Chapter 2
Levi absentmindedly reached for a handful of popcorn, his fingers grazing the salty kernels as his attention remained fixed on the action unfolding on the screen. Popcorn was not his favorite snack, but it had become a cherished tradition to have it whenever he indulged in a movie. He was hoping it would take his mind off last night. He wished he had only left with a hangover. Now, he was stuck thinking about a stranger. It was something he didn’t have time for right now.
The movie paused on a breathtaking shot, the screen ablaze with a myriad of dazzling special effects. Levi’s character stood tall, his figure bathed in an otherworldly glow as he unleashed his newfound powers. It was a pivotal moment, one that marked his character’s ascent to a new level of strength and purpose.
Levi’s mind drifted back to the days of filming, to the green screen sets where he had donned the intricate gadgets that brought his character’s abilities to life. The production had been a grueling and demanding endeavor, with long hours and physical challenges that tested his endurance. Yet, every moment spent bringing Captain Evolution to the silver screen had been worth it.
The franchise had started years ago, when Levi was just a bright-eyed teenager bursting with dreams and aspirations. He had never imagined that his portrayal of a superhero would become such an integral part of his career, propelling him into the realm of stardom. The Captain Evolution movies had become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with their thrilling action sequences and compelling storylines.
However, with the soaring success came the weight of responsibility. The pressure to deliver with each new installment, to meet the sky-high expectations of millions of fans, remained a constant presence in Levi’s life. The franchise had become a behemoth, a well-oiled machine fueled by the relentless pursuit of box office success. As long as the hundreds of millions kept flowing, the studio would continue to churn out more movies and merchandise.
Levi pondered the longevity of the franchise as filming seemed to be endless. Would there ever come a time when Captain Evolution’s story reached its natural conclusion? Or would it persist indefinitely, a perpetual presence in his life?
The living room erupted with the sound of an explosion, its magnitude reverberating through the air. The force sent several characters hurtling in opposite directions, their bodies contorted. The camera zoomed in, capturing the chaos and destruction with relentless intensity.
Amidst the chaos, a figure dressed in spandex emerged, their back slamming against the twisted metal door of a crashed plane. Their face contorted in pain as they tumbled forward, landing on the gritty sand below.
The camera, like a predator, homed in on the fallen hero’s face. One eye, smeared with blood trickling from a gash on the man’s forehead, opened slowly. A mix of determination and resilience flickered in that one functioning eye, a testament to the strength that dwelled within.
“Ha ha! There it is! The epic ‘he’s not dead yet’ moment! Woo!” Oscar shoved his hand into the bowl and grabbed a fistful of popcorn.
Levi’s sigh turned into a groan. He propped his elbow on the arm of his couch and tossed a kernel into his mouth. He sucked on the salty exterior and adjusted his 3D glasses.
Captain Evolution got a boost in power and sped through the debris on the island to meet his foe. A battle of colored power blasts erupted, and the camera angles became erratic.
Oscar clapped and raised his fists. “See that? See that?” He turned to Levi. “Isn’t this amazing? Doesn’t it make you want to do more movies?”
Levi said nothing.
Oscar waited for a positive answer that never came. His shoulders dropped and he sat back in defeat. “Tell it to pause.”
Levi muttered “finally” and clapped his hands. The lights in his living room came on and he paused the movie with his remote.
It stopped on a shot of his character leveling up with dozens of special effects. He remembered the green body suits, the early starts, and the endless takes. Production had been long for that one. He could say the same for all Captain Evolution movies.
Yet, amid the whirlwind of fame and the pressures of the franchise, Levi remained grateful. Grateful for the opportunities that had come his way, for the chance to portray a character beloved by millions, and for the platform it had provided him. Despite that, he yearned for something more, a chance to explore different roles, to challenge himself creatively beyond the boundaries of the superhero genre. Levi knew he had to navigate the delicate balance between embracing the success of Captain Evolution and carving out his own path in the entertainment industry.
Oscar placed an arm on the back of the couch. “Come on, man.” He shifted his body towards Levi’s. “You’re still not over this funk?”
“When you limit it to just some ‘funk,’ it sounds like less than it is.” Levi tied the belt of his bathrobe. The curtains of his lavish penthouse had been drawn since last week. He hadn’t seen his city in some time. He really should have gotten some fresh air. It had just been him in his penthouse for a while. Luckily, there were plenty of snacks and shows to keep him occupied. Unfortunately, I’m supposed to head back to work soon.
Oscar rubbed a hand over his bald head. He sucked his lower lip as he lightly scratched his thick mustache. “What do you want to call it? Depression?”
Levi turned up his nose. “Man, I don’t know what it is.” He sat forward, watching his face on the screen. Or more like my character’s face. Finding himself there was difficult.
“I’m pretty sure you’re just burned out from doing so many movies over the past…decade? When did you start all this?” Oscar crossed his legs and leaned back on the soft backrest. He knew the answer. Oscar had been with him since he was a kid. Rachel had hired him to for Levi’s team and since then, he’d functioned more as an older brother and caregiver than Rachel’s assistant.
“When I was thirteen.”
“Yeah. Burnout happens to the best of us.” He patted his protruding belly. It stuck out under his slick buttoned shirt. “Even movie stars, I guess,” he said on an exhale.
Levi had nothing to say to that. He ruffled his blonde hair. “So, like…are you going to tell the rest of the team that I need more time?” He lowered his voice, attempting to show his vulnerability. Maybe Oscar would cut him a break for once or at least help him to. His agent, Rachel, called all the shots. He had been taught from a young age that in showbiz, taking things slow was a no-no. Once you get your chance, grab it, and never let go. The voice of someone distant echoed in his subconscious.
Oscar’s dark eyebrows were high on his forehead. “You want me to tell Rachel that you want to take more time for yourself?”
Levi winced. “Well, I don’t want to do it.”
Oscar sat straighter, a long-winded sigh blowing out of his mouth. “Look, kid, you’re not jumping right into the next installment, okay? Rachel got a crazy offer for you to appear on that game show. The one where some rando gets a date with a celebrity. You know it?”
Levi looked at him with knitted brows. “What?”
Oscar snickered. “You really do live in a bubble.”
Levi punched him playfully. “Wait, that’s my first post-vacation project? I thought we were making the next Captain Evolution movie.”
Oscar shook his head. “That’ll come later but for now, this show is a hit, and a lot of people want to see you on it. Your fan base is mostly comic book nerds and internet trolls but if you get on this game show, you might be able to broaden your demographic.” He waggled his brows.
Levi scratched his head. His hair was due for a wash. His whole body was. “But if I’m in high demand then doesn’t that mean my fans already watch it?”
Oscar waved him off. “Not necessarily.” He rubbed his hands. “This show has more public viewers than cult fandom viewers like your movies. I think it could be good for you, LM.” He slapped Levi on the shoulder.
“General public viewers…” Levi crossed both legs on the couch, propping his cheek in his hand. “I don’t know…” Right now, his bed seemed appealing. He had contemplated quitting and leaving the scene with all the millions he had made, but contracts.
“It’s already in the works, sorry.” Oscar shrugged with indifference.
Levi dropped his hand. “ What? Why did you say Rachel got an offer?” He frowned, trying his best to keep the irritation out of his voice. “That implies that it hasn’t been accepted.”
“Oh, for real? Well, I meant to say she accepted an offer for you to be on the show.” Oscar got up and popped his back. “Now let’s get you cleaned up. You need to start looking like Levi Marks right now because this hobo thing is not cutting it.”
Levi groaned as Oscar went to his curtains and opened them, allowing light to bathe his penthouse. He squinted and hissed, curling fists at his eyes.
Oscar’s laugh irked him. “After I do some cleaning up, you’re hopping in the shower, big man.”
Levi lay back, dragging a hand over his face. “I don’t want to date some rando,” he moaned. There had to be a way out of this. He would find a way to excuse himself when the date came up. Meeting people who already knew him was the worst part of this never-ending career.
Oscar turned back to him. “Come on, man, it’s not like it’s a big deal. It’s just a game show. You go on a date, get some free publicity, and then move on with your life.”
Levi sat up. “I know, but it’s just awkward. What if the person is weird, crazy, or just not my type?”
Oscar chuckled. “Welcome to dating, buddy. Besides, Rachel already has a list of potential candidates for you to choose from.”
Levi groaned. “Great. That’s just what I needed. A list of strangers to choose from.”
Oscar shrugged. “Look, I know it’s not ideal, but it’s a chance to connect with a wider audience. Who knows, maybe you’ll even have a good time.”
Levi rolled his eyes. “Doubtful, but I’ll try to keep an open mind.”
Oscar clapped him on the back. “That’s the spirit. Now, let’s get you cleaned up and ready for your big TV debut.”
Levi rubbed his chin thoughtfully, considering the offer. He knew that turning down such an opportunity could harm his career, but the thought of going on a date with a stranger for the sake of publicity made him uneasy.
Oscar could sense his hesitation and decided to speak up. “Listen, I know this might not be your thing, but it could be good for you,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. “Just think of it as an opportunity to connect with your fans in a new way.”
Levi sighed, knowing that Oscar was right. As an actor, he needed to stay relevant in Hollywood, and The Love Raffle offered a unique chance to do just that. “Alright, I’ll do it,” he said finally, surrendering to the idea. “But I only want to do this type of thing once. I don’t want to make a big deal out of it.”
Oscar nodded understandingly. “Of course, we’re just testing the waters. Your comfort is a priority.”
Feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders, Levi leaned back on the plush couch. He knew this decision could impact his career, and he wanted to make sure he approached it with the right mindset. As he thought about the potential to connect with his fans in a more intimate way, he began to see the benefits of this unconventional opportunity.
“I guess it’s time for me to step out of my comfort zone,” he admitted, feeling a glimmer of excitement. “I’ll give it my all and see where it takes me.”
Oscar smiled, proud of Levi’s willingness to embrace the challenge. “That’s what I like to hear! I have a feeling this is going to be a game-changer for you.”
* * *
The thought of Mondays always brought a unique dread to Amber’s psyche. She worked six out of seven days a week and Monday symbolized the beginning of the nightmare.
This Monday, though, was a little different.
Her index finger trembled on her phone screen. Her GPS was saying this was the right track, but her stomach begged to differ.
“This can’t be real.” The first three buttons on Elouise’s purple polo shirt were undone and her green hair seemed ragged. Her eyebrows were furrowed, and her hand squeezed the edge of her seat. “ How did Beca land you this job?” she whispered.
Amber tried easing her nerves by naming every building they passed on their way. The bus rattled and swayed, causing her body to jerk and shift with each bump in the road. This bus driver had to be behind schedule, she thought. Despite the risks involved, Amber was secretly grateful for his speed. She had been so caught up in calming her nerves this afternoon that she had wound up leaving her apartment later than planned. It was Elouise who had come up and pried her away from her hour-long meditation video, insisting they could not be late.
As the bus barreled forward, Amber stole another glance at the time. They had ten minutes to get there, and five had already slipped away. A sense of urgency washed over her, and she silently prayed that the people she was about to meet were a forgiving bunch. In the past, many of her small-time gigs would commence a few minutes later than proposed, but this was different. This was a big opportunity, one that could potentially launch her career to new heights.
“I don’t want to make a bad impression,” Amber muttered to herself, her fingers absentmindedly scratching the side of her scalp. The butterflies in her stomach intensified, reminding her of the importance of this moment. She had worked tirelessly for years, honing her craft and chasing after her dreams, and now she was on the brink of a breakthrough. A breakthrough she didn’t feel she had really earned. This audition could be the key to unlocking the doors she had longed to enter.
Elouise nudged her, and Amber realized she hadn’t answered her question. “I’m just as lost as you but here we are.” Her voice was hardly above a whisper. Not only was she forbidden to divulge information on this week’s episode, but she also preferred keeping quiet on buses. This one was pretty much empty, but she never knew. The Air Pod kid up front might listen in. Why do I feel embarrassed though?
Elouise chuckled. “Damn. Looks like things are happening, huh?” The chuckle morphed into laughter. “Why do you look so fidgety? They’re shooting on Friday, not today.”
Amber pulled away and kept an eye out the window. She spotted a performing arts college she had dreamed of attending. Their driving speed did not allow her to lament for long. Two seconds later she was staring at an agency building. An expensive one with real agents who were not just retired prostitutes operating from closets. She needed to stop dumping on Beca though. All of this was possible because of her.
“I know, but this meeting is still important. I mean, producers are going to be there. Big TV show producers—and contestants. What if the celebrity shows up?” Amber rambled. The idea of her big break had been exciting in the past but now her nerves were all-consuming. It might have been because she didn’t know how helpful this would be but like Beca said, she was getting her foot in the door. Millions of people across the globe tuned into The Love Raffle every week. Shit. She almost heaved.
“Woah, woah, what is going on with you?” Elouise rubbed her back.
Amber composed herself. She undid the button on her skinny jeans and took a deep breath. “Sorry, El. I just… I guess I’m getting the jitters.” She smiled but it dropped quickly.
Elouise’s silver eyes blinked. “But you want to be discovered, don’t you?”
Amber sighed. “I know, but to hop from shoe commercials to this is a pretty big leap.” She rubbed her hand against her stomach. “And I don’t even know if it’s the right move for me.”
“Trust me, anything you can get, take it. Tons of hotshot actors started on game shows.” Elouise patted Amber’s knee. “I think this is perfect. You’ve struggled way too long.”
Amber managed to smile before sighing. “They usually get models on that show though. Wonder how they wound up choosing me.” She let out a snort. “I don’t want to be considered the ugly contestant. Do they have those?”
“Ah, shut up, you. From what I’ve seen on Bluesky, the fans do label certain contestants as ‘ugly’ and make fun of them but you’re not going to be one of them. I mean, look at you. Do you not own a mirror? Ms. Zendaya 2.0?” She nudged Amber with her shoulder. Amber supposed there was some truth in Elouise’s comment on her looks. She had to be attractive to get a gig at the club she worked at.
Amber could feel her face turn red. “Zendaya?” She wheezed. “You’re ridiculous.”
“No. You’re gorgeous. Things will be fine.”
This was the most optimistic Amber had ever heard Elouise. She must be happy for me. So maybe it was time to be happy for herself.
For too long, Amber had allowed self-doubt and fear to overshadow her dreams. She had watched others pursue their passions with unwavering determination, while she remained stuck in the shadows, too afraid to take that leap of faith. Elouise’s unwavering support and infectious optimism in this current moment, however, at least reminded her that she deserved happiness too.
As she sat there contemplating her own worthiness of joy, a wave of realization washed over her. Life was too short to hold onto the shackles of self-doubt. It was time to embrace her talents, to celebrate her achievements, and to fully believe in her own potential.
Amber took a deep breath, the weight of uncertainty slowly lifting from her shoulders. She allowed herself to envision a future filled with success, fulfillment, and genuine happiness. No longer would she allow fear to dictate her actions or hold her back from pursuing her dreams.