BECA MITCHELL CLARIFIES RUMORS; REVEALS DATING MUSIC PRODUCER JESSE SWANSON.
Story by: Benjamin Applebaum
Rumors circulated that Award-winning DJ & Music Producer, Beca Mitchell and Actress, Chloe Beale were seeing each other in secret due to the photos taken by the paparazzi during the Grammy Awards. Both were caught in the middle of an intimate moment, where Beale was seen hugging the DJ. This indeed sparked a fiasco since Chloe Beale is currently dating businessman, Tom Harris.
Beca Mitchell released a statement thru a representative to clarify the rumors, saying that she and Chloe Beale are close friends since they knew each other from college. Furthermore, Chloe Beale and Beca's sister/manager, Aubrey Posen are best friends, thus, the close ties.
"Chloe was just doing her job as a friend. I was too overwhelmed with emotions and something came up." Beca stated in an interview. "I'm really glad she was there."
When asked about the need for comforting, Mitchell was evasive as possible but fans were able to connect the dots. Pictures of Jesse Swanson and Beca Mitchell during the red carpet flooded the internet where it looked like both were arguing about something while remaining calm to pose for pictures.
Now, the question is, did it involve the man?
Mitchell has been private about her personal life, but her Instagram post gave her away. Last night, Mitchell posted a picture of Swanson playing with the Rubik's cube and captioned it "Notice me, please." Swanson then commented "I always do. ;)"
This didn't go unnoticed by fans who flooded both of their social media accounts.
However, Mitchell didn't stop there. Immediately, she posted a picture of Swanson who had Cheetos as fangs on her Twitter account with the caption "Can't believe I'm dating you." Swanson tweeted back "Likewise." and even included a picture of the brunette in her sweatpants. And the rest, is history.
"This is really good, Bree." Beca read the article on the morning paper. "And, that was fast."
"I told you we can suppress it in the nick of time." Aubrey grinned.
"I do look like an idiot, though." Jesse shrugged. "That was good thinking, Bree. Taking it all out on social media."
"Word goes around fast, and so does pictures." Aubrey took a sip of her coffee. "We should thank Benji for writing the story and publishing it as fast as he could."
"He doesn't know the secret, right?" Beca got worried. She didn't want to let more people in.
"No. Of course not. I told him that this was to clear your name and Chloe's too. And with the dating thing, I told him that it was part of the package. He understood. He always does." Aubrey handed her sister her sunglasses. "Better not forget these, by the way."
"Why? What's up?" Jesse asked. His mouth still full of cereals. "Are we going out?"
"You are going to make your first public appearance together, remember?" Aubrey snickered. "Paparazzi will be swarming you both."
"Damn." Jesse groaned. "I've had too much of them, and now, I will have to deal with them again."
"Everything will be fine. Just remember to comment only on those questions involving the both of you." Aubrey advised. "I'll still be around, don't worry."
"What should we do now, Bree?" Beca asked.
"Simple. Just do your thing. Like what you two always do." Aubrey shrugged.
"Luckily you have a manager, Becs." Jesse commented. "Can you be my manager too, Aubrey? I need help with the acting career."
Beca couldn't help but throw bits of cereals at Jesse. "Weirdo."
"Well, that could be arranged." Aubrey laughed. "Listen. It's going to be hectic compared to before. The difference is that more people will be trailing and watching you."
"Big Brother on the house. Yay." Jesse sarcastically remarked.
"Oh, and if I may add, don't forget to hold hands and smile." Aubrey snickered.
BEALE ESTATE, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
"Good Morning, Dad." Chloe kissed her father on the cheek before joining him on the table for breakfast. "You're up early. What's up?"
"Oh. I don't know. I just wanted to get out of bed." James Beale unfolded the newspaper to start reading. "Eat, then we'll go to the office together."
"I can't. I have to meet up with the producers of the movie I'm going to work on."
"Oh. That's good news, honey. When do you start filming?" He asked.
"I'm not really sure, but most probably in a few weeks?" Chloe picked her food on the plate.
"This is interesting." Her father immediately stated. "Looks like your secret girlfriend went on with my story." He smirked as he handed Chloe the page where the article is located. "Read it."
"What are you talking about?" Chloe asked.
"Take it. It's all there."
Upon seeing the headline, Chloe's heart was pounding.
She didn't know whether to feel hurt or relieved.
It was written in bold letters-it was a slap on her face.
"Oh…" Chloe continued to read on. She returned the paper back to her father who was looking at her. "Well, I guess the problem is solved. Maybe we can leave it at that?"
"Chloe, dear. You know how the merger is important to both of our families with Tom…" James started to lecture his daughter. "Richard and I have so many plans for the future which is enough to benefit you and Tom in the long run."
"I told you before, I don't want to have a hand in the business." Chloe firmly stated.
"I do remember. But you told your mom otherwise before she passed." James reminded his daughter of the promise she made to her mom. "You told her that you would help out in running the family business. We allowed you to pursue acting because you promised us that you'll still help out. Your mom and I worked so hard in building the company, Chloe. And the merger, would help us even more here in California."
"We have companies outside California. We don't need to merge." Chloe argued. "We have enough. I have enough."
"This is what Richard wants, and this is what I want." James replied. "Don't forget that it was Richard who helped you launch your career. Without him, you won't be a celebrity. This is the least thing we can do for him."
Chloe couldn't do anything but stare at her father. "But, what about what I want?"
"In life, you only need to go up, Chloe. That's what we believe in. Everything that we built, is for you. You need to have a plan B, Chloe. Your star won't shine forever and this is a good fallback. I'm not saying that it would be soon, but, the company would be your safe place when worst comes to worst. It would benefit you in the long run." James stood up and eyed his daughter. "You have to forget that girl."
"I can't. I love her." Chloe replied.
"You can't. Tom loves you." James reminded his daughter. "And, I'm warning you, Richard can take your career down as fast as he launched it. He might even sabotage Beca's. If you don't want that to happen, you have to comply."
MITCHELL RECORDS, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
"Wow. Would you look at that." Aubrey pointed at the entrance of Beca's studio. Paparazzi were all over the place, eager to catch the pair. "It's show time, guys."
Jesse looked over at Beca who was just staring out the window. "Hey. You don't have to talk, alright? I've got you."
"I was just wondering, do you think Chloe saw it already?" She looked at her sister, then turned to Jesse. "I mean, will she be alright with this?"
"Please stop." Aubrey glared at her younger sister. "You're also doing this for you, okay? This is not entirely for her. Better get your act together."
"Sorry, Bree." Beca mumbled. "Let's get ready, then."
The brunette put on her leather jacket and her sunglasses. She had her black Dr. Martens on, too.
As usual, she looked amazing. It didn't look like that she had a rough night.
Jesse was being Jesse-he had his plain white shirt on, plus he managed to pull out his sunglasses. "Good thing I leave some of my stuff here, right, Becs?" He snickered. "Way to go, me."
"Remember, you're not supposed to say anything, alright?" Aubrey reminded the pair. "Less talk, less mistake."
"Got it." Jesse and Beca said in unison.
As soon as Beca's SUV came to a stop, Paparazzi started to crowd over the vehicle. "Just hold on to me, okay?" Jesse offered his hand for Beca to take before they get out of the car. "Just hold on."
Like what everybody expected, cameras were shoved in Jesse and Beca's faces. Security was even called to provide assistance so the team could have ample space to walk in.
Jesse had Beca's hand in his. Both not minding the paparazzi getting in their way.
Beca tightly held Jesse's hand. Jesse squeezed her hand softly in return.
Holding Jesse's hand made her feel safe at that moment.
It made her feel secure.
Jesse led Beca into the entrance, his hand still in hers. He just smiled at the cameramen, completely ignoring the questions thrown at both of them. He would look back at Beca and Aubrey to make sure they were okay.
Beca, on the other hand, kept herself busy talking to Aubrey. She allowed herself to be led by Jesse into the studio. Not forgetting her sister's reminder, she gladly smiled at the paparazzi.
She needed them to see that she was completely happy.
She had to show them that she wasn't doing this just for show.
She wanted everyone to believe the scene-she and her best friend are dating.
To everyone, it was like the movies.
It was a best friend turned into a lover scenario. It looked like a hit.
No, it wasn't a hit.
It was a blockbuster.
GOLD'S GYM, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Chloe decided to hit the gym before heading to her meeting with the movie producers. She wanted time to think things through.
She knew that she was sort off indebted to Richard Harris for launching her career, but she didn't realize that it would cost her too much. She didn't realize that leaving Beca and dating Tom was the price to pay.
There was indeed a rollercoaster of emotions going on within Chloe right now. She was there when everyone talked about it-in fact, it was her father's idea to make Beca date someone else to suppress the rumors. But, she just couldn't watch Beca do it.
It was painful.
It was too much.
She didn't want to involve Beca in the whole fiasco going on in her life, but she just couldn't let Beca go. Beca's career was also at stake if the merger doesn't continue-of course, James Beale would blame Rebecca Mitchell.
And yes, Chloe remembered her promise to her mother. She just didn't expect that her father would make his world revolve around power, money and greed, thus, it made her difficult to move on her own. She understood that her father cared about her-all this is for her sake, he says. A plan B, if all else fails.
Chloe couldn't wait for the merger. She wants it all to be over.
"Babe!"
Chloe was startled upon hearing Tom's voice next to her. She was getting ready on the treadmill when Tom suddenly appeared.
"H-hey." Chloe regained composure. "Don't you ever do that again!" She grinned. "You scared me."
"Good Morning, you." Tom kissed his girlfriend on the cheeks. "I didn't know you were here. Looks like we're just meant to be." He grinned.
"I wasn't able to workout yesterday, so here I am…" Chloe smiled in response.
Tom fixed his shoelaces. He looked up at his girlfriend and flashed his million-dollar smile. "Well, you know what they say…" He positioned himself to the treadmill next to Chloe. "..the couple that works out together, stays together."
Chloe studied the man next to her-he was everything a woman could definitely ask for. But sad to say, Chloe isn't that woman.
He was kind and understanding. He was perfect.
But he was not what Chloe wanted.
To Chloe's dismay, Gold's treadmills had small television screens- she wanted to be focused in working out, but before she could turn it off, it so happened that TMZ was on.
The redhead silently begged that it won't feature any more of Jesse and Beca-she had too much of it during breakfast and on her way to the gym. They were everywhere.
And just what she expected, there it was-Jesse and Beca being followed by TMZ at a local diner.
"Way to go universe." Chloe thought. She was curious, she wanted to know what was going on, causing her to decrease her speed just so she could watch it properly.
She was so focused on the feature that she didn't notice Tom watching her. Tom saw what was on, and he too, tuned in.
"Hi Jesse! Hi Beca!" The cameraman exclaimed.
Jesse and Beca were out to get food. They were not holding hands this time but Beca clung to Jesse's arm while walking.
Again, the camera was too close for their liking but they had gotten used to it over time.
"Hey, man." Jesse greeted. Beca did the same with a smile.
"Where you headed?"
"Uh… just out for lunch." Jesse shrugged. "The monster wants to eat."
"What are you going to have, Beca? Taco Bell?" The man asked.
Beca laughed. "No. No. He doesn't want to bring me to Taco Bell today. Maybe some other time."
"True." Jesse laughed at the comment while he held the door open for Beca. "Uh, is it alright that I treat my girl for lunch?" He turned to the camera. "We need privacy." He winked.
"Sure sure. Sorry for bothering you." The man replied.
Jesse gave the man a high-five. "Awesome. Thanks, man."
"Talk soon, Jesse!" The cameraman focused his lens on the pair inside the diner. "Have fun on your lunch date!" He snickered.
The video clip ended as soon as the camera crew backed away from the pair. Chloe was fuming-internally.
My girl.
Jesse called Beca "my girl."
She hated it so much. She wished she could throw stuff at the screen.
Unknowingly, Chloe increased the treadmill speed just to let off steam. She hated the fact that Jesse seemed to be the one enjoying the plan.
She was scared that maybe Jesse might be taking it too far and maybe, Beca would let him.
Really scared because that is possible. There's a huge possibility.
"Hey." Tom called her attention. "At that rate, you might collapse. Take it easy, Babe."
Chloe forgot that Tom was beside her. She hoped that Tom didn't notice anything strange. "I have to be in shape for my next project." Chloe stopped the treadmill. "I've only limited time."
"Be kind to yourself." Tom wiped Chloe's sweat on her face. "Oh. And I saw TMZ, too."
"What do you mean?" Chloe took a sip from her water bottle.
"You were watching TMZ. You were so fixated on the screen, I had to check it out myself." Tom shrugged. "Now I know why. Jesse and Beca, right? Did you know?" He asked.
"Uhh. Yeah." Chloe scratched the back of her neck. "I just didn't know that they'd take it publicly."
"Well, people gave so much color on the pictures…"
"You heard of it?" Chloe started to panic. "Oh my god, it's not what you think it is…"
"Yeah. I have. And, I also read the paper this morning." Tom smirked in response. "No need to be defensive, babe. I believe you. Beca taking her relationship with Jesse publicly is something to tone down those rumors. I don't see any paps harassing you. We should thank the both of them for clearing out your name. Get dinner or something…"
"I don't think that's possible." Chloe replied.
"Why? Why not? You're all friends." Tom looked confused.
"That's not what I meant…" Chloe sighed. "They just introduced their relationship to the world, I think we have to give them a little space first?"
"Right. Right." Tom agreed. "I get your point. But, let's not forget to invite them for dinner, okay?"
"Uh…" Chloe swallowed hard. "It'll depend on all our schedules, but, I'll see what I can do."
"Great. Jesse is one lucky dude." Tom commented while he return to his work out. "He dates Beca and all. I mean… It's Beca 'effin Mitchell!"
"Yeah…" Chloe mumbled. "He is."
JOHNNY'S DINER, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
"I can't believe that the world is interested in your love life, Becs." Jesse laughed while he handed Beca her drink. "I mean, wow… so much for being private."
"Jesse…" Beca rolled her eyes in annoyance. "I've had too much from you today."
"Hey, we didn't work together in the studio, if I may correct you. We just went in together, and separated when we went down the hall…" Jesse explained. "Not that I'm complaining but, where did that too much from me come from?"
"Alright. Alright." Beca raised her hands in surrender. "I'm sorry." She laughed. "Thank you for doing this with me, Jesse."
"No need to thank me yet, Beca." Jesse replied. "Besides, we aren't doing anything special. We used to do this together. We just had to add holding hands and longing looks…"
"Shut up." Beca threw fries at Jesse. "Someone might hear you."
"Would you please stop wasting fries? It's my cheat day today!" Jesse picked the fries from Beca's tray and transferred it into his plate. "I deserve them."
"You had Cheetos last night, Jesse." Beca reminded him.
"I didn't eat them. I only put them as fangs." Jesse grinned. "I returned them to your fridge."
"Including the ones you put in your mouth?!"
"Including the ones I put in my mouth." Jesse laughed.
"Oh my god!" Beca wanted to strangle her best friend right then and there. "Remind me to take them out of the fridge."
"C'mon, Aubrey might eat them. It would be fun." Jesse continued to laugh so hard. "C'mon, dig in."
Beca watched Jesse devour his hamburgers. It kind of fascinated her how Jesse could eat so much, but still remain fit.
She really enjoyed Jesse's company even before the fake dating thing went on, but this is the only time she appreciated how much her best friend wants to make her happy.
Jesse stuck with her since Day One. Beca thought she would lose Jesse once she started dating Chloe back in Barden, but Jesse didn't leave her. Because, Jesse swore that he won't leave Beca no matter what happens- and that promise still lives on until the present.
He never left Beca no matter how angry he was at the set-up she had entered with Chloe. He v=never judged her for the mistakes that she made.
For Jesse, Beca was thankful.
"You alright? Don't you like the food?" Jesse noticed that Beca barely ate at all.
"I'm good. I was just thinking."
"Of what?"
"You…" Beca replied. "How thankful I am to have you as my best friend."
"No one is dying. What's with the drama, Becs?"
"Way to ruin a moment. A once in a lifetime moment where I share my feelings." Beca replied.
"No, please. Go on." Jesse snickered. "I'm listening. All ears, my dear."
"Nah. I forgot what I was going to say anyway." Beca smirked. "Just eat."
Jesse decided to drop the topic, sensing that Beca wouldn't budge no matter how hard he would force her to speak up. "Alright, if you say so. Try the burger, they're really good." He added.
Honestly, what Beca wanted to say is that-there are many reasons why Jesse is Beca's best friend. But one thing is for sure, everything in Beca's life can be shit, but Jesse-he will always be Jesse.
STARBUCKS COFFEE, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
"Are you seriously meeting the producers here?" Tom scanned the area. "I don't think I can leave you behind here, Babe. You'll get mobbed."
"I'm just going to pick up coffee, then I'll probably take an Uber from here." Chloe replied.
"Why don't you let me drive you?" Tom offered. "Or at least let me take you home first so you can take your driver with you."
"You know how I don't want to be much of a hassle." Chloe straightened Tom's collar. "Besides, your dad might be waiting for you. I don't want you to be late."
"But, I could wait here with you…" Tom tried to reason out.
"Hey…" Chloe massaged Tom's shoulders. It worked since he relaxed a little. "I'll be alright. I'm just getting coffee."
"Then we'll go get it together…"
"No." Chloe refused one more time. "I'll be okay. I promise. You should go, you're going to be late for your meeting." Chloe kissed Tom on the cheeks before she got out of his car. "I'll talk to you later."
Chloe didn't get her coffee-she lied.
Instead of getting her coffee, she contacted her driver to pick her up at her current location. She itched to talk to Aubrey, and she couldn't do that in public, and most especially, while she was with Tom.
It took a couple of rings before Aubrey picked up.
"Bree..." Chloe perked up knowing that the blonde was on the other end. "You pushed through with the plan. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I don't think we have to ask for your consent, Chloe." Aubrey replied. "It was enough that your father had a hand in this."
"So, what's it going to be? The Jesse and Beca show?" Chloe had bitterness in her tone. "How long are we going to put this up?"
"I don't know, Chlo…" Aubrey muttered. "It looks like things are going well for them…"
"Beca and I are seeing each other, Bree!" Chloe raised her voice. "You can't do that!"
"Of course, I know that, Chloe." Aubrey was calm. It irritated her that Chloe was ranting, but she knew what to do. "But, my sister, she deserves to be happy even just for a while. We can't stage a break up in the coming months."
"I thought this was only to suppress the rumors?" Chloe asked.
"Yes, and it worked." Aubrey proudly stated. "If you want to continue seeing my sister without any complications, better get your shit together. I won't allow her to wallow in misery when you get to have the best of both worlds."
Aubrey ended the call. She was too disappointed with her best friend.
She would do everything to protect her sister. Everything.
And, if ever she's asked whom she'll side with, she'll choose Beca in a heartbeat no matter what happens.
No matter how everything turns out.
Whether it was right or wrong.
It would always be her sister.
MITCHELL RECORDS, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Beca dropped by Aubrey's office to hand her food from the diner they visited with Jesse. "Knock knock?"
"Hey…" Aubrey put on her best smile upon facing her sister. "Did you have fun?" She asked.
"Well, we were papped…" Beca shrugged. "But, Jesse and I survived it. By the way, we got you food."
"Thank you. You didn't have to, though." Aubrey peeked through the bag. "It smells good. What are these?"
"Burgers." Beca grinned. "Jesse insisted that we make you try it out." She laughed. "But, they're really good."
"I heard my name…" Jesse immediately barged in. He saw Aubrey taking the food out of the bag. "Oh, Aubrey. Those are really good. I swear you'll thank me later." Jesse exclaimed.
"Whatever. I'll leave you to it, then. I have work to finish." Beca waved both Jesse and Aubrey off.
Aubrey watched her sister leave. Beca was a little perky.
She sensed that Beca was in a good mood. She had to thank Jesse. "Jesse…"
"Yeah?" Jesse was supposed to go to the studio to polish some tracks. "Do you need anything?"
"No. I just want to thank you…" Aubrey smiled. "This means a lot to me too."
"We both want the best for her, Bree." Jesse sighed. "No big deal."
"Just continue to make her smile, okay?" Aubrey requested. "It does wonders around here."
"Yes, Ma'am." Jesse snickered.
"Oh, and I also have another request though, if you don't mind?"
"What's that?"
"Act naturally. Just let your feelings flow." Aubrey grinned. "I know you love my sister, Jesse. This is the right time to show it."
"Wait… she loves Chloe, not me." Jesse immediately retreated to his shell. "I know where I stand, plus, Beca and I talked about this a long time ago…"
"Well, you can still show it." Aubrey grinned. "I'm not forcing you on her, Jesse. We'll just let it take its course. Who knows, right? Besides, you and I want to teach Chloe a lesson…"
"What do you have in mind?" Jesse was interested. He would be all in for Beca.
"Just continue doing what you do best. You make Beca happy. And I swear, if only I could do something about it, I'd make her choose you. But, I can definitely help you, if you want. Turn this fake thing to real, stuff like that…" Aubrey replied. "But of course, you know me, I don't wanna impose anything on Beca. We'll leave that to you and her."
"Is that all? That's simple." Jesse smiled. "I love making Beca smile. Her smile can cure cancer, you know?"
"You still love her." Aubrey feigned a shocked face. "I can still see it."
"It never went away. But, hey, I'm the best friend. I'd choose where we'd last longer. I'm cool. And I told you, I know where I stand. That's it." Jesse shrugged. "So, tell me…"
"You don't have to do much, Jesse. Just be there for her. She needs you, too." Aubrey smirked. "And of course, leave the rest to me."
"What do you mean, Bree?" Jesse asked. "You're not planning on murdering someone, right?"
"Physically, no." Aubrey grinned. "But, emotionally, yes."
Aubrey knew Chloe's weakness-yes, Chloe could be that strong woman on the outside, but Beca is her weakness.
Looking at the current situation, Aubrey knows she has advantage over Chloe and she plans to use it against her this time.
To make Jesse and Beca spend more time together is a good start. A very good one, indeed.
She just hoped that her best friend would come to her senses-get her shit together and all. And if that happens, Beca's suffering would come to an end.
Oh, and if it happens, Aubrey would definitely love that.
Very much.
A/N: Wow! I am still overwhelmed by the support this story has gotten! Thank you so much, guys!
Again, feel free to tell me your thoughts on every chapter-this helps me a lot in building the story, and the characters as well.
It's a good thing Jesse and Aubrey has Beca's back, yeah?
Also, I know there are lots of you pissed with Chloe, don't worry, I am too. We're all the same. x
