Page 6 of The Love Raffle

Levi lay back, dragging a hand over his face. “I don’t want to date some rando,” he moaned. There had to be a way out of this. He would find a way to excuse himself when the date came up. Meeting people who already knew him was the worst part of this never-ending career.

Oscar turned back to him. “Come on, man, it’s not like it’s a big deal. It’s just a game show. You go on a date, get some free publicity, and then move on with your life.”

Levi sat up. “I know, but it’s just awkward. What if the person is weird, crazy, or just not my type?”

Oscar chuckled. “Welcome to dating, buddy. Besides, Rachel already has a list of potential candidates for you to choose from.”

Levi groaned. “Great. That’s just what I needed. A list of strangers to choose from.”

Oscar shrugged. “Look, I know it’s not ideal, but it’s a chance to connect with a wider audience. Who knows, maybe you’ll even have a good time.”

Levi rolled his eyes. “Doubtful, but I’ll try to keep an open mind.”

Oscar clapped him on the back. “That’s the spirit. Now, let’s get you cleaned up and ready for your big TV debut.”

Levi rubbed his chin thoughtfully, considering the offer. He knew that turning down such an opportunity could harm his career, but the thought of going on a date with a stranger for the sake of publicity made him uneasy.

Oscar could sense his hesitation and decided to speak up. “Listen, I know this might not be your thing, but it could be good for you,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. “Just think of it as an opportunity to connect with your fans in a new way.”

Levi sighed, knowing that Oscar was right. As an actor, he needed to stay relevant in Hollywood, andThe Love Raffleoffered a unique chance to do just that. “Alright, I’ll do it,” he said finally, surrendering to the idea. “But I only want to do this type of thing once. I don’t want to make a big deal out of it.”

Oscar nodded understandingly. “Of course, we’re just testing the waters. Your comfort is a priority.”

Feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders, Levi leaned back on the plush couch. He knew this decision could impact his career, and he wanted to make sure he approached it with the right mindset. As he thought about the potential to connect with his fans in a more intimate way, he began to see the benefits of this unconventional opportunity.

“I guess it’s time for me to step out of my comfort zone,” he admitted, feeling a glimmer of excitement. “I’ll give it my all and see where it takes me.”

Oscar smiled, proud of Levi’s willingness to embrace the challenge. “That’s what I like to hear! I have a feeling this is going to be a game-changer for you.”

* * *

The thought of Mondays always brought a unique dread to Amber’s psyche. She worked six out of seven days a week and Monday symbolized the beginning of the nightmare.

This Monday, though, was a little different.

Her index finger trembled on her phone screen. Her GPS was saying this was the right track, but her stomach begged to differ.

“This can’t be real.” The first three buttons on Elouise’s purple polo shirt were undone and her green hair seemed ragged. Her eyebrows were furrowed, and her hand squeezed the edge of her seat. “Howdid Beca land you this job?” she whispered.

Amber tried easing her nerves by naming every building they passed on their way. The bus rattled and swayed, causing her body to jerk and shift with each bump in the road. This bus driver had to be behind schedule, she thought. Despite the risks involved, Amber was secretly grateful for his speed. She had been so caught up in calming her nerves this afternoon that she had wound up leaving her apartment later than planned. It was Elouise who had come up and pried her away from her hour-long meditation video, insisting they could not be late.

As the bus barreled forward, Amber stole another glance at the time. They had ten minutes to get there, and five had already slipped away. A sense of urgency washed over her, and she silently prayed that the people she was about to meet were a forgiving bunch. In the past, many of her small-time gigs would commence a few minutes later than proposed, but this was different. This was a big opportunity, one that could potentially launch her career to new heights.

“I don’t want to make a bad impression,” Amber muttered to herself, her fingers absentmindedly scratching the side of her scalp. The butterflies in her stomach intensified, reminding her of the importance of this moment. She had worked tirelessly for years, honing her craft and chasing after her dreams, and now she was on the brink of a breakthrough. A breakthrough she didn’t feel she had really earned. This audition could be the key to unlocking the doors she had longed to enter.

Elouise nudged her, and Amber realized she hadn’t answered her question. “I’m just as lost as you but here we are.” Her voice was hardly above a whisper. Not only was she forbidden to divulge information on this week’s episode, but she also preferred keeping quiet on buses. This one was pretty much empty, but she never knew. The Air Pod kid up front might listen in.Why do I feel embarrassed though?

Elouise chuckled. “Damn. Looks like things are happening, huh?” The chuckle morphed into laughter. “Why do you look so fidgety? They’re shooting on Friday, not today.”

Amber pulled away and kept an eye out the window. She spotted a performing arts college she had dreamed of attending. Their driving speed did not allow her to lament for long. Two seconds later she was staring at an agency building. An expensive one withrealagents who were not just retired prostitutes operating from closets. She needed to stop dumping on Beca though. All of this was possible because of her.

“I know, but this meeting is still important. I mean, producers are going to be there.BigTV show producers—and contestants. What if the celebrity shows up?” Amber rambled. The idea of her big break had been exciting in the past but now her nerves were all-consuming. It might have been because she didn’t know how helpful this would be but like Beca said, she was getting her foot in the door. Millions of people across the globe tuned intoThe Love Raffleevery week.Shit.She almost heaved.

“Woah, woah,whatis going on with you?” Elouise rubbed her back.

Amber composed herself. She undid the button on her skinny jeans and took a deep breath. “Sorry, El. I just… I guess I’m getting the jitters.” She smiled but it dropped quickly.

Elouise’s silver eyes blinked. “But you want to be discovered, don’t you?”

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