---
The first day of shooting was long and tiring, but he enjoyed it. When Johnny first got into acting, he was merely doing it to help pay his bills, but after a while, it became something he thoroughly enjoyed. The director was an Oscar winner, and his co-star was a former supermodel-turned-actress. The film was a drama, and after he had read the script, he signed up for the part. The first scene he had to shoot was an action sequence, so as the first day ended, his muscles became tense and stiff. Of course, he had worked out to get into shape for this movie role, but at thirty, his body definitely was not what it used to be.
Johnny walked into the bathroom, and began to make a cup of coffee as he drew a hot bath to relax him. The rush of water pouring out of the faucet broke the dark silence that encompassed his room. It was times like these when he felt truly alone. It was times like these when he wished he had settled down like many of his friends, some from his hometown, some out in Hollywood. Then there were the celebrities, such as himself, who were still single and would be for the rest of their lives, enjoying the fact that young girls flocked to them even when they were old. Jack Nicholson was the poster boy for the bachelor lifestyle. Johnny was humble enough to admit that when he was young, he looked up to people like Jack Nicholson, and even Hugh Hefner, girlfriends young enough to be their granddaughters. He wasn’t naïve, however; he knew women were with them because of their name. But as he grew older, he grew wiser. He did not want three girlfriends, or any more notches on his belt, he just wanted somebody.
He let out a long sigh as he poured a cup of coffee for himself and let the strong smell linger in his nostrils. He loved the smell of coffee. After he took a sip of the hot liquid, he began to unchange and then slipped into the hot bathtub, the cup of coffee resting squarely on the cover of the toilet.
Erin was so young. That was the one thing he did have in common with the Jack Nicholsons and Hugh Hefners of the industry. But she was beautiful. A boy at seven, and a man at seventy could recognize that. Did he want a relationship with her? He couldn’t say for sure, but he was intensely curious of her. It was one of the first times a woman her age kept her cool around him. He was sure that they would have their differences; she was ready to go and see the world while he already had. Yet, her smile eclipsed his mind and her voice chilled his senses, even in the hot water. He, at least, wanted to try and see if a relationship could be maintained with her. He knew it would be wrong, and yet, the thought did not stop his desire to pursue her. The fact that the only interaction the two would share would be through e-mails toyed with his patience, and even on the set, he was thinking of her too much. Not enough to distract him from his work, but enough.
Johnny wrapped a towel around his waist as he got out of the tub, and after pulling out the plug, walked quickly over to his laptop. He plugged it in, turned it on, and then drummed his finger impatiently on the smooth table as it proceeded to boot up. He logged on, and then after all of his desktop icons loaded, clicked on Internet Explorer. He chewed his lip after going to his e-mail. As the page loaded, he wondered if this was healthy, if a man his age should really be anxious to see if the woman sent him an e-mail. He almost felt young again, and smiled at the thought. That was definitely a reason he liked Erin; everything she made him feel made him feel young again.
You have 1 unread e-mail.
It was from her. He smiled as he clicked on it, his heart beating intensely against his chest. God, he felt like he was back in high school. He had not felt this excited in so long.
Dear Johnny,
As I have said before, I am incredibly flattered that you would want to know more about me, although I am still puzzled at the notion. First, let me tell you that there is no reason to thank me for me being polite; if anything, you should thank my mother for how she raised me. Let me thank you for being so polite when coming to the theatre. Surprisingly, after working in a customer-service related job, I have come to find the general population is quite rude and not too bright, but you are a rare exception, and I thank you for that.
To answer your question, yes, I adore pirates, ever since I was a kid. Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland has always been my favorite ride, and it remains my favorite today. I love that to a pirate, the sea is equal to their freedom, brimming with possibilities. I dressed up as a pirate when I was a kid as well, but I lacked your obvious creativity in my attire. The adventures one could have as a pirate, the people you could meet as a pirate. How exhilarating it would be. I have always been extremely fascinated by them.
How is New York, by the way? I hope your flight went well. I have never been too fond of airports… It dipped below fifty back here. Snow seems imminent. Perfect for Christmas, huh?. I have never been too fond of airports… Good luck on the shoot. Enjoy it, and make sure you relax as well.
-Erin Sanders
P.S. Pyrate is how people used to spell pirate, back in the day.
Johnny read the letter a second time and smiled. He could imagine her dressing up as a pirate as well. He took a gulp of coffee, and then clicked Reply. Stretching his arms by interlocking his fingers together and pushing out, he began to think of how to respond. He yawned and glanced out his window, where, even with it tightly shut, murmurs of voices and cars could still be heard.
Erin,
New York is New York. If you have ever been here, you know what I am talking about, and if you have not, then I will take you there myself one day so you know what I am talking about. I am on the eighth floor of the Hilton with my window shut and I can clearly hear people screaming and cars honking. My flight was good; I slept the whole time. I don’t like airports either; they’re too crowded and it takes too long to board the plane, but I do love to travel.
I think the sea still does represent freedom. People are fascinated by the sea because of how many mysteries it has kept from the world.
How goes the theatre? It is hot over here, too hot if you ask me. I already miss the California weather. Summer was always my favorite season, but that’s probably because school was out. Are you in school still, Erin, and if you are, what do you plan on studying?
Have a good night,
Johnny
---
The next couple of weeks, Erin and Johnny learned a lot about each other. He learned that she was about to be a junior at USC but she was not sure what she was studying. She got her job at a movie theatre to help pay for a car but ended up loving it so much that she stayed around, and she was glad she did. Her twenty-first birthday was May thirtieth and her parents split up when she was in the fourth grade, but she was okay with it. Her hobbies included going to the movies and listening to music, and sometimes her best friend would drag her and her other best friend to a club every now and then.
Erin learned a couple of things about Johnny as well, and even though she knew the majority about him from the Internet, she still felt special that he told her about himself personally. He would be thirty-one May ninth, and his parents were still happily married. He had two brothers and a sister, but he was the eldest of the four, and the only one in the business. He had a nine-year-old niece, and four nephews, one six years, one four years, one three years, and one sixteen months. He never chose a movie role on the chance that it would be successful or that the critics would like it, but on whether he enjoyed the character and liked the script. Neither spoke of their romantic life so they would not be rude, but both were, of course, quite curious.
One night, in the middle of December, Erin and Jessica were sitting on the couch, watching an episode of Family Guy. Erin was laughing at nearly everything that was taking place on the show, while Jessica watched it with a slight hint of confusion in her blue eyes.
“I do not get this show,” Jessica murmured, leaning back in the couch, and tilting her head.
“That’s what makes it so good,” Erin replied in between laughs.
It was then that Zoey walked in, two magazines under her as she locked the door. “O-M-G,” she announced, and b
oth Jessica and Erin exchanged a dry look before looking back up at Zoey. She dropped the two magazines dramatically on the coffee table, and then placed her hands on her hips, waiting for a response.
“They’re magazines,” Jessica observed flatly. “More specifically Us Weekly and Star.”
“Why don’t you flip through them?” Zoey snapped.
Erin and Jessica rolled their eyes, but both picked up a magazine and did as Zoey instructed them to do. After a moment, both Jessica and Erin look up at Zoey.
“Well, apparently, Star believes that Johnny Barker is normal for going to see a movie,” Jessica said.
“Yeah, and Us Weekly concurs, claiming him to be a Star… Just like us,” Erin said, giggling. She looked back up at her friend only to see Zoey’s face still serious, no amusement shown in her tan eyes. “What about it, Zoe?” she asked, quirking a brow.
“Do you guys ever read gossip rags?” Zoey asked.
“I think I saw an episode of Dirt once,” Jessica said, placing an index finger on her cheek as though contemplating her statement for a moment.
Zoey rolled her eyes. “That doesn’t count,” she said, and then proceeded to explain. “Sure, the magazine says Johnny is a normal guy now, but you should see how quickly they manipulate a rumor, especially when someone might point out that the paparazzi not only caught him once, but twice in under two weeks to the same theatre. Now,” she said, catching her breath, “besides Jess and I and the obvious you and Johnny, does anyone know you’re communicating with him?” When Erin shook her head, Zoey’s entire demeanor changed; she smiled, and plopped down on the couch next to her friends. “Good,” she said. “Anyway, have you chosen classes for school yet?”
“I haven’t even looked at the classes yet,” Erin said, shrugging. “I mean, I want to change my major, but I don’t even know what to change it to.”
“Surely you must have an idea,” Jessica said, turning so she was facing Erin.
“I was thinking Business, maybe,” Erin said.
“Business equals boring,” Zoey said with a smile.
“Why? Because it starts with the same letter?” Jessica asked dryly.
“Haha, but no,” Zoey replied, and then turned back to Erin. “You should go into fashion design with me.”
“I have no idea what fashion trends are in and which ones are out,” Erin pointed out. “I only remember your Ugg boot phase and your skinny jean phase, and I always thought that both looked God-awful, so maybe I’m fashion trend-impaired.”
“I’ve decided to major in Psychology,” Jessica put in.
“That’s good,” Erin said with a giggle. “Zoey can be your first patient!”
“Har-dee-har-har,” Zoey muttered with a roll of her eyes. “Anyway…” She rubbed her shoulder with Erin’s, a mischievous look sparkling in her eyes. “Any sexy news from New York?”
Erin shook her head. “Nothing from the usual,” she said. “He really likes his movie, and he still wants me to go out to New York to visit him and to take me around the city.”
“O-M-G!” Zoey exclaimed, her hands rushing to the sides of her face.
“You look like the kid from Home Alone,” Jessica observed, and she and Erin burst out into laughter.
“I told him no, though,” Erin said, after regaining her composure. “If anyone caught us, it would be huge news, and I just don’t want to go through all that, or have him go through all that because of me, you know?” She tilted her head to the side. “Plus, it’s supposed to snow the week of Christmas – legitimate snow – here in Hollywood. That’s a one-in-a-lifetime thing and I want to be here to experience it.”
“How are you guys supposed to start a relationship without spending time with each other?” Zoey asked, furrowing her brow. “Yeah, sure, e-mailing each other is a great safety net, but Johnny Barker is pretty much offering himself to you on a silver platter. If you want this relationship to progress, you have to get over whatever you’re afraid of, Holl. And don’t tell me you’re not afraid of anything. I’m your best friend, remember. I can tell.”
“I don’t get why he wants me,” Erin said honestly, her face contorted with insecurity. “I’m afraid all he’s after is sex, and because he’s Johnny Barker, he thinks he’s entitled to it, like he’s doing me a favor or something. I’m afraid if I don’t keep my distance, he’ll get bored. I’m afraid I’m not perfect for him.”
“Well, duh, Erin,” Zoey said, looking intently into Erin’s. “You’re not perfect, but that’s why he likes you.”
“He’s not Marcus,” Jessica put in seriously. “No matter how impossible I think this relationship might be with him, he’s not just after sex if he’s actually putting time and effort into writing you every day.”
“Go to New York,” Zoey said. “You’ve never been, and a vacay would definitely do wonders for you… especially a vacay with Johnny Barker! Snow in Hollywood is definitely once-in-a-lifetime. But so is Johnny Barker.”
“I’ll think about it,” Erin mumbled, leaning back in the couch and paying attention to the television rather than the thoughts racing through her mind.
---
Erin tossed and turned, trying to go to sleep. She wanted to be able to just leave and go to New York to join him, but she was second-guessing herself. Her first serious relationship ruined her romantic perspective, and the fact that her next relationship was with Johnny Barker was hard to be comfortable with. Of course, she wanted so badly to be able to let go of the past, but there were so many things that were left unsaid, undone, with Marcus that she could not let go of it. Not now, at least. Maybe a vacation was what she needed to clear her mind of these stressful thoughts…
Erin threw her legs over the side of her bed and walked quickly over to her desk, her laptop in the sleeping state, just waiting for her to write to him. Once she got logged in to her e-mail, she clicked on his last e-mail that she had failed to respond to since yesterday. She bit her lip, almost with guilt, as she read his letter again.
Erin,
Have you chosen your major yet? Remember, this choice will affect you for the rest of your life. Haha- just kidding. Pick something you’re interested in- it’ll make school more fun. I wish I had chosen to go to college instead of jumping into acting, but I was impulsive back when I was in my twenties.
Good news! I have a couple of days off coming up. The offer is still on the table, of course. I would love to fly you out to New York, and show you around. I am sure that you will like it. However, if you are absolutely positive that you do not want to come out this time, promise me we’ll do a rain check.
Till I hear from you again,
Johnny
Erin thought for a long moment before she began to type away herself, finally responding to his inquiries of New York. After reading it, and then rereading it, she clicked send, and the letter was off. She stared at the message sent confirmation page for a moment, before shutting off her laptop and crawling into her bed. This time, however, once her head hit the pillow, she was asleep.
---
Johnny Barker woke up at three in the morning to the smell of the coffee coming from the hotel’s convenient automated coffee machine. He groaned with displeasure at having to be up so early, but he knew people would kill to fill his shoes so he rarely ever complained. Pursing his lips, he glanced at his laptop. Johnny had not heard from Erin since the day before yesterday, and although there was probably a logical explanation, he was beginning to grow anxious. Had something happened to her? Had he written something wrong? He did not want to check his e-mail in case there was nothing there, and yet he wanted to, in case there was something there. A liquid sound made him pause; his coffee was done.
“I’ll check it after I pour myself a cup,” he muttered to himself, and quickly poured the coffee into a small, white cup, before making his way over to the table. He sighed and booted up his computer, went to his e-mail, and smiled delightfully.
You have 1 unread message.
It was
from her.
Johnny,
Ah, majors! Actually, my friends and I had this discussion tonight. I was thinking of Business or something like that. College, I have learned, is probably the most fun time I’ve had in school- especially going to USC; there’s so much school spirit and it helps that our football team is absolutely amazing. (Oh, just so you know, if it turns out that you’re a UCLA fan, I am afraid we must discontinue our friendship… Just kidding, but not really…) There are so many specific types of classes you can choose, and there’s freedom to choose whichever class you like. I would tell you to go back, but seeing as how anyone with a television knows your face, that would be impossible.
About New York, it would seem that I have changed my mind; I would love to visit you there, although I must insist on paying my own way. Just tell me when, and I shall book the flight, as well as request the time off from work.
Thank you again, so much,
Erin
Johnny grinned; she was coming! Indeed, she was coming to visit him. He chuckled to himself. Did she really think he would let her pay for herself? What kind of gentleman would he be if he allowed such a thing? He clicked on the space, and opened up another tab, quickly booking the flight. When he stepped in the shower, his mind began to race about planning everything they were to do together. Of course, they would see the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, a show on Broadway, a play in Central Park… there was so much to do in so little time. He smiled; if things turned out all right, if it seemed that she reciprocated his feelings, there was a distinct possibility that a relationship would bloom.
Johnny could not stop smiling as he walked into the make-up trailer at four thirty nor did he stop smiling as he walked into his suite. The day had been a long one, but it was now one less day until she flew out. Plopping down on the cushy chair, he turned on his computer, and once everything was set up, he sent her her online tickets as well as what to pack without revealing what they were to do. As for where she was to stay, Johnny reserved a room next to his under the name of Erin Sanders. Of course, the front desk had no clue it was he who called. The plans were made, everything was set, reserved, paid for; now all he had to do was to wait for her to get here.
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