TO HAVE & HAVE NOT

30

Johnny

The atmosphere at the table was warm and lively, filled with the flickering glow of candlelight and the soft hum of laughter that floated in the air. I couldn't help but lean in closer as the conversation unfolded, curious about the origins of this eclectic group.

"So, how did you all meet one another?" I asked, genuinely intrigued.

"Fin and I met Olivia through Sam," Selena replied, her voice ringing with a casual confidence that belied the myriad of stories lurking beneath the surface.

"And I met Olivia at an acting class in downtown LA when we first got to LA years ago," Sam interjected, her eyes sparkling as memories danced behind them. "You know what she said once?" Her grin widened, and I sensed we were on the verge of an amusing revelation.

I leaned back in my chair, narrowing my eyes playfully while a grin crept across my face, eager to hear more, "She said you were her favorite actor. So it's crazy I get to see this unfold," Sam continued, the playful tone of her voice pricking up my ears.

My gaze darted toward Olivia, now sporting a bright crimson on her cheeks, clearly caught off guard by the spotlight. "You said that? When was that?" I asked, truly intrigued, as Olivia squirmed slightly in her seat, the hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips despite the embarrassment.

"It was years ago!" Sam exclaimed, her enthusiasm almost contagious.

As the warm light of the dining room enveloped us, Tommy shared how he came to know Olivia. "I used to work as a director on Broadway, and there was this girl who wouldn't stop sneaking in to clean the floors just to catch a glimpse of the auditions and rehearsals," he began, his eyes sparkling with memories. "She went about her secret mission for months, quietly absorbed in the art and passion swirling around her. One of my colleagues noticed her devotion and brought her to my attention. Reluctantly but intrigued, I gave her a chance and hired her. Then, one day, I asked her to show me her skills as if she were cast in the same role. I realized this was where she truly belonged when she stepped on stage." Tommy's excitement was palpable as he continued, "It was phenomenal! I still can't believe how effortlessly she pulled it off; the energy in the room shifted, and I remember looking out into the audience and seeing every face lit up with amazement. In that instant, I knew this girl was destined for greatness, and I was lucky enough to be the first to witness her talent."

With an air of pride, Amara said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm, "I've known her the longest, but that's only because she's my older sister. You can imagine the chaos she brought into my life! After school, she would terrorize me by acting out scenes from every movie and show she loved, and I swore I would go crazy with her dramatic flair. But hey," she grinned, "at least it paid off!"

The table erupted in laughter, the sound ringing through the air, mixing with our food's aroma and camaraderie's warmth.

The night had ended, and the warmth of laughter and shared moments lingered in the air as we all began to part ways, "Come back, okay?" Selena said to me with a smile before she hugged me tightly.

"I will," I promised, hugging her back.

Fin said enthusiastically, "Our game nights are better than this; you have to come to that," a playful challenge laced in his words as he and Selena exchanged knowing glances, clearly looking forward to the next gathering.

"It's so good to meet you finally!" Sam exclaimed, her energy contagious as she enveloped me in another enthusiastic hug.

"Likewise," I replied, my smile spreading as I felt the genuine warmth of friendship radiating from her.

"See you around," Nate said warmly before he and Sam slipped past me.

"Bye, Johnny!" Amara chirped, her resemblance to Olivia striking me—both radiated the same infectious grin that brightened the room.

Finally, Tommy approached, his smile wide, and hugged me tightly. "Thank you for coming," he said, his gratitude ringing true amidst the soft sounds of the night.

"Thank you for hosting me," I replied, feeling a swell of appreciation for the evening's gathering.

The atmosphere was electric, with promises of future meetups and the bonds we had formed over shared stories and laughter.

As Olivia and I made our way out, Tommy shouted, "See you two on set!" his voice echoed with excitement.

As Olivia and I began our drive back to my house, the warmth of her smile sent a rush of comfort through me. She turned to me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, and asked, "What are you thinking about?"

"Oh, nothing," I waved it off, trying to appear nonchalant, but I could feel the grin tugging at my lips—it was impossible to hide my delight in her presence.

"It's something," she insisted, playfully nudging my arm, her touch sending a flutter through me.
I hesitated for a moment, weighing my words.

"I was just thinking," I started, my voice softening, "how I'll never... I'll never forget this night with you. It's so simple, yet so profound. Thank you for allowing me to see who you truly are and for welcoming me into your world, sharing the people who have shaped you. It means a lot to me."

As we exchanged glances, an electric tension crackled between us. I wanted nothing more than to lean in and kiss her, to bridge that gap and let her know exactly how I felt. But reality crashed over me like a wave. We were costars, friends, and she was taken. The boundaries felt painfully clear, yet my heart was so eager to ignore them.

"You're one of us now," she finally broke the silence, her tone light and teasing, but I could sense the depth beneath her words.

"So I'm an add-on?" I quipped back, raising an eyebrow. "Olivia Moore's plus one?"

"Oh God, you've worked so hard to be my plus one," she teased, a laugh bubbling between us that made my heart soar.

"I'll take it," I replied with a mock seriousness, "gladly, without any complaints."

"Yeah?" She shot me a playful smirk. "Well, if you insist, then I suppose I can't deny you."

"Please don't," I countered, my voice light with laughter, grinning from ear to ear, clearly reveling in the easy banter we shared.

Who was I even kidding at this point? I was falling head over heels for her. It was as if every shared laugh, every lingering glance wrapped me tighter in the web of my feelings. And honestly? At that moment, even if I had the ability to hold back, I don't think I would want to.

It felt like a revelation after a long time of wandering in the desert of my heart. I had missed this—this intoxicating swirl of emotions that Olivia ignited within me. But there was something uniquely captivating about her—a blend of kindness, humor, and depth—that bound my heart to hers, firmly anchoring me in a feeling I couldn't shake. Each moment spent with her only deepened my admiration, and despite the obstacles that loomed in our path, I knew I was ready to embrace whatever this connection could become.