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“She’s right,” Neil said with a sigh.
“Thank you.” Stella slammed her head backward on the couch. The fight within her seeped out onto the floor.
The rest of the meeting was a bunch of lawyer mumbo-jumbo Stella couldn’t care about, but she stayed on the phone listening to the suits talk in circles. When something was repeated for the third time, Stella had enough. Apparently, so had Neil, who interrupted.
“That’s enough for now. Monica, head to the house as backup and bring Lou. Stella, when they get there, call for Echo and let her know she is being kicked out. If needed, lean on Lou.” His producer hat was firmly in place as he continued through the following steps.
Having her marching orders, Stella hung up the call and took a moment to mentally and physically prepare for the drama that was about to unfold.
In the ensuing silence, Stella’s thoughts turned to Avery and how quickly she’d jumped to help, even to her detriment. She touched her cheek, feeling a trace of pain connected to Avery.
She forced herself to focus on the upcoming confrontation. Trying to think of all the scenarios, none ending particularly rosy in her mind, Stella let out a breath before working her way to the filming room.
On shaky legs a few hours later, Stella walked down the stairs. It felt like she’d gone four rounds in a boxing ring. She still had a tight grip on her professionalism, but even that seemed to be slipping from her fingers.
The women were loudly discussing Echo’s journey being cut short. Leaning against the door jamb of the room, Stella took in the sight. It became very apparent that two groups had broken out: People in support of Echo, and people who were glad she was gone.
Avery and Quinn were both off to one side, seemingly oblivious to the escalating voices around them. Stella’s shoulders tensed at seeing Quinn caress Avery’s face. This show couldn’t be over fast enough.
“Listen up, everyone.” Stella stepped out from the shadows. The group quieted, looking at her expectantly.
She should have thought through what she would say, but seeing Quinn and Avery so close had thrown her off. Some great host she was turning out to be. Clearing her throat, she said, “I know some of you are upset about what happened with Echo, but the rules of the house are explicitly clear. Physical confrontations will result in immediate removal.”
“What about Denver and Ocean physically assaulting us? Why are they still here? It’s not fair.” Tanya glared at the group gathered near the couch.
Pinching her fingers at the base of her nose, Stella wondered how easily a group of grown-ass adults could descend into catty drama. Was it just for the cameras?
“We reviewed the footage and concluded that they are innocent. There was no evidence of foul play. Echo was the only person who escalated and physically assaulted Avery.”
Everyone turned to look at Avery, who blushed. The ice had helped bring down the swelling in her eye, but a dark bruise spread across her cheek. Once fully formed, it would look formidable.
“That’s bull, and you know it.” Tanya’s fists were clenched as she stepped up to Stella.
Stella stood tall, staring down the spitfire who was determined to escalate things. She needed to get control of the situation, or it could descend into further chaos.
Tanya was the first to look away. Avery stood behind her with her hand on her shoulder.
“You don’t want to get kicked out too, right?” Avery’s whisper was audible for the little group standing near, but Stella doubted the microphones could pick it up.
“Get off me.” Tanya flung her shoulder forward, displacing Avery’s hand. Scoffing, she stalked towards Elizabeth, who looked uncomfortable with the attention.
“Okay, everyone. It’s been a hard day. Let’s get some sleep,” Stella called to the room. They broke up into groups. With nothing more to do, Stella climbed the stairs to her room, ready to put this day behind her.
After her nighttime ritual, she crawled under the covers. The highlights of the day played on a loop in her mind, which wouldn't shut off even with her body wanting to sink into slumber. Groaning, she turned on her lamp and opened her phone.
“Banana? How are you doing?” Amy’s cheerful voice lifted her spirits.
“Ames. It’s so good to hear your voice.” She didn’t know how to answer Amy’s question, so she left it at that for now.
“You too. This is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other since I spent a week on a gambling tear that one time. If you hadn’t found me when you did, I would have been at the mercy of a loan shark and might not have function of all my fingers.” Amy's laugh was distorted over the phone.
“Ethan would have helped you out.” Stella lay her head down, finding her best friend's tones comforting.
“Speaking of Ethan, he’s a bit smitten. He’s met this delightful woman. I got to meet her yesterday. It must be serious if he’s introducing me to her.” Amy got quiet, which was rare for her.
“I can’t believe he has the audacity to meet someone while I’m stuck here for the next couple of months,” Stella grumbled. “How will we know if she’s a keeper if she can’t get the full effect of us?”
“I don’t know, Stella. I think this one’s different. Ethan is more grounded with her. They complement each other nicely. There is a light in his eyes I haven’t seen in years,” Amy reflected as Stella curled onto her side.
