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She didn’t have any intention of saying anything. Maybe they could use it as a playing card later if they needed a strategy to get her kicked off instead of one of them. After all, nothing in the rules said they had to be single, it was just implied that they would be.
A few hours later, the group had gathered in the living room at Stella’s request. Quinn stood at the front with their host, waiting with her hands behind her back. A relaxed smile tugged at her lips. Avery leaned on the end of a bookshelf towards the back of the group, enjoying watching Tanya’s eyes dart back and forth, looking for an exit.
“I’ve asked y’all here because in a few hours, Quinn is going to pick two of you for a game of bowling.” Stella made eye contact with each of the contestants.
Avery felt the look slide over her body. She wanted to go on that date, both to spend more time with Quinn, but also to hang out with Stella. Needing to be free of those thoughts, she looked around, seeing who was playing it up for the cameras. It was one of her favorite games. She noticed Tanya relax into the couch.
Stella turned to Quinn with a smile. “Quinn, please choose the two contestants you would like to spend more time with. They could be people you haven’t gotten to know very well, or someone you’ve already connected with. Whoever you feel most comfortable choosing.”
“Ooh, this will be fun.” Quinn rubbed her hands together like she was trying to warm them in front of a fire. “Let’s see, I haven’t met with Elizabeth since the first week and would love the chance to reconnect.” Quinn winked at Elizabeth.
“One down. Who is the other person you’ll pick?” Stella inquired.
Avery’s eyes fell to a loose tile above the fireplace. The object was not lined up with its counterparts, and it was bugging the shit out of her.
“…Avery.”
At her name, she looked to the front. Quinn looked mighty proud of herself. Wishing her mind hadn’t wandered, Avery lifted her hand in a wave but quickly lowered it, feeling foolish. Stella’s smile was tight, not her relaxed one, or even the one she usually brought out for interviews.
“Looking forward to it, thank you,” Avery added, feeling uncomfortable with everyone staring at her.
The rest of the women grumbled good naturedly, leaving the area with a few mumbled congratulations towards Elizabeth or Avery.
“The car will pick you up in an hour for your date,” Stella added before turning towards the stairs.
That left the three of them to shuffle around in an uncomfortable circle.
“Okay, uhh, see you in an hour.” Avery sprinted to her room.
The hour was upon Avery as she smoothed her polo shirt down for the fourth time in a minute. She wore lightweight pants a step above her usual jeans but not quite in the slacks realm. Casual and breezy, she’d tried to tell herself in the mirror.
“How does this look?” She turned to Riley, who was studying her in the mirror.
“The lilac was a good choice. It brings out the warmth in your brown eyes. Here, wear this.” She handed her a belt. “Tuck in the polo and put that on. Trust me, it will pull the look together.”
Avery frowned but did as she was told. When all was said and done, she turned to Riley. “As always, you’re right. Thank you.”
“Have fun,” Riley said, a warm smile playing on her lips.
“Oh, I will.” She wiggled her eyebrows up and down before walking to the front door to wait for everyone.
Elizabeth clapped her on the back as she walked by. “Look alive, Avery.”
Stepping to the side, she glanced at Elizabeth, who was wearing a button-down blouse that strained across her chest. She’d paired it with lightweight capri pants. Usually Elizabeth dressed more feminine than that, but maybe she’d opted for that look because they were doing something active.
When Stella and Quinn walked up, Avery was saved from having to respond. Her eyes drank up both Quinn and Stella. Stella wore a flowing blue dress that hugged her curves and a cream overcoat that cinched at her waist. Quinn had opted for a dark purple shirt and white jeans that showed off her athletic body. Both women were mouthwatering.
Any words Avery might have been thinking died on her tongue as she took them in.
“Are you ready to go?” Quinn interrupted her gawking with an amused tilt to her voice.
Shaking off her stupor, Avery swooped her arm before her for the three of them to go first, needing an extra moment to collect herself.
The ride to the bowling alley was uneventful, yet entertaining as Quinn shared stories from her days playing professional basketball.
The further into the show Avery got, the less she wanted to make it to the finale. There, an impossible choice would be waiting for her: take the money or be with Quinn. She held her stomach, hoping the queasy rolling would dissipate.
“Avery, come on, we’re here.” Quinn’s soft voice cut into her thoughts. Everyone was already out of the car, and Quinn’s hand was held out, waiting for Avery to grab it.
