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With still a few hours to kill, she searched for Stella. Maybe she could help take the edge off. With a grin, she headed down the hall, a dream she could carry out right away.
“Greta, this is my friend, Stella. Stella, my mom’s nurse extraordinaire, Greta.” Avery giddily made the introductions, still feeling a buzzing excitement that hadn’t left after finding out she’d passed her test.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Stella held out her hand over the desk, which Greta enthusiastically took.
Avery had warned Stella that Greta was a fan of the show, so she’d have to introduce her as just a friend. One of her favorite things about Stella was the fact she was so understanding. With past girlfriends, they were so hell-bent on finding flaws or blowing something minor up. Avery had always felt like she was walking on eggshells. Not with Stella; she was steady in all things.
“How is my mom doing today?”
“Good. She didn’t feel like eating much dinner, so maybe you can get her to eat a snack or something. By the way, I love you on the show, Stella. You do a brilliant job at keeping the unruly bunch in line.” She waved her hands towards Avery.
“The hardest job I ever had,” Stella joked right back.
“This one won’t tell me a darn thing. You’d think I was prying for state secrets. There’s such drama and chemistry.” Greta stuck her tongue out the side of her mouth, a surprising move for a grandmother.
“We’ve all been bound by paperwork a brick thick to keep things under the lid. Their lawyers are way better than any I could afford, so I’m not tempted to say a word. It’s a good season, though,” Stella added.
“That date you and Quinn went on.” Greta turned to Avery, grabbing her heart. “That was the best by far. You too had such chemistry. I’m rooting for you, not just because I know you in real life.”
Avery nearly laughed at Stella’s tightened jaw. Of all things to be jealous about. The counter hid Avery’s hand as she squeezed Stella’s arm, a silent reminder that she was the one for Avery.
“You’ll just have to keep watching to see what happens.” Avery winked. “Well, I’ve got to run. We’re coming in a little later than usual.” Avery moved her hand to Stella’s lower back to guide her towards the room. “If we don’t see you on the way out, say hi to your grandbabies for me.”
“She seems nice.” Stella smiled over her shoulder and waved goodbye to Greta as they walked the halls to her mom's room.
Avery nodded. “She’s a life saver. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her. She’s kept me grounded.”
“I’m glad you have her.” Stella kept going, not realizing Avery had stopped in front of her mom’s room. Backtracking, Stella settled at Avery’s side.
The quips and banter disappeared, replaced by self-doubt, as they stood in the hallway.
“How about I see what kind of mood she’s in, and I’ll call for you in a few.” Avery massaged her neck.
“If that makes you more comfortable, I completely understand. I don’t want my presence to cause either of you stress. I do, however, want to be with you every step of the way. Even through the tough things. If I make mistakes, I’m determined to learn from them and do better. So, I’d be happy to go in with you, and brave a potential bad day. I support however you want to do this.” Stella reached for her hands but dropped them when someone turned down their hallway.
“You’re the kindest person I’ve ever met. How did I get so lucky?” Avery asked, more to the universe than to anyone in particular. “Let’s go in.” When they crossed the threshold, Avery gripped Stella’s hand. In this room, she wasn’t going to fake it. In this room, it mattered.
“Avery, what are you doing here?”
“Hi, Mom. I know I’m coming a bit later than normal, but I wanted you to meet someone.” She pulled Stella forward a little. “This is my girlfriend, Stella. Stella, my mother, Victoria.”
“Have we met before?” Victoria tilted her head, holding out her hand.
“No, ma’am. This is the first time.” Stella’s accent deepened. Apparently, her roots shined bright when meeting family.
“Are you sure? You look awfully familiar.” Victoria squinted to get a better eye on things. Her glasses slid down her nose as she tried to decipher where she’d seen Stella before.
“I’m on a show, maybe you’ve seen it?” Stella offered, taking her hand gingerly, like it was the most precious gift she could receive.
Watching Stella care for her mom like she’d been doing it for years unlocked something in Avery’s chest. She could see them coming here for years to come. Stella just seemed to fit seamlessly into Avery’s life. What more could she ask for in a partner?
“Maybe. I don’t watch many shows anymore, but did you know my daughter’s on TV? I watch that one.”
Avery and Stella shared a smile. “I’m on that one too. I’m the host,” Stella said soothingly, grabbing a blanket to put around Victoria’s shoulders.
“That’s nice, dear. Can you grab me my water?”
With a smile, Stella did just that.
