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“No,” Elizabeth said.
“Can you elaborate a little on that?” Stella tried to coax a better answer.
“I can’t lie. I can only be myself. Many people think I’m too much, but I only know how to be me. Luckily, Quinn was able to see that I’m a genuine person. Maybe I am blunt, but I have a good heart. She gave me a chance when a lot of people wouldn’t care to dig deeper.” Elizabeth played with the marble she always kept with her.
“Can I expand on that a little?” Quinn asked, holding up her hand.
Stella motioned for her to go.
“I’m not sure I would have given Elizabeth the time needed to get to know her. That first date was fun, and seeing a side to her that I think she hides from people was special.” Quinn smiled. “I have it on good authority that Elizabeth is popular on social media. She’s a breath of fresh air.”
“I think we can all agree.” Stella nodded. “Was there anything surprising that came out of the show?”
“Yeah, that Avery was fucking the host and didn’t get in trouble.”
Echo’s harsh words had the contestants sitting up in their seats.
“Now, wait, that’s unfair,” Avery said, holding up a hand toward Echo.
This could get out of control fast. Before Stella could respond, Quinn stepped in.
“That’s not what happened. Yes, anyone can see on the edited show that they had chemistry. But I’m friends with them away from the show, and I know they didn’t do anything wrong during taping.”
“You were eye fuckin’ all the time,” Ocean pointed out. Stella cringed, but knew they would bleep out the word when it aired. “You can’t deny that. Everyone caught all your looks.” Her voice was softer, but Stella was still on edge at potentially losing the crowd.
“If it helps, I asked Stella repeatedly to help me through the elimination process, and all I got in response was, ‘I know you’ll do the right thing.’” Quinn pitched her voice with a bad Southern impression that had the group chuckling. “She was not helpful at all,” she added.
“So what?” Tanya chimed in. “Wouldn’t it be unethical if the host of the show was dating a contestant?” The mutterings from the group were split.
Stella looked to Avery who appeared to be frantically seeking an exit. Stella’s heart lurched, and she did something out of character for her—speaking off the cuff. “Okay, fine, the truth is, we were not involved during the show.” She held her hand up when a few people started to protest. “But we are involved now. I love this woman with all my heart.” Stella ignored the gasps from the audience and onstage. She walked over to Avery, who had stopped looking to run, and was now captured in Stella’s gaze.
“I love you too.” Avery’s voice was hoarse as she stood. Stella took a step further and kissed her right on the stage for everyone to see.
Hoots and hollers brought Stella’s attention back to the present as she grinned to the audience on the way back to her chair. The crowd’s response was ear piercing. With no more ammo for the restless contestants, the leaders of the attack sat back, pouting.
Stella held her hand to the earpiece nestled in her ear.
“Well, damn. Stella. We couldn’t have scripted that better. Well done. Don’t forget to take comments from the audience,” Neil said.
“Thanks for standing up for us, Quinn. Let’s get back on track and take a few questions from the audience.” Stella turned towards the middle. “Yes, you, go ahead.”
Stella couldn’t pay attention to what the person was asking. Her heart pounded at the accusations, and the kiss she just shared on TV. She couldn’t wait for the show to be over and start her life with the love of her life at her side.
Riley finished answering the question, which got a laugh from the audience.
Shaking off her thoughts, Stella went back to host mode. “Yes, you.” She pointed to the right.
“This question is for anyone. What was it like being filmed all the time? No privacy, no time for your thoughts. Having everything out in the open for everyone to talk about. I can’t imagine doing something like that.” The young woman fidgeted as she asked the question.
Denver leaned forward. “It’s not something you can prepare for, because no matter how many scenarios you come up with, they will all be wrong.” Everyone nodded at her answer.
“I think we have time for one more question. Yes, you on the left, go ahead.”
The person cleared their throat without holding the microphone away from their face which caused everyone to wince at the screechy blast. “Sorry about that. This is for Jasmine. Do you regret walking away?”
Jasmine sat up straighter. “No, I’m secure in my choices. I knew it would be a hard decision, but it was the best one for me. Quinn adjusted well as you can see.” She gestured to Avery with a smirk. “I’ve been able to grow my brand even bigger from being on the show. So, I don’t regret the opportunity, but I also wouldn’t change the way things happened. Don’t forget to follow me, Jazzed about Jasmine, all one word.”
The show didn’t last much longer. When Monica called cut, Stella felt like she’d run a marathon, but a weight lifted off her when she handed her mic-pack back to a crew member and held out her hand to Avery—not caring what the rest of the contestants thought. They said goodbye to Quinn, Elizabeth, Riley, Denver, and Ocean, the people Avery got closest to while filming.
