They created a website focused solely on gathering different personal details from which anyone could craft a film full of character and love. In this way, Billy once again used his influence in so many ways that it seemed as if even if he tried to make it more intricate, no one could truly understand it.
—Well, our portable Apple computers are one of the key reasons —said Bill, eyeing the signature light-blue design, while Winona was handed a black one with a white apple logo. It was almost obvious to both of them that this was free publicity orchestrated by Billy, giving himself space for a fresh start.
—Once again, you fit the role perfectly—handing out computers for this project, with your company footing the bill. You seem more prepared for the part than anyone else could be —remarked director Nora, glancing around as she considered what needed to be done. She was straightforward, but Billy's calm, businesslike answers set him apart. Unlike Jerry Maguire, he was perfectly grounded in common sense and social skills, yet cold and calculated when it came to business—his methods were not easy to grasp.
—This role is simpler—just playing a fool. But when it comes to the other details, I think I still have a long way to go —Billy admitted.
He often reflected on his craft, inspired by Tom Hanks's performances, which he viewed in a positive light. After a deep study of himself and what he wanted from this role, he settled on two basic ideas: first, it was a love story; second, the sweet nature of the female lead needed that complement to shine, as the story centered around a genuinely good-hearted character.
—I'm going to the bookstore —said Billy, determined to dive into his character, to find the essence of the role, one that depended heavily on chemistry.
—Put on a suit and go in an orderly way. If people don't recognize you, it means you've done a good job. If they do, then you're just a version of yourself —Nora advised.
Billy knew how hard it was to go unnoticed. The first thing he needed was to adjust his posture, even though he understood posture well enough. Changing something so basic still irked him greatly. He made a subtle adjustment, dropping his shoulders and leaning his back slightly forward, the way one does after long hours at a desk. He wore round-framed glasses, his hair neatly slicked back, and a beard that partially covered his face. He didn't look like a typical businessman anymore. Billy refined every aspect of his persona, wearing suits that were expensive yet understated—elegant but workmanlike.
He carried a newspaper, a briefcase, and a coffee in hand, simply trying to pass as a man of means, walking steadily down the street. He refused to appear like a loser or a man wasting time, as he went to pick up Winona for lunch. She wore her hair long for the first time in four years, cascading down her back in dark black with lighter highlights at the tips, giving it a lively touch. She looked like a schoolteacher.
—Living the role —someone whispered.
—So it seems —she replied, turning to hug Billy.
—Joe, it's so good to see you. I've known for some time that you're exactly the kind of person anyone would need —said Kathlyn/Winona in her role as a mother straight out of a fairytale.
—I was nearby. I left early; I've been waiting for a while —answered Joe with that calm yet slightly mischievous, playful demeanor of his, the kind that sometimes made others uneasy, though he loved watching the publishing world in motion.
—So you stopped by to say hello —remarked Winona, holding a large hardcover book in her arms.
—I came to take you to lunch —replied Joe/Billy, holding a hardcover book of his own with a relaxed air, unsure of what exactly to say.
—I'd like to, but I have a light stomach. I'll eat downstairs at the vegetarian restaurant —said Winona.
—Well, it's easy when you go to a place that serves the best asparagus soup you'll ever taste—so smooth it almost melts in your mouth. And then there's the rich bed of chicken and vegetables that makes your mouth water —Billy replied, gently taking her arm, persuading her with an ease that seemed born out of the way everyone else looked slightly flustered.
—Just like that, now I'm hungry —sighed Winona, walking alongside Billy for ten minutes until they arrived at a small spot with only three tables. They spent the time chatting, relaxed. A few people seemed to recognize them, but nothing unfortunate happened—Billy, as usual, handled everything with his characteristic brilliance.
—I don't think we can leave through the front door —Winona said, quite certain that walking outside would be difficult for the next fifteen days.
—Let's leave that to the people who'll be stepping out the front door in the future —Billy sighed, glancing at the paparazzi, lurking in pairs like wolves, grouped close together—ten or so in total. Some more seemed to arrive. He loved the '90s, but even then, news traveled fast on the radio.
—A few photos, and now every day feels heavier. Our lunches have been reduced to takeout orders. I want crepes for tomorrow —Billy complained, knowing all too well the frustration of waiting for food or for something that doesn't quite satisfy.
—They'll leave after they get a few pictures. Then, cross your fingers that they don't sell them—or better yet, feed them a story so dull they'll think, "What a waste, I didn't even see that coming" —Winona replied.
—A pity the asparagus soup was swapped out for this tomato one —Billy grumbled, tasting the dry toast with a bit of pâté, a tangy flavor that he softened with some salad—a good, fresh salad.
—Heavier than I'd like, and a bit much for a vegetarian menu —Winona murmured, savoring the cubes of cheese with cherry tomatoes, a few olives, and that rich, hearty tomato soup.
—Well, I think that's a bit too little —Billy said, taking a long sip of his glass of wine. —I'll need an extra serving of pasta —he added, not satisfied with just the chicken strips in his salad.
We ordered appetizers—those puréed empanadas with extra sauce and a sprinkle of parsley. Four of them served with cubes of the house's special gelatin over a bed of toasted corn and extra wheat, accompanied by a good spicy sauce.
—I'm running late —sighed Winona, realizing her lunch break had vanished in an instant. Now she was late for her shift, regretting that she couldn't stay longer.
—Don't worry, I'll settle the bill and try the coffee here —Billy replied.
...