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“So how does it feel to finally be able to hold your girlfriend’s hand?” Stella asked in her most professional host voice.
“Freeing.” Avery laughed as they walked out of the building and off into the sun—finally able to be together in public.
Epilogue
Two Years Later
Full Circle
Avery slid onto the barstool, ordering the happy hour pitcher. It had been two years since the last episode ended, and what felt like a lifetime ago since she’d requested that same drink at this bar. She’d known her life was changing at the time, although the mystery of how much had yet to be unwrapped.
She hadn’t returned to the bar in forever and found the place to be…dark. Was the lighting always this bad?
That was the only thing she could come up with while waiting for her pitcher.
Drumming her fingers on the weathered counter, she couldn’t help but think of how many souls had sat in this same place, contemplating life's chaos. Her life was about to take another turn, and it was only appropriate to return to where it had all started.
“Is this seat taken?” someone said near her ear. Their hand was resting on her back.
Shit, this wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Laughing, she nodded to the stranger. “Yes, it is actually.”
“Hey, don’t I know you from somewhere?” The woman scrutinized Avery over her peach-colored drink.
“Don’t think so. I’m just a nerd who works from home.” Avery frowned when the woman slid onto the seat, now wishing she’d put her messenger bag on the chair.
The doors opened, and the breeze from outside caressed the back of her neck. Without looking up, she knew Stella had arrived. So they wouldn’t be able to recreate the night perfectly, but all that mattered was the answer to the end of a question.
“Oh my god, is that the host of For Love or Money? I fucking love that show.” The wayward woman forgot all about Avery, which was preferable.
Twisting in her chair, Avery looked behind her. Stella was taking in the scene. Avery gave a what can you do shrug and watched as Stella’s eyes narrowed in on the hand resting on Avery’s back.
“Is anyone sitting here?” Stella’s Southern-tinged tone wrapped around her. It had strengthened a little since their last visit to Oklahoma a few months ago. Avery had been happy to report back to her mom and Greta that she was welcomed into the family with open arms. Even though her mom promptly forgot a few minutes later and she had to tell the whole story again.
The chair Stella pointed to was on the wrong side, but they could adapt and roll with the punches.
“No, no, go ahead.” Avery pulled the stool back for Stella to sit, remembering her manners this time.
“I love your show.” The woman leaned into Avery’s space to get to Stella.
“This isn’t going at all according to plan,” Stella huffed.
“Time to pivot,” Avery agreed, leaning into Stella’s space and capturing her lips.
Even though she’d had the privilege of kissing her for years now, her lips still tingled like it was the first time. They stayed locked for longer than usual in a public place. But it had been almost four hours since they’d seen each other. Avery had snuck away with Quinn while Amy, Ethan, and Keisha kept Stella busy.
Stella’s ragged breath skimmed along her face when they parted. It did the trick since the other woman was nowhere to be seen.
“Want to try this again?” Stella asked, playing with the short hair on the back of Avery’s head.
“I’m so glad we don’t have to go through that awkward first date dance again.” Avery leaned her forearms against the counter, grasping her pint of beer in both hands to keep them from visibly shaking.
“It’s just that all our first encounters were videotaped for the whole world to see.” Stella shook her head. Her red curls bounced along her shoulder.
“I don’t know. I love having that documented. Who else can say their first few months together were meticulously filmed?” Avery put her hand on her knee. “Can I buy you a drink?”
“I buy you one, remember?” Stella teased.
“I’m no longer destitute. If you will remember I chose money, but found love anyway. That, plus the raise I got two months ago, means I can even afford guacamole on the side.” Avery straightened her imaginary tie.
