The woes of Hollywood are masked by a turbulent city full of life aion... It was strahat reservations at restaurants weren’t necessary; just stepping out of the car aing ready, they were promptly offered a table for the three of them, even if the restaurant was full. Some of the diners g them with curiosity, as they shared the same space as these stars. The two women each had their way of expressing their allure.

  The dining room acious, with numerous round tables scattered throughout the pce. It was incredible how this type of restaurant created su appealing ambiance for the patrons. On a tral stage, a band pyed musi-stop, drawing in the crowd with popur tunes, some cssic melodies, and the deep, resonant notes of a cello that pierced through everyone in the room.

  White tablecloths, along with glittering silver and gold decorations, adorhe tables, plemented by a floral terpiece featuring blue, yellow, white, and violet flowers.

  -It’s been a while since we went out to eat,- Mónica remarked, looking at the menu.

  -In Italy, less than a month ago,- Billy responded, sing the menu filled with curious dishes, such as a vegetable starter, asparagus gazpacho followed by risotto sprinkled with lemo and a pinch of sea salt. The risotto came with seafood on the side, a red whiskey sauce, and a two-yer chocote cake with strawberry shavings and a bckberry sauce that made the dish look irresistible.

  -Here’s a little secret: Billy doesn’t like these types of restaurants because they never fill him up... I think the portions are just right, but if it’s not a hefty pieeat, he ’t be satisfied,- Mónica fided to Winona, who nodded, listening ily. They were already discussing opening an Italiaaurant in San Jose, part of a new franchise. But this time, it would be different; they weren’t aiming for fast food, but gourmet dining. The menu would ge monthly, and the dishes would be prepared by a chef trained for this level of cuisine.

  -Billy says Spanish and Thai food will do well in the market, just like Mexi, but he’s waiting to see how things py out,- Mónica added. For those who didn’t know, she had nearly pleted her w degree in Italy, and while she might appear to be just a bystander, she participated in Billy’s iations from a privileged position.

  -That sounds iing. Billy always has these strange ventures; it’s national news every time he starts a new pany,- Winona said.

  The rge eyes of the women exged gnces, each having much to say.

  ***

  After dihey headed to a small club, which had once beloo Winona’s ex-boyfriend, Johnny Depp. Not far from the restaurant, it had been sold in 1994 and bought by an outstanding businessman. After correg past mistakes, the club had been pletely renovated. Now it was a fully-fledged establishment where many stars gathered. There rivate sed floor for VIPs, pletely separated from the main area, with special seating even for bodyguards.

  -Ohhhh, there are so many familiar faces,- Winona ented, notig the well-known stars who had joihe se. Even some non-industry folks, engrossed in their worlds, could be spotted. Julia Roberts was sharing a table with Michelle Pfeiffer, Kate Guinzburg, and, surprisingly, the young Drew Barrymore.

  roups were present too, though Billy didn’t fully reize them. Acc to the unwritten rules, it was plicated for someoside the industry to ehis pce, but that’s just how things worked at "Búho Stars," the newly baptized ve was a grand project, but even so, the idea of an even more exclusive area seemed iing.

  They took a seat at a distant table, the red leather chairs surrounding a gss-topped marble table, with ashtrays and cheap dy mints in a small basket. They ordered three bottles of water, a bottle of wine, and an exquisite Bourbon. The dance floor was dimly lit, with multicolored lights, especially a white haze trasting against the LED lights embedded in the gss tiles. The music was cssic with uones; DJs were still a thing of the future, and live music or lous were more on. Here, they alternated between a jazz band, rock, and a pylist that lightehe mood for the performers.

  At one point, Winona disappeared, while Mónica swayed softly with Billy.

  -We should go to Min one day and attend a masquerade, maybe even Paris. Do somethiing—ugh, live, and embrace happiness,- Mónica suggested.

  Billy’s eyes locked onto hers, shining with iy. They daogether for a while in the club. Although the primary goal was to rex and have a good time, there was always the possibility of a meeting or simply enjoying the night. For instance, Julia Roberts, freshly divorced after a long-term retionship, was enjoying herself, mingling and chatting with others.

  -It seems like you want to book my schedule for the en years,- Billy said.

  Her doe-like eyes were incredibly expressive.

  -I’d like to, I’m envious... Would you share your time with me?- Mónica asked, using a subtle teique, but Billy only nodded.

  It was often safe to let moments speak for themselves, and though her words were sweet, they carried a hint of itment. For that reason and others, they tio dance slowly in a show of panionship.

  However, some trust and secrecy lihree months together felt too soon for both of them.

  ...

  Winona was chatting with Drew Barrymore, advang gossip and dark secrets that arose from fears about the ret enter ihroom doorway, even though it wasn’t discussed directly. The versation wasn’t unfortable, and Drew’s gossip could be trusted to some extent, but it was not exclusive—her stant barbs and off-color jokes were well known.

  -So, he’s Billy Carson,- Michael Pfeiffer ented, who khe guy casually.

  -Hollywood’s wealthiest wallet,- Drew said with a chuckle, earning some smiles from the women at the table. The owner of a successful animation pany, Apple, a purchaser of the Golden State Warriors, he was a magnate in every sense, not someone easily overlooked by industry women. Julia’s eyes were shy and somewhat relut, but even she couldn’t deny that a magnate wasn’t charming. Evehout many sdals, young and willing, was something she found appealing. She needed a wild fling tet her troubles, and if it came with all the luxuries, that was eveer.

  -Stop being rude,- Winona murmured.

  Drew stuck out her tongue.

  -However, you’re n. He is the wealthiest wallet in Hollywood...- Drew whispered, her eyes provocative. She could do as she pleased, adapting to things that wereirely right. Drew had a moral pass, albeit a loose one, and perversions she uood better than most. Winona was well aware of the situation at the table; a separate table for some younger guests had bee up. They didn’t dare approach, and some didn’t know Billy very well, but the visible presence of the bodyguard made it clear that there were issues with the new guest.

  -I miss you, but you’ve been so itted that I haven’t had the ce to relive our fun times. Sadly, we don’t have time to see each other,- Winona said to Michelle. They had known each other from the time they worked on the film The Age of Innoce, and through that film, they formed a deep friendship. Michelle had always taught the young, inexperienced Winona many things.

  -Darling, don’t overthink it. You are and will always be my friend. I’m too mature for these youthful escapades... Besides, we could have a small get-together... I introduce you to David, who is a remarkable man,- Michelle said, hugging the brue.

  -Right now, we’re w on a film with your friend Cire Danes, a very talented young woman, - Michelle added.

  The music reached its peak around 11 p.m. The club was at its busiest, and the women danced in their spots, g the se while very few dared to step into the oppressive circle of the famous.

  Iingly, Drew had a brief marriage of one year with a young man.

  ...