The Love Raffle

Chapter 16 #2

The shooting took him into nighttime. Midnight exactly. He’d said his lines pristinely and completed his stunts with ease but not a second was spent immersed in his craft. All he could see was Amber’s face in his mind, her cheeks red and forehead creased from pain. Dating at night and working all day. He’d forced it on her. Because of his stupid life.

Levi’s bedroom was his solace tonight. Yet, his king-sized bed and spacious room felt far from luxurious. He lay in the middle of it all, watching the ceiling. These galaxy lights were partly to blame for his loneliness. It reminded him of when Captain Evolution was stranded in space. But this wasn’t a scene. It was Levi’s life, and he lay there with his mind weighing tons. Amber.

He chose a faux star and pictured her face within. The brightness shone around her. That smile he’d been deprived of all day. Did he deserve it? No. All he had done was hurt her lately. Cast her aside and snuck her around like she was someone to be ashamed of. She’s not. She deserves to be seen in the spotlight.

What could he do, though? Rachel had taken care of the situation. The public was thrown off their scent following Amber’s statement. It wasn’t even her words or ideas. What was this? Were they even people? How was it okay to put words in their mouths like that? All for a movie?

Fiona wasn’t in love with him. She had her partner hundreds of miles away. He liked her fine, but this pretending in real life just for a movie they were acting in was foolish. He had only met Amber again because of some other scheme to promote him and his work. He was a human being. Not a product. Amber was human too. Why hadn’t Rachel considered they might develop feelings when she forced him onto that show? He wished he’d never gone on it. He wanted to go back to that night at the club with Amber. To be bold for once, get her number, decline the show, and see what happens. But he knew that as much as he wanted to, he couldn’t go back in time.

Rachel had planned for everything except for his feelings. And now Amber’s feelings were being ignored as well. How was this fair and why had he allowed it? Whether he dated Fiona or not, the movie would be a hit. Who was this all for anyway? He was a liar, Fiona was as well, and none of it was real. Except for how I feel for Amber.

And now everything was uncertain. He hated this so much it burned his insides. He wasn’t a teenager anymore. Rachel knew her stuff, but he did as well. All these Hollywood publicity stunts had grown old anyway. Amber had a point. The fans weren’t stupid. So many of them posted their theories on social media and it was scary how many were correct.

He wiped away his tears. “Ugh.” Levi grabbed his pillow to smother his face. “Amber…I’m sorry.” He hoped she stayed home tonight. She needed rest. Levi fever. What a pain he was. Jenny had experienced firsthand what this industry could do, and now Amber would experience the same. It’s already starting. But he didn’t want things to end. He deeply desired to experience more with her. We need to talk with no agent or babysitter around.

“We’ll work this out,” he said out loud. “I will fix it.”

* * *

Warm tears rose to Amber’s eyes the following morning. She removed her hand from her mouth after yawning and sipped the warm tea she had grabbed from the craft table. Whether it would improve her sickness or not was unknown, but she had to make an effort here.

“Uh-oh. Is someone still tired after their internet drama yesterday?” Gwen walked off set with a donut. Crewmen and set designers were busy arranging the bedroom for their next scene. They were still filming that one episode. It would take a week to do so.

Amber made room for her near the craft table, sipping her drink. They’d shot one scene so far and were waiting around for the next. “Internet drama.” She forced a laugh, recalling Levi’s people in her space. Though Levi advised against it, she’d had every intention of heading to work last night. Unfortunately for her though, her exhaustion and headache left her glued to the couch till morning. She was lucky she woke up in time to come here. At least no nightmares crept in. She hadn’t slept well and her back had a crick in it.

Had she really suggested to Levi that they needed a break? He hadn’t sent her a good morning text. She’d grown fond of those. It’s for the best. But it hurt her deeply. She didn’t know how to feel. Was she mad at him? Yes. Did she want him to stand up to his agent and tell the world who they were? Yes. Did she also want this on the down-low to avoid vanishing in Levi’s shadow? Yes. Amber had no clue what it would take to convince herself that she was great on her own. No matter how many times Beca, Elouise, or Conner said she was in the right to use The Love Raffle as a means of furthering herself, part of her refused to accept it. And that would only grow worse if she went public with Levi. If he’s even still into me. She didn’t have the best attitude while sick. And by that, I mean I’m a complete jerk. Why was she worsening her mood at work?

Gwen crinkled her brows. She bit into her treat as two guys strolled by with a rolling spotlight. She greeted them briefly. “Really? So, you didn’t stay up all night tossing and turning and worrying about your public perception?”

Amber gulped a portion of tea. The blend of bitterness and sweetness from the honey provided some comfort. “Should I have?”

Gwen curled her lips downward and nodded her head. “Wow. You’re perfect for this life. Don’t even worry about what they say.” She hit Amber’s shoulder.

Amber flinched. “Ow.” Gwen had quite the arm.

“I’ve been talking to the writers and director and they’re looking to make you a regular.” Gwen nudged her with a full mouth speckled with frosting. “How would you like that?”

Amber was flabbergasted. “Wait, what?” Her drink spilled onto her chin as she spoke.

Gwen laughed at her. She got a napkin from the table and lightly dabbed Amber’s chin. “I know we’ve only shot for one day but you’re good. Or Phillip thinks you’re hot. Stay clear of him after dark…and before dark too. He’s a creep.” She nodded in his direction.

Amber took the napkin herself to finish wiping off her face. “Wait, what? He wants me on board because he’s into me?” That was a little disheartening. And disgusting. Ew. She frowned at the man in his highchair pointing at things on set. He had a few set designers with him, explaining how things should be.

“No, no, it’s not just that. We all like you too. And we play off each other pretty well,” Gwen said. “What? Are you occupied with other stuff? Like movie-star drama?” She snorted.

Amber shook her head, peering through the wide-open double doors. The sky was bright without a cloud floating by. “I’m really not the type to get involved with drama. It just happened to find me.” She sighed into the mouth of her cup. “But it’ll never find me again.” Levi was so sensitive. He must want nothing to do with her. “Anyway, I realized Phillip was a creep.” Why did everything suck all of a sudden? The desire to curl up on the couch was strong. “I’ll keep my distance, but I’m also so, so, so happy to be a potential regular. Thank you for this. Seriously.” Even if she did feel a little dead inside. If I apologize it’d be like I’m settling for less than I deserve. She wasn’t just some closet girl. I don’t know. The whole thing was tricky.

“Awesome. We’ll see how things go.” Gwen hugged her briefly then put her hand on the snack table. “Anyway, what’s the real deal with you and him?” She wriggled her brows in anticipation.

Amber slowly moved her eyes away. “I don’t—”

“Levi Marks?” An assistant moving towards the set with a clipboard stopped dead in her tracks when she saw him.

Amber almost spat out her drink again. She raised her chin to look for Levi but only caught a glimpse of his arm. Soon, the set workers crowded the doorway.

“Wait, what’s going on right now?” Gwen tried to look too. “Is he here for you?”

Amber hadn’t arranged anything.

“Amber!” Levi came running through the clusters of bodies. He held a massive bouquet of red roses and a box of chocolates. He wore sweats and his hair seemed disheveled. Strange for someone with a stylist. The guy was a movie star and often dressed the part.

Amber had no words. Phones were popping up all over. With them came camera lights. From all corners, more workers emerged. Makeup specialists, light operators, camera crew, and assistants. All swarming like starstruck teenagers, minus the squealing and fawning. They seemed more interested in catching the first scoop on this drama.

“Hey, hey!” Phillip hopped off his chair next to the main camera. He snapped his fingers and security guards appeared. “Who told you that you could be here?” he said to the movie star.

Levi was mere feet from Amber. He lowered his gifts to turn to the director. Despite the security, the crowd remained, pushing past the two men, hell bent on recording the scene. “Sorry, sir, I just need to talk to Amber.” He smiled at her. “The one that I—”

Amber snatched him by the arm and pulled him toward the bathroom. “Excuse us one second!” She held up a finger while backing away, a perplexed Levi in tow.

* * *

The bathrooms were on the west wing of the set. Amber pulled Levi into the women’s room, hoping it would be empty. Not a sound could be heard so she assumed they had privacy. She dragged him to the row of sinks and crossed her arms.

“What are you doing?” she demanded in a hiss.

Levi held up the flowers and chocolate. “Making a public apology to show I’m not ashamed of you?”

Amber’s jaw popped open. He could not be serious right now.

Levi had thought things over this morning over breakfast. Oscar had come in like usual to get him ready for work, but Levi managed to slip past him. His scraggly look seemed to throw people off. He hadn’t seen a single paparazzi on his way to grab flowers and chocolate for Amber.

Amber could hardly speak. Why did he look like a zombie? “Levi, are you okay?” Was he thinking straight right now? His puppy dog eyes rimmed with dark circles, and his perfectly cut hair all over the place made him look disheveled. Had he even slept last night? Why was laughter bubbling inside her? He had made a huge scene just now.

“Yeah, but you only said that because I shoved you in the closet and didn’t stand up to my agent when she attacked you.” Levi opened the box of chocolate. “This brand is delicious. Do you want to try a piece?”

Amber snorted then covered her nose. “Levi.” Giggles jerked her shoulders.

Levi beamed at her reaction. That heavenly laugh and hypnotic smile. I knew taking a chance would work. “See? You’re happy. All of this means we need to go public. Screw Rachel and her plan. I thought about it, you know.” He put the gifts on the counter to hold her shoulders. The scent of fresh lavender suddenly engulfed him as he stepped closer to her. He loved her perfume. Her skin on his palms felt electric. “How stupid this charade is. The hiding, the late nights. Like you said, I’m a grown man. Yeah, Rachel thinks dating Fiona is a good move but to hell with that. Ironically, it’s all because of Rachel’s scheme that we even had a first date. We were meant to cross paths again. How can she be mad that I fell for you? I can’t keep hiding you, Amber. It’s not good for either of us.” He pressed his lips to her forehead, brushing it lightly, then pulled away.

Amber smiled slightly. His lips left a tickle on her skin. “Levi.” She placed both hands on his waist. “Didn’t we talk about this? Did I ever tell you why I also agreed to keep things secret?”

He slipped his hands down her shoulders till they reached her hands on his waist. He pulled them away gently. “Because you don’t want to be known as just Levi Marks’ girlfriend or get favors because of that. I know, Amber, but you’re practically established. And so what if more roles pop up because of me? You deserve it. You’re talented.” He kissed her face.

“But…” Amber stepped back. She tenderly stroked her neck as memories of her nightmares returned. “I need to prove that I am good on my own. It’s not just about how I look or who I happen to be associated with.” She heard her mother’s discouragement. “I can do it because I’m—”

“Amazing?” Levi held her free hand. “Look at me.”

Amber sighed and gave in. He was a different person from the coward in her living room yesterday. Whether that was a good or a bad thing was unclear. Either way, he rocked the “unkempt” vibe.

“You are incredible, okay? You never gave up and found a place for yourself despite all the obstacles. For me, I had it all from the start. My mom had connections, we lived in LA, had the money for a great agent and acting lessons.” Levi smiled through each word. “The fact that you’ve gotten this far says it all. You deserve every opportunity coming your way. And if people want to call you ‘Levi’s girlfriend’ after the truth comes out then screw them.” He flung an arm over yonder, showing his contempt. “What I think matters most is that we can be honest with ourselves and the world.”

Amber had almost lost her way in his eyes. She’d heard every word, though. His passion, desperation, and love. “Levi, you’re insane.” She hid a smile and held her head low.

Levi pulled her face up. “What do you say, Amber?”

Amber held his wrist. “I say it’s too late to go out there and act like we’re not a thing because you already showed up calling my name with roses and chocolates.” She gestured to the candy.

Levi’s fingers ruffled his hair. “Um…does that mean we’re coming out or—”

“Please don’t say it like that.” Amber laughed at him. How crazy was all this? “Levi, you’re amazing for doing this but insane at the same time. Rachel doesn’t know you’re here?”

Levi had trouble reading her reaction. “N—” As if on cue, his ringtone blared through his pocket.

Amber shook her head. “You might want to take that.”

Levi forced himself to swallow while slipping his cell from his pocket. He checked the ID and sighed in relief. “Oh, it’s just Oscar.” He waved it at Amber.

Amber got closer to check. “Isn’t he just as bad? He’s basically Rachel’s sidekick.” She did a quick check on the door for shadows underneath and noticed someone there. Were they being listened to? The jig is up already. Media outlets must be having a field day with this one. As for the Levi fans? She could only wonder. Damage control might be impossible. Oh gosh. There was this sickening anxiety settling over her but also an uncanny sense of relief. Some happiness was mingled in there too. They mixed together in her chest, creating this indescribable emotion. She watched as he let his phone continue to ring. How was the same guy terrified of his agent here with flowers in broad daylight? Amber wanted to be mad that he’d taken no heed of her request that they keep hidden but she knew deep down what was true. That a part of her despised the hiding. Levi read that and acted. This guy…

Levi finally answered his phone. “Oscar?” He turned his back to Amber and began walking towards the door. “Hey man—oh you saw a video?”

Amber put her fist to her lips as Levi went silent. Oscar’s faint jabbering came through his cell. Video. Damn. These people were fast. Who’d posted Levi’s romantic gesture? What were people saying? Was it on the news?

“For now, I’m on the set of Amber’s show but…huh? You think the paps might turn up soon? Ah, you got a point. They’re usually quick. Okay. Wait, but what about Amber?” Levi sent sympathetic eyes her way. “Won’t they mob her once she’s done with work?”

Mob? The panic grew. Amber got an ache in the middle of her chest. She’d never been mobbed by paparazzi. As a kid, she’d fantasized about the day that it happened, imagining this glorious light around her as the press, fans, and journalists were detained by security. How appealing it seemed to her young mind. Her current mind had a different impression, though. After all, when the paps showed up, praising her would be nowhere on their agenda. To them and everyone else, she was the slimy side chick.

Bang! Bang! The metal bathroom door bent inwards with each knock.

Amber suddenly remembered why she was here. “Uh, yes?” She ran to the door.

“We’re getting ready to shoot, Sheridan. Quit smooching with hero boy and come to set!” said Phillip, his bright timbre no longer apparent. Instead, his voice had taken on a gruff and harsh quality. “And wonder boy! I want you off this set in the next ten. I don’t care who you are. You’ve disrupted my set, you get the fuck out of here!”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be there in a second!” Levi said, but Phillip had already stormed off.

Amber ran to Levi as he got off the phone. “I have to go and so should you.”

Levi pocketed his cell. “Oscar says you’ll be in for it today. I’ll send over some security, okay? This stuff is blowing up.” He chuckled. “I guess all my thinking didn’t amount to much. Because I didn’t see this coming at all. Or maybe I did and overlooked it.” His palms were clammy. Sweat seeped from his pores and dampened his shirt. He was nervous and jittery. This might have been his first public scandal. Something he’d feared since day one. Not that he’d done something incriminating. It just appeared that way. Proving once more that he’d handled this clumsily. This is why we have agents and publicists. He had his reasons anyway. Ensuring Amber’s happiness was all he’d been thinking about. Did she feel better?

Amber was charmed. She held his face. “Did Oscar mention what Rachel thinks of all this?” In Hollywood, gossip spreads faster than light speed. Had it even been half an hour?

Levi stifled a choked cough. “Uh, she’s…not happy…but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” He sighed, guilt slipping in. “Listen, I know that now you’re inconvenienced, and the world is watching and…I’m sorry—”

Amber kissed him.

Oh. She does feel better. Levi took it all as she held him by the collar. She came in deep and hard; he felt her unsaid words, doubts, and emotions in the kiss. After a while, his eyes closed, and he accepted what followed.

Amber stopped herself and smiled at him. “I think you’re the only person who’s ever read my mind.”

Levi could not believe this was happening. She put her hands on his chest. “This whole debacle was so stupid but deep down I’m glad it happened.” Amber flipped some hair off her shoulder, butterflies making rounds in her stomach. “Thank you.” She kissed his cheek.

Levi savored the kiss. “Okay, good.”

“Now get out of here before they call the police and I get fired.” Amber grabbed his arm and pulled him to the door.

Levi always enjoyed her playful side. “Right.” They both laughed as they walked out together.