Page 28 of The Love Raffle

“Who are you texting?” Oscar asked while Fiona did her warm-ups. She said the alphabet forward and backward dozens of times.

“Just Rachel.” Levi walked away from him while his thumb went crazy on his keyboard. He needed to say this right so that Amber understood.

* * *

Beca Stars Talent Agency was located just down the street from Amber’s waitressing job. Its proximity may or may not have had everything to do with why she signed up in the first place.

Though the hours sucked when it came to work, Amber did enjoy working a later shift especially at the club. It meant she had the whole day to either relax or hustle. Today, she chose to hustle and part of that hustle meant meeting Beca for some exciting news.

“Oh my God,” Amber breathed while holding the script. She sat in an old seat where the stuffing of the cushion stuck out at its corners. Beca’s desk was wooden and broken in some areas and the office itself was cramped. It was just Beca who worked here but the space was so tiny that even one person could feel claustrophobic within it. She shared this room with a printer, microwave, and filing cabinets.

Beca tried to put her feet up on the table but didn’t have enough room to move her chair back. Instead, she left her feet on the ground and folded her arms. “Am I the best agent or what?”

Amber squealed. “My first big TV audition! This is amazing!” She sniffed the pages again and opened to the bookmarked section. “Wow. I can’t believe it!”

“I told you getting on that cheesy show would help.” Beca placed her elbows on her desk. “All I did was tell them you were the girl everyone was talking about with Levi Marks and they fast-tracked you right into the last audition stages.” She winked. “You’re going to be a star, baby.”

“Wait, so I won’t have to audition with hundreds of other people?” Amber tilted her head.

“Eh.” Beca picked up her coffee. She sipped. “The audition process was a bit different for this one. They just called people they thought would fit the role. It’s four other actresses you’ve probably heard of. Just make sure you stand out.” She laughed. “But then again, the character isexactlylike you, so you’re perfect.”

Amber read over her highlighted lines again. It was a small role, but the show was pretty popular.All About Love.That was the name. The premise was that these college kids had started a dating website for extra cash and in each episode, a customer from the site would complain about who they were matched with. Amber would be the match for the dissatisfied customer who would inevitably realize she was perfect for them. Her character was a reality TV star and the guy she matched with was some stuck-up nerd with a stick up his butt.

“I was only ononereality TV show, though. And it was a game show,” Amber reminded her.

“Yeah, well, the episode was popular, so people see you as that.” Beca adjusted her blue-rimmed glasses before gulping down more of her coffee. She licked her lips, and some lipstick came off. Amber had grown used to her eccentric outfits. Today she wore a floral suit and clogs. “Let’s just hope you get even more roles after this one. I’ll keep calling.”

Amber sighed. “I haven’t gotten the role yet, though.” She stood. “Where’s the audition again?”

“Justsent you the directions.” Beca tapped her phone where it lay between bound papers.

Amber’s phone dinged. “Thanks. I’m going to start trying to get into character.” She got up and the back of her chair hit the wall behind her. There wasn’t much space between the desk and her legs, so she stepped out carefully to head to the door. “Later, Beca.” She waved and walked onto the bustling sidewalk with the script to her face.Alright. The audition is at three p.m. and it’s already noon so I don’t have much time.

She placed the script under her arm and opened her phone for directions.Getting there early is important, so I can make myself familiar with the surroundings.She saw a text from Levi and her heart fluttered.Why does he make me like this?She had been freaking out at the idea of him coming over since he’d proposed it. Her cleaning process had already begun.

Amber narrowly avoided some roller-skating street performers while reading the text.

Hey Amber. My agent got my social media manager to release a statement that we’re not dating but don’t freak out. It’s because of publicity. She wants the public to think I’m with my co-star. Can’t wait for our date.It ended with a thumbs-up.

Her steps slowed until they came to a halt. The wind blew an old newspaper onto her legs. She kicked it onto the street and a lorry drove over it, honking its horn and grating her ears. “What co-star?” Last she checked, she wasn’t aware that Captain Evolution has a love interest. Was there going to be one in his new movie?

She lowered her phone and contemplated this.He’ll be dating someone in the public eye?It wasn’t like they were anything serious. Although she hated to admit it, up until Levi had proposed meeting again, all Amber had cared about was having a connection in the industry. Even now she didn’t know how she felt. They were going to have a second date but thatdidn’t mean they would turn into anything. Did she want them to?

Many people carved around her to avoid colliding. One guy’s rude remark about her blocking the way was what brought her back to earth.What am I doing?

She took a deep breath and kept walking, her eye on the bus stop near the restaurant.I have too much to do. I can’t let this distract me.

* * *

Elouise fluffed a cushion then set it gently against the arm of her couch. “When did he say he would be here?”

Amber always enjoyed the scent that came with striking matches. She lit the candles on her center table and stepped back to watch how they clashed against the well-lit room. “Two a.m. He has shooting to do bright and early tomorrow but this is the only time that works for both of us.” She sighed and sat at the edge of her couch.

Elouise plopped down next to her, still in uniform. Tonight had been long but she didn’t mind coming over to help. “Whoa, why do you look so gloomy? Is it because your five seconds of fame are finally over?” She pinched Amber’s nose. “You got a whole TV role out of this! I don’t think it’s over yet.” When Amber had told her and Conner about the success of her audition, they had all gone out drinking right after work. If anyone deserved a break, in Elouise’s opinion, it was Amber. Even if that break only came about because of some cliché game show.A break is a break,she thought.

Amber stared at the ceiling while Elouise moved a strand of hair away from her forehead. “No…” The text. The only other text he’d sent after that one had come in this afternoon.I guess we’ve both been busy.Not a full week had gone by and yetdozens of photos of Levi Marks and Fiona Bazoli were going viral.

“Okay, what’s going on for real?” Elouise sat forward. “Even after you told us about getting the part, something about you just seemed…not as excited as you should be. What’s on your mind? Is it because they’ve type casted you?” She shook her head. “That’s just how it is for now. Take this and run, okay, Amber?” She reached for Amber’s hands. “This is just the beginning.”

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