The Love Raffle

Chapter 8

As a child, Amber had always imagined that the day she got recognized would be glorious. She had envisioned a swarm of people flocking her with posters, each waving her photo and begging her to sign it. Little Amber would bask in these daydreams and let them put her to sleep at night, hoping that one day, one day, it would all come to life.

Well, baby Amber, it’s happening. But not exactly how you imagined it.

“So, what did he smell like? Describe everything to me,” a girl with blonde hair said. She held her phone up and for some reason had the flash of her camera on. It didn’t help that she sat right beside her, her chair hitched to Amber’s.

Amber’s coworkers kept walking from the dining room to the kitchen. Some would dart their eyes at her while others seemed to willfully ignore what they saw. This sort of treatment had started since her appearance on the show. It had only escalated because the public was now aware of her date with Levi the night before. The Love Raffle Instagram page had gotten a Providence employee to snap pictures of the dinner.

“Is he as dreamy up close as he is in the movies? I legit only watch that stuff for Levi Marks. I don’t give a damn about comic books,” said one girl across the table. Her hair was in braids, and her face was symmetrically perfect. But that was the typical look of residents of LA. Everyone’s goal was to make it. And it just so happened that looking the part of a model helped.

“I do. See? I’m a real fan unlike you shallow whores,” said another girl at Amber’s other side. She held Amber’s hand in her lap, stroking it with her acrylic nails. She chewed gum despite being at a restaurant with a full plate of food in front of her. “So, what did he say on your date? Levi’s so mysterious. He must have revealed something juicy. He pretends to share stuff about himself in interviews, but I think we all know that the stuff he says is hand-fed to him by managers.”

Amber noticed all heads nodding. Their table stood at the heart of the dining room. There were about ten seats in total. She’d been serving the group of friends diligently when one of them called on her to question her identity. They’d gone on to ask about the date, but she’d responded that she was working and couldn’t chat. That had been when her manager emerged and told her to “by all means entertain the guests.” Apparently, her appearance on that episode had brought in more customers. The manager felt it appropriate to use her newfound fame to the business’s advantage. She didn’t really mind but chatting with guests while her fellow waiters struggled with the workload felt a bit unfair.

“Come on, tell us what he said. You’re so quiet, Amber. And you basically don’t exist. I spent all night searching for your socials and found nothing.” The girl with the braids twirled her hair. “What’s wrong with you?”

The blonde placed a hand on Amber’s shoulder. They seemed to be at least eighteen. Younger than she was. “I guess I haven’t really been online. I do have social media, though. My name is just hard to find.” She shrugged her hand off in annoyance. “Yeah, it’s not exactly—”

“No way, so you didn’t delete all your socials because the Marks army came after you?” another girl said with food in her mouth.

Amber frowned. “Uh, no?”

“Have you been keeping up to date with what they’re saying online? Those girls are jealous ,” said the one with the braids.

“Yeah, they are.”

“But it was just one date so they’re not as pressed.”

“I’m not jealous though. Too old for jealousy.” The blonde girl took a picture with Amber without warning.

Amber squinted at the flash. “Are they saying mean things or something?”

“Don’t even worry about that. You should tell us more about your date and what happened. What does Levi Marks look like up close?” This girl slammed her hand against the table.

Amber jumped at the noise. “He’s great,” she said as their eyes bored holes into her. Why were they staring so intently? “Handsome, blue eyes, great hair and…” She tapped her chin. “If I remember correctly, he smelled like roses. White roses. If those have a smell.”

A collective gasp rose from the girls before they all giggled.

Amber blushed.

“So, do you like him or what?” someone whispered.

Amber could feel glances from other customers. Mainly girls around the same age as those at her table. “I…I guess he’s…” She remembered how worried he’d seemed when she’d fallen ill. Come on. Anyone would be concerned if someone started swelling up. “He’s a nice guy.” She spotted Elouise walking past with her notebook to her lips. She’s so easy to read. Elouise could at least do a better job at hiding her laughter.

“You should keep in touch with him,” the girl with the full mouth stated. The others agreed.

Amber could picture their cameras zooming in. I’m like a spectacle. How much longer was she expected to do this? She knew it might be good for her career, but how long would the attention last? It had been a while since Beca had booked her an audition. Her appearance on The Love Raffle wasn’t too long ago, though, so she needed to be patient. “I mean, I can. He asked for my number.”

They gasped again and this time their mouths remained open.

Amber’s cheeks heated. “Not like that, though. It was more like—”

The girl with the braids pointed then hollered, “Confirmed! Amber Sheridan and Levi Marks are dating!”

All the guests looked towards her.

Amber stiffened at the attention. She gulped then frowned at the girl. “Hey! Just because I gave him my number doesn’t mean—”

“He asked for your number?” A girl sitting in the corner with her family stood up and screamed.

At first, Amber had thought it was a happy shriek but then the kid’s eyes lit with fire, revealing what that scream actually meant.

“No, no, it’s not like that.” Amber got up and backed away from the table. “We’re just friends!”

The young girl was marching up to her with her mother following. “Lisa!” the mother called.

Crap. Amber held her hands out as the aggravated teen was held back by her mom. Of course, all this drama led to more cellphone appearances. Bright lights were everywhere. “I just gave him my number, okay? That doesn’t mean anything.”

“Wow, look at you acting all high and mighty! What? Are you too good for Levi Marks, Amber Sheridan? Is that it?” Lisa barked with her mom’s hands on her arms.

Her mother groaned. “Stop acting crazy, Lisa. You’re causing a scene! That Levi man is not your property.”

“He could be!” Lisa shrieked. “If they gave me the chance to meet him!” She screamed again.

Amber had no idea how to handle this so she decided not to even try. “Yeah, I’m just going to head back to the kitchen now. You girls enjoy your meal.” With that, she ran off before things could get any worse.

* * *

Conner and Elouise were in stitches. The street was barren due to the hour of the night. It would be another fifteen minutes till the bus showed up. None of them could afford their own transportation right now. After the rent was paid, there was barely anything left.

Amber put her phone in her pocket then groaned at the idiots. “It’s not funny. That could have ended way worse if I hadn’t skedaddled.”

Conner felt sweat on his brow from all the laughter. It was a warm evening, and the air was still. “I can picture the headlines now.”

“What? Love Raffle Star Amber Sheridan throws down with a fourteen-year-old?” Elouise clapped her hands and doubled over with laughter.

Amber stood there with her forehead creased. “Are you kidding me, guys? How old are you?” She folded her arms and pushed a strand of hair from her face. “There will be no headlines because my five minutes of fame are quickly running out.” She blew air from her mouth. “I mean, the date’s passed so…”

Elouise wiped a tear from her eye then held Amber’s arm. “You’re forgetting that you were on the same episode as Levi Marks.”

Conner seemed to cool down too. He fanned his face. “True. He’s hot stuff.” He stood before Amber with hands in his uniform pockets. “His last Captain Evolution movie was a hit, right? And it was released what? Couple of months ago?”

“And let’s not forget who he asked for their number,” Elouise sang. She pressed her lips to Amber’s ear. “You.”

Amber giggled at the sensation of her breath against her skin. She kicked a stray Styrofoam cup onto the road and sighed. “Yeah, but what are the odds that he’ll actually call me? The guy’s busy and probably doesn’t even remember what happened last night.”

Conner and Elouise exchanged silent glances.

Amber didn’t get it. “What?”

“To me he seemed pretty into you based on how you described the date, but what do I know? I haven’t dated anyone since the dark ages—that is my teen years—so I guess I’m out of touch.” Elouise whipped her vape out of her pocket to take a few hits.

Amber felt her stomach twist but in a good way. “Just because he was nice enough to take me to the hospital and then drop me home after doesn’t mean anything. If he was into me, wouldn’t he have called by now?”

“After a day? The guy doesn’t want to look desperate, Ambs.” Conner walked up to a lamppost and leaned his back against it. “Plus, like you said, he’s probably busy. But I bet he’s thinking about you.” He winked and danced with his shoulders.

Amber got that ticklish feeling in her stomach again. “Well…I don’t know, guys. Don’t make it into something it’s not.”

Elouise removed her vape. “Why didn’t you ask for his number, huh? Even if by some miracle he somehow doesn’t like you, you should have at least gotten it for the connection. You’re really bad at this.”

Amber buried her face in her hands. “I know. I wanted to ask but didn’t want to seem pushy.” She lifted her head and dragged her hands down her cheeks. The busy streets beyond brought car honks to her ears. “He’s a person, you know. Not just a connection.”

Conner came closer again. “We keep saying it, Amber. You know how things are.”

“I don’t want to bother the guy.” Just then, Amber’s phone started ringing and she pulled it out of her pocket.

“Mom calling to say she’s secretly been proud of you but has been hiding it?” Elouise said with wafts of smoke leaving her nostrils.

Conner snatched the pen away and shook his head, causing a small squabble to start between him and Elouise.

This number was foreign. “No, it’s…” Amber answered with furrowed brows. “Hello?”

“Amber, hey.” The mellow voice of Levi Marks cooed into her ear.

Amber started. “Levi?”

Her friends froze at the name. They quickly ran up to her, trying to listen in.

“Hey, Amber. Um, is this too late for you? It’s like midnight. I shouldn’t be calling now, should I?” Levi had seemed slightly nervous during their date. The shake of his pitch was reminiscent of that.

“Ask if he likes you,” Elouise said in a whisper.

Amber stepped away for some space. She held her other ear with her back to her friends. Obviously, like the nosey creatures they were, they followed. “No, no, it’s fine to call me now. I was just heading home from my shift.”

“Wow, really? You’re working late.” Levi said.

Amber made it to a bench down the sidewalk and sat. When Elouise and Conner stood in front of her, she tried telling them to leave but they remained. Their reminders to intrigue the movie star was upsetting. Yes, she understood why it was necessary, but it felt wrong. She wasn’t this sly attention hog, was she? I’m really not. Now that she evaluated those feelings, she could freak out. Levi Marks is calling me! A real-life movie star!

“Yeah. That’s how certain shifts work at Riverside. Mine’s from four to midnight. They’re usually eight hours.”

“The restaurant? You work somewhere else in addition to the club, then,” Levi remarked, but he already knew this.

Amber wasn’t sure what to say. “Yeah. So, what’s up? I know that you asked for my number, but I somehow wasn’t expecting a call. You know, since you’re a busy guy?” She felt Elouise sit on her right and Conner on her left, both staring into her face like this was the Super Bowl.

“My busy schedule doesn’t start until Monday, actually. I’ve been spending today reading at home.”

“Oh, you like to read?” Amber asked in excitement. Her heart rate quickened. Was this the thrill of talking on the phone with a celebrity or something else? Maybe I’m happy about more possible doors opening for me. Seeing that he actually called. If that was the case, she needed to change her mindset. She had said to her friends that he wasn’t just a connection. It would be hypocritical to view him that way herself after chastising them.

“I didn’t mean reading books. I’m starting production for my next movie next week, so I read the script today.”

“Oh!” Her cheeks flamed with heat. “I should’ve known. Movie stars don’t have time for reading, do they?”

Levi laughed. “Once in a while but it can get hard.”

“So soon you’ll be too busy to surprise call someone?”

“Ha-ha. Yeah, probably…”

Amber nodded absently, wondering why Levi had called. It certainly wasn’t to hand her a role in his next film. It would be too easy if things happened that way. “Did you call to check in on me?” She shifted her eyes to Elouise, who wore a sly smirk. What is wrong with her?

“Yeah…I guess I did…” Levi took a deep breath. “What do you like to do, Amber?”

Amber blinked. “As in on a regular basis? To have fun?”

“Besides staying in and watching movies. I remembered, you know.”

Amber smiled and her chest filled with warmth.

“Oh,” said Conner and Elouise near her face.

Amber groaned at their teasing. They acted like elementary school kids sometimes. “It’s only been a day. If you forgot in such little time, I’d be worried about your brain health.”

Levi laughed. “You’re too much.”

Amber twirled an end of her black hair. “I also like animals. It’s been a while since I’ve had a pet, though. My apartment doesn’t allow them. My childhood dog is still at my mom’s house in Tennessee.”

“Is that where you’re from? You’re a country gal?”

“Don’t make fun of me.” Amber heard more laughter from her friends. “Yeah, I am.”

“Hmm… I wonder how we can make an activity out of that.”

Amber crinkled her brow. “What do you mean?” Her stomach filled with butterflies. “Wait, are you planning another date?” She shouldn’t have asked. She was being too forward. She held her forehead and squinted her eyes. “Wait, sorry, I meant—”

“If you want to call it that.”

Amber’s breath hitched. She felt fingers crawl up her arms to her shoulders and shook them off. “Oh wow, another date!”

“Wait, I’m sorry. Are you too busy?” Levi went from slightly nervous to embarrassed. “Because if you are, we don’t have to—”

“No, no, I’m not. I mean, we can meet next Thursday. I usually have Sundays free but that’s my day to knock out for twenty-four hours.” Amber’s brain had this crazy hum going on inside it. It was like something singing within her. Again, she couldn’t pinpoint the reason behind her enthusiasm. She didn’t want to use this guy. Has it been so long that I can’t tell when I like someone anymore? She’d been so busy with work and trying to book roles that her love life had been placed on a high shelf. Her last romantic encounter was when she’d first moved here.

“Oh, okay. I can respect that you need your rest. Ha ha. I can meet you at your place. Directions, please? You know what? You can send them to me.” Levi spoke rapidly, his tone nervous.

Amber found it endearing. She was sure that with his status he’d dated tons of girls in the past. Maybe not all in the spotlight but there had to be many behind the scenes. Was he like this with all of them? “I will since I have your number now.” She was playfully pinched in the rib by Elouise, whom she elbowed. The girl laughed. “So, what exactly are we doing at my place?”

“Shoot,” Levi groaned. “I’m sorry. You must find me unbearable.”

Amber snickered. “No, it’s okay. Want to watch a movie?”

“Definitely.” Levi sounded amused. “Let’s watch something simple and get to know each other better. No pressure.”

Amber grinned. “Right. No pressure.”

“Right,” Levi echoed quietly. “You can send me more details, and we can meet next week. I hope your long shifts and late nights don’t make you too tired. I’m excited to learn more about you.”

Amber felt tingles go down her spine. It reminded her of the first time she held a guy’s hand in middle school. “Same here.”

After the call ended, Amber shoved her phone in her bag and breathed out.

Conner’s face appeared in front of hers. “Did somebody say Levi Marks and Amber Sheridan, new celebrity power couple?”

Amber pushed him away as he and Elouise laughed. She laughed with them. “You two are the worst.”

The bus finally arrived, and they got up to leave.