Page 58 of The Love Raffle

“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.Nowyou 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’sbestfor 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. Addanotherlover 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’san 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 hasthreelove interests in all,” said Levi with a smirk. “You could join the franchise,” he suggested,dyingfor 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 onewould 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 forThe Love Raffleto 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.

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