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“Should we have a viewing party at Ethan’s new house when the first episode airs?” Amy said from the backseat, breaking the silence.
“Umm, doesn’t Ethan get a say in that?” Quinn twisted in the front seat, laying her head on the side of the backrest to see Amy better.
“No,” Amy and Stella said in deadpan unison. The car shook with their laughter.
It felt good to let loose. Stella had a few offers coming in now that she had a big show under her belt. But nothing would feel complete until she at least talked with Avery to see where they stood. If nothing else, she needed closure.
“I can’t believe you’re not telling us anything. I still have no idea how the show will go down.” Amy pouted.
“And we won’t tell you. Not only did we sign a contract forbidding us from saying anything, but it’s fun watching you try to figure it out.”
“What she said,” Stella agreed.
Stella had always known that some moments are life-changing. When looking back on them, you could be doing the most mundane thing in the world, not knowing your trajectory would skyrocket in another direction. And Stella knew this was her moment—laughing with her friends, driving down the congested streets, on her way to find her future.
There weren’t any parking spots near the coffee shop, but they were lucky enough to snag one two blocks away. Amy and Quinn tried unsuccessfully to pull Stella into a conversation while trudging to the coffee shop. The dry afternoon sun beat down on them, ensuring Stella would get a renewed layer of sweat. Great.
With a deep breath, Stella wrapped her hand around the handle, swinging the door open. She stepped aside to let a person with two cup carriers stacked on each other and a bag precariously swaying on top come out. Once they passed the opening, Stella scanned the faces of the baristas. Two hassled-looking workers were trying to keep up with the orders while a third handled the register. Her heart sank when she didn’t see Avery.
Stepping into a line that held two people, Stella again went over what she would say. Amy and Quinn were whispering behind her, but she was so focused on the line that she had no idea what they were saying.
Finally, she reached the register. The scent of coffee was overpowering. Scanning the name tag, Stella leaned in.
“Hi, Lucy. I have an odd question, but do you know when Avery is working again?”
Lucy shook her head, looking her up and down like she was a lowly piece of trash. “I had to let her go. She gave her two weeks yesterday, but someone else came in looking for a job, so I sent her home… Holy shit, you’re Quinn!” Her demeanor changed on a dime when she saw Amy and Quinn sandwiched on each side of her. “Do you want anything?” Lucy paused, realizing she’d just skipped over Stella. “Are you ordering? I don’t know when Avery will be in to drop off her uniform and collect the last of her things.” Her attention turned back to Quinn. “We’re so excited for the show. Do you think we could take a picture? It will be great marketing.”
Stella had been ready to order, but the brash attitude and being brushed off was irritating.
“I’d rather not,” Quinn said politely. “We should go. We just wanted to reach out to Avery. Come on, Stella.” Lucy wouldn’t hear the biting undertone, but Stella caught it.
“Throwing in my name was a nice touch,” Stella whispered as she peeked over her shoulder. Their friend Lucy appeared to be piecing it together that she’d been talking to the show’s host.
“It was too much. She’s kicking herself for treating you that way.” Amy squeezed Stella’s upper arm. “Sorry you just missed her.”
Wasn’t that the truth? A day late and a dollar short. Almost literally. They were a few steps from the front door when it opened. Stella stumbled into Quinn. Avery walked into the store, blocking the entrance and taking them in. She had a bundle of clothes in her arm. She looked between them, her eyes sparkling under the lights.
Avery whooped, which was odd since Stella didn’t take her for much of a whooper. In two steps, she was an arm's length away. Stella’s face stretched as she reached towards Avery, waiting for a hug.
Chapter 17
Charcuterie boards
“Stella.” Avery’s voice was just a whisper. She held out her arms and stepped forward towards her destiny.
Avery took in Stella’s appearance as she walked towards her. It was laid back and cozy. Perfect for chores around the house. She loved that Stella was comfortable enough to wear old sweats to grab a coffee. It showed how low maintenance she was, which was a perfect match for her.
Her legs shook as she stepped closer. She wanted to rush into her arms, but the place was too exposed to greet her the way she wanted. Outside of the house, they still had to watch how they interacted. The pages of nondisclosure agreements and threats of lawsuits hung over her head.
The other woman with Stella had gone to Quinn’s side. Avery knew she should introduce herself, but she couldn’t take her eyes off Stella.
“This place is a little too exposed. Avery, are you free to talk? Maybe come by my apartment?” Stella asked, wrapping her in a hug. The familiar accent felt right in her ear.
Being back in Stella’s orbit, Avery felt the past few weeks of wandering around in two-toned gray finally erupt in multicolor.
“Before a sinkhole opens up and separates us, can I have your number? I should have left mine that first night.” Stella’s cheeks were flushed as she held out her phone with a new contact page opened up.
“Finally!” the still unidentified woman shouted when Avery handed back the phone.
