Chapter four
Beca stared at the painting, now leaning against the wall in her double height entrance hall.
"Take it back."
The two delivery men looked quizzically at the tiny brunette who seemed to be in charge. This was not in the books. They usually deliver the artwork, get it signed and install it if required. No one told them what to do if the delivery was refused after it had been unpacked.
No one else said anything so one of the men, whose name tag said 'Barry' cleared his throat, "Sorry, ma'am. It's all signed for."
"No, I don't want it, " Beca said, shaking her head. "Put it back in the crate."
Barry scratched his head, looking at his colleague for inspiration. "We are not covered for returns, ma'am. I need to speak to my supervisor."
"Sandra." Beca turned to her assistant, silently asking her to fix this and Sandra immediately walked up to the two confused men. She was now speaking quietly and rapidly to Barry, head tipped close to his. Beca did not wait for what happened next. She spun on her heels, leaving the house and stepping into the porch outside. Beca plucked her phone out of her pocket and quickly dialled a number.
"Aubrey?"
"Beca!" Aubrey's voice sounded cheerful down the line. "How are you? Are you calling about your sitting? I got some dates I could come round to take some sketches. Anything that works with your schedule, of course -"
"Yes. I'm fine with whenever. Just get in touch with Sandra." Beca replied. She then took a deep breath. "I've just got a delivery. I think you might have sent it to the wrong address."
"Oh. Hmm. Let me check."
There was some papers rustling as Aubrey put her on hold. Beca was already impatiently tapping her foot.
"Do you mean your present?" Aubrey said, coming back to the phone. "No, no mistake. It was for you."
Beca rubbed her eyes. She could feel a headache coming and damn it, she left her cigarettes in her office. "It's from Jesse, isn't it?"
"Yes," Aubrey confirmed. "I was a bit surprised, to be honest. He saw it unfinished and bought it on the spot. Couldn't wait for it to be done. Didn't even want me to include it in the show. I've had a few offers for it, you know. Well above the price."
"How much?"
Aubrey named the offers.
"It was all packed to go to his place. And then just last week he asked me to send it direct to you."
Beca sighed.
"Aubrey, I'm sending it back," she said firmly.
"Oh no, no. You speak to Jesse about that," Aubrey was saying now. Beca could almost see her shaking her head vehemently. "I'm not coming in between you two."
"How am I supposed to do that? I don't even have his number."
"I'll text it to you, ok? And I'll get in touch with Sandra about those dates," Aubrey said cheerily. "I've gotta go now. Bye Beca."
Aubrey ended the call and Beca stared sourly at her phone. It buzzed a minute later with a text from Aubrey. Beca hesitated for a minute. No, she could not accept the present. What was he thinking, waltzing into her life after all these years and throwing such a lavish present at her? Could he even afford it?
She pressed the number and the call went through.
"Jesse Swanson."
God, can he not sound more like a dork?
"Take it back."
"What? Beca? Is that you?"
"Take it back, Swanson."
"Take what back? What did I say?"
Beca huffed out impatiently,"The painting."
"Hey, you've got it. It arrived ok?" Jesse sounded happy for a moment. He sounded like he was smiling. "Wait? What do you mean take it back? I don't understand. I thought you like it."
"I can't accept it," Beca replied, running her hand impatiently through her hair. "It's...it's too much."
There was an uncomfortable, shocked silence.
"It's a present. Just take it."
His voice was extremely tight.
"I'll pay for it," Beca continued stubbornly. "Aubrey told me what was the highest offer. I'll send you a cheque."
"For fuck's sake, I do not want your money." Jesse sounded like he was trying not to yell down the phone. "It's a fucking present."
"I don't want it. Either take my money or take the painting back."
"Beca..." Jesse said exasperatedly. Beca heard some noise on the background and Jesse tersely said, "Hang on a sec -" "I'm on the phone -" His voice sounded a little distant as he talked to someone else. "No...it's.. Emily...yes, it's Beca. Em, don't..." There was more rustling and Beca could hear Emily's voice saying something intelligible. They were both mumbling to each other and Beca was about to hang up when -
"Beca?"
Emily's voice sounded far too cheerful to her ears.
"Hey," Beca replied grudgingly. "Emily?"
"Yes, it's me! Wow, you still remember my name. How about that?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I?" Beca answered. Emily sounded so cheerful and happy that it was hard for Beca not to be nice. "How have you been, Emily?"
"Just call me Em," came the reply. "Jesse didn't say he's going to call you! I've been harassing him for the past two weeks to get in touch but he always finds an excuse not to. Said you might be busy."
"Just call me anytime," Beca replied. "If I'm free, we can hang out."
"How about later? In a couple of hours?"
Oh dear God, really?
"Umm..sure..." Beca said slowly. Jesse's voice was a mumble of "Emily, we shouldn't ..." at the background.
"Jesse's been working all morning and I am SO bored," Emily complained, ignoring Jesse completely. "It would be good to see you again. You can tell me all your embarrassing Jesse stories."
I am a masochist. Why the hell am I doing this?
"Yeah, why not? I have to finish off some work but come over around four. We can hang out by the pool."
Emily's answer was an excited squeal.
"Jess! She said yes! She's invited us over." Emily was excitedly talking to Jesse now. He was saying something which Beca could not make out. Emily was scoffing loudly before returning back to the phone. "Beca? Can I have your address?"
"Jesse should have it."
"Great! We'll see you round four."
"Ok."
"See you later, Beca! Hang on. Jesse want to say something. Wait, should I bring a swimming costume? We are hanging out at the pool, right? -" By the time Emily finished all her questions, Beca was feeling tired already. And by the time she passed the phone on to Jesse, Beca had already hung up.
Beca was peeling cucumbers in the kitchen when she heard the buzz at the gates. Her eyes immediately swiveled to the kitchen clock. Was it four already? Beca sighed, placing the knife down and wiping her hands at the back of her denim cut offs. They had arrived; Sandra had buzzed them in through the gates already.
"Do you want me to finish this, Miss Beca?" Jose said, asking about the cucumbers and the fruit lying on the counter.
"No, I'll come back and do it," Beca replied. She walked out of the kitchen, making her way through the dining and reception rooms towards the entrance hall. Beca was just by the doorway when she saw both of them standing just inside the door. Maria had already let them in.
Beca frowned.
Jesse had a thunderous look on his face while Emily looked a little subdued. They looked like they just had an argument. Beca quickly put on a welcoming smile before stepping into the hall.
"Hey! You guys made it!"
"Beca!" Emily literally ran over and enveloped the tiny girl in a bone crushing hug. She finally broke the hug but her hands on Beca's shoulders. Emily looked worriedly down at her. "I'm so sorry to put you in a spot. Jesse said it was a little rude of me to impose; you know, coming over like this."
Beca glanced over at Jesse who was still looking grim.
"No, it's fine. I'm glad you could come," Beca said, focussing back on Emily. "Besides, Luke's here. You guys can finally meet and umm...talk about the weather."
Emily laughed at that poor joke.
"Jesse." Beca said, nodding curtly at him.
"Beca."
Emily completely missed the terse exchange, She was busy spinning around, trying to look at everything at once. "Oh my god, Beca! Your house's beautiful! Like something out of MTV Cribs."
"I'll give you a tour later," Beca smiled. "Right now, I've got some stuff to do in the kitchen."
Emily tucked her arm round Beca like she was her bestest friend. Beca looked down at their linked arms, a little puzzled but did not remove hers. She just awkwardly led them through the house back to the kitchen. Emily's eyes nearly popped out looking at the size of the rooms and the furnishings. She then stopped at the dining room, gasping in surprise.
"You've got the painting?"
Beca turned her head towards where Emily was looking. The painting was resting against the far wall. Despite Sandra's best efforts, the deliverymen could not return it back to the gallery. Beca refused to hang it up. They had just moved to that space in the dining room which was large enough to hold the canvas and yet out of the way. Emily was staring at the painting, fascinated.
"You've managed to contact the buyer?" she asked. "Aubrey said they won't entertain anyone. Wow! You must have made them quite an offer!"
Beca resolutely kept her eyes on Emily.
"Still negotiating with the buyer," she replied blithely. "Now looking at it, I don't think it fits with the deco."
She continued walking through to the kitchen.
"You guys want a drink? Jose will get them for you." Beca waved at Jose who politely asked them what they would like as Beca walked round the counter. She picked up the knife and continued peeling the cucumber before slicing the lemon.
"You are making Pimms? Please tell me you are making Pimms!" Emily said excitedly, eyeing the jugs and the bottle next to it. She perched herself on a bar stool just opposite Beca, with a beer in her hand. Jesse stood next to her, leaning against the counter, still not saying much. He moodily sipped his Coke, watching Beca slicing an orange and popping all the fruit into the jug with some strawberries and mint.
"Yeah. Luke got some duty free," Beca said, smiling up at Emily. She glanced at the door behind Emily. "And speaking of the devil -"
"Hey babe."
Everyone turned round to be greeted by the glorious sight of Luke coming in from the patio outside. He was shirtless, wearing a blue and red striped board shorts, bronzed and blond by the sun. He must have just had a swim. A towel was round his neck and his hair was wet and slicked back, slightly curling at the ends. Luke sauntered over to the counter, smiling at everyone.
"Come and say hello to Emily." Beca beckoned. She made the proper introductions before tipping her head towards Jesse. "And you know Jesse."
Both men were looking at each other.
"Sure," Luke said after a long pause. "How's it going?"
"Good," Jesse answered. "Great to see you, Luke."
"You too," Luke said, eyes still on Jesse. He smiled briefly. "So you finally made it to LA."
"Of course," Jesse replied, not breaking eye contact. "It was only a matter of time."
Luke slowly turned to Beca who was busy stirring the jug. The liquid was sloshing round as she add more lemonade. She had an adorable look of concentration on her face, the tip of her tongue poking out of her mouth.
"Where's my drink, woman?" Luke teased, smacking Beca lightly on her bottom. "I'm dying of thirst here."
"Do that again and I'll chop off your hand," Beca muttered darkly, still busy stirring the concoction. "I want to make this right. Don't distract me."
"Can I have some fruit?" Luke asked, one hand wrapped round Beca's waist as he leaned into her.
"Here, have some cucumber," Beca said, cutting a chunk and popping it into his waiting mouth, not even looking up.
"You guys are so cute!" Emily suddenly squealed. "How long have you've been together?"
Beca pretended to be far too busy making the drink.
"Seven? Eight years?" Luke said, scratching his chin. "Was it eight, Becs?"
"Hmm?" Beca responded a little unwillingly. "Yeah. Maybe. On and off. Luke, get some ice. Who wants some Pimms?"
She concentrated on pouring out the drinks, topping them with crushed ice before offering them to everyone. Emily was downing the drink with a blissful look on her face. Luke took a sip and grinned at Beca, "Not bad, love. Not bad at all." Only Jesse was still drinking his Coke.
"Baby, try it. It's really fab," Emily wheedled, pushing the drink towards him. "It reminds me of the time when we went to Wimbledon."
"I'm good, thanks," Jesse replied, sounding a little curt.
Beca did not miss that crestfallen look on Emily's face although she did try her best to hide it.
"Let's go out to the pool." Beca said. "Come on, Em. You and Luke can carry the drinks." She handed the jugs and glasses over to them before they could say anything. Luke was leading the way through the doors, chatting to Emily and Jesse was about to follow when Beca grabbed a handful of his tshirt from the back. "Not you, mister. You stay."
She waited until Emily and Luke was already out heading towards the pool before wheeling around and glaring at Jesse. "What the hell, Jesse? Why are you being such a dickwad?"
He was standing there, looking at her mutinously.
"No idea what you're talking about,"Jesse replied blandly. This time it was him, trying to sidestep her but Beca stood her ground, arms crossed.
"Why are you being so horrid to Emily? She's trying to have a nice time," Beca said. "If you are going to behave like a jerk, you might as well stay at home! You are just ruining it."
"I wanted to stay at home. I have work to do," Jesse said, his voice on an edge. "I didn't want to come in the first place."
Beca gazed at Jesse, trying to understand what the hell was happening. The Jesse she knew was never moody or thorny like this. Even when angry, he had always been polite. This was all too confusing.
"Is this about the painting?" Beca said, trying her hardest to stay civil.
Yes. Maybe that was it. They hadn't resolved the issue about that stupid ass painting.
Jesse stared at her for a moment before turning away.
"You think this is about the painting?"
"What is it then?" Beca demanded. "Why are you being a dick?"
"I just don't want to be here." Jesse said through gritted teeth.
"Well, too bad, Jesse. You already are."
Beca's voice at a near-yell. Jesse scoffed; not answering and both of them fell silent, standing by the doorway, still glowering at each other. Beca automatically searched her pockets for her cigarettes and couldn't find any. Damn it! She really needed a smoke. Beca settled for biting her nail instead.
"You can't just appear after all this time and send me that as a present," Beca berated. "And why does Emily not know you've bought it?"
"It's not her money. I don't see why she should know," Jesse countered back. Beca could feel him staring at her. He was still mad. That she could tell.
"The painting was a mistake. It was far too big for the apartment," Jesse said slowly. "I was just trying to support Aubrey. Don't get the wrong idea."
OK. She should feel better with that explanation. He was trying to support a friend and it didn't actually worked out. So he tried palming that off to her as a present. She should feel better about that. She should. There was nothing in it. She felt like punching him.
Beca nodded. "I'll buy it off you."
Jesse was silent for a long while and then Beca heard him sighing in defeat.
"Fine. Whatever you want."
"I'll write you a cheque later, " Beca said, stepping out from the doorway to the garden outside. She had enough of this. She just wanted a drink and a cigarette.
"Beca, one more thing," Jesse was saying now. Beca stopped, frowning up at him. He was looking at her through hooded eyes, hands shoved deep in the pockets of his khaki shorts. "Just so you know, Emily doesn't know about us."
"And?"
"I'd rather she didn't," Jesse continued. "So...when you are swapping stories, please don't say anything."
Beca didn't quite know how to react to that.
"Any reason?" she said calmly.
Jesse just shrugged.
"It was a long time ago. We had like two weeks," he said. "Nothing compared to your eight years with Luke."
She shouldn't be upset. He was right. He was 100% right. But why did she feel like hitting him in the balls?
"Sure. Wasn't about to compare notes anyway," Beca replied, already turning away like she couldn't care less. "After all, I'm just Beca from school."
A little later, at the pool
"He looked just like a lost puppy, Beca. All wet with rain. I just took pity on him. So I brought him to the nearest pub and made sure he had something hot to drink before sending him on the right way."
Emily was giggling now and Beca smiled weakly. She was regaling Beca on how Jesse and her met.
"So you guys hit it off then?"
"No..." Emily replied, cocking her head to one side. "Gave him my number but he didn't call me. Strangely, we met in the queue for your concert about six months later. It was really bizarre. I recognized him, of course. He is quite good looking and you don't just forget a fit bloke like that."
Emily was looking fondly over to the other side of the pool where Jesse was. To his credit, Jesse had gotten out of his funk after the talking to just now and was trying to be nicer. He had quietly apologised to Emily and even tried making conversation with Luke now.
"God, did he play hard to get!" Emily exclaimed. "I was literally panting up against him but he didn't make a move. But we ran into each other again a few months later when I was working at Pinewood. By then, he was looking for a place. His lease was up and he was about to sign on another when I offered my spare bedroom. And the rest is history."
Beca could not help that chuckle coming out of her.
"So you seduced him?"
"Copious amount of wine." Emily was winking at her now. "And DVDs. So many DVDs. We both love movies. It was a match made in heaven."
God, this girl was a hoot. And Jesse didn't stood a chance. I like her already.
"So..." Emily was now whispering. "Tell me about Jesse in school. I heard he's quite a catch. Benji was telling me all about it."
"You've met Benji?" Beca stammered, surprised.
"Yes, of course." Emily chortled lightly. "Jesse was staying with him when he first came out here. Just before we got our apartment."
Benji was in LA? Yet another thing she didn't know. She was truly a sucky friend.
"...know about Aubrey, of course. They were a thing in senior year? But other than that.."
Beca snapped back to the present. She didn't quite catch what Emily was saying. Emily was looking at her quizzically, almost expecting her to say something in reply.
"Ahem.. sorry. What did you want to know?"
"Were you guys tight?" Emily said. "He didn't really talk much about his past. I know he's on good terms with his ex-girlfriends from college. That's about it."
"I didn't know that," Beca said, processing that information. "We grew up together but lost touch after high school so I'm not too good on that part of his life. He was very annoying in school though."
Emily laughed merrily, downing her Pimms and smacking her lips.
"Oh don't worry about it. I know he's a nice, solid bloke. Was just wondering whether he has serial killer tendencies."
"No, Jesse is really the sweetest. Any girl is lucky to have him."
Beca glanced across the pool, looking for the familiar sight of him with his brown curls. He was nowhere to be found and Luke was still doing laps in the pool. Beca turned back to Emily, who was now lying on the lounger, sighing contentedly. It looked like the interrogation was over.
"Umm..I'm just going to make some more Pimms," Beca said, getting up and sweeping up the empty jugs.
She skipped lightly up the steps from the pool, walked across the grass and veranda before walking into the door leading to the kitchen. It felt cooler inside and Beca sighed gratefully. She glanced at the kitchen clock, thinking that they should think about dinner soon. Jose was still on standby if she wanted him to whip up something but maybe they could go out for dinner?
Beca rooted round the fridge for all the fruit for the Pimms, turning round and placing them on the counter. Where did Jose kept the lemonade and that bottle of Pimms again? She opened a few cupboards and unearthed the lemonade but the Pimms was still elusive. She found it on one of the higher shelves. Beca stared at the bottle just out of her reach.
Ugh. Short girl problems.
"Let me get that for you."
She whirled around and he was standing just behind her, already reaching up for the bottle. Jesse easily wrapped his hand round it and brought it down, offering it to her.
"Thanks."
Beca took it off him and turned back to the counter. She was expecting him to say something polite before making his way back to the pool but Jesse was just standing there, staring at her.
"Mind if I stay here? I could help."
Beca looked at him for a moment, thinking. He had that open, earnest look on his face. Something she had not seen for a while and Beca thawed a little.
"Sure, why not?" She shrugged. Beca took a knife and chopping board from the many drawers and placed it on the counter. "Ok, help me cut the fruit."
Jesse was smiling as he came over and stood next to her. She was busy measuring out the lemonade and Pimms into the jug as he began to slice up a lemon.
"I'm sorry about just now." Jesse said softly. "You were right. I was a dick. Thank you for hollering it out."
Beca was half listening to his apology, still concentrating on the mix.
"I don't take your shit, Swanson," she said simply, now stirring the mix and tasting it.
"No." Jesse chuckled. "No, you don't."
"Peel the cucumbers. I just want the peel or else it gets all soggy," Beca ordered.
"I'm not done chopping this," Jesse said, gesturing to the one lemon he started on just now.
"Oh my god, how slow are you," Beca grumbled, taking a vegetable peeler and starting on the cucumbers.
"I'm not a culinary genius like you." Jesse replied.
"Yeah." Beca agreed. "You only know how to buy good burritos."
"Hey, that is a gift," Jesse grinned. "Not everyone knows how to get the best burritos. That is my superpower."
"Oh. Are you telling me you've already found THE best burrito in LA?" Beca was looking at Jesse skeptically.
"Well, I don't know, Becs. There's this food truck near where I work and their stuff is pretty amazing. Everyone's going on and on about Senor Fish but I thought it was pretty... meh."
"You wash your mouth! Senor Fish is an institution! " Beca exclaimed. She was gazing at him in near horror. " Let me tell you something, slick. I've been here seven years and I have not even scratch the surface. Are you telling me you've been here three months and you've found the best burrito?"
"Remind me to buy you one next time," Jesse replied. He was looking totally unconcerned, still cutting that stupid lemon. "They do a good asada with refried beans. I'll tell them to put extra guacamole and salsa. No cheese."
Beca gaped at him. He remembered how she liked her burritos. That was a little unsettling. She went back to paring the cucumber.
"So.. Benji is in L.A?" she asked in small voice.
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Should I?"
"I would have love to meet him."
Jesse was silent for a moment.
"I'll ask. He moved out here after the divorce. I think he wanted to start everything afresh."
"What happened?" Beca asked.
Jesse just shook his head.
"It's his story, Beca."
Beca nodded and continued with what she was doing. She now have long strips of cucumber peel in front of her. Jesse had moved on to the orange now.
"Is it true?" he was saying now. "Did you call Chloe?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I did."
Jesse was carefully slicing the orange.
"You are right, Jess. I am a sucky friend," Beca concurred. "I can't believe I was not there for Chloe. It must have been hard for her."
"It was."
Another beat of silence between them.
"I'm sorry."
Jesse glanced up at her. "What for?"
"For dropping out. For not keeping in touch," Beca said honestly. "I should have tried harder. It's just...it's just so hard, you know."
Jesse was staring at her face now.
"I mean.. everyone seems to have their own lives," she rambled on, trying to marshal her thoughts. "I was in and out all the time. It was just.. not the same. I just thought it was easier not to. So everyone can go on. Without me."
His stare was unnerving and Beca looked down, picking up another cucumber to peel.
"Do you know why I didn't want to come today, Becs?"
That was a strange question. And Beca was not sure she wanted to know the answer.
"I didn't want to see you."
That hurt. That fucking hurt. True they had not been in touch but that just confirmed all her worst fears. That Jesse Swanson did not want anything to do with her. That he was here under duress, to please his girlfriend. That he would rather eat hot coals than...
"That came out wrong," Jesse continued. Beca kept her eyes down, not trusting herself to look at him. She heard a small sigh. "I just didn't want to see you with him, Beca."
Him? Did he mean Luke? Jesse was muttering something underneath his breath that she could not make out. He sounded like he was swearing.
"I'm being a dick again. I'm sorry," Jesse sighed. "It's just.. seeing you and all this. And Luke. It's a lot to take. I couldn't deal years back when you asked us all out here for a week. That's why I didn't come."
Ok. I don't know how to handle this.
"But it's.. it's ok now. Maybe I was just making a big deal out of it." Jesse said a little weakly. He swallowed a little. "I mean, look at you. Luke obviously takes good care of you. You look happy. You have this fantastic career and all this. This great house -"
"I work hard for it," Beca answered softly. "And I gave up a lot. A lot of things I cared about."
It was unspoken between them.
Jesse finally nodded. "Yeah. I guess you did."
He had finished with the orange, took a few strawberries out of the punnet and removed the leafy calyx with the tip of the knife, before chopping in half. The mint leaves were next.
"Emily's lovely," Beca said, changing the topic. "You've got someone mad about movies, Jesse. Good score there."
Jesse laughed a little.
"And she told me how she seduced you," Beca said, trying not to smile. "Seriously, Jesse? A bit of wine and a mov... oh shit!"
The knife had slipped in his wet hand and Jesse had knick the tip of his index finger, which was now bleeding profusely.
"Here. Gimme." Beca didn't wait for an answer and she immediately grabbed his hand and sucked on the bleeding finger.
"Becs.."
She sucked hard once, popped it out and took a closer look. The suction had stopped the bleeding for a moment and she firmly put her fingers on the cut before dragging Jesse by the hand to the end of the counter.
"Here. Put some pressure on it." She ordered, bossily, handing a kitchen towel before looking inside the counter underneath and taking out a first aid box. Beca quickly opened the box and extracted an antiseptic spray and a few Band-aids.
"Honestly. Can't trust you with a knife," Beca scolded, spraying some antiseptic on his cut. Jesse yelped a little at the sting. "Shut up. It's only a little cut."
She spread the Band-aids with her free hand. "Now choose a colour."
"You have coloured Band-aids?" Jesse said, sounding amused.
"Yeah. You've got a problem with that?"
"No. Nope. Umm.. pink one, please."
"Good choice. Very manly." Beca said. She released his hand to open and wrapped the pink neon Band-aid carefully around his finger, tip of her tongue sticking out of her mouth. "There. All done."
"What? No kiss?" Jesse laughed. "It still stings."
Beca just realised how over-familiar she had been and a flush crept up her cheeks. He was staring down at her, amusement clearly on his face. Beca just huffed. She shouldn't have done that. Then her taste buds belatedly tell her another story.
"Ugh! I can still taste your blood!" Beca balked. She stuck out her tongue. "Ugh. Blood and mint! Ugh, Jesse!"
"Who ask you to suck on the cut?" Jesse chortled. "I can't believe you still do that! It's unhygienic. I might get gangrene."
Beca just scowled at him.
"Call me when the doctor chop your finger off," she said. "I can give you a finger or two."
"Somehow, I don't think you are donating your fingers," Jesse said drily. He was looking at her, his eyes dancing. "You are a weirdo, you know that."
"Yeah? You too."
Beca was about to punch him on his arm when Jesse caught her hand. He was laughing down at her, pulling her closer.
"Oh hey! You're both here!"
Emily was standing at the doorway. Beca quickly tugged her hand away. Jesse did not let go for a moment, still in a daze and then he dropped her hand. Emily was smiling as she slowly made her way over.
"Luke asked me where you guys were." Emily said breezily. She swayed a little unsteadily before plopping herself on a bar stool. "He wanted to know what we are doing for dinner."
"Oh. What would you like?" Beca answered, going back to being the perfect host. "Jose can rustled up something. Or we can order something. Maybe go out somewhere?"
Jesse was watching Emily like a hawk.
"Becs, I think we are fine for dinner," he said. "Didn't want to impose on you. Emily and I will grab something on the way home."
"No. It's fine," Beca said hurriedly. "Maybe we can order pizzas."
"Love pizza," Emily said happily.
Beca was already on the phone to Jose, making arrangements for dinner. Jesse was saying something to Emily, pushing a large glass of water at her but at the moment Jose was talking over the phone and Beca completely missed what Jesse said.
When she got off the phone, Emily was grinning at her, "Say, Beca. Can you give us the tour you were talking about just now? Love to see everything."
"Oh." Beca said, not entirely sure she wanted to. Jesse's jaw was set at a hard line now and he was about to open his mouth when Beca quickly said, "Umm. Ok. Let's start with the reception room."
"So here's my studio."
Beca opened the door and they crowded round the door. She had just shown them the rooms on the first floor, finishing up with the studio.
"Is that... is that all your Grammys?" Emily's voice was a hoarse whisper. She stepped closer, gawking at the awards on the shelves and at the platinum and gold records on the wall. "Wow."
Beca was a little embarrassed now, looking down at the floor.
"It's nothing, really," she started.
"Can I hold one?" Emily asked.
"Yeah. Sure."
Emily picked one up, a look of sheer wonder on her face. She then shut her eyes and did a comic wave before laying a hand on her chest and speaking in a pretend-choked up voice. "Thank you. Thank you everyone. I am so touched."
"You know, I do that when no one's watching too," Beca said, grinning at Emily. Emily placed the Grammy back, laughing. Emily was a hoot. She didn't understand why Jesse was not laughing along. Maybe he was just too busy looking at the kit in the room. She was right.
"Wow, Becs. Nice set-up," Jesse said.
"Jess, why don't you ask Beca whether you come over and use this?" Emily bumbled in.
Jesse looked shocked at Emily's suggestion. "No, I couldn't..."
"But you are always complaining the stuff at home is not up to scratch," Emily bulldozed on.
"Em -"
Beca waved her arm to get their attention. "That's a good idea. Anytime you want, nerd. If I'm not around, someone will let you in."
Jesse looked as if he wanted to say something. He also looked a little crossed.
"So -" Beca said, walking towards the door. They both followed her out. "That's it."
They made their way back to the reception room, passing the entrance hall and the stairs leading up to the second floor.
"What's upstairs?"
Beca looked round and Emily had one foot on the bottom step already, looking upwards.
"Errm... just bedrooms and my office." Beca said. She was not entirely certain she wanted to show them both. It seemed a little personal.
"Emily, we should head back to the kitchen," Jesse said testily. "I think the pizzas' here."
"Aww.. I wanted to see upstairs," Emily said, pouting a little. "You don't have anything to hide, right, Beca? Like a shrine to Ryan Gosling or something? Oohhh, maybe she had Zac Efron tied up in her bedroom?"
She could not hate this girl. Emily was just too funny.
"No. Nothing of that sort," Beca said smiling. She remembered the cheque she promised earlier. "Come on up."
She led the way and then just for courtesy, opened a few rooms for Emily to ooh and ahh over. Jesse merely put on a patient face. Then she flung the doors of her bedroom open.
"See? No Zac Efron," Beca laughed. "Although I wouldn't mind actually."
Emily walked in, eyes widening at the four poster bed, at the comfy couch and the dressing table. She walked further in and noticed the door, leading to the walk in wardrobe.
"That is NOT a walk-in wardrobe," she yelled. "That is a walk-in apartment! Beca, may I?"
Beca was chuckling. That girl was irrepressible.
"Yeah, sure. Go ahead. It's just clothes and shoes."
Emily went on ahead while Beca stood by the doorway. Emily was squealing seeing all the Chanels, Pradas and Louis Vuittons. She squealed higher when she saw the Jimmy Choos.
"This must be worth a fortune!"
"Actually, most of them were given to me," Beca said, trying to remember.
"WHAT? You get these free?" Emily yelled from the depths of the wardrobe. "Shit! I need to get famous!"
Beca was laughing now, holding on her sides. She really liked her.
"Jesse? Your girlfriend's a comedian." Beca spun round to look for Jesse. He was standing by the side drawer near the window, his back towards her. Beca frowned at how quiet he was being. And then she remembered.
Oh shit. Shit. Triple shit in a handbasket.
She forgot about the photos.
Beca swiftly went to his side and he was staring at the photographs, all displayed in silver frames. She had them there for ages. They had became part of the furniture and she had forgotten that they were there. Pictures of Stacie, Chloe and her. One with the girls, Benji and Jesse. The photo of both of them at Disneyworld, with Mickey Mouse ears. The one his mom took before they went to prom, the one where he had his arm round her and they were smiling at each other.
"Beca?"
His voice was a little hoarse.
"I forgot they were there," Beca said. She rapidly took the Disneyworld one and the prom photo, opened a drawer and shoved it inside.
"Wha.. what are you doing?" Jesse said, sounding dazed.
"Emily." Beca hissed.
There was another photo she needed to hide.
"Hey, what's that?" Emily had came out of the wardrobe and was just behind them. "Is that a photo? Oooh let me see."
It was a little too late. Emily had grabbed the frame and stared at the photo.
"What the hell is this?"
Beca froze, unsure how to answer.
"Senior prom." Jesse finally answered.
"Wait. Both of you went to prom together?" Emily said, still staring at the photo. "You were prom dates?"
"Not.. exactly," Beca said. "Jesse didn't have a date. I was there just to make him look less pathetic."
Emily was silent.
"Why are you covered in blood? Is that really blood?"
"Carrie." Beca answered.
"What?"
"Umm.. we were superimposed on a green screen. Any prom you want," Jesse replied. "And Beca chose Carrie."
A loud guffaw came out of Emily. She looked up at both of them, back at the photo and then back again at them.
"That is the funniest shit I heard all day!" Emily laughed out loud. "Oh my god! Carrie? Really?"
"Yep." Jesse was looking a little relieved. He glanced over at Beca. "Beca always has a dark sense of humour."
AN :
OK, Emily. I did thought of Emily in Friends and because I luuuuurve Emily Blunt, her too. But physically, I think she would look like Cat Deeley. She was a Saturday morning TV presenter for a kids show in the UK before going Stateside some 12-14 years ago and was really bouncy and cheesy. I don't hate her particularly. She was very funny.
I don't know why I'm making them fight all the time. I just felt that they are still not used to each other yet. They forgot how to talk and listen to each other. Both of them are 'saying' things but the other is not listening. I hope that came through. Can you guys see it? Or am I not doing that bit right?
Oh, Jesse lied through his teeth at one point. Can you guess when?