TO HAVE & HAVE NOT

48

Johnny

Despite the fact that Olivia and I spent countless hours together every single day, relishing each moment, we had yet to define our relationship with a clear label. We occasionally discussed the dynamic between us, hinting at deeper feelings, but nothing was set in stone. I felt a growing need to take the next step and introduce her to Vanessa and the kids. It was of utmost importance to me that they not only accepted her but also embraced the idea of us being together. I was confident, without a doubt, that they would adore her just as much as I had come to cherish her, and so this meet and greet was slowly but surely in the works.

While I had managed to meet almost everyone significant in Olivia's life, the introductions had always been framed within the context of our work. I had been presented as her costar, her friend, never as something more intimate.

However, unbeknownst to me at that moment, Olivia had already confided in Tommy about us. This realization began to surface as we drove to Tommy's house for dinner. My hand held Olivia's firmly in a gentle grip, and I turned down the Bob Marley music that had been playing loudly in the background. I could feel her warm gaze piercing into mine.

"I just wanted to ask you something," I began, my voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of nervousness. "Before we go inside," I added, sensing the weight of the moment.

"Okay," she replied softly, her hand sliding up and down my arm in a soothing gesture. Her touch was electric, and at that moment, I could hardly concentrate on anything aside from the warmth radiating from her palm.

"Well, I was going to ask if you had told anyone about us," I started, my nerves bubbling to the surface as I formulated the question. "I mean, surely they must wonder why we're still hanging out after the movie and the press tour have wrapped up."

Olivia smiled gently, the kind of smile that felt both reassuring and encouraging. "We still have the Oscars to get through," she noted, and the mention of that prestigious event made my heart race. "But to answer your question, I have told Tommy. And everyone else kind of assumes it at this point. There's really no need to formally announce anything, especially considering we don't even have a title for ourselves yet."

I nodded, attempting to process her words. "Well, what did Tommy say?" I inquired, a hint of concern creeping into my voice.

Olivia sighed, her gaze shifting to the road ahead as if searching for answers in the asphalt. "He's just looking out for me," she said slowly. "Tommy has been there for me through so many ups and downs, and he's just trying to ensure that I'm happy and safe."

"I can't blame him for that," I replied, appreciating the concern of someone who cared so deeply for her. "I'm glad you have someone watching out for your best interests. But I promise you, I'm not a bad guy. I don't harbor any ill intentions," I stressed, hoping to ease any anxiety she might have.

"I know that," Olivia assured me, her eyes softening. "And I think he knows that too. You're like a giant teddy bear," she said, reaching over to kiss my cheek, making my heart flutter. "I think he's just worried that we're riding some high from the film and that it won't last. He's also a little nervous about the fact that you've been married and have kids, and I guess the age gap weighs on his mind too. There's so much we have to navigate in order to make this work, so he's just being cautious."

Pulling into the driveway of Tommy's house, I shifted the car into park and turned to face Olivia, my heart racing at how open we had become. She unbuckled her seat belt and leaned toward me, sweetly pulling my neck closer, her voice dripping with sincerity. "Trust me, Johnny. I don't care about any of those things. All I care about is our life together," she declared, sealing her words with a soft kiss on my lips. "We'll figure it all out together. Aren't the kids coming soon?"