Page 55 of The Love Raffle

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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 forthe 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 shealsowant 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 useThe Love Raffleas 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,sohappy 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’stherealdeal 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.

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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?”

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