The Love Raffle

Chapter 17

The cat was out of the bag and with it came criticism. Opinions were like atoms: everywhere and in daunting numbers. They could be negative, positive, and even neutral. All kinds of people were on top of the news and taking to their keyboards to capture their thoughts. Celebrity gossip stations snatched the opportunity to get ratings, posting videos, and sharing their takes in posts nonstop. The tea was hot, and they were ready to serve it. Was Levi Marks a cheater? How was Fiona? Why had Amber Sheridan lied on her dormant Instagram? Speculations rose but no answers were given. One thing was for sure, though—the world was dying for updates.

Rachel once again paced in her presence, this time in Levi’s living room. A more appropriate spot for such an activity, given its space. His bright overhead lights and the constant stream of news on the TV made for a high-stimulus environment. Clips of Amber being escorted to the SUV from Riverside Restaurant replayed in succession. Some know-it-all anchor reported this gossip like it was news and not just another fleeting topic to be lost in the abyss of celebrity scandals.

Amber rubbed her knees then eyed Fiona Bazoli. The young multi-award-winning actress sat on her left on Levi’s bright sofa. Next, she turned to Levi on her right. Bazoli’s agent sat at the center table. A bag of popcorn rested in her lap. Oscar took a handful for himself, keeping to the back as Rachel continued pacing.

Amber couldn’t shake the obvious stares from Fiona. Whether the actress found her irritating or endearing was unknown to her. Either way, it was exciting to be in the presence of an Oscar winner. Never in a million years would she have predicted this as her first encounter with someone so skilled.

“So, everything we handled yesterday has gone down the drain and now a shit storm has spread across Hollywood.” Rachel laid the situation out like a verdict. She had a noticeable twitch in her left eyelid from the stress. Amber couldn’t recall the last time she saw someone so stressed. “Levi Marks,” she said, her arms crossed. “What the actual fuck?!”

“Rachel, I had to!” Levi blurted.

The agent growled audibly. “You had to? You had to publicly confess your love right after we delivered my-I mean our statement against it?” She walked to the television and pointed to the screen. As if on cue, photos of Levi on set with roses and chocolate appeared.

Oscar covered his face with his hand.

Fiona’s agent, Stacy, rammed a handful of popcorn into her mouth. “Either way, what’s done is done,” she said, voice muffled. Loose popcorn rolled off her lips and messed up the carpet. She kicked them under the couch.

Levi’s eyes narrowed at the mess. He would clean that later. “Exactly, Rachel. I know it went against everything you taught me. I was being stupid and embarrassing and now everyone thinks I’m this awful person but…” He licked his bottom lip and faced Amber.

Amber’s heart lit up, the sparks almost visible between her and Levi.

“For once I don’t care.” As the sentence left his lips, Levi’s relief rushed in. Was that all it took? To openly proclaim this? Was it true? Was he right? Was he shackled no longer? Had Amber rescued him? “I…” He got lost in her doe-shaped eyes. “I don’t care. Hiding was hurting her. Lying about Fiona did the same. I don’t want to hurt Amber.” He took her hand and held it tightly. “I want her to be happy, and I’ll do whatever it takes for that to happen.” He considered these words, and his smile grew wider. Life itself smelled, felt, and looked new. Was it better? He wasn’t sure, but he liked this. Like he had shed his old skin and could finally feel the world again. His face warmed at Amber’s shy smile. “Whatever it takes.”

Amber swiped a stray tear from her eye. “All this change because I said to take a break?” She wished she had something equally poetic to respond with, but Levi had captured her breath and stolen all coherent thoughts. He seemed so blindly in love. Normal guys took breaks to brood and feel sorry for themselves, but Levi had reflected on what led to her decision and his conclusion surprised even her.

Levi laughed shortly. “When you put it like that, it sounds—”

“Hello?!” Rachel clapped in his face to get his attention. The annoyance in her voice poisoned the mood in the room.

Levi scratched his head. “I’m sorry, Rachel—”

“It’s too late for apologies and chastisement.” Stacy Gray finally stood. She tossed her bag of popcorn to Fiona, who remained silent. It had been like this all day with her.

Fiona accepted the snack and popped a few kernels in her mouth. She offered some to Amber.

Amber carefully dipped her hand in the bag and thanked her softly. Does she hate me or what? Sitting among these known names with her face on TV was too much. Messages from Elouise and Conner had yet to be answered but she would get to them once this was handled. Whatever the solution, Amber prayed it would favor Levi the most. People loved him. They couldn’t let this mishap destroy that. Captain Evolution could lose favor too. Love makes you stupid.

“We have been in talks all day and this is what happens next,” said Stacy. She strolled up to Rachel and held onto her shoulder. Her dark painted nails with pitchfork art down the middle were striking. They matched the edginess of her look, as did her large eyes and high brows. “We’ve already scheduled an interview for all three of you to come out with the truth.” She patted Rachel’s back.

That caught Levi off guard. “Wait, what?” He stood. “The truth? After so much lying. Now you want to say what’s real?” He looked at Rachel.

His agent held her hands behind her. She met him by the couch. Briefly, she glanced at Amber.

Amber was just as lost as Levi. Rachel seemed so mad. She’d been sure that some punishment would be due. Then again, she’s not his mommy. And Levi wasn’t a misbehaving child. Even so, Rachel’s character just screamed domineering. For her to do this was the same as giving in. “What changed your mind?” she had to ask.

“Changed my mind?” Rachel seemed almost insulted. She took a seat on the center table and pulled it up to Amber.

Amber felt ill. Rachel’s personality overpowered her with just one question. She scooted into the couch, resting her back on the cushion. “Sorry, I just—”

“This business is not about relenting because someone throws a tantrum or does something stupid,” Rachel said, her manner less threatening. She reached for Amber’s knee.

Amber was lost for words, trying to find reason in this shift in persona. Was Rachel exasperated? Stretched thin to the point of exhaustion? Her steam had dissipated for now. For a second, Amber felt sorry for her, wondering what she had battled to reach these heights. To become the beast that she was.

“It’s about what’s best for our clients’ careers. What’s best to promote them, what’s best to keep them relevant, keep them going.” She poked Amber’s knee. “And right now, the only reasonable option is to explain what happened. We can’t have Levi being seen as a cheater or Fiona a mistreated damsel or you a mistress. It’s all become too much of a mess, so the smart response is to abort the original plan and come clean.” She sat back and crossed her legs, hands on the edge of Levi’s glass table.

Oscar stroked his mustache. “Mm. This is the easiest way out too. Building more lies at this stage is asking for trouble.” He sat on the arm of the single orange seat on the side of the living room. “Plus, I think the fake relationship served its purpose.” He chuckled.

Levi kept his hand in Amber’s, leaving it in her lap. “But what about the movie? How will we keep the fans and the world on their toes for it?” He had never seen his team this way—weariness hidden under sullen faces. Were they mad or tired? A bit of both. Instinct told him to be ashamed, but Amber was happy. This was a win. Despite my career going up in flames, of course. He gulped.

“You know what they say. All publicity is good publicity,” Stacy said before reaching over to take a handful of popcorn from her client. “This disaster has anticipation for the next Captain Evolution movie through the roof! We checked the stats this morning.” She laughed. “As for how we’ll maintain it…” She paused in thought, twirling her fist full of popcorn. “I don’t know. Add another lover to the mix?”

Levi squirmed in embarrassment. She and Oscar were cackling while Rachel slapped her palm to her face. He saw Amber’s head tilt and Fiona… Is she mad? Why would she be? “Hey,” he whispered.

Fiona raised both brows to show her attentiveness.

“You okay?” Levi asked. “Do you hate being caught in the middle of this mayhem?” He stroked the back of Amber’s finger with his thumb, his hand sitting in her lap.

Fiona waved him off. “I was simply practicing for this new role I’m auditioning for. Quiet Girl. It’s a horror movie. My first role in the genre. I’m so excited to audition.” She clapped like an ecstatic toddler then nudged Amber with her shoulder. “Great to finally meet the girl who’s stolen Marks’s heart.”

“Anyway.” Rachel put a stop to the laughter and jokes by holding up both hands. “Hopefully, when the first trailer drops sometime next year, everyone will remember this insanity and run to buy tickets.” She held her hips. “It’s just a shame that my carefully constructed plan came to an early halt.”

Levi resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

Oscar got up with a raised hand. “I think adding a cameo for Amber to the movie will do exactly what you wanted from the fake relationship and more since this is the hottest news since the last major celeb meltdown.” His white teeth shone in a grin.

Stacy Gray stomped her feet, her body bent forward in hysterics. “ There’s an idea.” She straightened her spine and laughed to the heavens. “What do you say, Sheridan? Movie star?”

Amber was startled. “M-movie?” This was just a passing idea, right?

“Captain Evolution has three love interests in all,” said Levi with a smirk. “You could join the franchise,” he suggested, dying for her to accept. “If I beg enough, I think they would let you in.” He smiled, his eyes twinkling.

Amber strongly rejected this idea. “I refuse to cheat more, okay? I’ll only accept a role if I audition and get it fair and square. You know me, Levi.” She shook his hand in her lap.

“Right, right, of course.” Levi drew back, giving her space. “So, what I’m hearing is…you’re interested?” He smiled that boyish smile, and the twinkle returned.

It blinded Amber. How could someone so perfect exist? “Oh, shut up.” She tapped him lightly on the arm then kissed his cheek.

After that exchange, Rachel took it upon herself to coach Amber for the interview. It could go either way. The public may reject their explanation and call them fake idiots. After all, Levi and Fiona had lied . No one would trust them ever again if they botched this. Hollywood’s inauthenticity was to be hidden by all means. To keep the dream alive for those who hoped to live it.

* * *

Elouise lifted the framed picture of young Amber.

Things seemed to have come full circle. It was unheard of for The Love Raffle to host interviews, but tonight’s episode was special. Quite literally too. They had advertised it as such for two weeks. “The Return of Levi.” Celebrity guests were prone to revisiting but never like this. Not with such high anticipation placed on said episode. Rachel knew her stuff. This was where things had started so why not come back to clear the air?

“Why do you carry this around again?” asked Elouise with her bum on the counter. Amber’s dressing room was twice as large this time. She’d received an elevated status to “guest star,” and with that came perks. Her hair and makeup had been done exceptionally well compared to before. Last time they’d simply applied some concealer and blush. Now she looked ready for the big screen.

“To remind myself why I’m doing this,” Amber said in her chair. The light-up mirror gave a brightened impression of her face. The yellow light bounced off her eyeshadow in sparkles. She sighed and reached for the tiny picture in its frame.

The young her had missing teeth and wore pigtails. Time had caused its color to fade, but her smile was still vibrant. “That even though it’s a pretty crazy way to have my first interview, it’s okay because I earned this. I did work, didn’t I?” Amber had Levi’s words in her head. What he’d said in that narrow bathroom two weeks ago. Granted, he had seemed out of sorts, but she knew he meant everything. And he had a point. She had come out here and never given up. This was a pretty unconventional way to get into the industry, but she had given up too much to not allow herself to cherish this. “I think she’d be happy. Proud. Proud that I didn’t give up.” She smoothed her thumb over the glossy image, blocking out the busy chatter in the doorway and around her.

Conner rose from the couch at her back. “Check it out.” He showed her his phone screen. “Your fans can’t wait to see you.” He wore eyeliner and his best suit. Neither he nor Elouise would appear on camera, but as her plus ones, they’d tried to smarten up. Elouise was dressed more casually in some leather pants and black boots and an off-the-shoulder white sweater. Amber herself wore a baby blue peplum dress which stopped at her knees. She hadn’t chosen to wear this. Rachel thought the soft color might help win over the public.

“Wow,” Amber remarked at the line of posts. These were fans of All About Love . She hadn’t been aware of her following. “That’s great.” She heard Beca in the doorway, and in she came, shoving two producers away with her phone to her ear.

“I’m Amber Sheridan’s agent, okay? If you don’t like what I book you, you’ve got a problem.” Beca hung up the call and smiled at Amber. Her trapeze plaid dress went past her legs. “How’s my superstar feeling? Soon-to-be movie star too. See what I mean?” She flicked Amber’s shoulder. “You were so against The Love Raffle , but look where it got you.” Her red lips stretched into a smile.

“Back to square one?” Amber asked, causing Elouise and Conner to snort.

Beca rolled her eyes. “Of course not. It got you famous. Name in lights, casting directors calling for you personally—oh! And let’s not forget that you also got a man out of this. A rich and famous one at that. Ha!” She joined her hands and shook them overhead. “You’re welcome, superstar. Haven’t gone a day without hearing your name. Love it.” Her phone rang again, and she smirked as she answered. “Amber Sheridan’s agent, how may I help you?” Her heels clicked to the couch and she took a seat. “Ah, yes. She might be available…”

Amber shared a laugh with her companions. “Say what you want about her, but she’ll always make the best of things.” She placed her hands on the cold table and took a deep breath. “Wonder how Levi’s doing.”

“I’m sure he’s fine.” Elouise hooked a finger in a coil of Amber’s hair and pulled it behind her head. “Celebrities deal with this all the time.”

“Not him,” said Amber. “He’s a good boy.”

“I think you should think more about yourself and what this might mean for you. Like yeah, attention, your name in lights and all that, but remember what you told us? That his last spotlight girlfriend had a rock thrown in her face?” Conner made an “ick” face by scrunching his nose. “That doesn’t sound very nice.”

Amber placed her arms on the armrests. “I know, but it’s better to just have it all out there than sneak around like weirdos, right? I mean, we’ve tried to keep things secret before and failed, so this is next. Hopefully his fans have grown up since then.” She intertwined her fingers in her lap, noting the cold sweats dampening her palms. “Right?”

Her friends silently exchanged a glance, the two sharing unspoken words with just their eyes.

Amber tried to read them. “Guys?” She fanned her hand in front of Elouise. “Guys?”

Elouise offered a tight smile. “I’m sure things will be fine. This is not the 2000s where everyone was crazy. Not that Levi’s drama happened back then, but we all know the world is more understanding these days, so hopefully you won’t get stoned. And I don’t mean the fun kind.” She scooted off the table to stand next to Amber, holding her sleeve. “It’s going to be fine. Plus, you like him. Don’t know why, but you do.”

Amber’s cheeks tingled with a blush. “You’ve never sat and had a conversation with him.” She heard the shuffling of feet outside before someone in all black with a mic and headphones came knocking.

“Amber Sheridan?” he called.

“Yes?” Amber’s brows furrowed.

Beca only shrugged at her confusion.

“We’re ready.” The man left promptly, not bothering to spare Amber a look. Must have a lot on his plate , she thought.

Amber hopped off her seat and pushed it under the table. She opened her arms to both friends, and they lent her their warmth in a tight hug. Elouise stroked her hair down her back and wished her luck out there. The world would be watching.

* * *

Who else but Jeff Sullivan would be interviewing the three celebrities whose names had been stamped in the news lately.

“So…we meet again,” he started, addressing Amber. A few laughs rose from the audience. Due to the demand, they’d added more seats. Just like the last time Levi appeared on the show. This time, though, the crowd was denser. Almost the size of a theater audience for a local play.

They were using the couch and desk portion of the set. The rest was closed off until the next gaming episode. Amber, Fiona, and Levi sat together on the sofa while Jeff took to the table, talk-show style.

Amber smiled despite her nerves. She held her hands on her knee this evening, making a point to ignore the crowd. Notes from Rachel. Just in case they made her intimidated. “Yeah. A lot has happened since I sat here as a contestant, huh?” She elbowed Levi in the rib.

Levi unbuttoned his jacket and then sat back. “Yeah, for sure. A lot has changed, too.” His goal was to make his feelings for Amber clear. For the past two nights, nightmares of Jenny had bothered him, keeping him up all night and pondering his decisions. I will not let it happen again.

“Mm. You’re sitting there between two girls while I’m here alone,” Jeff said. People received this joke well. He maintained a smile and then pointed the end of his cue cards at Fiona. “Why don’t we start with you, Fiona? Please, what happened? What is all this?” He put the edge of the cards under his lip.

“It was all a misunderstanding,” Fiona started, her accent throwing both Levi and Amber for a loop. They had gotten so used to her British phrasing that hearing her normal speech startled them both. “Our agents thought it would be fun for the fans to see us as lovers leading up to the movie, but then Levi fell in love with Amber. They were so head over heels for each other that it all fell apart and now the world thinks he cheated when it was all just bad timing,” she surmised with a cheeky grin.

“Oh.” Jeff summed it up for the audience. They, too, seemed surprised by the simplistic clarification.

Rachel face-palmed backstage. What was Fiona saying right now? “Take it easy,” she whispered to no gain. Oscar massaged the side of his head beside her while Sheridan’s agent took calls. Her friends stood here too, hanging on every word.

Levi almost choked. That was not how they were told to handle this. It’s a start anyway. Oh God. He chuckled, a hand on his lap and his head tilted toward Fiona. “Well, putting it simply…”

“ Basically, that’s what happened, but it’s not like Fiona and Levi were duping their fans either. Did it come off that way? Because that is not what they were doing,” Amber chimed in, feeling embarrassed. Fiona appeared quite content. The things I’d give to know what goes on in that head of hers. Only Oscar winners could get away with unpredictability. “And, of course, Levi and I were way more careful. We’re not these lovesick puppies who ruined the whole thing because we weren’t careful, right, Levi?” She squeezed his knee.

Levi jolted like a button had been pushed. “Right. It wasn’t like love at first sight. We just happened to enjoy our date.” He tried to read the audience. Many were mumbling and sharing quiet whispers. “Not to say that I don’t love Amber.”

“We love each other, right?” Amber felt flushed. “We love each other.”

“Of course, I love you…” Levi scratched his head as the murmuring persisted. The audience seemed a bit too loud for comfort. Did they hate them? “Please don’t throw stones at her,” he said in a rush.

Amber face palmed. Why is this so awkward? “Levi, what are you saying?”

“So, you two knew you were in love but Levi, you still lied to the public? Making it seem as if Fiona was your partner? What? All in the name of publicity for your film?” Jeff’s right eyebrow arched upwards. He picked up his mug for a quick sip before facing the invested audience. “Is that what we’re hearing?”

“What?” Levi croaked. “I-is that what I— Who said that? Who were you talking to?” He was onto this guy. Or he’s onto me. Why was his throat dry and his hands so shaky?

Calm down, Marks. Amber didn’t need him freaking out, too. She was already nervous. “That’s not what we’re saying. It was just supposed to be for fun. To get the fans excited.”

“Actually, he’s right. Yes, it was in the name of hype, but that’s not a bad thing, right?” said Fiona with confidence, her back straight and her smile never wavering.

Amber gaped along with the viewers. “Okay, I think that everyone here is taking this a bit too—”

Without warning, a young woman in Captain Evolution merchandise hopped to her feet. “You ruined what could have been the perfect celebrity couple! Captain Evolution and Mrs. S dating on screen and in real life! Burn in hell, Amber Sheridan!” A second later, security acted quickly and grabbed her, escorting her out as she screamed curses that would be censored for broadcasting.

Oh no, thought Levi. Was history repeating itself before his eyes?

Amber forced out a laugh. “That’s a passionate fan right there, am I right?” She hoped for some positive reactions but got nothing. Tough crowd. Maybe her wits were at their end.

“Looks like you’ve upset a few die-hard fans, Marks. How does that make you feel, Amber?” Jeff continued.

Amber wasn’t sure whose side he was on, but it wasn’t theirs. He seems so chill on TV. Why was he being chaotic right now? “I don’t know. I guess…sad?” she admitted with a pout.

“Aww,” went the audience.

“You’re sad?” Levi’s anxieties reached new heights. “This is all too much pressure, and you want it to end?” He touched Amber’s thigh.

“No, no, I was just saying that…” Amber counted the sympathy as a point in her favor. Even Jeff showed concern. She held her hands in her lap, reliving her tutorials with Rachel. Relatability and sympathy were essential. The public had to feel for them. “Look,” she began, taking Levi’s hand.

Levi flushed, his heart beating rapidly.

“I only got on this show to get my name out there. I thought it would come and go and I’d get some more gigs out of it.” Amber put her other hand on her and Levi’s. “But then Levi asked that deep question and I gave my answer, and he chose me as his date. From that point, I think we clicked, not because I said anything that deep, but because I said what he needed to hear. At least I like to think so.” She brought this to Levi. “Did I? Is that why you liked my answer so much?”

Levi couldn’t believe that had happened on this very stage. Was there a time he hadn’t known Amber? “Yes, actually. I’d been burned out and uninspired back then, but what you said inspired me. Even if I didn’t realize it at the time.” He gave a half smile.

Amber returned it. “Exactly. Then we had the date and noticed what we had in common. And he wanted to meet again, and I said yes even though some fans were less than happy that we’d dated. The second date was great too, but I started thinking about what it meant to date a movie star. How I might be perceived, the risks involved, and Levi had his doubts too. Especially following what happened with his last public girlfriend.” She held him tighter. For once, the spectators were dead silent. No one made a sound, not even a cough or sneeze was heard.

“We may have fallen for each other, but we were both pretty terrified to let this come out. It wasn’t just about the Fiona thing.” She raised a hand toward the actress.

“This industry is brutal and the world that consumes it is the same. Neither of us wanted to ruin anyone’s fantasies or expectations. We had our doubts from the start, but like Fiona said, it just happened. We just fell for each other despite every doubt, every fear, and every worry. And I will admit that it bothered me to see him with someone else in the public eye but in the end it worked out. However, it happened to break the universe, but you know what?” She lifted their joined hands to her lips. “We’re okay with that. I was afraid to date a movie star, and all of my fears have come to life following the reveal, but this isn’t just any movie star. It’s Levi Marks…and I love him. So, whatever comes my way, I’ll deal with it.”

Levi was touched as the applause came in waves. The first few seemed hesitant, but with their crescendo came conviction. He tried to hide the blush on his cheeks.

Fiona wiped her tears with her arm. “Beautiful.” She dabbed her nose with a tissue. “I’m sure Levi feels the same.” She sniffled.

“Oh definitely. Although most of this mayhem was brought on by me so there’s not much to deal with in terms of Amber. She’s great.” Levi winked at his bashful partner. Hopefully, this meant they could all go home to live happily ever after. And the public never harassed them again. The end.

“Yeah, but you still lied to millions of people.” Jeff broke the sentimental cheering with this comment.

The murmurs of the audience came back in full force. Their questions returned, along with remarks. These people did lie to them. They played with their hearts. Why should they accept this sob story and move on? In their minds, celebrities always lie.

“Jeff man, come on,” said Levi through hisses. Was he here to help them or ruin things?

Jeff shrugged indifferently. He tapped the edge of his cue cards on his desk. “What do you have to say about lying?”

“Oh, for the love of—” Fiona got up, fixing her dress, which had ridden up from sitting. “Fans of Captain Evolution, did you have fun shipping me and Levi?” She spread her arms in wait of an answer.

Some far away yesses flew in from the back, but many took to standing, shouting their disapproval. A particularly large man with a fan-made Levi-Fiona T-shirt yelled across the studio. “Don’t try to change the subject!” he said.

Jeff hid his mouth with his cue cards, giggling in private.

Amber had a hunch he was enjoying this. She just knew it! “Okay, yes, your hearts are broken but the truth is the truth.” She tried to speak over the noise but the buzz was too loud.

“Yes. So sorry to break your hearts but it is what it is. Levi and I are still very good friends, okay? Oh, and FYI, I’m engaged!” Fiona lifted her hand to reveal the ring.

That same large fellow staggered back, falling to his seat with the increase in fanfare. “You said it was a friendship ring!” The betrayal was evident in the wail that followed. “Liars!”

Levi and Amber sat there while Fiona continued to show off her ring and Jeff poorly concealed his laughter. The two exchanged quiet glances and tightened their hold on one another. What could they do? For now, things were chaotic, but maybe with time they would subside.

In the end, security came to escort the guests backstage, and Jeff Sullivan brought the interview to a close. Fans continued barking their fury until they were asked to step out. On televisions across the globe, the broadcast had ended. Whether it served its purpose or aggravated fans further, only time would tell.