Rachel face-palmed backstage. What was Fiona saying right now? “Take it easy,” she whispered to no gain. Oscar massagedthe side of his head beside her while Sheridan’s agent took calls. Her friends stood here too, hanging on every word.
Levi almost choked. That wasnothow they were told to handle this.It’s a start anyway. Oh God.He chuckled, a hand on his lap and his head tilted toward Fiona. “Well, putting it simply…”
“Basically,that’s what happened, but it’s not like Fiona and Levi were duping their fans either. Did it come off that way? Because that isnotwhat they were doing,” Amber chimed in, feeling embarrassed. Fiona appeared quite content.The things I’d give to know what goes on in that head of hers.Only Oscar winners could get away with unpredictability. “And, of course, Levi and I were way more careful. We’re not these lovesick puppies who ruined the whole thing because we weren’t careful, right, Levi?” She squeezed his knee.
Levi jolted like a button had been pushed. “Right. It wasn’t like love at first sight. We justhappenedto enjoy our date.” He tried to read the audience. Many were mumbling and sharing quiet whispers. “Not to say that I don’tloveAmber.”
“We love each other, right?” Amber felt flushed. “We love each other.”
“Of course, I love you…” Levi scratched his head as the murmuring persisted. The audience seemed a bit too loud for comfort. Did they hate them? “Please don’t throw stones at her,” he said in a rush.
Amber face palmed.Why is this so awkward?“Levi, what are you saying?”
“So, you twoknewyou were in love but Levi, you still lied to the public? Making it seem as if Fiona was your partner? What? All in the name of publicity for your film?” Jeff’s right eyebrow arched upwards. He picked up his mug for a quick sip before facing the invested audience. “Is that what we’re hearing?”
“What?” Levi croaked. “I-is that what I— Who said that? Who were you talking to?” He was onto this guy.Or he’s onto me.Why was his throat dry and his hands so shaky?
Calm down, Marks.Amber didn’t need him freaking out, too. She was already nervous. “That’s not what we’re saying. It was just supposed to be for fun. To get the fans excited.”
“Actually, he’s right. Yes, it was in the name of hype, but that’s not a bad thing, right?” said Fiona with confidence, her back straight and her smile never wavering.
Amber gaped along with the viewers. “Okay, I think that everyone here is taking this a bit too—”
Without warning, a young woman in Captain Evolution merchandise hopped to her feet. “You ruined what could have been the perfect celebrity couple! Captain Evolution and Mrs. S dating on screenandin real life! Burn in hell, Amber Sheridan!” A second later, security acted quickly and grabbed her, escorting her out as she screamed curses that would be censored for broadcasting.
Oh no,thought Levi. Was history repeating itself before his eyes?
Amber forced out a laugh. “That’s apassionatefan right there, am I right?” She hoped for some positive reactions but got nothing.Tough crowd.Maybe her wits were at their end.
“Looks like you’ve upset a few die-hard fans, Marks. How does that make you feel, Amber?” Jeff continued.
Amber wasn’t sure whose side he was on, but it wasn’t theirs.He seems so chill on TV.Why was he being chaotic right now? “I don’t know. I guess…sad?” she admitted with a pout.
“Aww,” went the audience.
“You’re sad?” Levi’s anxieties reached new heights. “This is all too much pressure, and you want it to end?” He touched Amber’s thigh.
“No, no, I was just saying that…” Amber counted the sympathy as a point in her favor. Even Jeff showed concern. She held her hands in her lap, reliving her tutorials with Rachel. Relatability and sympathy were essential. The public had to feel for them. “Look,” she began, taking Levi’s hand.
Levi flushed, his heart beating rapidly.
“I only got on this show to get my name out there. I thought it would come and go and I’d get some more gigs out of it.” Amber put her other hand on her and Levi’s. “But then Levi asked that deep question and I gave my answer, and he chose me as his date. From that point, I think we clicked, not because I said anything that deep, but because I said whatheneeded to hear. At least I like to think so.” She brought this to Levi. “Did I? Is that why you liked my answer so much?”
Levi couldn’t believe that had happened on this very stage. Was there a time he hadn’t known Amber? “Yes, actually. I’d been burned out and uninspired back then, but what you said inspired me. Even if I didn’t realize it at the time.” He gave a half smile.
Amber returned it. “Exactly. Then we had the date and noticed what we had in common. And he wanted to meet again, and I said yes even though some fans were less than happy that we’d dated. The second date was great too, but I started thinking about what it meant to date a movie star. How I might be perceived, the risks involved, and Levi had his doubts too. Especially following what happened with his last public girlfriend.” She held him tighter. For once, the spectators were dead silent. No one made a sound, not even a cough or sneeze was heard.
“We may have fallen for each other, but we were both pretty terrified to let this come out. It wasn’t just about the Fiona thing.” She raised a hand toward the actress.
“This industry is brutal and the world that consumes it is the same. Neither of us wanted to ruin anyone’s fantasies or expectations. We had our doubts from the start, but like Fiona said, it just happened. We just fell for each other despite every doubt, every fear, and every worry. And I will admit that it bothered me to see him with someone else in the public eye but in the end it worked out. However, it happened to break the universe, but you know what?” She lifted their joined hands to her lips. “We’re okay with that. I was afraid to date a movie star, and all of my fears have come to life following the reveal, but this isn’t just any movie star. It’s Levi Marks…and I love him. So, whatever comes my way, I’ll deal with it.”
Levi was touched as the applause came in waves. The first few seemed hesitant, but with their crescendo came conviction. He tried to hide the blush on his cheeks.
Fiona wiped her tears with her arm. “Beautiful.” She dabbed her nose with a tissue. “I’m sure Levi feels the same.” She sniffled.
“Oh definitely. Although most of this mayhem was brought on by me so there’s not much to deal with in terms of Amber. She’s great.” Levi winked at his bashful partner. Hopefully, this meant they could all go home to live happily ever after.And the public never harassed them again. The end.
“Yeah, but you still lied to millions of people.” Jeff broke the sentimental cheering with this comment.
