AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A flurry of activity burst around Avery. Someone with a brush poked her in the face, smoothing foundation. “This will help with the glare of the lights,” the woman probing near her said.
Avery nodded, unsure how to add to the conversation.
“Clear out everyone,” Monica called, punctuating her words with clapped hands.
The crew cleared, hurrying back into the depths of the room.
“Such great memories,” Stella said when Monica gave the all-clear. “Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Quinn, who is your final pick? Who is the person you choose?”
The sound dampened as Avery heard her heartbeat in her ears. Holding her breath, she froze, not wanting to miss a word. Elizabeth’s hand pulled from hers, and she realized for the first time she’d been squeezing it too tight. Her eyes fell on Stella, who looked back at her with a sad smile. The shared moment seared into her.
Stella couldn’t catch her breath. Avery’s eyes bore into hers. Some part of her knew that she should be listening to Quinn as she went through the lead-up to her pick. However, she couldn’t tear herself away from Avery’s gaze.
Hope and dread fought for top billing.
“…And that’s why I choose Avery.” Quinn’s words cut into her.
Stella watched a tidal wave of emotions cross Avery’s face.
Was there a word for being happy for someone, but also terrified of having lost your chance with them? What word would capture all that? The Germans might have something, but it didn’t seem to exist in English.
Elizabeth was out of her chair, pulling Avery into a congratulatory hug. Was she smiling? Why did it feel like she was showing way too many teeth?
Stella knew the time was ticking on how long she had to pull herself together. Luckily, the cameras weren’t on her, only focusing on the contestants and their emotions.
“Stella, get ready for the next part,” Neil said in her ear.
He’d been talking throughout the taping, throwing out little reminders or tidbits on what to say. It had been annoying, but now she was grateful to have a voice ground her. Elizabeth walked off the stage, leaving Stella sandwiched in a shot between Quinn and Avery.
“Avery, come on over.” Stella waved for her to stand near Quinn, who reached out to take her hands.
“Get out of the shot,” Neil reminded her. Stepping to the side, she let the two have a moment. Stella saw that Avery was shaking and her normally tanned skin had paled. “Good. Now, remind them of the next part.” Neil’s voice was grating her nerves.
“Avery, how are you feeling right about now?” Stella asked. She balled up her fists to prevent herself from reaching out.
“Shocked. After that first elimination, I was sure I was a goner. It’s been wonderful getting to know Quinn. She’s a delightful person.” She and Quinn shared a smile.
“She is a gem. Quinn, please tell us what you’re thinking. How do you feel everything went?”
“I knew as soon as we had our first date that Avery was someone special. She was obviously scared of horses and conquered that fear. The night was magical. Then the three-day stay just solidified what I already knew. Avery’s such a calm person. I could see us being able to handle any situation together.” Quinn’s face held a flicker of trepidation, which was soon hidden in a bright smile.
“As you know, Avery, you have a big decision. Do you choose Quinn and a chance at love, or do you take the money, cutting ties with Quinn?” The words were thick on her tongue.
Avery looked between her and Quinn. “Before all this started, I imagined what it would be like standing here. It’s no secret I’m drowning in debt, and can’t seem to get my head above water, even working two jobs,” Avery started. Stella caught Quinn’s shoulders sagging at her words. “I imagined just smiling, and saying I choose the money, and I’d walk away.” Avery’s eyes glistened as she talked. Stella wanted to hand her a tissue, or possibly give her a hug, but instead stayed in the background, like a good host. “In my wildest dreams I never imagined the tangled feelings in my heart, my head, my gut. Quinn, you are amazing. I can’t believe how much my stomach hurt when we got back, just from laughing with you. This is impossible. I came here thinking I could take the money and run.” Avery turned fully to Quinn, grabbing her hands. Cameras whirled around at the new angle. “Quinn, if I had my whole heart to give you, I’d choose you. But because someone unexpected has a small hold on me, I hate doing this, but I have to pick the money. It will help tremendously. I’m so sorry.”
Stella and Quinn both gasped.
Quinn looked towards Stella, her shoulders slumping resignedly. Pulling herself together, Quinn wrapped Avery in a hug that didn’t appear to be ending this year.
“Damn. Whoever she is, I hope she deserves you.” Quinn’s words were loud enough for Stella to catch.
Avery broke down, saying, “I’m sorry,” over and over. “I didn’t realize how hard this would be.” Her tough exterior looked like it was cracking. “Are we done?”
“We need another shot. Hold on.” Stella motioned for them to take a seat. Neil was still shouting orders in her earpiece; the noise was making it impossible to think. A bubble of giddiness threatened to burst out. Stella couldn’t wait to finally talk things through.
Quinn slumped down while Avery sat in the chair stiffly without her back touching. Guilt radiated from her, redness in her eyes shining through the hot spotlights along the soundstage. It took everything Stella had to go back to her mark without checking in on them. She wanted this to be over so she could finally have a conversation with Avery without all the cameras.
Quinn tapped her chest, looking softly at Avery. “I should have chosen Elizabeth,” she said with a wink.
