honey & i
The following days, Ava and Beatrice spent every night with each other just hanging out in Ava’s house. They would watch movies Ava picks or Beatrice will play Ava her favorite songs or her hits. They would debate whether bagels or croissants is better. They would talk about the most random things. They would go on TikTok and watch cute animal videos and queer people. They would do everything they feel like doing. After all, they are making up for the lost three years.
As much as they want to go out and about, they decided to spare Areala of the headache. They also don’t feel like hearing any of her sermons, especially Beatrice.
“I’m surprised you’re pretty much the same after three years,” Beatrice says one night Ava flips the Scrabble board when Beatrice won. “You still suck at this game and you still get super upset,” she chuckles.
“And you’re still annoyingly great at this,” Ava huffs, crossing her arms.
“I’m a songwriter, babe,” Beatrice grins. “Of course, I will always be good at this.”
“Did you call me ‘babe’?” Ava raises her eyebrow. “What did I tell you about flirting?”
They both decided to cool off with the teasing and flirting after Michael called them out for it. He said either stop or get back already. They are not opposed to getting back together but they want to focus on their careers first especially Ava. So she made a rule that they should not flirt especially when there’s just two of them.
“Oops, sorry. My bad,” but Beatrice is still grinning.
“Clean that up,” Ava commands and stands up to go to her kitchen.
“Still as bossy as ever,” Beatrice comments and starts picking up the tiles on the floor.
When Ava came back, she is holding two teacups. She gave one to Beatrice. She smiles when Beatrice sniffs it and smiles. Super Berries with a teaspoon of honey, her favorite and for her, plain Green Tea.
“So, where are you going to spend Christmas?” Beatrice asks as she blew on her hot tea. “Are you going to Spain?”
“No,” Ava replies. “I still haven’t talked to my parents.”
“It’s been what? Five years?” Beatrice asks. “Why?”
“It’s still the bisexuality issue,” Ava sighs. “And the fact that I played it safe and just went with rom-coms. That I refused their help to use their connections to be in Oscar-worthy films.”
Beatrice just sips her tea.
“I understand the latter but if it’s about who I am, I rather not talk to them,” Ava says.
“Do you think they’ll talk to you when you won a Golden Globe or an Oscar?” Beatrice wonders.
“Probably not.”
“Wait, they didn’t even call you when you got married to JC? Isn’t that their dream for you? Marry a Spanish actor?”
“I got an e-mail from Mama,” Ava reveals. “‘Congratulations’, was all it said.”
“Damn, your parents are cold as ice,” Beatrice huffs.
“That’s why I don’t want to bring you to them before,” Ava says. “But you insisted, and they said nasty things and I ended up hating them more.”
“Vincent and Reya Silva, the Hollywood it-couple of the 80s aren’t what they seem, daughter Ava Silva exposes,” Beatrice mocks a headline, trying to lighten the mood.
“They can shove all their awards up their tight asses,” Ava laughs. “They may be icons but they are still assholes.”
“Spend Christmas with us,” Beatrice takes her hand and kisses it.
“You are not going to London?” Ava asks.
“Michael decided not to go,” Beatrice kisses her hand again. “He wants to nail his Australian accent so he booked more sessions with his dialect coach.”
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“Please?” Beatrice gave her hand soft kisses.
“Okay, okay,” Ava smiles. “It’s hard to resist you when you’re doing that.”
“Thank you,” Beatrice kisses her hand once more before she let go of it.
“What about your mom?” Ava asks.
“I booked her and Areala’s family a trip to Aspen,” Beatrice tells her. “They will be there for Christmas and New Year’s.”
“Why aren’t you coming with them?”
“Because you’re here,” Beatrice says. “And I don’t want Michael to be alone too.”
“I feel a little guilty that you’re distancing yourself to her because I’m back,” Ava admits.
“Don’t be,” Beatrice says to her. “She messaged me the other day. She’s glad you’re back in LA and we’re hanging out again.”
“Just because she knows we’re just best friends,” Ava tells her. “What if she finds out?”
“She’ll be very upset,” Beatrice says. “But I don’t think she’ll be like your parents.”
“God, why are we born into such traditional parents who can’t embrace what we are?” Ava huffs.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Beatrice strokes her arm. “Maybe one day they’ll come through.”
“Maybe in a parallel universe.”
“You know, let’s just forget about them,” Beatrice says. “Come on, I’ll do line readings with you.”
Ava can’t help but smile. Beatrice really loves reading lines of Joan of Arc with her. She’s as excited as Ava about the project.
“Okay, I’ll get the script.”
HOLLYWOOD SCOOP!
AVA SILVA SPENT CHRISTMAS WITH BEST FRIEND BEATRICE YOUNG
Ava Silva chose to spend Christmas in Los Angeles with her best friend Beatrice Young and her boyfriend Michael Salvius.
Silva posted a picture on her Instagram story on Christmas Eve with the two captioned “Waiting for Santa to commit a felony”. The three were sitting near the fireplace with Ava and Michael holding hot chocolate and what seems to be film scripts covered in emoji while Beatrice is holding a guitar.
Michael, who is usually inactive in social media posted a story as well of Ava and Beatrice helping the latter’s three cats open gifts on Christmas morning.
Meanwhile, Beatrice just shared her song “Christmas Tree Farm” on hers.
Are Ava and Michael starring in a movie together? Is Ava still not on speaking terms with her parents? What do y’all think?
michaeeeeel: A film with Ava? They would eat!!!
silvasilvasilva: aw ava is still not okay with her parents????
avaswifereal: if y’all just knew how toxic ava’s parents are… the shade they threw after that ava interview when she said she doesn’t want to label herself…
avatrice_warrior: I’M CRYING SO HARD RIGHT NOW
multistanner: ava and beatrice’s chemistry… sorry Michael but i’m going to save the pic and crop you out
youngsilva: ah, our favorite “best friends” and their himbo
The three just finished their Christmas dinner and is planning to watch a Christmas movie when Michael’s phone rings.
“Hello?” Michael walks to the living room. Ava is cleaning up the table and Beatrice is starting the dishes. Michael has just opened a second bottle of wine. “He did what? Okay, I’m on my way.”
“Everything okay?” Beatrice asks.
“No, Hans got into a bit of trouble,” Michael says. “He’s drunk and punched a guy who called him a slur.”
“Shit.”
“They threw some punches,” Michael picked up his jacket and wore it. “They both got picked up by the cops. I’m going to get him out.”
“Okay, be careful,” Beatrice says and quickly runs to hug him. “Drive safe.”
“Will do,” Michael kisses her head. “Ava, keep Bea company, will you? I’ll probably be back in the morning.”
“Okay,” Ava answers.
Beatrice sighs as she goes back to the sink.
“He really cares about him, doesn’t he?” Ava asks as she put more cutlery in the sink.
“They are so in love it’s sickening,” Beatrice chuckles a little.
“What does he think of the set up?” Ava inquires.
“He’s okay with it,” Beatrice answers. “He knows it’s to protect Michael as much as me. But he’s not the biggest fan. That’s why I try my best to steer clear of him. I don’t intrude on their time together.”
“But he doesn’t hate you or anything?”
“If you are asking if he ever acted hostile to me, no, Ava, he never did,” Beatrice says. “It’s actually me who introduced them together.”
“What? Really?”
“You know Michael doesn’t really go into clubs,” Beatrice tells her. “I have been going to his club, Bar La Vasseur when I moved here in LA. I don’t know if you heard about it but I got so drunk I kicked out his DJ from the booth and made myself the DJ. It was trending for a solid week. This was before the pandemic hit.”
“Wait, I thought that pic was edited,” Ava laughs.
“Oh, they did a lot of edits to it,” Beatrice laughs too. “Anyway, instead of kicking me out, Hans let me DJ then assisted my drunk ass. We sort of became friends and one time I dragged Michael with me and they instantly clicked.”
“Look at you, Cupid,” Ava elbows her lightly.
“Yeah, I love those two,” Beatrice says.
After, they poured themselves more wine and settled on the living area. They decided to watch something they both haven’t seen before. They settled on Happiest Season.
They cuddled with each other under the blanket as they watched the movie. Since it’s the first time they are seeing it, they both kept quiet. When Harper revealed that she’s not yet out to her family, Ava felt Beatrice stiffen a little. She can sense that Bea felt a little uncomfortable with the scenes where Harper and Abby had to hide what they are to each other. When Abby broke up with Harper, Beatrice can’t help but cry. Ava pulls her in a hug and kisses her temple to comfort her. When it ended in a happy ending, Beatrice is smiling.
“This might be controversial but Kristen Stewart and Aubrey Plaza have more chemistry,” Ava comments as she put the TV on the news and mutes it. “I love Mackenzie Davis, don’t get me wrong but man, Abby and Riley?”
“I agree,” Beatrice says. “What Harper put Abby through…”
“Bea, if you are comparing us to them, please don’t,” Ava takes her hand. “Our situations are different.”
“Isn’t it?” Beatrice sighs. “Maybe I put you through worse.”
“Hey, it’s not only you who decided we should hide,” Ava says. “It was for my benefit as much as yours.”
“Ava, if I wasn’t hot and cold with you back then would you have even considered being with JC or the others?” Beatrice asks her.
“No,” Ava answered honestly. “I would have been only with you.”
“If I was ready to shout to the world I am in love with you back then, would you have still married JC?”
“Probably not,” Ava replies after a moment.
“Did you really love him?” Beatrice asks.
“Yes,” Ava answers honestly. “You and I were on and off. I was stuck in being a ‘rom-com queen’ and truth be told I was too afraid to break free from that because that’s where I felt secure. I know I was good at it. And JC, he came and he brought a sense of adventure and excitement I didn’t know I longed for.”
“Our hiding wasn’t exciting enough?” Beatrice jokes. They both chuckle.
“But he will never measure up to the love I had for you,” Ava continues. “The true reason I took a hiatus was to focus on our relationship. I wanted us to work. But you went on tour and we had a messy break up. JC was there for me. I poured the love I have for you to him, I guess. He had this crazy idea to go to Vegas. We got really drunk and got married.”
“I really fucked up, didn’t I?” Beatrice asks.
“You did,” Ava says. “But I want you to know I did too. I know I pressured you way too much. It’s me who always wanted to be public. I didn’t think of the image and reputation you are protecting.”
“I shouldn’t have cared about that damn image or reputation,” Beatrice sighs. “Whatever I do, they will always see me as a serial dater so I could have unlimited inspiration for my songs.”
“I will never understand them for labeling you that way,” Ava tells her. “People are allowed to date however many they can in their lifetime. As long as they are not dating two people at the same time.”
“I wish everyone thinks like you.”
“Would you have broken up with me if I was okay at hiding back then?”
“I probably will sooner or later,” Beatrice says honestly. “My mind was still all over the place back then. I would still find a reason to break up with you. Whether it’s me feeling bad that you cave in about hiding or me wanting to maintain my image as you said.”
Ava just nods.
“I know it’s such a privileged thing to say but this pandemic really made me think,” Beatrice tells her. “It gave me time to sort out what’s inside my brain and my feelings, you know?”
“But you didn’t immediately call me when the divorce news broke out,” Ava jokes.
“Sorry about that,” Beatrice smiles. “I guess that was the last thing I sorted out.”
“Well, I glad it’s all behind us and we are able to talk about it now,” Ava tells her.
“Me too,” Beatrice agrees. “Let’s not do that again, okay?”
“Okay,” Ava smiles and hugs her.
THE SOUND
BEATRICE YOUNG GATHERS 6 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS
The Grammy nomination was just announced and Beatrice Young leads with six nominations. Her album “Middle of the Night” is nominated for Album of the Year and Pop Vocal Album. Her song “Not the Hero” is nominated for Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. Her song “Jewels” is nominated for Music Video of the Year. Congratulations to the music legend. She now joins the ranks of one of the most nominated artists of all time.
youngstan: that’s my woman (6x)
avabeaavabea: ava silva, probably: that’s my best friend!
beaswifereal: OH MY GOD LET’S GO BEATRICE!!!
beatricequeen: everyone say thank you Yasmine! she elevated bea’s music fr
playbeasmusicatmyfuneral: what have you got to say now francesco duretti you piece of shit. i’m glad bea is free of that asshole now.
Beatrice is quietly playing on her piano with a piece of pen. “You brought me back to life.” she sings to herself. “Didn’t even realize I was… I was dead,” it sounds like a question. “No, that sounds wrong.”
Ava, who is sitting on the sofa across from Beatrice suddenly screams.
“What? What happened?” Beatrice shots up, breaking from her songwriting trance. “Are you okay?”
“Bea, you got nominated for six Grammy awards!” Ava hurries to her and shows her an article. She jumps up and down as Beatrice reads it.
“Six?” Beatrice gapes. “Holy shit.”
“You’re the most nominated!”
“Fuck,” Beatrice says, speechless. She had won multiple Grammys but getting nominated will always feel surreal for her.
“Where is your champagne?” Ava is still jumping up and down.
“Basement, first door to the left,” Beatrice tells her. Ava hurries down. Beatrice reads who the other nominees are. She’s up against Beyonce, Adele, Lizzo, Harry Styles and other big names.
Ava pops the champagne and pours it to two flutes. She hands one to Beatrice. “Congratulations!” she clinks her glass to hers. “Stand up, I want to hug you!” Ava squeals.
Beatrice is still speechless. This is the first time she got nominated that much in a single year. She hugs Ava. “The others are big names,” she says.
“Bea, you share the same level as them,” Ava tells her. “Well, except maybe Beyonce.”
Beatrice breaks into a smile. “I can’t argue with that. She’s the queen.”
“Aren’t you friends with her?”
“I am,” Beatrice says. “But she’s still the queen.”
“Amen,” Ava laughs, clinking their glasses together again.
The next day, Ava made Beatrice come over after her tour rehearsals. She enlisted the help of Michael and cooked dinner for her.
“Is this a congratulatory dinner or a romantic dinner? Be honest,” Michael asks as Ava put a vase full of lilies in the middle of the table that she set up on her backyard.
“Both, I think,” Ava bites her lip. “Why, are you jealous?”
“You two,” Michael just shakes his head. “You are giving me a whiplash. What happened to waiting?”
“I know, I know,” Ava sighs. “But I want to do something really special for her. This is huge. And I also realized I never did something like this much back then. It’s always her who makes special dinners.”
“With my help,” Michael teasingly rolls his eyes. “What’s up with you two making me your goddamn personal chef?”
“Because you are the best chef we know,” Ava hugs him. “We love you, Michael.”
“I know,” he messes Ava’s hair.
“Hey!” Ava complains.
“And of course, I love you both. How else am I able to put up with your shit?”
“Thank you.”
“You’re all set,” he says. “I’ll be going. Have fun.”
HOLLYWOOD SCOOP!
BEATRICE YOUNG SHARES A ROMANTIC DINNER PICTURE AFTER GETTING NOMINATED FOR 6 GRAMMYS
Swoon! Beatrice Young just posted this on her Instagram story. It seems like her beau Michael Salvius prepared a romantic dinner for her after her astounding 6 nominations. Young is nominated for Record of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Solo Performance and Album of the Year. This is the most nominations she got in a single year.
Michael Salvius is said to be a great cook. Young have stated it in a lot of interviews. How sweet is this? Make sure to leave your comments below.
notmichael: yes he can definitely kick Gordon ramsey’s ass
salyoung_ship: THEY ARE SO CUTE STOP GET MARRIED ALREADY
avatrice_trash: wait… that’s not their backyard table… i have seen Michael posts when he is reading there… that’s not the same table…
youngsilva: yo the table seems familiar!!! Ava posted her brunch the other week remember? I think it’s the same table skdhfsk
mikeandbea: the amount of delusional avatrice shippers in this post…
youngsterz: and what if Ava was the one who really made her dinner? Michael was spotted in Bar La Vasseur the same night
Beatrice woke up with the biggest grin on her face. Even though she knows Michael made the food, she highly appreciated Ava preparing a dinner for her. All night they recalled their best and worst red carpet experiences. Ava believes she would win all six awards. She knows she wouldn’t but she doesn’t have the heart to argue with Ava. Her recollection of the previous night is interrupted by her phone ringing. She thought it's Ava so she answers without looking at the screen.
“Hello?”
“You’re incredibly chirpy this morning.”
“Areala,” Beatrice hides her sigh. “Good morning.”
“What were you thinking?” she asks angrily.
“What?”
“People are assuming you and Ava had dinner last night,” she huffs. “Why did you have to post it?”
“Because it was nice and I felt like sharing it,” Beatrice tells her. “Let them assume who I was with.”
“How many times do I have to tell you? You need to take care of your image and reputation,” Areala insists.
“Everyone knows I’m gay,” Beatrice pinches the bridge of her nose. “To quote them, ‘the closet is glass’.”
“Do you want your poor mother to know?”
“What if she’s okay with it?”
“Still, this will open a whole lot of discussion about your personal life. I thought you wanted it to be as private as possible. Do you know how hard it is to filter out questions about your father your whole career?”
“Fine, I’m sorry,” Beatrice says, but her tone is far from it. “I won’t do it again.”
“Before you do something, think of the consequences, Beatrice,” Areala reminds her. “You’ve worked so hard to reach where you are now. Don’t take it for granted just because Ava came back.”
Beatrice wanted to say Ava inspired a lot of her hit songs so she’s a huge part of where she is now but she doesn’t want to fight her publicist anymore.
“And congratulations on your nominations,” Areala continues. “You have a rare day off today. Don’t waste it.”
“Okay. Thanks,” Beatrice says before she hangs up.
She gets out of bed and goes to the kitchen to have breakfast. Michael is already sipping some coffee.
“Good morning,” he greets her.
“Morning.”
“No ‘good’?” he asks. “Didn’t you have a good night with Ava last night.”
“I did,” Beatrice pours herself a cup. “Until Areala called me first thing ang scolded me for posting a goddamn story.
“Oh yeah, because your shippers took notice of the damn table,” Michael chuckles. “The FBI should hire them.”
“What are you doing today?” Beatrice asks him.
“Nothing,” Michael shrugs. “I am planning on re-reading this script over and over. Maybe ask you to be my line reading partner.”
“Can we go shopping today?” Beatrice asks. “I want to buy new athleisure to wear during rehearsals.”
“And to do some damage control?” Michael raises an eyebrow.
“No. I don’t care about damage control anymore. Areala can suck it,” Beatrice sighs. “I just want to go shopping and I don’t want to go alone.”
“Where’s Ava?”
“She’s having a workshop today with the director and Mary,” Beatrice says. “I might take the whole day.”
“Fine, I’ll go with you,” Michael nods and goes back into reading his script. “I need to pay a visit to my favorite tailor anyways. I need to attend this panel in UCLA next week.”
“The Dior guy?” Beatrice asks.
“The same. Why?”
“Does he have suits for women?”
“I think he did some. Why?”
“Ava and I are attending Dior’s year-end event and I want Ava and I to subtly match,” Beatrice says.
“Do you know what she’s wearing?”
“Yeah, I made her send me the picture. Look,” Beatrice shows him her phone.
“Damn, she’s gorgeous,” Michael comments. “I think he’ll have something to match.”
“Perfect,” Beatrice smiles. “Let’s go around 10AM.”
“Yes, dear,” Michael teases her.
“Shut up,” Beatrice slaps her playfully and returns to her bedroom.
COUTURE MAGAZINE
INSIDE DIOR’S STAR-STUDDED YEAR-END EVENT
We all know Dior always throws the best fashion shows and campaign over the years and this year’s year-end event doesn’t fall short on big names from the showbusiness industry. We have actors, musicians, filmmakers and fashion icons in attendance. Dior ambassadors Robert Pattinson, Natalie Portman, Cara Delevigne, Jennifer Lawrence, Blackpink’s Jisoo and BTS’ Jimin were all in attendance. New ambassadors Lilith Villaumbrosia and Ava Silva were introduced.
silvasilvasilva: AVA IS MOTHER
lilithsgirl: look at Ava looking like a dead seaweed next to Lilith lmao
avadefender: shut your traphole @lilithsgirl it’s Lilith who looks like a corpse
randominternetgirl: is it weird that I want them to kiss?
avasilvaswife: lilith’s smile looks so forced does she still have bad blood against Ava? move on girl it’s been more than a decade since you lost that role to her
HOLLYWOOD SCOOP!
GAL PALS AVA SILVA AND BEATRICE YOUNG ATTEND DIOR YEAR-END EVENT
Everyone was stunning at this year’s Dior year-end event but what caught our eye is best friends Ava Silva and Beatrice Young. The two attended the event together where Silva was introduced as the new Dior ambassador along with Lilith Villaumbrosia.
The two seems to have matching outfits. Silva wore a lacey charcoal Dior dress and Young wore the Dior pantsuit-cropped blazer ensemble in charcoal as well. They pose to the camera close to each other all night and even was holding hands as they walked the red carpet.
Since Silva moved back to LA, they are frequently seen together out and about. They spent Christmas with each other as well. Sighs. What would we give to have a friendship like this.
avatrice_trash: “gal pals” I CHOKED
notmichael: just a couple of gal pals indeed
youngsilva: the hand holding… some people here are single!!!
youngsterz: BEATRICE… can Michael fight???
internetlurker: are they dating or what?
beaswifereal: areala is going to be pissed lmao
avaandbeareal: *inhales* CAUSE I DON’T WANT YOU LIKE A BESTFRIEND ONLY BOUGHT THIS DRESS SO YOU CAN TAKE IT OFF
wlwzone: the way they gaze at each other… I am deceased
After the event, Beatrice went home with Ava. Ava received a crate of wine from her parent’s vineyard in Spain for Christmas and she wants to try it with Beatrice. She still hates her parents but the wine they produce, she loves it. It was the batch they made when she was born so she is excited to taste it.
As Ava prepares a charcuterie board, Beatrice’s phone rings. It’s Areala. She excused herself to Ava and went to the backyard near the pool. “Areala, hi!” she answers in a very sweet tone.
“What the fuck, Beatrice?” Areala is very annoyed.
“What?” Beatrice asks innocently.
“The Dior event? The pictures are all over the internet!”
“And?”
“The way you and Ava behaved,” Areala says. “What did I tell you?”
“We are best friends,” Beatrice tells her. “How do you think we should behave?”
“Holding hands?”
“Of course, we’ll be holding hands and hugging and touching,” Beatrice rolls her eyes. “What do you expect us to do? Punch each other in front of everyone?”
“I am not trying to joke with you Beatrice Young,” Areala warns.
“Stop digging yourself an early grave, Areala,” Beatrice says. “Don’t sweat about this kind of things. People are going to say what they are going to say no matter what I do or don’t do.”
“But-”
“Before you bring up Mom, I already talked to her,” Beatrice tells her. She did talk to her mom after they attended Dior’s event. She called her to check up on her. She mentions she’s doing good. She’s also glad Ava is back. Beatrice subtly asks her is she still stays on the loop about her and she told her she doesn’t watch showbiz news or read showbiz articles anymore. “Please, Areala just chill out, will you? Just enjoy Aspen.”
“Fine,” Areala says but Beatrice knows she still won’t chill out.
“Bye.”
Beatrice sat on one of the lounge chairs and sighs.
“Do you want to go for a swim?” Ava asks from behind her. “I can heat it up.”
“Sure,” Beatrice smiles.
Ava goes to the pool house to turn the heater on.
“It will take a few minutes. I’ll lend you a swimsuit, come on,” Ava gestures with her head and offers a hand to Beatrice. She takes it and stands up.
They hold hands as they walk to Ava’s closet.
“Here, I haven’t used this. Try it on,” Ava hands her a black two-piece swimsuit.
“Ava, I know your pool will be heated but this is too much,” Beatrice inspects it. “Don’t you have a one piece or something? Or jean shorts and an old t-shirt.”
“I’ll have thick robes ready,” Ava reassures her. “Come on just try it.”
“I have a feeling you are up to something,” Beatrice rolls her eyes but gets behind the folding walls of the closet. “Well?” she asks as she steps out.
“You’ve gained weight,” Ava comments, cracking a smile.
“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” Beatrice asks suddenly conscious.
Ava stands up from the ottoman she was sitting and approaches Beatrice. She puts her hands on her waist. “It’s a good thing. You look better. You’ve always starved yourself be the thinnest you could be. I like this,” she poked Beatrice lightly on the nose. “You look good.”
“Thank you,” Beatrice smiles.
“My turn,” Ava taps her lightly on the butt.
“Ava!” Beatrice exclaims.
They wore their thick robes and went back to the pool. Ava put out the board and wine while Beatrice set up her playlist. Ava put on the warm lights.
“Ah, that feels good,” Ava says as they dipped in the warm water.
“Yeah,” Beatrice agrees. “My heels weren’t that high but it still killed my feet. Three years of barely attending any events,” she scoffs. “I fear for the upcoming tour. My stylist is going to make me wear five-inch boots.”
“Shit,” Ava chuckles a little. “And how long is going to be every show?”
“Three to four hours I think?” Beatrice replies. “We still are finalizing the setlist.”
“That’s very long.”
“I know,” Beatrice nods. “But it’s been too long since I toured. And I’m finally re-recording my music. I want to give my fans the best.”
“You always do,” Ava smiles. “That’s one of the things I really admire about you.”
They gaze at each other for a bit until Beatrice looked away. “Shall we have a taste of your thirty-year old wine?” she asks.
“Yes,” Ava clears her throat. She jumps up to get the bottle and glasses beside the pool. She carefully pours them.
Beatrice swirls it around and takes a sniff which made Ava giggle. She takes a sip. “Fuck,” she almost whispered.
“What?” Ava is swirling hers.
“This is the best wine I ever tasted, I swear,” she took another sip.
Ava takes a sip as well. “Damn, you’re right.”
“Did they put drugs in this?”
“Stop!” Ava slaps Beatrice’s arm because she almost choked on her drink.
“No, seriously,” Beatrice laughs.
“They are not drug dealers,” Ava laughs as well. “They just invested in top-tier wine technology.”
“I almost forgot they are homophobic,” Beatrice says.
"Stop! You're going to make me snort wine!”
They talked about the Dior show. They debated who looked the most attractive. Ava blushed when Beatrice admitted she looks the best. They drank more wine and talked about cheese and cured meat facts they know. They swam around and splashed water to each other.
“Ava, stop! No!” Beatrice exclaims when Ava won’t stop splashing water to her. “It’s in my mouth!”
“That’s what she said!” Ava laughs.
Beatrice, with all her might, splashes water back on Ava. Unfortunately, she is full on guffawing and a lot of water went into her mouth. She wheezes and coughs.
“Oh shit, I’m sorry!” Beatrice gasps.
Ava continues to wheeze. Beatrice drags her out of the water and performs a Hemlock maneuver to stop her from choking.
“Are you okay?” Beatrice pushes the hair out of her face once she stopped choking.
Ava just holds onto Beatrice’s arms and nods. She makes her sit on the lounge and puts a robe around her. She wears hers as well and sits next to her.
“I’m so sorry,” Beatrice says.
“It’s okay,” Ava tells her. “It’s my fault.”
“No, it’s mine,” Beatrice insists. “I shouldn’t have done that,” she tucks stray strands of her wet hair behind her ear.
Ava stares at her. “Are you still talking about the water or something else now?”
“I don’t know,” Beatrice says, almost a whisper. She glances at Ava and she’s looking at her right in the eye. It seems like she’s searching for something. “I know we have talked about it but I will never stop saying sorry to you,” Beatrice feels her eye water.
“Bea-”
“No, please let me talk,” Beatrice says. “I just feel like you forgave me so easily and I spent all those three years wrongfully hating you for the situation that I put us through.”
Ava nods.
“And I barely apologized when you came back,” Beatrice says. “Ava, you don’t have to apologize and say it’s your fault too. None of it was. It was all mine. Promise me you won’t apologize for something I did all by myself. Because I won’t be able to forgive myself knowing you blame yourself too.”
Ava looks at her for a moment.
“Please promise me.”
“I promise,” Ava reached for her hand and squeezes it. The other reaches to wipe the tears from her face.
“Thank you.”
“Promise me too,” Ava tells her.
“What?”
“Let’s just forget about that. It’s gone and passed. What’s important is now,” Ava says. “So promise me that from now on, you will forgive yourself and we start fresh.”
“I promise, Ava.”
Ava leans in. Beatrice doesn’t lean away. She just gulps. Ava closes her eyes and kisses Beatrice. She was still at first but after a few moments, she opens her mouth and kisses Ava back. Ava puts her hands on her face and Beatrice puts one hand on her waist and the other over one of Ava’s hands on her face.
They were panting when they pulled away.
“I missed that taste,” Ava breathes.
“I thought we agreed not to do things like this until I finished tour and you finished filming at least one film?” Beatrice breathlessly asks.
“I can’t help it,” Ava admits. They foreheads are leaning with each other, their eyes still closed. “I’ve been wanting to do that since I showed up at your door.”
“Same here,” Beatrice sighs. “But we can’t. Not yet.”
“I know,” Ava agrees. “But can we make tonight an exception?”
Beatrice didn’t answer. She just kisses Ava again. The void she was feeling since they parted ways three years ago suddenly vanished.
Later they laid in Ava’s bed just spooning. Usually, Ava is the little spoon but tonight it was Beatrice. “Did you just smelled me?” Beatrice giggles.
“I missed your smell,” Ava buries her head on Beatrice’s hair. “I don’t think I could ever let you go again,” she says. “No matter how hard you push me away. I will stay.”
“I don’t think I could push you away again, Ava,” Beatrice turns to face her. She caresses her face with her hands. They smile at each other.
“Can you sing me to sleep?” Ava requests.
“What do you want me to sing?”
“Something sweet,” Ava smiles.
“How about something bewitching?” Beatrice suggests instead. “Because that what you make me feel and I wanted to do the same.”
“Okay,” Ava gives her a chaste kiss.
Beatrice sings.
I’m like the water when your ship rolled in that night
Rough on the surface, but you cut through like a knife
And if it was an open-shut case
I never would have known from that look on your face
Lost in your current like a priceless wine.
Ava giggles quietly with the mention of the wine.
The more that you say, the less I know
Wherever you stray, I follow
I’m begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans, that’s my woman
They both grinned when Beatrice changed the lyrics.
Life is a willow and it bent right to your wind
Head on the pillow, I can feel you sneakin’ in
As if you’re a mythical thing
Like you were a trophy or a champion ring
And there was one prize I’d cheat to win
Beatrice pokes Ava’s nose lightly.
Life is a willow and it bent right to your wind
They count me out time and time again
Life is a willow and it bent right to your wind
But I come stronger than a 90s trend
Ava’s still smiling but blinking sleepily.
Wait for the signal, and I’ll meet you after dark
Show me the places where the other gave you scars
Now this is an open-shut case
I guess I should’ve known from the look on your face
Every bait and switch was a work of art
You know that my train could take you home
Anywhere else is hollow
I’m begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans, that’s my woman
Ava sleepily holds her hand and she kisses it.
“That’s my Ava,” she finishes the song. Beatrice kisses her temple and snuggles with her, closing her eyes as well.