TO HAVE & HAVE NOT

31

Johnny

It was a perfect night, enveloped in a serene warmth that seemed to echo the rhythm of the soundtrack of our lives, and on the drive back to my place, Olivia and I found ourselves completely immersed in the musical embrace of Bob Marley.

The soothing yet invigorating beats filled the car as we belted out his famous lyrics, our voices harmonizing spontaneously, and in that moment, it felt as though we were the only two people in the world. I truly appreciated that Olivia was as enchanted by Bob Marley's music as I was; it gave our connection an even deeper layer, forging a bond that resonated with the spirit of our loved songs.

However, the euphoric vibe we had cultivated was abruptly interrupted when the music paused momentarily due to Olivia's phone ringing. I glanced at her screen and noticed the name "Carlos" flashing across it. Despite the revelation being an expected part of her life—given that they were in a relationship—I felt a jolt of irritation surge through me when she swiftly rejected the call and returned to the rhythm of Marley.

It was a strange and unwelcome emotion, jealousy blooming uninvited in the back of my mind. Why did the thought of Carlos, a figure I barely knew, gnaw at my subconscious? I had no interest in a romantic entanglement with Olivia; our friendship was special and fulfilling, just as it was.

Yet, as we sang along to "Three Little Birds," a nagging whisper in my thoughts began to wonder whether maybe, deep down, I wanted something more than mere companionship with her. Was it possible that my heart was battling between the security of friendship and the thrilling uncertainty of love?

As Olivia walked me up to my door, we both couldn't help but hum along to the soothing melodies of Bob Marley, the music effortlessly wrapping around us like a warm embrace in the cool evening air.

The rhythmic beats matched the lightness in our hearts as we arrived, laughter still hanging in the air from the fun we'd shared with her friends earlier that night. Standing in front of my door, I turned to face her, our eyes dancing with joy, and I took her soft, small hands in mine, feeling the warmth radiate between us. "Thank you for tonight, Olivia. I had a lot of fun with you. And your friends are great," I said, my smile broadening as her face lit up.

With a playful glimmer in her eyes, she quipped, "They didn't scare you?"

To which I quickly replied, "God no! They're great. I enjoyed it. Thank you."

Our conversation flowed seamlessly, punctuated by the shared warmth of a short hug that lingered, both reluctant to break the moment. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. You'll come back and hang out with us, right?" she asked, her expression hopeful and inviting.

"Of course!" I promised, the sincerity in my voice echoing my enthusiasm.

"I'll see you on set," she continued, her eyebrows narrowing as if to gauge my dedication.

I felt a rush of affection, not wanting to pull away from her but knowing the moment was slowly ending. "I promise I will not be late this time!" I exclaimed with a cheeky smirk that brought another laugh from her.

"We'll just have to see about that," she teased, playfully tapping my chest with her finger, sending me a small jolt of adrenaline. "Goodnight, Steve!" she called out, her voice imbued with a playful lilt as she winked, leaving me momentarily speechless at how adorable she was.

"Goodnight, Slim!" I finally managed to reply, chuckling at the affectionate nickname that had become our little inside joke.

As I stood in the dim light of the hallway, the weight of the evening lingered pleasantly in my mind, a soft echo of laughter shared with Olivia just moments ago. The elevator doors had closed with a quiet chime, and I had turned to unlock my front door, anticipation bubbling when Steve's voice pulled me from my reverie.

"Hmmm," he hummed, a playful sound that invited curiosity, a pint of ice cream in hand, a mischievous glint in his eye. As I spun around to face him, that familiar grin spread across his face as he pointed to the now-empty elevator, his teasing question hanging like a playful challenge. "What's going on there?" he prodded, his gaze flicking between me and the elevator, clearly enjoying the banter as he helped himself to another spoonful of ice cream right from the pint.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his unexpected arrival, quipping back, "What are you doing lurking behind walls, listening in on my conversations?"

The jest lingered lightly between us, teasing yet comfortable—a hallmark of our friendship. With a nonchalant shrug, he responded, "I was just coming to check on you," reminding me of our usual dynamic where he took on the role of the concerned friend, even when my thoughts were dancing with joyful memories.

"I'm fine. Thank you," I assured him, though I sensed the keen observation in his eyes.

"Yeah, I see that. You look very happy tonight," he noted, the corner of his mouth lifting knowingly.

The warmth of his words made me smile even wider as I thought back on my time spent with Olivia, her laughter infectious and her presence uplifting. "Yeah, I am feeling a bit happy," I admitted softly, the truth of my emotions bubbling up like a well-timed confession.

"From the girl, I suppose," Steve's smirk deepened, and even this playful jab didn't faze me.

I turned to unlock the door, responding, "She's a friend," with a hint of playful dismissal.

Still, I could feel his eyes sparking with mischief, questioning the very foundation of my words. "Aren't they all in the beginning?" he tested, pushing me slightly but with a jesting tone that made it lighthearted.

"She's a friend and costar. Nothing more," I insisted, my back to him as I finally pushed the door open, the threshold of my haven beckoning.

"Yet," his voice rang out, an echo of suggestion that stopped me.

Against my better judgment, I turned slightly, preparing to let his comment slide, yet it lingered in the air like an unresolved chord of a song. "Goodnight, Steve," I called out, my tone firmly playful, but I could still feel the weight of his gaze as I stepped inside, shutting the door softly behind me, leaving the encouraging banter and speculation on the other side—a reminder of the evening, and all the uncharted territory it hinted at for the days to come.