road

may 2.

Mila handed over her boarding pass. The beautiful girl stood out like a colorful butterfly in a gray office. Some men couldn't help but stare at the girl lost in her daydreams. The farewell was brief and simple, but Mila's dreamy appearance could suggest otherwise. As she floated above the others, it was a sign that the melancholy of love had knocked on her door. In the airplane seat, she sighed charmingly, catching the attention of her seatmate, an older woman with only a few grays in her otherwise black hair.

The brief goodbye between Mila and Billy. Billy pondered while thinking about the things he had to do; making the most of time is always something to do when you have a thousand things to do.

-Must be wonderful, - said the woman, her lipstick-red lips and a strong facade giving her the appearance of a businesswoman.

-Excuse me, - Mila said, coming out of her daydream.

-The boy who makes you sigh. I think the last time I sighed like that was when my ex-husband cleaned the house. It must be wonderful for you not to notice that you're in the wrong seat. By the way, call me Hazel, - the woman said.

-I... I'm so sorry, - Mila said, checking her seats. Indeed, she sat in seat 23B when her place was 22 B.

-Don't worry; I couldn't help but be surprised at first. But then I saw your printed happiness and decided to move aside. You know, it's comforting to see that youthful love, - Hazel said.

The plane didn't take long to take off. Mila watched the emptiness vanish with memories of a recording, a job that didn't seem like a job, and the memories of her evenings with Bill Darwin, who initially seemed like just another person, indifferent to the entire casting and ignoring anyone who approached him. But mysteriously, his talent was undeniable, the naturalness to portray Daniel Jackson and his peculiarities were top-notch for Mila, who had played some roles, and even in acting school, Billy stood out.

-I think he's a very interesting guy, but I doubt our future relationship. Hollywood is one of the biggest barriers, and she knows the particular problems of the showbiz world, - Mila said.

Hazel's eagle-like eyes shook their heads. - Girl, you're beautiful. If that boy doesn't jump for you after two drinks, let them take my house, - she said.

***************************************************

Ring. -

Billy calls Anne Hall.

-Anne. It's me, Billy, - the boy said from a seat at the airport, tapping the floor with his right foot in something akin to urgency. He had many things to do in the next few hours, like checking his sports bets and how many had dared; a $300,000 bet wasn't a joke.

-Billy, nice to meet you. I assume there's no problem with the flight scheduled for tomorrow, - Anne said.

-No... no problem. I was just wondering if there's any extraordinary event with the comic sales, - Billy said.

Anne sighed, thinking he would ask about Lucasfilm.

-Oh well, Evangelion was mentioned in The New York Times and some other newspapers two days ago. It's one of the best comic stories since 1970, and the positive reviews have generated some attention from the press and fans. Also, our latest release yesterday sold 323,000 copies in an afternoon, according to our sources, but it hasn't been confirmed if it's more or less. Besides, the trailer for The Lion King, and of course, next week, some of our series will be up for review, - Anne said.

Trying to steer the conversation towards the monetary side and forget the hit from Lucasfilm.

-Thanks, Anne. I made the bets a few weeks ago; I'll see what I can get out of it. I'll be in touch, but we can continue with the usual procedure, - Billy said.

Anne's cheeks puffed up as she took a breath. Faced with Billy's irresponsible behavior. - You should pay attention and not think that money can solve everything, - Anne said.

-Forgive me, Anne, but we'll make a lot of money as we usually do. This time, I was more cautious than last year. I think I'm building a reputation in sports,- Billy said

-Very amusing. Tomorrow you'll have to be present at the meeting with Christopher Tolkien, and make sure to let Raimon take the lead; he's worked hard for this, along with Steve Parks. Also, I've already hired the inkers, editors, and letterers; seven have confirmed, and I'm waiting for two more. But the pay per day is good, so I don't think there will be any stragglers among the confirmed, - Anne said.

-You're my savior. How are Margot and Felicity? - Billy asked.

-All good. Margot is heaven; my paperwork has never been more organized, and I think I have more time for important things. As for Felicity, she's under Rachel's care while she adapts to the position. But you were right; the task system is perfect. Her last report comparing the best toy stores in San Jose was exquisite, and she proposed some insightful ideas, - Anne said.

-I'm glad to hear that. Say hello to Raimon for me and tell him to clear his evening. I have a new comic I want him to look at; it's something fantastic, and I need some opinions, - Billy said.

Anne nodded. - He'll be delighted. After all, he's the first to read all your volumes. I even think he keeps a more accurate count of your publications than Mr. Gorman, - Anne said, half in laughter, half in annoyance.

-Thanks, Anne. Remind me to give you a raise at the end of the year, - Billy said.

Anne shook her head, considering the Lucasfilm debacle. - Ha, some long vacations would be nice, regarding the salary, - Anne said.

She already earned a very good salary, and even after paying all her bills, there was money left. Last year, she paid off her house with the $10,000 bonus given by Billy for her excellent work, with the help of the company's real estate advisor.

-In June, it's vacation time for Lux Nation animators, but you can set aside a few days in December for a vacation. Anyway, Hotel Paraíso will always welcome you gladly, - Billy said.

Anne felt a bit uneasy at Billy's joke, considering her mistake and understanding. - I have to work. But, I'll plan something with the family, - Anne said.

Hotel Paraíso, even with constant zero-cost invitations for animators and company members, continued to turn a profit. It was surprising how much money hotels brought in during these times.

Billy left the airport; everything was finished, and only his curiosity about how the $300,000 bet on Brazil winning the 1994 World Cup had turned out remained.

-Excuse me, are you free? - Billy said to a taxi driver who was completely distracted. Since it was a weekday, the airport wasn't as chaotic as on weekends or during festive seasons.

-Oh, yes, come in, - the taxi driver said, looking at the young man.

The journey was short. Billy gave precise instructions to avoid the taxi driver taking the longest route. - What brings you around here? -the driver asked.

-Believe it or not, business, - Billy said.

-I see, I see, - the driver said, somewhat doubtful since the address was a casino. However, seeing the young man's semi-formal attire, he didn't deny the assertion.

As Billy ordered, the taxi driver quickly took him to the casino. Like a quick bet, he continued his way as the time to see how well the bet had been placed had arrived. It wasn't a surprise that there were six bets online.

...