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“Isn’t it cool that they are hanging out? I miss them.”
The fact that Avery looked tired wasn’t lost on Stella. Her hair slid over her shoulder as she shrugged. “It’s a cool photo.” She returned the device, wishing there were more boxes to unload from the truck.
“You didn’t see. Look.” Quinn pulled her shoulder closer to the photo. “See that?”
When Stella didn’t respond, Quinn pinched the photo to Avery’s chest. Heat ran up her cheeks, but Quinn pointed to a logo before Stella could get huffy at objectifying Avery.
“See? Café Jefe. It doesn’t seem like she checks her social media because she hasn’t responded to anything I’ve asked, but we should head over there. I have a craving for some coffee.”
“I just unpacked the espresso machine.” Ethan walked back into the room, his arms full of bedding.
“Stella has a taste for something a little sweeter,” Quinn teased, bumping their shoulders together. “What do you say, Banana?” She used the nickname Amy and Ethan had lovingly dubbed. “Ready to go on an adventure?” Quinn’s eyes danced.
“Can I talk to you for a second?” Stella grabbed Quinn’s arm. When they were in the bathroom, her mind slammed into memories of being with Avery. “Are you really okay with this? I mean, I haven’t been able to talk about how Avery feels, but you seem shockingly cool with the possibility of us.” Stella searched Quinn’s face.
“Look, the way I see it—she didn’t choose me. But she could choose you, and that would make me happy. I love you both, and truly want the best for you. I’m okay, I promise.” Quinn leaned in for a hug.
When they parted, Stella said, “Somebody is going to be lucky to get to be with you.” She looked to the side. “The other thing is I don’t know what to do about Amy. I can’t tell her the person I’m hung up on is on the show.” She was itching to leave for the café but didn’t know how to handle her best friends.
“I see the pickle, but you don’t have to worry. Right now, tell Amy it’s Avery, your one-night stand. We can deal with the rest later.” Quinn shrugged, like it was the easiest thing in the world.
It wasn’t the best plan, but it would have to do for now. “Okay, let’s go.”
The group was waiting in the hall. The thought of seeing Avery again set Stella’s heart racing. She was sure they could hear it in the silent room.
“What are we waiting for? I might have a lead on Avery, the person I slept with months ago, and couldn’t get out of my mind. I’ve got to see her again.” Stella waved Quinn along with a skip to her step.
“I’m coming too.” Amy hustled after them. “I need to give my stamp of approval or denial. I can’t have my best friend running around with someone who doesn’t get the seal.”
Stella thought it might just be that she wanted to spend time with Quinn but wasn’t about to call her out. She had her own stamps to approve if the two moved past the bashful long looks, but that was for another day. Today was hers to conquer.
After Amy threw a fit because she didn’t want to crawl into the back of Quinn’s two-door Audi, Stella stomped to her car. It was not as flashy, but the black sedan held five people easily. It took Amy and Quinn a moment to realize Stella had already decided for them. So, while they were still arguing, Stella used the time to go over what to say if Avery was at the shop.
Her hands slipped on the steering wheel. She wiped her swampy palms on her sweats. Shit, not sweats. She groaned inwardly.
Stumbling out of the car just as Amy and Quinn got in, she fumbled for the handle and hopped out. Her head was moving, but she wasn’t taking in any sights. Nothing was familiar.
Right. Ethan’s house. Not hers.
Reality finally registered. She wasn’t at her house, her hair was a mess, and she was sporting sweat stains on her pits and lower back. After helping someone move, she was a complete mess.
“What’s up, babe?” Amy slid out of the backseat, putting a hand on Stella’s shoulder.
“I just realized how I look. I can’t go now.” Stella kicked at a rock on the driveway.
“She doesn’t care about stuff like that.” Quinn had joined Stella’s mini meltdown. Great.
“How do you know?” Amy asked, her head tilted to the side.
“Uhhh, she doesn’t seem like the type?” The tentative question almost ruined it.
“That doesn’t matter. We’re not at a point where I can slack. There is so much we need to talk about, learn about, and ease into. I can’t look like I’m not trying. We’ll have to do this another day.” Stella twisted to go back inside, determined to help Ethan unpack.
Her lower body moved, but her upper stayed when Quinn gripped her shoulder. “Stop. Avery doesn’t care. If she’s at the café, all she’ll notice is your gorgeous hair, beautiful eyes, and wondrous smile. She doesn’t seem like the type of person to worry about what people dress like.”
The fact Quinn knew Avery so well irked Stella, but who was she not to take the advice? “If she sees me and runs in the opposite direction, I’ll haunt you for the rest of your days.” Stella rubbed her face, ignoring the gritty sensation of dried sweat.
Climbing back into the car, Stella pulled up the coffee shop on her phone, which paired to the GPS on the screen of her vehicle. Calm settled over her as she navigated the busy California streets. Since she knew the back roads reasonably well now, the GPS had to keep rerouting.
