(Gui's POV)
I finished telling Thomas about the Tidal Conference. I felt like all of the weight was off my shoulders as I waited for a reply. Thomas stared at me for a second.
-We did what?!!
He asked loudly while he looked at me with extreme confusion.
I sighed loudly as the driver looked back at us with his black sunglasses because of the noise Thomas made.
-Sorry...
I told the driver. He quickly turned around so he wouldn't remember what we looked like.
-Thomas, I'm not kidding. We still have a life now. We're going to take part in a serious event. It'll bring all us artists together and hopefully keep our music alive. Just follow me on this one ok?
I asked him.
-Ok, but what exactly do we say?
He asked.
-Its simple, just say something inspiring about today's music.
I told him.
-Hey, can you turn the radio on?
I asked the driver. He turned the dial immediately and some rap came on.
We both sat in silence for a minute.
-You want me to talk about how this is inspiring?
Asked Thomas in a disgusted tone.
-Listen, you just need to be there and make it look like you're trying ok?
I asked him.
-Fine...
He said. We pulled up in front of Jay Z's driveway where people were already noticing all of the celebrities. There were security guards everywhere and the air smelled like fresh chlorine.
-Helmets on.
Said the driver. Thomas and I did what he said and opened our doors. Cameras were flashing so I put my hands in front of my face. But who was I? I was Gui-man de Homem-Christo. I didn't let the paparazzi make me feel ashamed. In fact I quite often posed for the camera. I did exactly so until Thomas caught himself needing to stare at me so he could follow me into the house.
-Welcome, Welcome.
Said Jay Z. I was so happy I almost spoke to him but everything was different now and I couldn't do that.
Jay handed us some drinks and made a toast to music. Everyone was laughing and smiling but I felt lost in slow motion as the seconds passed by. Thomas seemed the same. He must have been practicing for his speech. He was always the one talking and I always felt bad for not doing the work. Well, actually, I did help with the music so I guess it didn't matter. Hours passed and so did dinner time . Jay raised his glass yet again to music and the artists started to make their speeches. The camera followed their every word until finally, Thomas' turn came. The slow motion feeling stopped. I suddenly felt nervous for my best friend. All of these young people who looked up to him would finally get to see his face. The camera man turned off the Camera for a moment. Thomas took off his helmet slowly as the artists clapped and cheered. Thomas started off with his intro as the crowd listened intently. After a minute he finally came up with something so the camera was back on but pointed at his helmet so the public wouldn't see his face.
-We are looking at the 70's and artists (who were) the icons and how the iconic elements are tech companies that think artists are products. Artists are not products. If our society decides to come together and really emphasize that, you know, It could be like a crazy avengers of music type thing.
He says as the camera is rolling. The audience chuckles and the camera man stops again.
-That's it everyone
He says with a tired tone. Everyone gets up from the table and heads for the hallway. Thomas and I stay behind at the table to wait for the crowd to clear out. I sit next to Thomas who still has his helmet off and is standing at the empty table. I took my helmet off and put it on the table beside him.
-Where did that speech come from?
I asked. Thomas stared at the table for a moment.
-My heart.
He replied. It was almost as if he missed being on the mission while he said it. I sat in silence.
-We have to go.
I told him. We put our helmets back on and headed for the door.
-Thanks for coming guys.
Said Jay. I gave him a wave goodbye as we exited. Thomas walked forward as if he hadn't heard him. We then jumped into the limo on our way home.
-Do you miss her?
I asked Thomas.
-Maybe I do.
He replied with a shrug.
-Maybe if we go to the studio we'll be able to figure things out.
I told him. He nodded and got his phone out. He dialed a number, took his helmet off and held the phone up to his head.
-Hello, yea I'm going to stop by the studio with Gui, I may be home a bit later than we though.
He started.
-oh ok, yes I'll do that. Ok bye.
He hung up the phone and put it in his pocket.
-Its good.
He told me.
