TO HAVE & HAVE NOT

66

Olivia

In our hotel room, we were attended to by an entire team of professionals, each one dedicated to ensuring that we looked nothing short of spectacular. Hair stylists arranged my locks into an elegant updo, while makeup artists worked magic on my face, applying shimmering eyeshadow and glossy lipstick that popped against my outfit. Johnny, too, was being fussed over, his outfit tailored perfectly to accentuate his striking features. Once the final touches were in place, we stepped out of our hotel, excitement buzzing in the air.

We climbed into the back of a sleek, dark vehicle that seemed to glisten in the city lights, and as the driver navigated through the bustling streets, I felt a thrill with every turn closer to the venue. Anticipation hung heavy as we arrived at the event, and the moment the doors swung open to let us out, we were met with a barrage of flashes and shouts from dedicated fans. It was as if the world had turned into a canvas of lights and sounds, with fans screaming wildly and cameras clicking incessantly, capturing this glamorous moment.

Johnny was quick to help me out of the car. He took my hand, guiding me through the crowd that had gathered, his presence calming amidst the chaos. I glanced up at him, grateful for his support; I could tell he was just as aware of the attention surrounding us as I was. He smiled reassuringly, and together, we waved at the ecstatic crowd, soaking in the energy. While I was thrilled about being at Fashion Week—a dream come true for someone as passionate about fashion as I was—I was also acutely aware that Johnny was fueled by loyalty and affection for me. It was a sweet gesture that warmed my heart.

As the event progressed, we managed to slip out through the back without being engulfed by the attention any further. The after-party was calling—Carbone, a hotspot for celebrities, promised an evening filled with eclectic conversations and laughter. Once we entered the venue, the atmosphere pulsed with excitement, a cocktail of familiar and new faces. We mingled amongst the crowd, sharing laughs and stories. However, as I scanned the room, my stomach dropped. There he was—Leo who came with his own set of complications. And to make matters worse, standing near him was CeCe, a woman whose presence had always sent shivers down my spine in the worse ways possible.

"Johnny!" CeCe exclaimed, her smile wide as she approached us, her arm outstretched for a tight hug. To my dismay, Johnny reciprocated the gesture, laughing lightly.

"It's like we keep running into each other!" he chuckled, his voice lighthearted, completely oblivious to my discomfort. "After years of hardly ever seeing each other, here we are."

"I know! I was just heading out," she beamed. "Good to see you two!"

Just as I was attempting to collect myself, my heart sank further when she turned to leave and called out to... him.

Mr. Waters.

The very man who had taken my virginity in exchange for a measly role in a film. A wave of disgust washed over me; I could feel my pulse quicken as he approached. That smirk on his face was revolting, and all I could think of was the power he wielded over me in our past. As he linked his arm with CeCe's, they walked out together, leaving me reeling from shock.

"I can't breathe," I managed to whisper, my heart pounding in my chest, a sense of panic creeping over me. Johnny looked at me, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Olivia, Olivia, what's wrong?" he asked frantically, his eyes darting around the room, searching for answers.

My gaze flickered to his, attempting to gather my thoughts, but my mind was clouded. I couldn't tell him the truth—couldn't admit how deeply Mr. Waters' presence affected me. "It's just... so many people," I stammered, forcing the words out.