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“I’ll take some water. Thank you. Umm, where can I put these?” Avery held out her arms, still filled with bags.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Here, let me.” Stella took the bags and stuffed them into a closet near the front door. Well, at least they had that in common. “I helped move Ethan into his new house earlier today. Those were things from his old place that I’d forgotten over the years. I’m sure we all have stuff tucked away at each other’s houses. Amy, Ethan, and me—if that wasn’t clear.”
The rambling Avery remembered well from the bar. She took a step toward Stella, finally finding her footing. “Do you want to hop in the shower? Maybe I can raid your fridge and get a few snacks for you?”
The relief on Stella’s shoulders told her exactly how welcome the suggestion had been. “You’re a treasure.” Stella caressed her cheek. “Help yourself to anything.”
Avery watched her walk down the hall. The extra sway in her hips had her thinking Stella knew she was watching. She was a goner already.
While wiping the condensation off the mirror, Stella criticized every extra pound and wrinkle it highlighted. Wishing she’d just kept the glass covered, she put on a fresh set of underwear. Pants were another beast. She wanted to upgrade from the holey sweats she’d been wearing but knew if she left the room in something nice, it might look like she was trying too hard.
Once she got to her dresser, she settled on a nice pair of leggings paired with a wide neck T-shirt that hung off one shoulder. She thought the look was an acceptable compromise. Avery had already seen her at her worst, anyway. Not wanting to deal with makeup, Stella decided to bear herself totally. After all, relationships weren’t about showing perfection. They were about being vulnerable enough to let someone in. To show the bruises, scars, and flaws, but most importantly, trusting your partner to know they wouldn’t run away when they got a peek behind the imperfect curtain.
Walking down the hallway, she stopped at the opening that led to the kitchen, leaning against the wall to observe Avery dancing to a tune only she could hear. A platter of crackers, cheese, grapes, and nuts was piled high on the counter. Right now, she was slicing some meat.
“I read somewhere that adults like charcuterie boards and wine because we all grew up on Lunchables and Capri Sun,” Avery said, not turning around.
“How did you know I was here?” Stella entered the kitchen, wrapping her arms around Avery’s waist from behind.
Lifting the knife, Avery pointed the tip toward the microwave above the stove. “Reflection.” She melted into her arms. “Mmm, strawberries. It’s become my favorite smell.”
“My shampoo. I have to import it from an obscure shop in Oklahoma, but well worth it with a reaction like that.” Stella kissed the spot below Avery’s ear.
Just thinking about not having to censor herself around Avery had Stella’s body humming. She only let go to grab a grape.
“Want anything to drink?" Avery asked, spinning to the fridge.
“My nana would hit my butt with a spoon if she saw me slacking on my hosting duties.” Stella shook her head but couldn’t get the nerve to get into gear, not with Avery’s midriff showing when she reached for a cup. “I’ll take some water. After helping Ethan move, I probably need to rehydrate.” Stella grabbed the plate and added the newly cut meat to the spread.
“I can give you a massage if you want?” Avery offered, putting the glasses of water on the coffee table in front of the couch.
“I wouldn’t say no.” Stella piled a cracker with meat and cheese. “You must have superior cutting skills or something because this is the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”
“Or… You’re super hungry from working hard,” Avery teased.
It was promising that they were right back in their comfort level with each other.
“Come sit down,” Stella said.
Bringing the plates to the living room, they settled. Stella noticed Avery sat close enough for their legs to touch.
“Umm, I guess we need to talk about us. Are you okay seeing where this goes?” Avery tapped a pattern on her water glass, unable to stay still.
“I’ve wanted nothing more. I kept dreaming I’d find you. So, yes, we’re going to explore this.” Stella nudged her leg with Avery’s.
“We’ll have to hide until the show airs.” Avery’s words were matter of fact as she popped a cracker into her mouth.
“Now that the cameras aren’t on us twenty-four-seven, it will be easier.” Stella tried to make eye contact, but Avery found the condensation slipping down the glass particularly fascinating.
The thought of having to stop whatever this was hurt Stella’s stomach. It couldn’t be an option. They’d have to come up with something. Her thoughts swirled so loudly she almost missed Avery’s response.
“We can do it. Who knows, maybe it will be fun sneaking around and stuff. But we have to be careful. I can’t afford to get sued,” Avery joked.
Stella knelt before her, gently placing her hands on Avery’s upper thighs. “We’ll figure it out. We’ll lay low and hang out here or at your place—I’m all for that. I want to get to know you away from other people's eyes. What better way to do that than spending time with each other indoors? I want to see if there is something here. Plus, Amy knows about you now, and she’ll tell Ethan, so we don’t have to hide from them.”
“Just to make sure, you’re okay with hiding and getting to know each other?” Avery asked hopefully.
Stella wasn’t sure why Avery was full of self-doubt, but it would be something she’d try to work on. “You’re worth it.”
