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Near the song's end, the drone started up the stairs and entered a room where Stella sat with Quinn, preparing for the introductions. The moving shot switched to the cameraperson seamlessly as the music swelled and stopped. Then, Stella jumped into the introductions of the show.
And thus started the first episode of Stella’s hosting gig. It had taken her ten years to burst into the business, and towards the middle of the episode, she felt a sting of tears. Not wanting to interrupt anyone’s viewing pleasure, she headed out of the living room. Avery had given her a questioning look but settled back down when Stella had mouthed, ‘Bathroom.’
Leaning against the sink, Stella took stock of the moment. All the years of heartbreak, hard work, and sacrifice pared down to this moment. She couldn’t help but be proud of her work on the show and could only hope there would be more work in the future.
“Can I come in?” Avery’s voice sounded muffled through the partly closed door.
“Yes, of course.” Stella scrubbed at her eyes. There wasn’t much hiding the fact she’d been bawling in the bathroom.
“Are you okay?” Avery’s voice was hesitant as she hovered in the doorway.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It just hit me that my dreams are finally starting to come together. It’s been such an emotional journey.” Stella rubbed her face. “I can’t believe I’m hosting a show.” She peered out of the spaces between her fingers. Avery’s gaze was a mix of humor and care, with a dash of lust in there as well.
Avery closed the door behind her before stepping into Stella’s space and pulling her in for a hug. “I’m so proud of you. You did amazing, and I’m certain the phone will start ringing off the hook.”
Stella felt Avery’s lips press into the top of her head, a moment she wished she could capture forever.
I love you, Stella thought, keeping her face buried in Avery’s shirt. The scent of comfort and home pulled her deeper. “Thank you,” she said instead.
“Why is it that we always end up in the bathroom? From our kiss at the bowling alley, to going through an earthquake together. The bathroom is apparently our thing.”
Laughing with a touch of a groan, Stella leaned back to offer her lips. “Can’t we pick a more profound place than the bathroom?” She rested her hands on Avery’s hips, their mouths connected.
“Nope. You can’t change fate. And fate has said that the bathroom will be our place,” Avery teased, leaning down for one more kiss.
“Will you stay tonight?” Stella asked when they broke apart.
“I’ve been waiting to hear those words since I woke up alone in the hotel.” Avery jumped when someone started pounding on the door.
“You know it’s bad form to keep guests waiting to hit play on a show we’ve been wanting to see for ages while you two have a quickie in the bathroom,” Amy bellowed from behind the closed door.
“Hold your horses. Yeah, right there, babe,” Stella breathily exclaimed. Avery laughed, opening the door.
“Killjoy,” Stella added under her breath. “I’ll be right out.”
Amy took Avery’s arm and walked back to the living room. Stella stayed to splash some water on her face. In the mirror, she smiled at her reflection. The show was a huge accomplishment, something she was glad to have taken a timeout to acknowledge. Now, though, it was time to enjoy the fruit of her labors with her friends.
After the last hugs were doled out, Stella and Avery cleaned the living room together.
“I can’t believe they got Denver and Ocean flirting in the first episode. That puts things into perspective with what comes later,” Avery said.
Stella nodded as she piled Avery’s arms full of plates. “I know they were filming twenty-four-seven, but how much they could cram into the show is shocking. Don’t think I didn’t see you mouth the words, oh fuck, when Quinn came down the stairs the first time.” Stella bumped their shoulders together.
“Quinn got a kick out of that. I’ll let you in on a secret, though.” Avery leaned closer. “I had just seen you behind her.”
“You did not.” Stella slapped her arm.
Giggling, Avery held up the plates as protection. “I swear to you, the camera angle made it look exactly like it was supposed to, but I saw it was you behind her and couldn’t help my reaction.”
“We’ll never tell Quinn, but I prefer that story.” Stella kissed Avery’s cheek.
The cleanup was a breeze as they discussed the show. Now that the guests had left, they were free to discuss everything that happened without fear of revealing any spoilers. The elimination episode would be played tomorrow, much to the chagrin of the three people who had no idea how the show would unfold. Amy had tried her hardest to milk more information out of them, but everyone had kept their lips sealed.
“Do you think Quinn will spill anything to Amy? She was relentless.” Avery shook her head.
“Do you? You know Quinn pretty well yourself.” Stella bent down to pick up a fork that had slipped from her hand.
“You know Amy better, though.” Avery walked by, grabbing the dishes from her hands.
