Page 32 of The Dating Show

Groaning, Stella slid away, giving space that was not welcome in Avery’s opinion. Wanting to recapture the moment but knowing it had already flitted away, Avery waited for Stella to say something.

“Avery. We can’t. At least not right now. I can’t have anything hurting the show or my career.”

Stella hurried out of the room and took Avery’s light with her.

The clang and scrape of utensils along the plates rattled in Stella’s brain as she tried to concentrate on keeping everyone on track. All six of the remaining contestants, plus her and Quinn, were settled around a large dining table in the back of a restaurant.

Since it was a special night that required a camera crew to capture all the different emotions, conversations, and reactions, multiple cameras were floating behind them. However, after an hour, even Stella forgot they were there.

Glancing at the notes she’d jotted down for each of the ladies, she waited until everyone was served their appetizer before diving into the juicy stuff. She pouted at the shriveled salad from the first course that was placed in front of her. At least there were croutons.

“We’re halfway done with For Love or Money. There were originally twelve of you, and now we’re down to six. We’ll start with Quinn. How has your view of the show changed over the weeks?” Stella gripped her water glass, taking a big sip to choke down the limp leaves of their appetizer.

“It’s a lot harder than I expected. I think I was thinking everything would be a breeze. But the cameras, and having to choose who to go home, it’s all a lot mentally. Something that you can’t really prepare...” Quinn trailed off in thought before starting again. “It’s the mental game that’s changed for me,” she finished, looking at everyone.

Around the table, heads nodded in agreement. Denver leaned forward to say, “I’d also say I didn’t expect to make friends. I genuinely like some of you here and would chill outside the show. Not right away, though. I need some space from you all,” she joked, shaking her glass of whiskey on the rocks.

Stella didn’t say anything, but her eyes darted to Avery, who was already looking in her direction. From across the table, she could see the longing in her eyes, and she was sure that was reflected similarly in her own.

Mentally shaking off her discomfort, Stella regrouped. “Ocean, you’re one of the quieter contestants. Your mom is a renowned psychologist, while your dad’s illustrated over a hundred children’s books. How has growing up with the cerebral and creative worlds prepared you for this show?” Pushing aside her half-eaten salad, Stella put an elbow on the table before quickly pulling it back. Nana would faint if she saw the dissolving table manners.

Ocean straightened in her chair; she had no qualms about putting her elbows on the table. “Like others have said, it’s different. It’s a dating show on steroids. I’m not sure how my upbringing prepared me for the show, because I don’t think anything can. I will say something that isn’t talked about as much is the choice at the end. A lump sum of money or getting to be with Quinn. With that said, I can’t imagine what it would be like for Quinn to choose someone, who then turned around and picked the money. Someone could be playing with Quinn’s head and heart, knowing they would choose money…” She trailed off, glancing around the table. Avery’s jaw was clenched tight.

Money. In all of the weeks, Stella had all but forgotten the money aspect of the show. Did that change anything? Not really, she decided, since all she cared about was having a conversation with Avery. She yearned to be able to speak freely to her. The food curdled in her stomach at the thought of Avery picking Quinn without getting a chance to clear the air.

“I can speak to that a little,” Avery offered, pulling her shoulders back. She rubbed the redness that crept into her cheeks. “From what I can tell, it seems I’m one of the few people here where money is pretty tight right now.” Avery gripped the glass of soda in front of her. “It may seem like I’m only here for the money, and that could be a big motivating factor for a lot of people, but anyone who assumes I’m just here for that is underestimating Quinn completely, and what wonderful things she has to offer. If none of you see how amazing she is, and the impact having her by your side could have to enhance your lives, then I have no doubt she’ll choose me.”

Stella watched in awe as Avery shared a moment with Quinn. The speech was breathtaking but gut-punching because of how genuine she sounded. How much of that was for the cameras? How could Avery kiss her one moment, and be so captivated by Quinn the next? Curse this show.

Feeling the camera zoom into her profile, Stella plastered on her fake smile. “That’s a very compelling point, Avery.”

“That’s total crap. You’ll say anything to get picked. Just because I’m not poverty stricken doesn’t make me unable to see the value in choosing Quinn,” Tanya quipped.

The rest stayed silent, apparently not wanting to discuss the polarizing topic.

“Well, since you have something to say, let’s move on to you, Tanya. You’re one of the only contestants who hasn’t won a date with Quinn. How have you gotten closer without one-on-one time with her?” Stella asked, wanting to get off the subject of money.

Tanya squirmed in her chair, appearing uncomfortable with the question. “I don’t want—I’m not here to…” She shuddered. “It’s just how the dice have rolled the last few weeks. My time will come.”

Stella made a mental note of Tanya’s aversion toward answering the question. She seemed to be hiding something and it would do well for her to try and find out what it was.

“Quinn, I have a question for you,” Denver said. Whatever Tanya was going to say was lost to the interruption.

“Knowing you, it’s going to be something that will make me blush.” Quinn twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “Go ahead, ask.” She motioned with her other hand.

Denver picked up her whiskey and swept it around the table. “Who’s the best kisser?”

The group leaned forward, anticipating her answer. Quinn glanced at Avery first. It was quick, something Quinn probably hadn’t realized she gave away, but Stella caught the look. The food soured in her stomach. Quinn’s answer was drowned in laughter. Stella missed whatever was said as she tried to regain her breath.

The rest of the dinner moved along. The burger that came next didn’t entirely redeem the appetizer. Stella couldn’t help thinking there was a potential for symbolism hidden behind the lacking meal.

Stella kept her door open this time, knowing Quinn would be in to talk. She usually did on big days. It was a ritual Stella reluctantly continued. If there had been an issue of her getting too close, she would have communicated right away.

No, these meetings were relatively harmless, if not draining, especially after a trying day. Right now, all she wanted was to sleep.

“Hi,” Quinn said at her door. “Can I come in?”

Stella was unsure why Quinn was just now respecting the minor boundary but found herself waving her in.

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