AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Stella wondered the same thing. Trying to keep her moderator tone going, she twisted to look at Quinn. “Do you know what Tanya is talking about?”
“No, I have no idea. Avery wasn’t ever one to talk about the other contestants. She mostly wanted to know about my life.” Quinn’s hair rustled against her shoulder when she shook her head.
“Avery, do you know what she’s talking about?” Stella asked, crossing her leg over her knee.
“Yes, but I didn’t say anything. To be honest, I forgot about it. So many other things were happening, and Tanya doesn’t rate in things that matter to me.” Avery shrugged.
“Harsh, but fair.” Quinn nodded. “Can you tell us what’s going on?
Avery looked to Tanya, who was about a second away from pummeling Avery. Stella rested her arms on the chair, ready to use them as leverage to lift herself.
“No. If Tanya wants to tell, that’s fine, but it’s not my place. She was eliminated already, so I don’t see the point.” Avery leaned back, motioning for someone else to talk.
“I’d rather not say.” All previous bravado seeped out, leaving Tanya slumped in the chair. “Can I go now?”
“Yes, you have five minutes to say goodbye and leave the house. A car awaits you outside to take you wherever you need.”
The group migrated downstairs, and a mixture of anticipation, confusion, and shock fell over the ladies. Stella stayed upstairs, giving everyone the moment needed to say goodbye. The cameras followed the action, leaving Stella a rare moment of peace. With it came a bubble of anxiety about what the next couple of weeks would be like. The unknown falling heavy on her tongue made breathing hard.
Her silence was interrupted by Monica. “Okay, let’s film the next part for the finale in two weeks.” She motioned for a camera person to return to the small room.
“Let’s get this over with.” Stella loosened up her neck, ready for a dip in her tub.
“It’s been a long day. Are you ready?” Monica asked, hovering over the shoulder of the camera.
Stella just nodded and waited for the signal. When Monica’s finger pointed at her, she smiled, shaking off the bone-weary tiredness.
“With just three contestants left, the next two weeks will be special. Quinn will go off-site with each woman for three days—uninterrupted time to get to know everyone better. The cameras will still be rolling, but nobody but the pair will be around. Be sure to tune in each week for the exciting conclusion of For Love or Money: Sapphic Edition.”
She waited for the signal. When Monica gave it, she let out a breath.
“Good. Only one take. You’re a pro.” Monica nodded her approval. “Get some sleep, Stella. It looks like you could use it.”
Stella scoffed, but her upper lip was trembling with a repressed smile. “That’s just good sense. Night, Monica.”
In the darkness of the new room, even with exhaustion pulling heavy on her shoulders, she still couldn’t find sleep. The next few weeks were weighing on her mind. Quinn and Avery would have three days—alone. The thought settled in her gut like lousy food and didn’t leave until blissful sleep finally pulled her under.
Chapter 13
Sleepover
Yet another new place to explore, Avery thought as she took in the new temporary surroundings. Three days. Three days with Quinn, then the finale. Sweat pooled at her lower back. She liked Quinn; she found her funny and easygoing. They had some great conversations, and Avery could see herself falling for her.
Avery rubbed at her chest. But then there was Stella. One look from Stella could both break and heal her. Avery wished she could get over her, but her heart still pounded in Stella’s presence. It didn’t help that she and Stella couldn’t have a private conversation. Maybe Stella wasn’t even in the same place she was.
The whole reason for doing this show was for the money, but now, with real people and feelings, the thought of taking money gave her acid reflux. Avery sighed.
“Over here, we have the kitchen, and down the hall is the bathroom,” Quinn said, interrupting Avery’s thoughts. “And over here are the two bedrooms. Our sleeping arrangements are up to us, though.” Quinn gave her a cheeky grin.
Camera people followed them as Quinn gave the tour. Since Avery was the last contestant for the three-day stay, Quinn knew the place well by now. It was a cute cottage with an acre of land surrounding it, giving them a sense of privacy. Well, as much privacy they could get with cameras in their faces and a house wired to record them twenty-four-seven.
Avery gulped when she realized Quinn was waiting for an answer. “Do we have to decide now?”
“No. Let’s put your bags in the guest room.” Quinn looked relieved.
“It must be weird hopping from one person to another,” Avery guessed, sliding her luggage by the bed. The room was small, but at least she would get a break from Riley’s snoring.
“I don’t think many people realize how hard it is. I mean, you’re all awesome—and hot. But this show is way more confusing than I thought it would be.” Quinn hovered in the doorway.
