TO HAVE & HAVE NOT

2

JOHNNY

I was so excited to be back on the movie scene, and the anticipation coursed through me like an electric current as I walked into the table read, ready for the production of what promised to be a remarkable film.

My script was clutched tightly in my hand, the paper warm from the anticipation of the upcoming scenes and the potential they held. As I scanned the room, I spotted Collin, the director and a close friend who had been my ally through thick and thin in this industry. "Collin! Good to see you!" I exclaimed, my voice bubbling enthusiastically as we exchanged a heartfelt hug. "How are you doing?" I asked, genuinely wanting to know how life had been treating him.

"I'm well," he replied, his face lighting up with a smile. "How are you doing? You look good! How's the kids?"

A sense of joy washed over me at the mention of my children. "We're all doing fantastic," I beamed, recalling the delightful time we had spent together before they headed back to France. "They were just here for vacation, but they've returned to France now."

Our conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with the warmth of friendship and shared passion for film. "I just want to thank you for taking this role. I can't imagine anyone else playing Bogart. I knew when this script came up, I wouldn't put it on the screen if you weren't willing to be Bogart," he declared with an earnestness that touched my heart.

I felt pride and gratitude as I responded, "You know I would take the role in a heartbeat. It means so much to me that you have decided to put this into action." Collin's faith in me bolstered my excitement further.

He gestured toward the coffee station, saying, "Grab some coffee and get comfortable. We're just waiting for everyone to arrive."

I nodded, feeling the vibrant energy in the air. As I wandered over to greet others in the room, I felt the familiar thrill of camaraderie that exists on a movie set, the shared hopes and creative ambitions. Finally, I settled into a chair, cradling a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and my precious script in the other, ready to dive in.

As I was fully immersed in the script, the atmosphere around me shifted dramatically with Collin's enthusiastic exclamation, "Olivia! My Darling! So good to see you!" My gaze lifted from the pages I had been pouring over, and I witnessed the heartfelt reunion between the two, their embrace full of warmth and familiarity.

Olivia's face lit up with a radiant smile that instantly seemed to brighten the entire room, and her apology for being late floated through the air, reassuring and sweet.

"Oh, don't worry. We're waiting on one more person," Collin replied, his tone casual yet inviting, before gesturing towards the coffee station, telling her to help herself and get comfortable.

As I sat back, my eyes followed Olivia as she meandered around the room, exchanging pleasantries and greetings with others. The undeniable allure of her presence drew me in: her long, dark brown hair cascading over her shoulders, her sunkissed skin giving the impression of warm summer days, and her deep brown eyes sparkling with vivacity. When she finally approached me, I instinctively stood, a mixture of excitement and admiration bubbling within me. She extended her hand, her smile disarming and genuine as she introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Olivia."

Momentarily taken aback by her charm, I replied, "It's nice to meet you. I'm Johnny."

To my surprise, her eyes widened, and she gushed, "It's such an honor. I'm a huge fan."

A chuckle escaped me, merging disbelief and delight, as I responded, "Really? Well, thank you."

Taking our seats side by side, I felt a spark of connection, and the words slipped from my lips, "My daughter is your biggest fan. She almost fainted when she found out about the movie."

A soft chuckle escaped Olivia, her enthusiasm infectious as she replied, "No way! Bring her to set one day. We'll have a girls' day."

A wave of gratitude washed over me at the mere thought, and I responded earnestly, "Oh, she'll love that."

Just then, Collin's voice broke through the amiable chatter, "Should we get started?" signaling the transition from personal exchanges to the professional atmosphere awaited us.

After the table read, I called the kids, eager to hear their voices and catch up on their day. "Hey, kiddies! How's it going?" I said with a lighthearted tone as I walked towards my car.

"We're good, Dad. Where are you?" Lily, always curious, chimed in, her voice bright and bubbly through the speaker.

"I'm just leaving work," I replied with a smirk. "How was your exam?" I asked.

"Mom told you about that?" She responded, a mixture of surprise and embarrassment lacing her words.

I smiled and nodded in affirmation, feeling the joy of being privy to their daily lives. "She made a C, Dad!" Jack shouted through the video call, his delivery mixed with playful mockery.

"A C+!" Lily swiftly defended herself, rolling her eyes at Jack's teasing.

"Come on, you can do better than a C+!" I said playfully, knowing she was capable of much more.

"School is lame, Dad. I want to be a movie star," Lily sighed dramatically, her aspirations glowing brightly in her young heart.

I chuckled as I finally entered my car, the world outside bustling with activity, "You've got time for movies. Do well in school right now, and you can come to set with me."

The excitement in her voice was palpable as she squealed, "Oh my god! Dad! Okay, I'll be sure to do better!" I could practically see her bouncing in her seat. "Tell me how she was! Was she nice?" Lily asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

"Yes, she's lovely," I recalled fondly.

"What does she smell like?" Jack asked, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as if he had uncovered some grand secret. I couldn't suppress the laughter that escaped me, the innocence and humor of their questions reminding me of how precious these moments were.