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Avery let out a strangled chuckle. “Probably.”
“I want you to know, there aren’t any hard feelings. I knew it was a bit of a risk picking you but went with my heart. I really enjoy your friendship, and truly hope we can be friends.”
“There is nothing I’d like more. Thank you for being so understanding.”
Stella ached when she saw Avery wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.
“I’m sorry we have to do this again. Places everyone,” Monica called out. “Avery, say your speech again.”
It took a few more shots, but finally both Monica and Neil were calling cut.
Stella watched as the group got pulled in different directions. Avery and Quinn were swept off the stage, presumably for paperwork and final release. She wanted to run to Avery, but it still wasn’t the right time—not with all the cameras around still rolling. She’d catch up to her in a while.
“Perfect. Stella, let’s meet in a week or two to discuss your future. That was brilliant.” Neil’s giddy voice in her ear was giving her a headache.
Chapter 15
Now what?
Avery stood with her key raised at the door of her apartment. She hadn’t remembered the peeling paint on the hallway walls or the steps that creaked in the wind. Everything that had been normal a few months ago now had the spotlight of time away.
She loathed going into her apartment. Reality would crash back once she opened the door, and she wasn’t ready.
Another door opened, and Mr. Terry peeked his head out. Wispy white hairs stuck out in all directions, but it was his kind eyes and quick smile she noticed first.
“Did you miss me?” she asked, putting her back towards the wall and tucking her keys back in her pants—anything to stave off going into a sad, empty apartment. After sleeping in a house full of people for months on end, adjusting to the pressing loneliness that threatened to drown her would be hard.
“Avery, my dear. Come here. Have you lost weight? I can whip you up a protein drink, if you want. I can even do it with the fancy cup flips that bartenders do, since I was one in my twenties. Come on in. Let’s catch up.” Mr. Terry waved her into his apartment across the hall.
Ready for any distraction, Avery followed willingly. She stepped across the threshold and took in his apartment for the first time. She’d asked him to watch over her apartment a few times, but it was surprising she’d never been to his side of the hallway.
The space was light and sparse. Pictures of Mr. Terry’s life lined the hallway. She witnessed him growing up on a farm wearing threadbare pants to standing shirtless in a bar with a strapping man who had his arm thrown over Mr. Terry’s shoulder, looking in his direction with what could only be love in his eyes. The man continued to grace most photos. The last one brought a tear to her eye. It was of the two men, much older. Mr. Terry held the gentleman, whose bald head reflected the apartment's light. Love still shone in their eyes, but also pain and sadness.
“That’s my Patrick.” Mr. Terry came beside her, hands behind his back, his face lost in memories.
“You make a striking couple,” Avery remarked, one finger on the frame. How had she lived across this person for all this time and not know anything about his life?
“He died in the early two thousands. Cancer’s a bitch.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Terry.” Avery reached out, placing a hand on his bony shoulder.
“Please, Avery, call me Martin.” He adjusted his bowtie as he turned towards the kitchen.
“Our apartments are similar.” Avery put her back towards the photos, her heart aching at the lost love. She tried not to think of her own loss. She’d waited out front for Stella, trying to catch a glimpse, but security had shooed her away before they got a chance to connect. If she had known that was the last time she’d see her… Well, she’d have done a few things differently.
“Opposite, but yes, similar. Feel free to sit. Do you want some tea, coffee, or that protein drink?” Martin asked, waving to the living room. Like hers, it doubled as a bedroom. Except the window was on the right side, not the left.
“Tea would be great. Thank you. Do you have anything to report from my time away?” Avery asked, slumping onto the couch. She was trying everything she could not to think of the show. It hurt too bad to have missed her chance, but maybe she could forget her own plight if she kept him talking.
“Your fern came back to life under my care.” Martin smiled, handing off a small cup of scalding tea.
“I have a black thumb. Maybe I should send all the plants to you. They would probably be happier.” Avery watched the swirl of steam dance from the cup. At least the wisp looked happy.
“Everyone needs something to keep them going. I think the plants will do better on your side. I can give you some pointers, though. You’re overwatering, plain and simple.” Martin sat in the chair across from her.
Avery enjoyed the silence with her neighbor. Sometimes, people needed to stop and have a cup of tea. She inhaled the fragrant scent and might as well have been kicked in the gut. A hint of strawberries hit her nose, reminding her of Stella.
Putting the tea aside, she grappled with coming up with a topic they could both partake in, but she could only focus on the scent.
