Hollywood Art: System of sunnys

The two-hour flight from San Diego to San Jose left Billy completely exhausted. He had to make some purchases before accepting Alice's invitation. After all, he would be having dinner with Alice's parents, which, for Billy, was just another way to continue his relationship with Alice, which, for now, was improving.

-Come on, I'll take you to buy a gift for your father. Nothing better than a fine Glenfiddich Reserve from 1970, one of the best drinks I've had the opportunity to try, - said Thomas.

-Thank you, Dad, - said Billy.

They arrived at a much more elegant liquor store than the one he had visited with Raimon. This one had a formally dressed attendant. The place even had a classic ambiance with soft piano music.

-Mr. Thomas, I'm delighted you stopped by. We have a new arrival of Texan spirits that you might like, - the man said with a refined tone.

-Unfortunately, I'm in a bit of a hurry today, but we can meet later with more time. I have a special meeting. Do you have a Glenfiddich special for this occasion? - Thomas inquired.

-Perhaps you'd like a special reserve. Each one is aged 21 years in Caribbean rum casks. The Windsor's one is exceptional due to the type of oak used. Anyone will delight in the warm flavor that lingers on the palate. This one is special due to its preparation, - the eloquent employee explained.

-Sure, do you have any special offers? - asked Thomas.

-Of course, this one comes with a special drinking glass, featuring a small indicator for the number of milliliters consumed. It has its collectible seal and a beautiful coaster, - the employee said.

-Perfect, give me two, one as a gift, - Thomas decided.

The employee's eyes lit up with joy. Selling these bottles wasn't easy, and if he could sell two in one day, his sales for the month would start to commission.

-It would be a total of $6,355, - said the employee as he placed the bottles in a special black bag with shiny designs.

-Wow, that's quite expensive for a whiskey bottle! - remarked Billy as he saw the prices of the bottles. His father paid with a check, and the man could only smile.

-Son, there are even more expensive drinks out there. These are something to enjoy. Besides, if your girlfriend's father, as you said, enjoys whiskey, he'll be delighted with the gesture. There's nothing better than having a good relationship, - Thomas advised.

-I understand, I'm just amazed at the high prices. What do you think when I make $100 million, I'll buy a liquor store like this? - Billy said.

-Well, I don't know the price, but it's a massive investment, son. $100 million won't be enough. These places have a huge market. But we can go for a simpler one. Besides, your business is drawing, it's better to invest in your line, just as you've done, - Thomas explained.

-Of course, but I'll buy one later, - Billy replied.

One billion is the minimum; that's what it takes to buy a liquor store of that size.

-Let's go, we'll buy the flowers and head out. We're running out of time, - Thomas said, checking his watch. As expected, it was already 5:30 PM, and they had only half an hour to get to Alice's house.

Billy said goodbye to his father, holding a bouquet in his left hand and a bag in his right. He rang the doorbell and waited eagerly. Fortunately, he was only eight minutes late, which was good, considering the journey from San Diego wasn't as long as one might expect.

Alice's older sister, Melissa Davis, opened the door, wearing a long blue dress. They had dressed up for the dinner at their mother's request.

-Come in; dinner will be ready in a moment, - Melissa said, inviting him into the living room, where he had been once before.

-I brought a bouquet of roses; I hope you can give them to your mother or put them in a vase, - Billy said to Melissa. She gave an affirmative nod and went into the kitchen.

Alice came down immediately, giving him a warm and affectionate hug. She looked exceptionally beautiful in a long black dress. -- I missed you a lot, -- the young woman said.

-I missed you too. I've been quite busy; I apologize, - Billy replied, kissing her on the forehead, a gesture they had grown accustomed to. She continued hugging him, content but somewhat nervous.

-That doesn't matter much now, - Alice said.

-Your father? - Billy inquired.

-He's in his study. Come on, I have to introduce you. When you meet him, you'll understand a lot about him. My sister ratted me out, and he's been a little upset with you ever since my sister said you're just another, much more handsome, Austin, - Alice explained.

-Well, I brought a gift, based on your recommendations, but now I'm not so sure that gifting him a bottle of whiskey is the most appropriate choice, - Billy said.

-Come on; there won't be any problems. He'll be happy. You're the first one to give him anything, anyway, - Alice assured, leading him to her father's study. Robert Davis was seated at his desk, reviewing some letters and medical books.

His day brightened when he saw his dear Alice enter through the door. However, it only lasted a few seconds when he saw the young man that Melissa had described as the Tom Cruise of Notre Dame school.

The young man was undoubtedly a charmer. -- Father, this is Billy Carson, -- Alice said, delighted that her parents were finally meeting Billy. They would approve of him without any regrets; Billy was different from Austin and even some of her sister's past boyfriends. Billy stood out among all of them.

The room was a standard study with a built-in bookshelf. A small crystal vase with two glasses of yellow liquid sat on a small table, catching Billy's attention.

Billy walked up to Mr. Davis and extended his hand over the desk. -- I'm Billy Carson, sir, and it's a pleasure to meet you, --  the young man said.

-I'm Robert Davis, young man, - he replied. Mr. Davis scrutinized Billy from head to toe, but the sight of the young man dressed in a black suit with a white shirt helped ease some of Mr. Davis's initial thoughts. It was clear that Billy had dressed up for the dinner.

-I brought a little gift; I hope you like it, - Billy said, handing him the bag.

Alice couldn't help but give him a glance.

-Thank you, son, - he replied, placing the bag on his desk. -- Let's go; your mother must have everything ready by now, -- he added while adjusting his jacket, preparing to head to the dining area, having risen from his chair.

-Sure, Dad, we'll be right there, - Alice said, smiling at her father. As the youngest of the three siblings, she enjoyed the privileges of being the baby and her father's favorite.

-As for you, young man, stop bringing gifts to people. Come on, -- he said as they walked towards the dining area. -- I was thinking about something to get you not too long ago, and it was honestly frustrating. So, I decided to get you something you would need. Since you're an art enthusiast, I got you a special sketchbook. The pages are thicker, and you can use charcoal on them. Plus, if you're careful, you can even use watercolors, - Alice explained as she handed him a large sketchbook with an orange cover.

-You're very sweet, - Billy said, stealing a quick kiss.

Alice widened her eyes.  -Come on; we need to get to the table. Dad is grumpy, but it's Mom you have to watch out for. She'll ask you everything. I'd recommend answering vaguely to prevent her from asking again. Or if you do answer, keep it as short as possible, - Alice advised as she ran her fingers through Billy's hair to the side, as was her custom.

-Let's go down to eat before your dad thinks this young man is assaulting his sweet daughter, - Billy said, approaching Alice and tentatively whispering those words in her ear.

-Silly, - Alice whispered back.

Billy descended the long entrance staircase first, and Alice followed closely. However, she couldn't contain a silly laugh and reached the stairs. As she reached the staircase, Billy opened his arms, and Alice jumped into them.

-You're very strong, sir, - Alice said, perched on Billy's lap.

-Let's go, my dear lady, the food is waiting, - Billy said, gallantly raising his arm for Alice.

The table was set, and the family had gathered around it. Her father was in a foul mood at the head of the table. Melissa, Alice's sister, couldn't help but stifle a laugh, covering her mouth with her left hand, as her right was occupied with sipping some wine.

The mother observed them curiously. In her eyes, she hid a storm that would become more apparent later.

-Good evening, miss. I haven't had the pleasure of introducing myself. Billy Carson, at your service, - Billy said, offering a small smile to Alice's mother, who replied with an even brighter smile than his at first.

-I've heard so much about you that I feel like I know you as well as the students who attend Notre Dame High School. Our Alice hasn't stopped talking about you to all her friends. She has regained that happiness I remembered so well, - said Alice's mother, Grace Davis, formerly Wright.

-I'm glad Alice is happier. May I sit, Mrs. Davis? - Billy asked.

-My dear, please have a seat. You don't need to stand on ceremony. I've saved a spot to my left. Alice will be sitting next to you at the table, - Mrs. Davis replied, indicating the seat he should take.

-At first, I wanted to cook your favorite dish, but Alice told me about your Texan roots and how anything with meat might cheer you up. So, I decided to make a roast lamb with a spicy chili sauce. I hope you like it; this dish is especially for you, - Grace explained.

The metal trays were uncovered in the center of the table, revealing mashed potatoes, roast lamb, tomato salad, eggplant salad, and potato wedges. Grace's smile helped ease Billy's tension a little, and Alice gave his hand a slight squeeze; she was there to support him.

The meal continued in an uncomfortable silence, and Billy understood that it was much more challenging for Alice. Her two inattentive parents and an accusatory grandmother made it even harder, and her grandmother's gaze was hawk-like.

Alice ate very little, with a small piece of meat and salad on her plate. She cast a smile his way, but it was one she used when she was about to do something she found amusing.

-Darling, you have a bit of sauce on your cheek, - Alice said, wiping his cheek with her napkin.

Billy remembered the moment when she had wiped his cheek, and how she blushed and stammered as if it were the first time. In those moments, she had given him an endearing pout that he would never forget.

-Thank you, Alice, - Billy replied, trying to remain neutral and keep smiling.

-You two are so cute. My little girl hasn't stopped talking, and I'd like to clarify a few things. You see, Alice's last boyfriend was that boy, Austin, who only gave us headaches. We still believe that he's the reason our daughter relaxed her academic values, - Grace said.

-Mama! - Alice protested.

-I would be pleased to clarify, Mrs. Davis, - Billy said.

-Well, I have many points to address, but let's start with last Thursday night when you stayed over at our house, even in Alice's room. As you know now, I disapprove of such behavior based on my values and traditions. My little girl is not just any woman, and your conduct has caused disappointment for both me and my husband, - Grace stated, rather firmly. Billy nearly choked on the piece of lamb he was still chewing, and Alice's sister enjoyed the spectacle in silence.

Alice was now as embarrassed as she could be, not knowing what to say and feeling shocked. Her mother had never been so firm with other people, and she felt her mother was being somewhat unfair.

Grace's question left Billy somewhat speechless. He thought her questions would be different, not so blunt.

-Well, ma'am, although I consider it inappropriate to discuss these matters at the table, I regret my actions. On that day, I had some wine, and I was terrible with alcohol. It's not my preference to drink it, and I don't justify my actions. But when I realized it, I had fallen into a deep sleep, - Billy said.

-A young man who doesn't drink alcohol but conveniently happened to buy all the alcohol for the party, - Grace said.

-Well, you see, it's different. I was coming from work, and a colleague explained that parties should have a healthy amount of alcohol. I thought everyone would be partaking in the graduation celebration, but apparently, there was a divide, and fewer than half attended, much less than half. So, there was more alcohol than we could handle, primarily, - Billy explained.

-A young man with very charming words, -- she sarcastically intoned. -- You're on probation, and our little one must be safe from creeps. So, I hope for everyone's sake that you don't cause any harm, -- Grace stated firmly, her tone turning more venomous. Robert merely nodded in agreement. He couldn't have put it better himself.

-Well, ma'am, with all due respect that you deserve, it's something you should discuss with Alice and not with me. Besides, this isn't a job or a job interview, so please save your threats for the sake of everyone, - Billy responded, somewhat colder than usual.

-What are you talking about, young man? -- Robert Davis shouted. -- This is my table, my rules. -

-Well, sir, it seems I'm not welcome in this house. Thank you for the invitation. I should go, but everything was much appreciated, - Billy said, rising from his seat, much to the disbelief of Alice and Melissa.

-Wait, Billy, - Alice said, following him.

Billy turned to look at Alice, tears streaming down her face. -- Alice, don't worry. Just talk to your parents. We can continue seeing each other once all of this is over, -- Billy said.

Without any intention of returning to Alice's house.

...

this is another new chapter, we are closer to the end of the first arc, and the second arc begins. my Patreon is at chapter 155, so far, good day.