AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Stella just shook her head and gulped the last of her water. “I was on a smoothie kick. I guess it’s better it was bananas and not, like, plums or something.”
“Are you ready for your big break?” Amy thrummed her fingers on the counter in excitement.
“Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!” Stella said on repeat, crescendoing into an ear-piercing celebratory yell. “Okay, it’s time for me to get to bed. Can’t go to a life changing meeting smelling of booze. You two can stay in the guest rooms. Night.”
Tucked in bed with a belly full of warm tea to try and counteract the whiskey, she squealed and wiggled her whole body in delight before settling down. She could hear Amy and Ethan walking around her condo.
Sleep was elusive as a kid on Christmas Eve waiting for Santa Claus, but eventually, the Sandman was able to lay claim to her dreams.
Stella stepped into a conference room with a large table. Her heels slid across the carpet as she made her way to the ergonomic chairs. This was the third room she’d been in after doing a preliminary recording that appeared to be only for appearances. Stella had then been ushered into a room full of suits as she and her manager negotiated terms to host one of the hottest new shows. She had a bruise on her arm from where she kept pinching herself to ensure it was all real. She couldn’t believe she’d get to work on a sapphic show on a queer network. It was a dream come true.
“Stella, please sit down. Would you like anything?” Neil stood at the end of a long table. Another woman who looked vaguely familiar sat near him.
“Some water would be fantastic, thank you,” she said with her TV smile, letting go of his firm handshake. The day had been chock full and her nerves had burned off any potential hangover.
“Water coming right up. This is Quinn. Quinn, this is For Love or Money: Sapphic Edition’s new TV host, Stella. I don’t know if you follow basketball, but Quinn used to play professionally. We’re lucky to have her as the newest main contestant for the upcoming season.”
Thoughts of her night at the bar with Avery returned at the mention of basketball. Pulling her shoulders back, Stella tried to stay in the critical moment. The ink on her contract had yet to dry.
“As you know, we fired the host from last season. There is no way we condone her remarks. That’s why this is so last minute. Our apologies, but we’re glad you’re onboard.”
It took a lot of Southern politeness not to sneer at the mention of the last host. Stella had seen the homophobic rant online. It wasn’t a good look for anyone that the face of the hit show featuring sapphic love was a bigot. No wonder the executives were willing to add an extra three hundred per episode to her contract. With the schedule set to start filming in a week, everyone was scrambling now that the deal was done.
This had been a life-changing day for Stella. Last season, the show found mainstream success when they signed an influencer for the main contestant, catapulting most of the contestants from the prior season into overnight sensations. With a show like this under her belt, the door of success might finally squeeze open enough for her to walk through.
“Quinn, it’s lovely to meet you.” Stella held her hand out to this season’s celebrity love interest. “Oh, wait, you dated the Australian tennis star a few years back, right?” Stella finally recognized where she’d seen her. The couple had a run of playful commercials for some sort of energy drink.
“Oh, yeah. That’s me. I still get a thrill when the royalties come in. I’m so glad you were available. I loved your work on Brick by Brick.”
Stella laughed at the blast of memories overtaking her mind from the kid's show she did five years ago, where she taught kids different science, math, and space lessons. It had run for two years, but the ratings weren’t viable to continue. “I’m surprised. You’re not our usual demographic.”
“Oh, I watched it with my friend's little brother, but you made it bearable.” Quinn played with the light brown hair that fell to her shoulder from her stylish ponytail.
“That’s probably the best compliment I could get for the show––bearable,” Stella teased.
Neil cleared his throat to get their attention. “I’d love to get this over with and get on with our day. Shooting starts next week. Everything you need to know is in this packet.” He slid a thick file over to Stella. “Quinn already has one. She’s here just for a meet and greet,” he said, responding to her questioning gaze.
Stella took a preliminary glance at the folder. “I’ll be onsite with everyone?”
“That’s what sets this season apart,” Quinn said. “You’ll be in the thick of things to know what to ask. What buttons to push, what storylines people will want to see.” She sat forward, her gray eyes bright. “I’ve got to go to a hair appointment, but it was lovely to meet you, and I’m looking forward to working with you.” Quinn’s summer dress trailed the room as she waltzed out.
Stella turned back to Neil, who would be her primary contact throughout the show.
Neil swiped off his glasses to rub his bloodshot eyes. “You’ll be on the top floor with Quinn, who will be set apart from the rest of the house. Every two weeks, Quinn will eliminate a contestant. The last one standing gets to choose, Quinn or money. Hence the name of the show.” He leaned forward. “This year we have a mix of economic backgrounds, just to keep it interesting.” Neil smiled, clearly proud of the show he was creating.
Stella’s stomach fluttered in excitement. She wished they could start right now. “I’m glad to be here.” She wanted to gush but bit her cheek to keep from saying more.
Neil chuckled while pulling out his touchpad and typed a few words before pointing to the screen. “As you know, everyone has to sign this non-disclosure agreement. It’s standard for a show of this nature.” His voice sounded raw from talking all day. He slid the pen across the table. “You still want the job, right?”
The last ten years of Stella’s life played like a movie. The rejection, heartache, hope, and on and on. The rollercoaster she couldn’t seem to hop off. This could very well be the break she was looking for, and she wasn’t about to let it go. Grasping the pen like the lifeline it was, she signed at the line for the last time that day.
Gathering up her stuff and tucking the packet under her arm, she held her hand to Neil. “I’m in.”
Chapter 3
Oh Fuck
Avery squinted from the afternoon sun as she stood on the sidewalk, trying to get a peek at the house through the thick metal fence. The paper in her hand crinkled as she double-checked the address. Yes, paper: She’d had to leave her electronics at home as per the ten-page document of dos and don’ts for the show. Her heart rate skyrocketed at the thought of not having easy contact with her mom or the care team.
