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Stella finally turned. Avery looked at the eyes that had captivated her in the bar what felt like a lifetime ago. They searched her face, and she could feel the scan burn her skin.
Leaning in, Stella whispered, “It was one night a month ago. It’s best to act like we don’t know each other.” The words were callous, especially punctuated with a harsh whisper, but her eyes screamed, don’t ruin this for me, please.
Avery nodded her understanding when Stella’s eyes landed on the cameras with a raised eyebrow. Even this communication was a risk. But she didn’t regret reaching out. At least she knew now that they were on the same page. Say nothing. Act like strangers.
“You can’t come up here,” Stella added, with an extra glance toward Avery’s left shoulder. Turning around, she started taking the steps two at a time.
Avery was frozen, watching Stella disappear into the shadows upstairs. They wanted the same thing. What they had was in the past, and they both had goals to obtain by being on the show. Neither wanted to ruin it for the other. She tried to ignore the sting of rejection. It was a useless emotion right now that wouldn’t accomplish anything. Trying not to concentrate on why she felt the show would get infinitely more complicated, Avery peered over her left shoulder, catching the winking red light of a camera.
“So, did you kiss her?” Tanya asked Elizabeth as she reached for the dice to roll. “Yahtzee!” She pumped her fist in the air.
Most of the group was gathered in the living room, playing various games. Avery looked over at a spirited game of Twister that was going on beside her. Various arms and legs of women were intertwined like a ball of human yarn. Someone grunted from the pile and collapsed into a heap of giggles. Avery felt alone in the crowded room.
“Yeah, we did.” Elizabeth touched her lips. “I needed some fresh air since the music was loud, and Quinn followed me outside. We didn’t stay outside long but kissed under a palm tree. It was romantic. She knows loads of famous people, so we had a lot to talk about at dinner.” Elizabeth rolled the dice in her hands before studying the game card in front of her.
Avery took mental notes on potential topics to talk about with Quinn. Famous people wouldn’t help her since she didn’t know any, but maybe there was something she could glean from listening.
Tomorrow, they would all get a chance to spend quality time with Quinn, enjoy her company, and hopefully stand out enough not to get sent home the following week.
“I’m going to go work out. None of these games are calling my name.” Denver scooted from the couch and slid past Elizabeth.
Nobody looked up as she left. Feeling antsy, Avery decided to follow her. She’d never had much spare time to go to the gym. Maybe she could try to build some stamina or muscles that might help her in a challenge one of these weeks. Without announcing her departure, she followed in Denver’s tracks.
Music blasted from the speakers as weights rhythmically slammed down on the machine. Denver was in the groove, sweat dripping down her forehead.
“Can’t believe you already worked up a sweat. I was only like five minutes behind you,” Avery joked, looking around to see what intimidating piece of machinery she could try and tackle.
“Hi.” Riley walked in behind Avery with her hands on her hips.
Finishing her set, Denver sat up on the bench, smirking when she saw them. “Come to watch the show?” Denver pulled her arms up. Avery was half expecting her to kiss her bicep—that would have been one step too far.
“No, I thought I’d try getting into some good habits while here.” Avery waved her hand around the room. “What do you suggest for a novice?” She walked over to a treadmill. At least she knew how to work that one.
“This is obviously good for cardio, but I’d suggest the rower instead. It’s also great for cardio but works your upper body, too.” Denver walked over to a machine low to the ground, motioning for Avery to sit.
“So, I just grab these handles here and start rowing?” Avery extended her feet while pulling on the handle to her chest. The seat slammed back. She feared she’d have tumbled out if her feet weren't strapped in.
“You can adjust the tension here.” Denver turned a knob on the rower while Riley got situated in the machine beside Avery. “That way, it might be more of a challenge, and we won’t have to scrape you off the floor.” Denver laughed, watching them adjust their grips. “There you go. Good job.”
“So, what do you do out in the real world? Are you a personal trainer?” Riley asked, grunting as she pulled the handle to her chin.
“Naw, I’m in security. I just can’t handle seeing two damsels struggle.” Denver hovered for a few moments, but once satisfied they wouldn’t break any bones, she went to a machine that appeared to work her legs.
“Is that how you lost your finger?” Riley asked, stopping her rowing.
“Riley!” Avery hissed. She couldn’t believe she’d just asked that question.
“I find the question refreshing. Everyone wonders, but nobody thinks to ask. If it’s done respectfully, I don’t have a problem with being asked.” Denver grunted as she lifted her legs. The weights clanked when she lowered them again. “And no, I didn’t lose it on the job. I was helping my dad redo the bathroom, and there was a tool mishap. It wasn’t all bad since I could get whatever I wanted for a year.” Denver chuckled.
“Makes sense.” Avery concentrated on her movements. She always felt more comfortable in smaller groups and relaxed in her comrades' gentle teasing. She was almost able to forget that Stella was somewhere in the house.
That night, Avery dreamt of wandering around in a dense forest until she stumbled across an opening. In the middle of the clearing was a table filled with strawberry shortcakes, but every time she stepped up to grab one, they raised into the air, always further out of reach. She didn’t have to dig deep for the metaphor on that one.
Stella’s fingers dug into the glass she held, unaware her knuckles were straining under her grip. It wasn’t until her hand cramped that she loosened her hold. She’d had nearly two weeks to work through her last conversation with Avery.
Luckily, she had the strain of the new job to keep her focused and her mind off Avery—mostly. They had come to an understanding, but that didn’t stop a few lingering glances. This was her big break, it would look infinitely bad if it came out they knew each other. She didn’t want to find out what the executives would do if they found out.
The clatter of a dropped glass brought Stella back to the present. She smiled, seeing Quinn in her element, soaking up the affection from all the women. They were currently doing a speed-dating event. Instead of everyone interacting, each contestant had five minutes with Quinn before the next person’s turn.
