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“Right there! Yes, grab it and run.” Avery cheered on Ocean, who was neck and neck with Elizabeth. The winner would get a date night this week with Quinn. Since Avery couldn’t participate, she was cheering for Ocean, who hadn’t won a date yet.
Another week had passed, and one more woman was gone. Denver was at the bottom this time, but someone who Avery hadn’t really clicked with was sent packing. Avery smiled at the memory of being one of the first people saved this time around.
She wasn’t sure if there was a rhyme or reason to the people Quinn called upon first. Maybe there was a certain anticipation the producers worked out to increase the tension. Whatever it was, she didn’t have to worry long, which felt great. Not sweating through a close elimination was better for her blood pressure.
Ocean slipped on the wet grass, which gave Elizabeth an edge. Her heart hammered for a competition she had no stakes in.
“Come on, you’re almost there!” Avery jumped up and down, encouraging Ocean, who pulled ahead. As she jumped, her shoulder brushed against the soft fabric of Stella’s blouse.
Settling down, she watched the game unfold, but her attention was now split between the action in front of her and the woman she couldn’t get out of her head.
Everyone seemed focused on the contestants, but that didn’t mean she and Stella shouldn’t be careful. Avery was on high alert as her body unconsciously leaned towards Stella’s; like a plant seeking the sun, she couldn’t help but be warmed in her presence. They didn’t exchange words, or even glances—none were needed.
“Nice job, Ocean!” Avery cheered when Ocean ran over the finish line, beating Elizabeth by the tip of her nose.
Both women were hunched over, catching their breaths. Avery knew she should run over and congratulate Ocean on her win but was finding it hard to leave Stella.
She felt a tickle at her side. Stella had stepped closer. Her fingers played along the side of her shirt. The movement would be impossible to see, but the thought of getting caught caused heat to light a path across Avery’s midsection. Crossing her arms, she reached with her pinky to Stella’s prodding fingers. Hooking them together, she knew she was getting in deeper but couldn’t stop.
The group migrated their way, forcing Avery to let go and step away. As she moved away from Stella’s enticing scent, she shuddered at the fire they were playing with. The whole reason Avery was doing this show was to get money to keep her head above water. And she kept forgetting that part because here, everything was taken care of for her. She was living in a dream and she needed to figure out how to get through the rest of the show and be able to live in her reality when this was over.
Walking further from temptation to congratulate Ocean, Avery passed Echo, crying for the cameras again while Tanya consoled her. If she had a dollar for how many times one of the contestants cried, she might not even have to do the show. She’d have enough money for her mom’s home for three months. Secretly, Avery called it Cries for Eyes, because turning on the waterworks usually guaranteed airtime.
“Nice win, Ocean.” Avery held her hand up high. Her palm stung at Ocean’s five.
“Thanks, Ave.” Ocean grinned when Denver came to her side.
“Ocean, you just won a date with Quinn at a waterpark. How do you feel?” Stella asked, pulling Ocean aside for a quick interview.
Avery stepped away to give them space.
“Good job, Elizabeth.” Avery stopped by her side. “Do you need any water?” she asked, seeing her still trying to catch her breath.
“Can you make me a smoothie?” Elizabeth gasped, her hands on her waist.
“Sure, come on.” They walked together to the kitchen. “Sit here, and I’ll fix you right up.” Avery tapped the barstool that overlooked the kitchen.
Elizabeth settled, thudding her elbows on the counter. “That contest took a lot out of me.”
“Are you okay with hugs?” She waited for Elizabeth’s answer before stepping forward. She looked so worn down and in need of some comfort.
“Oh yeah, hugs are fine. Thanks for asking.” Elizabeth leaned into her arms, letting out a sigh. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Avery rubbed up and down on Elizabeth’s back. Her long hair got tangled in her fingers. In Elizabeth’s arms, she felt the stress of the show melt away. It had been a long time since she’d had a friend, especially one she felt comfortable enough to hug.
They broke apart, and Avery looked away to give Elizabeth privacy to wipe her eyes. Apparently, she needed the contact just as much.
“Smoothie time,” Avery said, rubbing her hands together.
Having a mindless task allowed Avery to think back on the show. So far, it had been vastly different than anything she had prepared for. She hadn’t expected to find such companionship in some of the other contestants.
“Let me know before you put on the blender.” Elizabeth reached over the counter to grab her noise-canceling headphones. “I hate how loud it is.” She twirled the headphones.
Avery finished with the liquid and turned. “Okay, put them on now.” She smiled over at Elizabeth and waited until she settled the headphones on her ears before turning on the machine.
“Ooh, what have we here?” Quinn walked in, looking over Avery’s shoulder.
Ever since their date, there was a new ease between them. Avery couldn’t help but think she’d be having a vastly different experience in the house if she hadn’t met Stella before the show. As it was, she couldn’t let anything deter her from trying to get to the end for the money.
