He noticed that Spanish rock was heavier, hitting harder with the guitar. It carried a '90s tradition.

-Oh, it's relevant. Did you not see the charm Billy has with the ladies? Damn, - Jack murmured. Billy elbowed him, and Jack shot back.

-Your thing with Kate? -

-We broke up. -

His words were dry, tinged with some disappointment. The relationship was a rollercoaster; it was likely they'd get back together in a wild week, argue, and then reconcile for three months, proclaiming their love. Jack was crazy.

-You can always find someone else, - Billy said.

-Of course, I already have someone else to worry about, - Jack Sauce replied. Connor's sparkling eyes showed his curiosity as he watched their exchange.

-Pass me the potatoes, Spencer, - Sugar Egg requested.

Spencer handed him the potatoes as the band began adjusting to the new recording. It was a classic story. The kind of family dynamic that awaited another two hours of trying to fine-tune the song, at least blending Billy's voice into the track. Meanwhile, he waited outside, watching every trace of the band in their sessions. The beauty of the studio was recording in different takes, but he loved the idea of relaxing.

Emma: How was your day?

Billy: Recorded some songs with the guys. I'll release a single next month, along with a revised and polished version of an old album.

Emma's responses were almost always instant.

Emma: So, I guess you're back in the States. I heard you got a tattoo! Though I already knew, I didn't think it was true.

Billy: You can see it when we meet.

Emma: I'm curious about tattoos.

Billy: Want one? It could be a gift for your 18th birthday.

Emma: My mom would kill me. I don't think they'd let me.

Billy: Come on, sweetheart. There's plenty of time. It doesn't have to be big. Maybe you'll want one later.

Emma: It'll be our little secret.

Emma: You said you'd take me out. You will, right? I mean to that party you're planning.

Billy: You mean the video game party?

Emma: Yeah.

…

Billy cleared his head as the conversation shifted, focusing on Amanda, who was warming up to his previous advances. It was market law: when something was valued, many wanted it. Now, with two beautiful women giving him their approval, Amanda was drawn to his side. Even in his indecency, he earned validation.

-Time to record, kid, - someone whispered as Billy got ready.

-Give me a minute, - he muttered, stretching his arms. His long hair, soon to be cut for the program, needed a decision. He was leaning toward going bald—it gave him room to play with his look, maybe even a line running from his eyebrow to the back of his head.

It was time to rock. He needed a moment to measure the distance.

...