Page 4 of The Love Raffle

“What’d you say? They changed your shift again?” Beca said, voice muffled.

There had to be food in her mouth. Amber heard chewing. She cringed at the noises. They werewaytoo close to her ear. “It’s been a couple of months.”

“Oh, okay, okay. Anyway!” Beca laughed. “I got it this time, baby.”

Something less than spectacular usually followed those words. Amber finished making her breakfast and began putting the jars away. “Is that so?” She always tried to be optimistic, but despite Conner’s encouragement, it remained a challenge. The only times she smiled when things were not ideal were when she made fun of her situation. So, that was what she would do. “Did you book my hand a commercial too?” She laughed to herself.

“No, no, darling, but we’re getting there.” Beca coughed. “What I got you was a place on that hot new TV show. You’ve heard of it, right?”

Amber swallowed her mouthful to answer. “Your hot and new is alotdifferent from my hot and new.” She leaned against the counter to keep eating.

“What was it again? Ah, yes!The Love Raffle.”

Amber’s brows went up and her jaw hung open. Her food almost fell out of her mouth. “TheLove Raffle?”

“Ah, see? You know it. You’re going to be on that. Loads of people will see your pretty face and if you win, you’ll get the best prize in this industry…a connection. Eh? Eh? Or, well, a date with a celebrity, but you get it. Connections are important. Make sure you show him your moves—”

“Wait, Beca, that show is a pretty big deal but it’s usually for people who want to be influencers and reality TV stars. I want to be anactress.” She couldn’t help but marvel at Beca’s ability to secure her a spot on a show as prestigious asThe Love Raffle. Its debut season had burst onto the scene just a year ago, captivating audiences with its unique blend of game show excitement and celebrity romance. The media hailed it as “game show TV at its finest,” and its popularity had skyrocketed overnight.

The concept was simple yet captivating. Contestants would face three rounds of challenges, each designed to test their compatibility with a Hollywood superstar. The ultimate prize? A coveted date with one of the industry’s biggest names. Although the dates themselves rarely led to anything serious, the winners who played their cards right could leverage their newfound fame to build a significant following.

Amber was aware of the potential power and influence that came with winningThe Love Raffle. The show had become a launchpad for many aspiring YouTubers and social mediainfluencers, propelling them into the realm of internet stardom. It was an undeniable pipeline, connecting the winners of the show with the world of successful online content creators.

While Amber was excited, a nagging uncertainty gnawed at her. She pondered the appropriateness of such a venture for the trajectory of her own career. Sure, the show promised exposure and an instant boost in visibility, but would it align with her long-term aspirations?

Amber yearned for substantial acting roles, for the chance to prove herself as a versatile performer capable of capturing hearts on the big screen. What if participating in a reality dating show pigeonholed her into a certain typecast, overshadowing her talent and hindering her pursuit of more meaningful roles?

As she contemplated the decision before her, Amber could not deny the allure of the opportunity. The tantalizing prospect of fame, increased visibility, and the potential doors it could open in the industry tugged at her. However, she also valued her integrity and the importance of staying true to her artistic journey. She did not want to be known as a random winner of a game show that would probably die out in a few years. Amber had seen so many others crash and burn trying to cling to their fifteen minutes of fame.

Deep down, Amber knew that success was not solely measured by fleeting moments in the spotlight. It was the result of hard work, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to one’s craft. She could not let herself be swayed solely by the glittering promises of reality television.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, but you know how it is,” Beca continued. “Listen, this is to get your foot in the door, okay? Just try to make an impression on the show and if you win, make an impression on the celebrity you get the date with. If you play your cards right, this could be your big break.” Beca laughed. “Am I the bestagent or what? This is the first time I’ve gotten something like this for a client. Guess it’s cause you’re my focus.”

Amber could hardly speak.The Love Raffle.Elouise had made fun of that one a few times.Even so, some big names have been on it. Movie stars.Maybe Beca, as unconventional as she was, was onto something after all. “When will I be on?”

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, propellinghim 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.

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