Work Text:
Is it for better or for worse
Or am I just your good time girl?
Can you still hold me when it hurts
Or would you walk away?
Even if I scandalize you
Cut you down and criticize you
Tell a million lies about you
What would you say?
Pink
Deborah Vance has been in a relationship with Ava Daniels for five years.
Getting to this point is satisfying and terrifying in a single moment.
Deb would be the first person to tell you that she never expected to reach the relationship goal with the millennial writer with giant hands and zero fashion sense. Nevertheless, in the early days, several dinner guests were entertaining themselves with bets on how long it would last, openly in fact. Deborah doesn't blame them overly much, but the serial offenders rarely get return invites.
Since Deborah's multiple comedy revivals, specials and contracts, her parties are in high demand. People learn quickly to keep their teasing light.
"Well, she has stayed with us for almost 2000 days and still looks at me as if I threaded the stars just for her, a long-standing Mother complex, right? The new company should be paying her enough to see a decent shrink or six." Deb looks at Barry and the new dog for insight.
Of course, all animals, residents and staff in this place are hardly unbiased on the Ava Daniels topic.
"For the record, my health plan is awesome; thanks for working for a bunch of leftists under the evil corporate empire. Dr Angelo thinks our relationship is great and hasn't once brought up mother issues or Freud." Ava says brightly from behind her.
"Doesn't make the point any less valid. Have you finished working for the day?" Deb asks grumpily, but she leans into the kiss.
"Not even close, but I'm not going to waste a second more of our anniversary week on something as trivial as contract negotiations. Billy and the rest of the team are in my corner." Ava buries her face in Deb's neck.
"I'm ancient, Honey, but not enough to age like a green banana, there is time. Contract negotiations are far from wasteful, especially with the show having such high ratings." Deb whispers breathlessly into the touch.
"It is when all I can think about is the scent of your skin and other attributes." Ava whispers between kisses.
"Our relationship with the paps and DJ is back on more or less level ground. So let's not risk it by pushing the exhibition laws in Nevada, especially when you are in such an awful thrift store get up, Daniels." Deb relaxes into the touch.
"It's debatable which of those relationships you value more at this point, come into the house with me?" Ava reaches out her hand invitingly.
"At least the paparazzi are understanding and have transactional certainty, unlike the beach trinkets ." Deb lets Ava pull her up.
"We have far more interesting things to consider, Darling."
Deb can't disagree with the point.
***
They weren't going to make it past the letting go phase.
Deb isn't sure of much at that party, but she is confident that the Ava Problem will soon be in the past.
Hell, with lawsuits, bribery and terrible jokes, there is little to selvedge on that rooftop. So it was somewhere between selfish and a mercy killing to let the foolish girl go. Like when her third or fourth dog was weaker with a dodgy heart, only attachment prevented the trip to the vet. The same principle should apply to releasing Ava Daniels into the world to find a story or six to share while moving up the writer's hierarchy. But, instead, the uncharacteristically selfish gesture is met with sneaky resistance.
Ava Daniels refuses to leave.
Sure, the young woman is putting in long hours at her new job more than anyone else on the team. Deb has enough influence to know that her former writer is doing enough to extend her contract and demand a few perks. Hopefully, Ava has learned enough from their battles to negotiate without looking like Bambi on crack or some other caricature.
There is no reason for Ava Daniels to be a regular audience member at Deb's latest shows.
Deb seeing her in Los Angeles is understandable afterall it's not that far from her new home. Ava never lost her curiosity about the workings of stand-up and wants to judge her replacement. As a performing veteran, it's easy enough to tune her out.
The next location in California is harder to explain. It's an exclusive gathering for a billionaire's birthday party. While it's not impossible to get tickets, they aren't on the open market either. So Deb raises an eyebrow when she sees the beautiful, fashionable little black dress. Ava stands in the second row with a beaming smile.
New York is becoming slightly more of a problem. For one thing, Deb knows that Ava has several writing deadlines in the works. The younger woman has more work going her way than she knows what to do with; at least her agent is halfway decent. There is no reason that she should be in this small venue.
Texas is far from her best show; it's a tough crowd after the political divisiveness. Still, the audience isn't hostile, and the organisers will be happy. Deb cannot help but smile when she sees Ava sitting in the corner, also getting ready to leave before the hecklers can get too vocal.
"You old hag!" a voice calls out.
It's a typical insult that Deb hears every show since she turned 40. However, she finds it far more interesting to watch Ava's face go through various emotions. For many months Deb knew every expression on the younger woman's face; it is not difficult to translate the moments now.
Ava looks like she is getting ready to go viral with a moment trying to defend her.
Deb quickly moves and gets her attention while keeping a happy smile. Enough people know Ava was her former assistant; it won't raise suspicion unless someone else tracks Ava's groupie status. Of course, the younger woman can make herself look suitably generic. The blinding smile doesn't do anything to help her efforts at subtlety
"What are you doing here, Ava?"
"I get to decide where my stories leed and land, don't I? One of the perks of scrabbling and working so fucking hard?" Ava challenges with a gentle smile.
***
They weren't going to make it past Ava's ridiculous confession.
Deb Vance does not do well with emotional vulnerability, hers or others in equal measure.
There are many things that Deb Vance despises about people in these modern times. Nevertheless, her new routines are lucrative because she makes both past and presents funny and biting. Ava embodies so many of those characteristics. People who grew up on a diet of self-help now believe that 'being vulnerable' is a virtue and that other people are interested in sharing emotions.
"I want all my best stories to include you every morning that I'm in the state, even if it's the most foolish and reckless thing possible for an upstart internet success story.
Of course, Ava would be on the doorstep when Deb is in her least fashionable silk pyjamas after a vicious fight with DJ. So naturally, she greets the dogs like they are her long-lost fur children, pausing to give them treats before getting to the point of this visit. Instead, Deb uses the time to compose herself while leaning against the frame.
"You do realise that confessions on the doorstep barely work in the 90s and '00 romcoms. Parameter cameras mean that I saw you a some distance away flapping your giant hands nervously, which ruins the element of surprise." Deb points out drily.
"Yet you didn't send a lackey to chase me and my dipropionate limbs away; may I come in to avoid such a cliche?" Ava asks with such hope in her eyes.
"You may have to retracted that famous snarky joke since I'm not paying you a dime anymore." Deb states the obvious.
"What you offer me is far more valuable, besides the New York starting negotiations aren't half bad." Ava shrugs with a tentative smile.
"Swimming lessons and fashion advice?" Deb knows that there is more to it.
Deb doesn't know what will happen next.
The veteran comedian reaches out and grasps a handful of Ava's shirt, pulling her into a ridiculous kiss. They are all limbs and strange angles, and there is no convincing and swelling music. Still, Ava falls against her with a happy sigh. Deb works to curl her hands in Ava's hair, trying to pull her closer.
"I have wanted to kiss you for close to a year, in case that wasn't obvious." Ava whispers when they eventually pull back.
"You have no poker face to call on, Ava Daniels." Deb stands up and tries to pull herself together.
"What are you going to do about it, Miss Vance, Queen of Las Vegas?" Ava asks somewhat breathlessly.
"This is your roadshow, Ava. Don't try and make me a co-writer and do all the work without the payoff. Didn't you have a plan beyond making 'Lost Kitten at Christmas" Look? That would be disappointing after your memorable 'first interview', Ava." Deb folds her arms and waits.
"Do you want me to tell you all the adjectives and descriptors I would replace 'bitch' with now? Ava asks hopefully
The foolish woman looks like she is getting ready to do just that without provocation.
"How about a stiff drink and saying hello to the boys?" Deb counter offers
"We'll safe everything else for later." Ava agrees readily
***
They weren't going to make it past the first excuse for a date.
Dates are usually where relationships fall over—no reason for that to change with the foolish former assistant.
Of course, Deb never allows Ava to start labelling their dinner as such. She hasn't been on something she calls a date for 30 or 40 years. Mainly suggesting food is a tactic to escape those large doe eyes. There is so much that they need to talk about and consider. Ava is likely ready with a clipboard or some articles she reads online. Still, Deb isn't prepared to give up the traditional ideas yet. Besides, conversations with Ava are relaxing when food is in play.
"Are you living in a basement with no sunlight the size of a closet? You do read horror stories about such things." Deb asks as they wait for their order.
"Well, its not a mansion in the dessert with staff. Still, comfortable enough with heat, water and all the basics. I'm dutifully working hard and scrabbling for recognition. A place to sleep is all I need at this point. Do you approve?" Ava asks, referring to that infamous conversation.
"It's early days; we'll see how long you can keep up the place and pace. They were lucky to get you pre cynicism and jaded phase. Please tell me you are at least spending money on halfway decent sheets and not hunting around in bargain bins and thrift store furniture?" Deb asks
"The temptation was high while I was waiting for my first pay check to clear, but your guest room ruined me for such compromises." Ava says with a reassuring smile.
"Well naturally." Deb agrees
"The write-up says demand for other specials is growing, and you will have a proper bidding war on your hands. Congratulations," Ava compliments
"As if your benevolent stalking needs other sources as a go-between, Ava. You have seen more of my new material than the people who are paid to review it." Deb tilts her head curiously.
"You told me to climb a mountain, not what I did with the rest of the time. Is it so strange that this is where I would want to be? I'll regret saying otherwise for the rest of my life in that article. Ava asks quietly
"Yes, frankly, Tracy Chapman. for multiple reasons, but you did stand by me when the residency and everything else were crumbling away, and my name was being used in the same breath as people I used to trounce on my worse days. So maybe I need to adjust to a different brand of loyalty.
"I'd admit that the words don't come easily for me, a bad trait for a writer, but how do you draw parallels between the legendary songwriter and me?" Ava sounds genuinely curious.
"Wasn't the essentials of your pitch finding the right words and at the right time to ‘hold me’? Or something equally unforgivably romantic?" Deb asks
"It would be overly generous to call my action a 'plan', but I'm hoping more of an opening gambit."
"Finish your dinner," Deb instructs, but she brushes their fingers together briefly.
***
They weren't going to make it past the first sexual encounter.
Deborah Vance isn't unaware of her appeal with a particular demographic; she knows that Ava Daniels has a crush, and she wouldn't be the first queer woman on the planet. Still, the decades between them look different in the bedroom. Ava Daniels may be open about her attraction to Deb to the point of ridiculousness. The veteran entertainer must now consider life aspects such as concealing hickeys and quieting Ava before Josefina arrives. That doesn't mean that age-gap relationships survive off the pages of romance novel tropes.
"We don't have to do anything now, D." Ava whispers between kisses as they move towards the luxurious bed.
"I can lean into many of your generation's preoccupations and ideals, but that doesn't mean we need to repeat consent 27 times. If I was in any doubt, you wouldn't have made it past the doorstep, in the literal or metaphorical sense." Deb frames her face with tenderness and authority.
"That doesn't mean we can’t take things in stages, new for both of us." Ava says in a breathless whisper.
"Swooning over me isn't new for you, Ava Daniels." Deb teases with barking laughter.
"True enough."
"Then can we say it's safe to assume that we are both here because we want to be, and that is unlikely to change, maybe even grow in the next few hours?" Deb asks shakily
"That sounds like the best plan I heard all day."
"Then let me kiss you some more; there is plenty of time for talking over breakfast."
They are slowly getting into a rhythm with physical affection and touches. Deborah Vance does plenty and pays a small fortune to stay in shape, but it is hard not to feel self-conscious as they start to get naked. Still, Ava keeps up a running monologue of approval, which helps. Not in an over-the-top way, but just gentle sighs, happy touches and light kisses. Deb feels relaxed, letting Ava do the explorations that mean so much.
"What are you thinking about over there?" Ava asks teasingly from her position above Deb.
"That we could have had much more fun on that cruise? Or at least my LGBTQ other opportunities." Deb muses before sighing into a touch.
"I would be too worried about drowning. When I have the opportunity to kiss you, it needs to be my sole focus." Ava declares
"Well then get to it."
"Yes, Ma'am."
***
They weren't going to make it past the geographical distance and competing careers.
No relationship is worth sacrificing either of their careers for; Deb knows it's only a matter of time. But, surprisingly enough, they find thrilling and creative ways to make things work.
Deb may admit that their dynamic is turning romantic, but there is no way Ava is making some grand gesture and 'giving everything up. More to the point, Deb isn't ready to be the reason anyone does anything so dramatic. Ava Daniels has enough grit and work ethic to succeed in this industry and is too good to become a 'cougar cub' plaything or whatever the terms are now.
"How did the script session go? Did you pitch the changes we talked about with the second scene?" Deb asks before taking a sip of juice
"Yes, they didn't hate it out of hand, which is a step up. I'm resisting the urge to prove myself every five minutes, which is doubtfully due to your particular mentoring style." Ava beams broadly into the laptop screen.
"You no longer look like Simba when Mufasa fell down the canyon? That's..." Deb begins pointedly
"I know what the Lion King is, D. I've made multiple jokes about it. Yes, I am working on a halfway decent poker face." Ava quips back.
"Speaking of faces, I need to go and put mine on before DJ and the new love of her life/husband is over for lunch." Deb prepares to log off.
"No, don't. You look fine." Ava protests with a soft whine.
"Well, we all know that you are biased on that front and have strange beliefs when it comes to me, Ava." Deb waves her hand as if to push away the thought entirely.
"Maybe I am the most reliable narrator. I miss waking up next to you, first thing in the morning, without your exhaustive beauty routine that you don't need." Ava sounds like she is genuinely sulking.
"Never forget you've only ever seen me after a small fortune of work, vigilant diet routines and personal trainers. Would you look at an average person my age twice?" Deb challenges
"No, but I don't look at every actress I've worked with either or every 30-year-old on the street. Of course, looks and things matter, but true connections can happen in the strangest places. So I will continue telling you variations of this them every morning if that's what it takes to be convincing.
"Surprising enough, that doesn't seem like a halfway decent proposition. Nevertheless, I will see you in a few days with or without my face in the morning." Deb holds up her hand in a useless sentimental gesture.
"Don't expect to leave the room for several days, D." Ava warns and her tone means it.
Those are fighting words but Deb doesn’t protest.
***
They weren't going to make it past the first argument with so many expertly cruel words.
Deborah Vance is an expert at pushing people away with words; it happens with all major relationships, platonic and otherwise. instead, Ava stands her ground.
Of course, the argument is inevitable when their sexual exploration goes wrong. Deb's knees cannot handle the movements, and the 'mood' disappears faster than conservative comedians' careers. The older woman feels her defences rise, and she quickly moves away to create some physical space between them. Unfortunately, Ava looks at her with such concern that it makes this worse.
"Hey D, what's wrong? We don't have to do anything.." Ava begins softly
"Isn't it obvious? Whatever your Carol fantasies, they aren't going to come to life in techno colour, perfect fodder for your next therapy session." Deb crosses her arms, glowering at the younger woman.
"I am not looking to recreate a big-budget film, Deb. Let's talk about this, it's till new. These things happen." Ava tries to gesture to the bed.
"Don't be naive, Honey. Right now is the best I'm likely to get; surgeons are calling, not the kinds I have on speed dial for my latest 'glow up.' you imagined some Anne Bancroft moment..." Deb hisses, knowing that is anger speaking.
"Do you think you must be older to have awkward moments during sex? Newsflash, everybody has off nights or things that don't work for them. My mortification list is a mile long, and yes, some of those were with stars around my age." So Ava argues, getting angry herself now.
"and if I decide not to constantly compare myself to your legion of ex-girlfriends and their mediocre careers on stage, film and stream. I don't want my knee to be my primary concern mid-seduction?" Deb asks bitterly.
"Than I would hope we would talk about it, like people in a relationship generally do with situations that arise." Ava keeps her voice slow and careful.
"Oh, how delightful," Deb says with biting sarcasm.
"Or we could sit here exchanging barbs about our age difference, competing experiences and ideologies." Ava leans back as if expecting to do just that.
"You have to get on a plane tomorrow for one of the biggest pitchers of your career. That is why we were having a celebratory fuck" Deb points out.
"I am not leaving when things are like this, not when you are so unhappy. Pitches come and go, some things are more important." Ava sits up as if waiting for a challenge.
"I taught you better than being a romantic fool; I'm going to go and let you get some sleep. We can argue about this later. I need to find some dignity at the bottom of a gin glass." Deb moves towards the door.
"Or find some willing man for some emergency heterosexuality?" Ava asks with a catch in her voice.
"What the hell are you talking about now?" Deb asks crossly
"It's a term from years ago, people using sex for survival in extreme circumstances. Wouldn't that be the best way of getting me out of your system? A business executive in town for the night?" Ava wipes away at angry tears.
"If I wanted to do that, it would be weeks ago when you were on your soap box about the latest social media craze. I didn't have any desire than and I don't see that changing.."
Ava looks hopeful and manages a shaky smile.
"We can talk about everything in the morning."
Surprisingly, that is exactly what happens with minimal drama or pain.
***
They weren't going to make it past the first personal 'outing' and Ava's kissing obsession.
Deb keeps waiting for someone or something to 'shake some sense" into her about loving Ava. Instead, she falls more deeply.
There is a difference between what people learn by osmosis, being around them in the mansion and leaving no room for doubt. So naturally, everything is Ava and her (skilful) giant hands fault. However, the young writer has been away for a few days and has specific ways of celebrating her return.
"Oh I'm so sorry.."
Deb takes a moment to orient herself away from Ava's hands which are stroking her hipbones and (thankfully) not progressing any further. Josefina is standing in the doorway, looking between them with a mix of mortification and surprise. For once, Deb can't come up with a witty one-liner about the moment. Instead, her first instinct is to protect Ava, whose pale cheeks are flaming in embarrassment.
"I was letting you know that the maintenance crew will be late this week, an emergency." the housekeeper says evenly.
"Okay, I trust you to figure out all the details and how we can work...with the drought restrictions." Deb changes the last sentences at Ava's pointed look.
"It is good to see you again, Ava. The place isn't the same without you." Josefina smiles at them both.
They wait several long moments before speaking or even looking at each other.
"I am never going to look at her in the eye again, some of my early mistakes were bad enough." Ava confesses, but she is laughing against Deb's shoulder.
"Don't tell me that you regret a single second." Deb smiles while playing with her hair affectionately.
"Never!"
Ava pulls her in for another kiss as if to prove the point.
***
They weren't going to make it past the first public scrutiny.
All signs (and insecurities) said Ava would find a safer, easier option. instead, she sticks it out, including the worse days.
The people in their wider orbit make plans for public and media scrutiny, and experts in the field spend many hours strategizing and preparing. But, in the end, it's all for nothing. There is a tension between them that they ignore. At least on the grounds of the many estates, the private jets and the trailers behind the shows. So Deb wasn't exaggerating when talking about the secret language.
"Deborah Vance and her much younger girlfriend. The photographic proof!" screams multiple headlines.
Ava and Deborah are hiding in the mansion with Barry and Josefina. Their army of publicists has enough sway to give them an hour's notice. The photos and articles will go through the typical hierarchies from tabloids to mainstream media. Ava ensures they turn off their phones and tablets so that notifications don't go too crazy.
The tip off comes, somebody catches them kissing and hugging backstage. Deborah blames Ava, and her horniness between takes and after the show. The photographers and journalists are far enough away from the house that it is only a faint sound of clicking and yelling. The temperature is scorching, and only the hardiest stay out at midday.
"At least I am not recovering from a procedure and more or less like that jacket. Can't do anything about your giant hands taking up half the page." Deb cackles
ˆAva Daniels is writing a love script for her cougar!" writes another.
" I thought that cougar was out of fashion; I rely on you to keep me updated. As if you are in controlling this experience, it's cute that they think that, it won't last long." Deb predicts with a smirk.
"Are you going to subscribe to every print paper and news site so that you can comment on the headlines?" Ava asks curiously as they eat lunch.
"Please what else are we going to do? Everybody who needs to know either supports us or no longer matters. Soon we are going to be as boring as Holland Taylor and Sarah Paulson." Deb waves her hand dismissively.
"So you are okay being my girlfriend in the public eye? doesn't seem too terrifying?" Ava asks with a nervous tilt in her voice.
"Please, if I were going to have any form of relationship, it would be public now, as if you would be content to be my mistress in private. We knew this would happen from the start, which didn't stop your little doorstep scene."
"You are the true Queen of Vegas after all, nobody can deny that."
"Holland Taylor and Sarah Paulson are far from boring anyway."
***
They weren't going to make it past DJ
The younger Vance had all the makings of a constant disturbance. But, instead, the hysterics and judgement are at a minimum.
Deb has long given up finding a sustainable 'middle ground' with her only offspring. There are too many arguments and failures between them for the end of a Hallmark movie. Still, their periods of hostility are fewer and farther between now that the older Vance has more to occupy her time than plastic surgery options and to revive a career that takes far more than it gives. Still, the Ava Situation somehow brings their orbits closer and further away.
"Ava is over four decades younger than you, Mom. What the hell are you doing?" DJ takes up pacing.
"I'm glad to see that the stint in Scientology didn't entirely erode the ability to do basic sums. Is there a point to this? Ava and I have been spending time together for close to a year now." Deb struggles to believe that.
"You have never shown an interest in another woman before, much less making out in every room" DJ tries again.
"Nor dated someone considerably younger than myself but as I have told you repeatedly, Ava was a happy exception to the rule."
"She slandered you to some of the biggest names in the industry when things were already looking fragile." DJ's crappy jewellery jingles on her wrists as she ways her hands
"You don't have a leg to stand on when it comes to people exploiting their connection to me, DJ. We worked through those differences well before anything changed between us. In fact, Ava insists we talk about such things at great length, it was boring." Deb informs her daughter while rubbing hand cream.
Naturally enough, Junior doesn't have an answer to that, but Deb doesn't expect this silence to last long. Mother and daughter may differ, but there are enough similarities to make reading her easy despite estrangement and how Botox affects body language.
"Do you think Ava will stick around when you enter the rest home, and she is writing for one of the late-night TV shows?" DJ asks, a thread of true concern in her voice.
"Neither of us is looking for forever. But our time together makes me happy beyond a level I've seen in years, unconventional as it may be." Deb gives her daughter a pleading look.
"What does she give you that makes all the ridicule and judgement worthwhile? You are the one who says that writers are as common as waiter's with head shots?" DJ asks
"Ava gives me everything; we get each other. Isn't that what you were trying to tell me about Aiden?" Deb asks pointedly.
"That's entirely different! Ava..."
"Has entirely separate finances, legal structures and careers. If she breaks my heart as all the projections say is likely, I will have all my assets and dogs to keep me comfortable. Ava is the one that exists on such things.”
Predictably DJ storms away without resolving anything.
***
They weren't going to make it past the first 'I love you.'
It was meant to be a dramatic affair ending in a breakup or failed grand romantic gesture.
There are many ways to say 'I love you without using those words and with all the meanings. The younger woman has seen more of Deb in vulnerable moments then is worth calculating. Somewhere between morning breakfast and walks with Barry and the other pets. Ava somehow becomes a fixture in her household and life, even in a writer's room across the country.
Deborah Vance is all in and is risking everything, from her heart to her new career, on the whims of a bisexual progressive with giant hands and zero fashion sense.
"I love you, Ava."
The woman in question is brushing her teeth in the bathroom. She walks backwards with her toothbrush hanging from her mouth. If her love for the younger woman was ever questioned, this moment would be a test. Deb never sees herself like this at any age, much less in her late 60s. The younger woman in an oversized shirt, her hair in multiple directions and a strange mixture of skin cream on her face. Ava has been whining most of the day about some failing social media platform, it should be annoying but it wasn't.
"What..." Ava asks around the toothpaste.
"It seems like you were having a bad day, I didn't understand half of it, but that was the gist, right?"
Predictably Ava Daniels completely overreacts to the gesture.
They don't sleep until late into the night.
***
Ava is predicably ecstatic and doesn't care who knows it.
"You are smug for somebody who needs help to pull off even that basic look."
"Your reaction to this dress on our first date, makes this something of a lucky charm." Ava confesses with a knowing smile.
"Yes well, its bright enough to remember when I go senile." Deb leans and places a lingering kiss on her lips.
They are going out to dinner at one of the most expensive restaurants in Vegas. Thankfully, the French place is a compromise between their tastes and ethical beliefs. Ava is the one that makes the booking, hoping to be in charge of the night. However, Deb instinctively wants to suggest that they split the bill, knowing Ava is proud of having a decent writing contract she resists the urge.
"Are people going to leap out, wishing us Happy Anniversary,? Such things are so garish" Deb asks as they walk out the door.
"No I learnt my lesson the first time." Ava promises.
Dinner is a delightful mix of social and alone time. The couple is at a favourite 'occasion place', and several regulars come to say hello and compliment Deb on her latest success, not even noticing when Ava holds her hand while smiling with such pride. The idea of them being in a romantic relationship doesn't seem to bother anyone in their outer circle, both Nevada and New York.
"I think he is between his 4th and 5th wife in the time that we have been together, its weird to think about our relationship having staying power even in this town." Deb whispers when the latest admirer walks away.
"I always maintain that we make sense as a couple, its everyone else that looks at us and sees The Real Housewives of Comedy or something. Nobody appreciates the little moments that bind us together. Swimming lessons, the dogs, writing together." Ava sounds genuinely disappointed
"I am sure you will find a way to remind them. Tell me more about your favourite moments, Honey?"
***
The gift-giving is a quiet affair.
One of the benefits of her new career arc is that she has the right to command a spectacle in the best way, with the right people, location and soundtrack. Of course, now that she is part of a #LesbianPowerCouple or some other ridiculous social media trend, their time together has a whole new demographic. Still, their entire relationship centres around the mansion; it's logical. Deb doesn't trust Ava not to get sentimental and swoon, which is best done behind security fences.
"I am so happy.." Although Ava seems like she is dancing badly to music, only she can hear.
"Oh, quit flapping those hands around; it's not like you are directing a plane in your spare time.”
Going against her grumpy words, Deb reaches and grasps those hands and pulls her in for a fierce kiss. Ava was in the middle of talking about her plans for the gift presentation. However, she is willing to be diverted if it involves kissing. Deb still thrills at the power over a young woman who has dated beautiful starlets.
"Gift exchanges first, we can return to such things later." Ava pulls away reluctantly.
Deb doesn't have time for a comeback. Ava is already heading to her secret present hiding place. The writer seems to think that her lover will snoop, but she is in far more danger of Josefina or one of the staff finding it and putting such an item with the swag bags that she gets from award season. Neither the comedian nor her employees have adjusted to having somebody so sentimental in the house.
Deb cannot help but smile as she reaches for the package that DJ dropped off on one of her fleeting visits and rare familial cooperation . The things Ava Daniels buy her are for Deb as a person and not about trying to curry favour or sore a ride on the jet. It takes her years to understand that particular quirk.
"Now my present comes in two parts," Ava announces as she returns to the room.
"Of course it does; why make it easier and avoid the opportunity to do production when you are drunk enough to lose all your self-consciousness and theatrics? I am not doing a scavenger hunt for a ring at this time of night or ever." Deb warns, not for the first time.
"No, we have already talked about not fuelling the worst of the gold digger rumours or DJ and my mother." Ava reassures as she puts down two packages.
"Maybe they will settle down if we make it to the point where you have one or two crow's feet since you will be on board with #no fillers." Deb teases affectionately.
"I wouldn't hold out much hope for mom, DJ maybe. Small one first." Ava instructs
"Yes Dear."
Deborah carefully unwraps the small package, knowing it contains a picture frame from the feel. The image shows her and Ava in full writing mode, with papers and computers in front of them. The dogs are at their feet, and it captures Deb laughing at something Ava is trying to explain. The comic can't even remember that particular moment. There are so many just like to choose from for framing. Moments like this are why they are in this relationship in the first place.
"I know it's a cliche gift, but when Kiki took the photo, and it made me happy, figured it wouldn't look too bad in the hallway." Ava starts to ramble.
"Your hands look halfway decent in this picture; I approve."
"This is more personal, and you are welcome to judge."
Of all the things Deb expects from the woman, she shares her life with, a giant jar of what looks like folded post-it notes do not make a list. Thankfully Ava has enough sense to go for a container that is of decent quality and aesthetics. Deb blinks in surprise and waits for an explanation. When none is forthcoming, she turns to face her companion.
"Is this a memory test for my ongoing senility, Ava?" she asks with a half-smile.
"As if, D. Each of these post-it notes is my response to every age gap quip and a reason that I love you, in case it's a bad day. They might pick you up when I'm away, or that's what was going through my head while writing them. " Ava sounds nervous.
"How did you get your giant hands around such a small space? Deb asks, but she is smiling.
"Enough motivation, I guess." Ava leans over and kisses her cheek.
"What brought this on?" Deb asks curiously
"Honestly, it all started with a stupid fight with my mom and became something of a writing exercise and passion." Ava shrugs
"Well open my gift and I will save them for a lonely day."
Ava obediently picks up the small box and opens it before holding up a key and giving her lover a curious look.
"Ahh Deb, this is lovely, but you realise I live here in all but name and work schedules, right? Josefina and I have a group chat and me and the vet are on good terms about the boys' yearly routines." Ava holds the key up.
"Hush, come with me." Deb leads her by the hand.
Ava follows, not without making a few quips about sex dungeons, but there is a light and happy turn in her voice that Deb loves to hear. When they reach the door near the guest room, Ava pauses before pushing it open. Organising the surprise was easy enough, with Ava away so much for high-demand work. The former spare room is now a cosy office, in neutral colours with plenty of space for plants, photos etc. Ava looks around the room in wonder.
"I know you are attached to the basement and watching old reruns of me on stage, but a writer deserves her space to work at home. I thought about getting you an apartment but didn't want to feel like a mob boss with a mistress. Besides, you wouldn't let me forget the widows and orphans who might need it more." Deb explains while wrapping an arm around Ava's waist.
"Why would I want to be anywhere else than here with you? The centre of all my good work?" Ava asks as she rests her head on Deb's shoulder.
"Somehow, it is getting easier to believe you when you say ridiculous things like that, it must be all those words you are working so hard to write." pulls her closer.
"I am quite happy if convincing you I'm here to stay becomes part of my life's work, right here in this room and beyond. There may even be couples hashtags strategically leaked to the media." Ava muses.
"Don't you dare!"
The next debate is a happy one.