Chapter 2: The Call Heard Round the Studio

2

[Live Chat: Young man with a great butt, that’s spot-on hahaha.]

[Live Chat: Can he pop a soda can with it? Rachel, get him to try!]

[Live Chat: What are these Rachel-fans so proud of? That contact name is so disrespectful. Like idol, like fan.]

[Live Chat: Can’t friends joke around? And didn’t Rachel say it was from truth or dare?]

[Live Chat: Why’s everyone missing the sweet part? Jenna knows Ethan’s schedule, even when he’s sleeping...]

[Live Chat: They’re totally dating. I don’t care, they’re together.]

[Live Chat: A friend of mine has a cousin in the business—Ethan and Jenna have been together for ages, just not public. Apparently spent Christmas together this year.]

[Live Chat: Rachel is so shameless, calling in front of his girlfriend and flaunting a flirty contact name. Desperate much?]

[Live Chat: That’s just how fake nice girls act...]

Finally, the call connected.

"Hello?"

A man’s voice, hoarse and tired, echoed in the studio, his breathing a little heavy, sending a shiver down my spine.

He was definitely lying in bed, lazy as hell.

I eyed Jenna suspiciously—her face was all shy and bashful...

No way, are they actually dating?

Whatever. Condolences for your taste, girl. Like wrapping up a burrito with everything inside—messy, but someone always wants a bite.

Hmm, after the recording, I’m definitely getting one—with extra tater tots and that crispy bacon.

The crew off to the side was trying not to laugh. I could smell someone’s microwaved popcorn, and suddenly my stomach grumbled, way too loud. The studio lights flickered, just for a second, and I realized how surreal this all was—live on TV, my biggest rival right beside me, and me calling the most unpredictable guy in Hollywood.

Ethan Hayes sounded distinctly American and grumpy: "Rachel, it’s eight a.m. in Chicago. I got two hours of sleep. This better be good."

I snapped back to reality and delivered my line, all prepared.

"Can you lend me two million so I can buy an outfit?"

Come on, roast me. Hurry up and roast me.

On the other end, he held his breath, then after a moment:

"Why don’t you just peel me off and wear me instead."

...

The host and guests exchanged knowing glances, and the chat exploded with 'hahaha' and comments about how I was trying to get close to someone so cold.

I refused to give up, braced myself, and went even more off the rails.

"Even if you were standing naked in front of me, I’d still rummage through your jeans pockets and Venmo myself with your phone."

"Sorry, can’t do a guy that dirty, but your little bit of cash? That’s mine now."

The laughter in the room grew louder, a few of the crew doubling over, and the host nearly lost it. My cheeks burned, but I held my head high, feeling the rush that only comes when you’re way out on a limb and the world’s watching. I could almost see the memes being born in real-time—my face, Ethan’s voice, the dumb joke.