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“Totally. I could have used more time with them. I can’t believe this all ends in a few days. I’m going to miss our nighttime talks.” Quinn’s hand felt hot when she placed it on her calf.
“Have you decided who you’ll pick?” Stella had wanted to ask the question at their interview but refrained, knowing it hadn’t been the time to ask something like that.
“I’m torn. The one I feel closest with was tentative about moving forward with anything physical past making out. I think I could be happy with any of them. It’s going to be a big decision.” Quinn’s thoughtful gaze landed on the window.
Unsure if she should push or not, Stella said nothing. She leaned towards Quinn and wrapped her up in a hug. She was burning with curiosity about who she was talking about but also terrified of the answer. “You’ll know what to do when the time comes. No matter what happens, know that America will love you, and you’re enough.”
Quinn crawled up to Stella’s side. Her arms snaked around Stella’s waist. Her head hit the pillow as she wiggled to get comfortable. “Can I snuggle with you tonight? I just need a friend,” Quinn asked, her voice sounding vulnerable.
In response, Stella patted her arm and snuggled into the pillow. Within moments, she was finally asleep.
Chapter 14
Finale
After folding up her favorite shirt, Avery tucked it into her suitcase. She’d done this song and dance so many times she was now a professional packer.
“We’re probably among the few people who have packed so many bags without traveling anywhere,” Avery said to Riley, who was struggling to close her suitcase.
Riley wiped her brow when she got the zipper closed. “Right? You’d think I’d have figured out a better system by now.” She grinned, walking over to Avery’s bed.
“I’m glad we roomed together. Although, to be honest, I’m excited to have a night without your snoring,” Avery joked, patting Riley on the back before sticking out her hand. Riley looked confused, then swiped it away and pulled her in for a hug.
“What are you doing after this?” Avery picked up the book from her nightstand.
“I’m going to In-N-Out as soon as the cameras stop rolling.” Riley dipped down to grab the toiletries bag Avery had just dropped.
“Mmm, yeah, there’s something about a greasy, salty, flavor bomb that you don’t have to cook. Good call.” Avery zipped up her bag, taking one last look around. “Have everything?”
“I think so. I’m glad we roomed together, too. You helped make the first few weeks bearable.” Riley hiked her bag up her shoulder as Avery picked up her own bag. “See you on the other side,” Riley said.
Avery could barely hear her above the crew making last-minute preparations around the house. They left their room and walked to the front door. The new place didn’t have a large foyer, which meant Avery’s shoulders brushed against Riley and Elizabeth as they waited for Monica. All they had been told the night before was to be packed and ready to leave by ten.
No one said anything; they were all lost in their memories.
“Thanks for being prompt.” Monica strode into the room with Quinn in her wake. The camera crew was absent. “We’ll head to the studio for the finale. There will be hair, makeup, clothes, and anything else you need. Stella has already left to do some preliminary shots and introductions. Then Quinn will be brought in, then you three later. I’ll be directing everyone, so you don’t have to worry.” Monica made eye contact with each of them. “Are there any questions?” She waited, but when she only got head shakes in response, she turned and held the door for them.
And like that, the contestants of For Love or Money left their temporary house and shoved their bags into the back of a large SUV. Avery got into the car first, scooting over the cool leather to make room for the others. Still, nobody talked as the car pulled from the house. A feeling of change filled Avery’s body as she tried to think what might happen during filming in a few hours.
Leading up to the show, she’d been cocky in her ability to do whatever it took to get into this position. Now that she was here, she was positive it wasn’t where she wanted to be. Feeling stuck, she rested her head against the window, hoping the chilled glass would help her think clearly, but all it did was jostle her as the car rolled over potholes.
The hours leading up to the show both dragged and sped by. Avery was primped, prodded, and stuffed into a shirt that showed off her arms but made her supremely uncomfortable with how tightly it clung to her chest. She’d been separated from Riley and Elizabeth, which was both a blessing and a curse. She hadn’t been alone with her thoughts in months, and panic started to crawl up her throat at all the unfamiliar ground opening up in front of her. Faceless people with endless creams, brushes, and makeup fluttered about, ensuring Avery felt like a pigeon trying to be made into a peacock.
Finally, Monica came rushing in. “Two minutes,” she called before hurrying down to another room.
Another producer gathered Avery from the room and walked her to a closed door. “Stay here.”
The force by which she said it planted Avery to the ground. Holding still, she waited while Riley and Elizabeth came from different directions.
“You scrub up nicely.” Elizabeth looked Avery up and down.
Rolling her eyes, she crossed her arms in front of her, not enjoying the fact that both Riley and Elizabeth’s eyes were on her chest. “Eyes up here, ladies,” she teased, trying to shake off the tightness in her gut.
“Quinn and Stella are waiting. Go in when you’re ready,” Monica said, waiting behind them.
Since she was closest, Avery wrapped her fingers around the door handle and pulled. The room was lit with bright lights. Stella and Quinn sat towards the front on one side, three high-backed chairs spread between them. A person with makeup was touching up Stella and Quinn’s faces. Avery ignored the cameras angled toward her face as she entered the room.
Proud to have made it to the front without tripping, Avery took the chair closest to Stella. Wiping the sweat from her hands, she waited while Elizabeth and Riley settled beside her.
