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Once out of the SUV and on steady ground, Avery let go of Quinn’s hand as they walked up to the front door. She refrained from looking around for Stella, knowing she was back in the shadows, fulfilling her duties as a host. As usual, she and Monica were outside of the camera’s view.
The bright lighting in the bowling alley helped focus Avery on the task at hand. The crash of balls slamming into the pins made her smile as she took in the sight of the lanes running along the far wall.
“Have you ever played?” Elizabeth asked Quinn as they walked up to the counter together for their shoes.
“Who hasn’t?” Quinn teased lightly.
Avery raised her free hand, feeling her cheeks warm at the admission.
“Really? You’ve never been? It’s like finding a unicorn. An out-of-touch unicorn.” Elizabeth’s tone, which would have seemed mocking a few weeks ago, now reflected only curiosity.
“I’ve had to care for my mom since a young age. I didn’t have any birthday parties that would allow such frivolous spending of money.” Avery shrugged off the statement but felt the cameras closing in for a close-up.
Multiple sets of eyes burned into her skin as she tried to shake off the uncomfortable spotlight. “So, if you wanted to make a wager, you’d win,” she joked.
Quinn’s eyes softened. “Okay, whoever wins gets the first kiss.” She looked between them. Unconsciously, Avery sought out Stella. Elizabeth’s hand was already reaching between them, waiting for Avery to strike a deal.
“What the hell. Beginner’s luck is a thing, right?” Avery squeezed Elizabeth's fingers.
After gathering their shoes, Avery searched for a bowling ball to use.
“Don’t forget about the weight of the ball.” Quinn came up beside her, guiding her arm that held a swirling blue and purple ball. “It shouldn’t be too heavy that you can’t get a good swing with your arm, but not too light that you lose all control.” Quinn held her hand. “I think this one’s too light. You seem strong.” Avery felt her arm being squeezed. “Try this one.” Quinn pointed out a ball that was a pound heavier than the one in her hand.
“This one isn’t as cool looking.” Avery frowned jokingly but had to hand it to her—the ball felt like a better fit. She took the all-pink object and trotted to the lane they had been assigned.
Elizabeth explained how the game worked. Avery asked to go last just so she could witness techniques.
“Don’t worry, I can help you.” Quinn winked.
Avery noticed Monica and Stella a lane over, watching the three of them play. She tried to emulate what Elizabeth and Quinn were doing but couldn’t seem to get the ball to roll the way she wanted. A pitcher of beer was brought over, which helped loosen her up. A bowl of nachos followed, which Quinn insisted was an essential part of the bowling experience.
After Avery’s second gutter ball in a row, Quinn stood up with her at the line. “Okay, so the key is to find the best time to release the ball.” Quinn stood over her shoulder as she touched her forearm lightly. “Practice a few swings.” Avery rocked back and forth with the ball, listening to Quinn. “And try to use your hand as a guide to where you want the ball to go.” Quinn caressed the top of her hand. “Now you try.”
Quinn stepped back, watching Avery’s form. Avery had been watching both Quinn and Elizabeth take their turns. They’d made it look easy, but when Avery’s ball went into the gutter yet again, she turned back towards the chairs with her shoulders hunched.
“It’s okay. You get one more try. You’ve got this,” Elizabeth encouraged.
When her ball magically came back up through the chute, Avery took a moment to visualize. Swinging her hand back, then forward like a pendulum, she let the ball go. It rode the lane, almost falling into the gutter before slamming into one pin.
It was like the whole lot had come down. The feeling of elation at hitting something was an amazing feeling. Turning around, she found Quinn’s arms wrapped around her waist in a loose hug. Avery’s eyes connected with Stella as she celebrated the minor personal win.
The further into the frames they got, the more comfortable Avery became with the game. She still hit the gutter more than any pins, but the company was great, and beer flowed from the pitcher as one glass quickly became three. Avery laughed at something Elizabeth said while Quinn spun around after hitting most of the pins. She smiled when Quinn brushed her arm over Avery’s to get her glass.
Each frame was met with an extended hug. And then, Avery hit a hole-in-one, or whatever the term for knocking the pins down in one go was called. Spinning around towards the group, Avery was still shocked she’d hit any pins, let alone all of them. She whooped, raising her hands above her head.
Pure emotion flowed out as she celebrated with Quinn in her arms. She wasn’t the one who initiated the kiss but didn’t do much to stop it. It took her by surprise, but she found herself sinking into Quinn’s touch, losing herself in the moment.
The victory high lasted until they broke apart and Avery’s eyes landed on Stella. Crashing back to earth, Avery tensed in Quinn’s arms, the beer churning in her gut.
“Hey, not fair. The game isn’t over yet,” Elizabeth huffed from the plastic chair.
“Stella, come over here,” Quinn demanded of their host when she and Avery broke apart, ignoring Elizabeth’s complaint. Avery shuffled to the chairs but was stopped with a hand on her arm.
“Stella, can we get more nachos and beer for the lane?” Quinn asked, her hand lingering on Avery’s arm. “Also, this game is almost done. Maybe the next one, me and Elizabeth can be on a team, and you and Avery can be on one?”
Stella’s usually smooth forehead was wrinkled. Avery wanted to reach out and iron it down with her lips but knew the move would be colossally unwise.
“I can help carry the food, if you want,” Avery offered, not enjoying the scowl on Stella’s face.
