A/N: BeChloeIsLegit and RJRMovieFan do not own Pitch Perfect or any of their characters.
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Pitch Perfect 3: Bechloe is Legit
Chapter 21 - Offers That Should Be Refused
o0o
"Beca, you have to try this cookie," Fat Amy declares, and before the petite brunette can argue the Aussie has pushed it in.
"Thanks, Amy," Beca snarks, though she's sure the sarcasm of it flies past her Australian friend.
The Bellas continue to take pictures and selfies in the hotel's grand foyer; it's like a museum.
A hotel employee, dressed in a white uniform, approaches Fat Amy with an envelope on his silver platter. "Mademoiselle," he says with a slight bow as he presents the note.
Fat Amy sweeps up the envelope, all excited to receive a note in such a posh way, until she sees the handwriting and the name on the envelope - 'Patricia'.
o0o
Fat Amy walks through the open air market with a combination of trepidation and excitement. The market reminds her of the farmer markets Chloe drags Beca and her to back in New York. Maybe there's a stand here selling the tiny cinnamon donuts that she loves so much. Then if it's a bust with Fergus, it won't be a total loss.
Still his letter gave her hope.
She's near a stand selling flowers when she hears him. "Whoo!" He calls out laughing. He's in such great spirits as he comes towards her, that she readily accepts his hug and returns the embrace.
"Your performance was incredible, Patricia," he steps back and takes her hands in his. "I'm so proud of you."
"You watched our performance? You really watched our performance? You haven't watched one of my performances since I was eight," Amy says, truly excited.
"Oh you know, I learned something on this trip," he says striking what he hopes is a sincere tone. "I've learned my ways might not be the best. Your performance taught me that."
Fat Amy pulls her father in for another hug. He says, "What a note to go out on, eh?"
"Yeah, it was. Though if we get selected by DJ Khaled, you'll see one more performance."
"True," Fergus replies, "I've tried to get advanced word, but this Khaled guy is keeping it close to the vest." He waves his hand in the air. "I guess he's one for dramatics."
Fat Amy laughs at this, which causes Fergus to give her a look. The blonde woman shrugs, "Kinda like the pot calling the kettle black. 'Hello, Kettle, Pot here. You're black." She laughs, and Fergus can't help joining in.
o0o
The first thought that came to Beca's mind as she walked away from Theo and DJ Khaled was, "I need to talk to Chloe."
She hurries off to find Chloe when she realizes she doesn't know where she is. She doesn't know where any of the Bellas are. She stops and checks her phone but doesn't see any messages letting her know where they ended up.
Beca decides her best course of action is to check her room first. Maybe Chloe hasn't left yet and she can talk to her. Beca's head is spinning with what just happened. She turned down DJ Khaled!
"Oh, my God!," Beca practically yells, causing a few people to look at her. She smiles politely at them and continues walking.
"I turned down DJ Khaled," Beca thought. "Who does that? But, I'm part of a group, right? I'm not a solo artist. I produce other people's music. But, most of that is a steaming pile of. . ." She pauses in her thinking as another thought comes through. "If I accept the offer I could sing what I want. I could have a say in how it sounds. I'd be the artist and they would have at listen to me and do things my way to keep me happy. Right?"
Beca is chewing her bottom lip as she continues making her way through the hotel to the elevators. Her thoughts all over the place as she contemplates what just happened.
"The Bellas would be supportive if I took DJ Khaled up on his offer," Beca thought. "They'll all be going their own ways soon anyway. Chloe and I will be returning to New York City. Or most likely I'll be expected to move to L.A. Where would that leave me and Chloe? Would this budding romance continue? Or was this just a whirlwind romance, caught up in the moment of this crazy adventure? If it continues, would Chloe expect to have a long distance relationship? Would she want to have a long distance relationship? Or would Chloe move to L.A. with me?"
It's early but she knows she loves Chloe and Chloe loves her. But, will it be enough to keep them going? Will it be enough for Chloe to uproot her life and move to L.A. with her?
Beca really needs to talk to Chloe.
o0o
Fat Amy is actually rather shocked to find she's having a rather enjoyable time with her father. It's been years, and there's a lot to catch up on.
"So tell me the truth, Da, you been messing with the bands during the competition?," Amy asks, a hint of a sly smile on her lips.
Fergus takes on an overly dramatic face, as he replies, "Turnip Top, I'm shocked you could even suggest such a thing."
Playing along Fat Amy says, "So, it's nothing like when Genie Walcott's competition on the final round of Australian Idol got the wrong backup music played?"
"Oh no, that was just bad luck on that boy's part," the devilish grin suggests otherwise. "Sides, Genie was so much more talented…"
"And your client."
"That too, Turnip Top. But I swear I'm innocent…"
"Then why are your fingers crossed?," Fat Amy smirks, pointing at his left hand.
"Oh, guess ya caught me," he chuckles good naturedly. "But I really need this win. You know how much I've always wanted to crack the American market? This is my chance. It's taken a lot to build a new brand, since your Mom, God rest her soul, wrestled the company from me."
"Wait," Fat Amy says, "Mom, took control of the company?" She's shocked to hear this. Her mother passing away had been the final straw, and the reason she had moved to America and never gone back.
Fergus is shocked at this revelation. "Why do you think you've been getting payments all these years?"
Amy just stands there and shrugs her shoulders. She was slightly embarrassed because she never questioned where the money came from.
"You must have been getting statements from the bank?"
"I thought those were collection notices," she says, red-faced. "Thought they were persistent bastards." Realization begins to dawn on her face. "I really need to learn to open my mail!"
Fergus is still confused. "But you would have received notifications from the Board of Directors."
Amy just waves that away. "Oh, I just always marked the box, voting in absentia. So, I have a controlling stake?"
"Yeah. Which is what I was hoping you might sign over, and help me ensure it's Evermoist on the show tomorrow night."
"Why would I do that?"
"Look Patricia, I know I wasn't the greatest father, but I'm still your father, your family," Fergus pleads.
"No," the blonde Aussie shakes her head. "the Bellas are my family. Currently we just share the same 'T&A'."
Fergus straightens, thoroughly baffled by his daughter's last statement. Fat Amy closes her eyes and thinks hard, her lips moving as she recites a litany of items. "DNA!" Her eyes fly open as she remembers. "Ha! I did learn something in physics!" She punches the air. "We share DNA, but the Bellas are my family."
"Patricia, I really need this. I'm in hock up to my ears. I have to get this contract for the girls or I'm ruined. Help me by getting the Bellas to bow out, or maybe sign over your share of the company," Fergus is pleading. He decides to play to where Amy is most vulnerable; her ego. "With your talent, the Bellas are sure to listen to you."
Fat Amy nods. "My talent does tend to compensate for the weaker members of the group, like Beca."
"You might not even be asking them to do much," Fergus argues. "I've been working the back channels and it's razor thin between the Bellas and my girls. But if the Bellas were to pull out, or not show for tonight's reception, it would be assured."
"It means too much to the Bellas," Fat Amy says crossing her arms. "I won't ask them to give it up for you."
"Then sign over your shares in the company," Fergus counters. "It's not like you are even doing anything with it. You'll still have the money paid to you these last eight years."
"How much money are we talking about?" Fat Amy is suddenly very intrigued.
Fergus shrugs. "Considering monthly payments, compounded interest, and the number of years," he thinks for a second, "millions."
The blonde woman face palms. "Really must read my mail."
"Look, Patricia, I'm not kidding about how much debt I'm in. I'm desperate. I've been working the phones constantly to stave off the creditors."
This statement strikes something in Fat Amy. "We did have an amazing last performance last night."
"The very best, hard to top it," Fergus nods, small hope alight in his eyes.
"Maybe our best performance ever," Fat Amy continues.
"Especially yours," Fergus agrees.
"What was your favorite part of my performance?," Fat Amy asks innocently.
"Oh," Fergus says, and looks up and away as he thinks. When he refocuses, he says, "Oh, there's so many, it's hard to select just one."
"Mine was the ending, when the Bellas form a human pyramid as I solo from the top," Amy says as she pulls her father into a hug.
"You're right, that was my favorite too," Fergus says with pride as he returns the hug.
"I KNEW IT!," Fat Amy shouts, shoving the older man back. "I knew you hadn't bothered to watch last night's performance."
"I did…," Fergus starts.
"There was no human pyramid," she says accusatory. "And like I would be the top." Her tone goes sad.
"Okay, I had important calls. Because of Evermoist I have a chance to sign a group that could be bigger than the Spice Girls. And any contract Evermoist signs will net me more. It's a cut throat business. I can't be taking time to indulge your fantasies."
"If you had watched our show, you might've seen that they aren't fantasies and that we kicked Evermoist's twiggy asses."
"Patricia, this is serious," Fergus says all earnest now. "I'm in debt to people you don't want to be in debt to."
"Not my problem," Fat Amy says.
Fergus steps forward, there is some menace in his posture. "I'm desperate…"
"Amy?" Chicago's voice cuts through the tension. He and Zeke are standing not ten feet away. "Is this man bothering you?"
Fat Amy looks back to her father and sees a stranger. She nods. "Yes-yes he is."
Chicago steps forward with a purpose, and in his best Military Police voice, commands, "SIR! Step away from the Bella."
Fergus immediately steps back, hands up by his chest, palms out, trying to convey no threat. He looks at his daughter pleadingly, "Patricia…"
Chicago takes Fat Amy by the elbow and gently guides her away. Zeke positions himself in between Fergus and Fat Amy. The three then begin to move away. Fat Amy gives one glance behind as she says, "Goodbye. . .Fergus."
When they are over thirty feet away, Fergus gets a bit of his courage back. "Remember, Patricia, I tried doing this the nice way," he calls out. "You remember that!"
o0o
"DJ Khaled's label wants me. Not The Bellas, just me. What do I do?" These thoughts keep running through her mind, made worse that she hasn't been able to talk with Chloe.
Their shared suite had been a bust. Chloe wasn't there so it was just her, with her thoughts, which isn't always the best combination
"How could they just offer it to me?," Beca asks the empty corridor for about the fiftieth time.
Beca hadn't expected this in the slightest.
"No, no, no, this can't be happening. Yeah, it's an incredible offer. It's coming at the perfect time too. Otherwise at the end of this USO tour I'm back to chasing DJ gigs at various clubs in Manhattan and Brooklyn." It's the same argument going on in her head.
"Yet accepting this offer means the potential of moving away from Brooklyn and Chloe; most likely to L.A."
Moving away from Chloe. How could she do that to Chloe? The woman who tells Beca everyday just how amazing and talented she is. Who has stood beside her for years. Who loves her.
In a daze, Beca has been wandering through this elegant hotel for a couple of hours now. She still hasn't heard from any of the Bellas or Chloe.
"Why haven't I heard from them?," she whispers to herself. "Did they find out? Are they mad at me? Is Chloe worried that I'm going to choose DJ Khaled over her?" She can't believe she hasn't heard from any of her friends. Looking at her mobile phone for the hundredth time, she once again fails to notice the tiny airplane symbol in the top left corner.
o0o
"How do you do this again?," Aubrey asks CR.
"You just pour the water over the sugar like this," CR says as she slowly pours water over the sugar cube on the spoon on top of her glass.
Aubrey does the same and smiles as the sugar slowly dissolves and the sugar water spills down into the absinthe. Chloe watches and her heart is full. She loves these girls so much and is saddened that the tour will be over soon. She looks around the table at all the girls and smiles as she thinks about what each of them means to her.
"A toast," Chloe says lifting her glass.
"Oh, a Chloe toast," Flo mutters. "This should be good."
All the girls lift their glasses and look at Chloe. "Home is where the heart is," Chloe says. "You guys are the homes that my heart lives in. I am inside all of you." The Aubrey and CR look a little confused. "And it feels so good." Flo throws a side glance Chloe's way. "Cheers."
"Cheers," Aubrey says clinking glasses with CR.
"Salud!"
"I love you guys so much," Chloe says looking around the table. There's another round of clinking glasses. The redhead asks Aubrey a little chagrined, "Too much?"
"It's one of the things we love about you," her blonde friend assures her.
"Speaking of which, where do you think Beca is?," Chloe asks, as she checks her phone again. She's truly becoming concerned that Beca hasn't responded to any texts or calls.
"She's probably still with Theo," CR says before taking a drink.
Chloe turns her head in a snap, eyes fixed on the African American woman. "Why would she be with Theo?"
Cynthia Rose actually grows smaller under the withering stare of the redhead. She closes her eyes and hesitantly replies, "Because that's who she went off with at the pool…"
Chloe's eyes widen in shock, "What?!"
CR looks to Denise and Flo for help, but those two wisely decide to remain out of the wrath of the redhead. With a cringe the young woman says, "Uhh-yeah; didn't we mention that?"
Chloe's curls fly everywhere as she shakes her head no. "NO, you most certainly did NOT mention that." If possible, Chloe's eyes grow rounder. "Oh, my God, they've been together for hours-HOURS! What if Beca decided she's straight? What if she's leaving me for him?"
Aubrey gives the Bellas a stern glare, then reaches over and grabs Chloe's hand. With a gentle squeeze she says, "Sweetie, take a deep breath. Everything's fine. I'm sure there's an innocent explanation for all this."
Emily, feeling bad for having not told Chloe either, though she hadn't really noticed Beca leaving with Theo, steps in. "Maybe it has to do with the reception tonight and the choice for tomorrow?"
Chloe looks at her tall friend with sad eyes. Emily decides to press on. "Theo must have said something to her by now. The show is literally tomorrow."
Aubrey, hoping to distract her redheaded friend, picks up on this. "You know, guys, if we're lucky to be picked, tomorrow will be our last show together. A toast." The blonde holds her glass up in salute. "To one last great performance."
The Bellas all hold their glasses up and say "Cheers."
As they all drink and laugh with one another, a sharply dressed man in a grey suit walks up to their tables. Straightening his tie, the man, with a strong French accent, asks, "Excuse me, but are you the Bellas?"
The Bellas are all a bit taken with the handsome stranger. Emily answers quickly. "Yes, yes we are." Aubrey says, "Oui, monsieur." Flo simply says, "Si."
The man nods and shares a most charming smile. "My name is Henri. Chicago has sent me to take you to the USO reception."
Aubrey looks up at the gentleman. "The reception? It's now?"
Henri looks at her with a slight shrug, "Something about an announcement? A DJ wanting to make it as soon as possible?"
The word announcement sets the table talking. CR and Denise both repeat the word "Announcement." While Flo asks, "Did we win?"
Henri gestures behind him. "If you will come with me?"
Chloe speaks up. "Sir, we need to find our friends; Beca and Fat Amy."
Without missing a beat, Henri answers, "Oh, they are already there. With Chicago."
Chloe let's out a surprised, "Oh," and looks at her phone. She still doesn't have any messages from Beca.
Flo jumps up, declaring, "Perfect." She looks at all the Bellas sitting round the table, then gestures to Henri. "Let's not keep this handsome Frenchman waiting." She's away from the table with her purse before anyone can say anything. Over her shoulder she shouts, "Shotgun."
Aubrey and Emily look at the rest of the Bellas and say, "Okay. I guess we should go."
o0o
The women all get settled into the back of the spacious van. Flo was highly disappointed when Henri explained that, due to the insurance policy restrictions, she would not be able to ride up front. The Bellas pulled her into the back and were able to get her to crack a smile after some good natured ribbing.
The Bellas all sit back and enjoy the ride. Of course the conversation quickly turns to the reception. By unsaid consent, the topic of the 'announcement' is avoided.
"Jeff told me that there's a rumor the groups are going to be asked to perform something at the reception," Jessica says.
"Really?," Emily asks.
Ashley nods. "Yeah, nothing guaranteed, but Saddle Up heard it from some USO people, so there's a chance.
"We should have a song ready just in case," Chloe suggests.
"What do you all think?," Aubrey asks the Bellas.
"It can't hurt to have a song ready," CR shrugs.
"What song do you guys suggest?," Emily asks.
"What about Rihanna's 'Needed Me'?," Ashley asks.
"How about Kelsea Ballerini's 'Peter Pan'?," Jessica asks.
"I like Selena Gomez's 'Hands to Myself'," Flo offers. "Or Duele el Corazón."
Lily says something in a whisper and Chloe thinks she might have said 'One' and Metallica. The redhead decides not to relay that.
Cynthia Rose says, "I like Goldlink's 'Unique'."
"What about 'Cake by the Ocean'?," Denise asks.
Chloe lights up at that last suggestion. "Oh, I like that one."
Emily also latches onto 'Cake'. "Yeah, that's a fun upbeat song, with a great rhythm."
"It also has a subtle sexuality," Cynthia Rose adds, as she gives her wife's hand a gentle squeeze. "I vote for 'Cake by the Ocean'."
"Okay, do we have a consensus, or do we want to vote?," Aubrey asks the Bellas.
Chloe raises her hand. "I vote 'Cake by the Ocean'."
"Me too," Emily says, mirroring Chloe's motion.
Ashley and Jessica also raise their hands. Soon everyone has their hands up, with Flo being the reluctant last one.
"Okay, it's settled then. If asked, we're singing 'Cake by the Ocean'." The Bellas laugh and cheer. "Emily, would you like to organize us?," Aubrey asks her co-captain, handing the reins over. Chloe gives her a smile of encouragement and Aubrey finds she's quite comfortable deferring to her younger friend.
Emily is grinning from ear-to-ear as she starts laying out the song and giving assignments. Chloe and Aubrey share smiles as they watch the college senior blossom into her leadership role.
It's about fifteen minutes later and Emily feels they're ready to practice. Pointing to Jessica and Ashley, the dynamic duo of the Bellas start the song off.
No, no
Oh, no
See you walking 'round like it's a funeral
Not so serious, girl, why those feet cold?
Flo comes in all smiles for Henri who is intrigued by the performance, and checking out the Bellas in the rearview mirror.
We just getting started, don't you tiptoe, tiptoe, ah
Waste time with a masterpiece, don't waste time with a masterpiece
Emily takes the lead next and she really brings it. Her innocent facade a contrast to the sexual confidence she's projecting into the song.
You should be rolling with me, you should be rolling with me, ah
You're a real-life fantasy, you're a real-life fantasy
But you're moving so carefully, let's start living dangerously
All the Bellas join in for the chorus, and they are having fun. Each one is moving her hands, and swaying their torso to the rhythm of their song, to the point that the van itself is rocking to their performance.
Talk to me, baby
I'm going blind from this sweet-sweet craving, whoa-oh
Let's lose our minds and go fucking crazy
Ah ya ya ya ya I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean
Denise sings as if she's singing to her wife, sitting right next to her. Her voice is flirty and her expressions hold promise.
Walk for me, baby
I'll be Diddy, you'll be Naomi, whoa-oh
Let's lose our minds and go fucking crazy
Ah ya ya ya ya I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean
Cynthia Rose lends her rich voice to her wife's song, adding a real sultriness to the number.
Goddamn, see you licking frosting from your own hands
Want another taste, I'm begging, yes ma'am
I'm tired of all this candy on the dry land, dry land, oh
Waste time with a masterpiece, don't waste time with a masterpiece
It's Aubrey who takes the next lead, though she signals Emily to join in. Together they really nail the vocals of this song.
You should be rolling with me, you should be rolling with me, ah
You're a real-life fantasy, you're a real-life fantasy
But you're moving so carefully, let's start living dangerously, whoah
Talk to me, baby
I'm going blind from this sweet craving, whoa-oh
Let's lose our minds and go fucking crazy
Ah ya ya ya ya I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean
As the Bellas all start singing again, Chloe has the weird sensation of being so happy in the moment, yet the moment is tinged with melancholy. It's moments like this that she's missed so much. It reminds her of the time when the Bellas had spontaneously sung 'Party in the USA', back in her first Senior year. She had so wanted the Bellas to come together like this and here they are; yet the most important Bella to her is not here. It's weird to not have her best friend next to her as the Bellas have such a memorable moment.
Walk for me, baby (walk for me now)
I'll be Diddy, you'll be Naomi, whoa-oh
Let's lose our minds and go fucking crazy
Chloe just sings along, and watches the Bellas let loose They are having so much fun, their performance goes up to another level.
Ah ya ya ya ya I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean (ooh, aah)
Ah ya ya ya ya I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean (ooh, aah)
Ah ya ya ya ya I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean (ooh, aah)
Back and forth each woman sways to the music they are creating. Their smiles tell the story; this is just incredibly fun. They wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Bellas for life, each feels so special for being part of the whole that can make such amazing music.
You're fucking delicious
Talk to me, girl
Talk to me, baby
I'm going blind from this sweet-sweet craving, whoa-oh
Let's lose our minds and go fucking crazy
Ah ya ya ya ya I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean
Even Henri is moving his shoulders and bobbing his head to the music these young women are belting out. They are so alive and vibrant in their singing. He feels bad for taking this job, but still a job is a job.
Walk for me, baby (walk for me now)
I'll be Diddy, you'll be Naomi, whoa-oh
Let's lose our minds and go fucking crazy
Ah ya ya ya ya I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean
The Bellas are all so excited. They are having the time of their lives, and deep in their hearts they know they have a real chance at winning the competition and singing on national television. They've all worked so hard, each contributing their own portion, just like with this song.
Red velvet, vanilla, chocolate in my life
Confetti, I'm ready, I need it every night
Red velvet, vanilla, chocolate in my life (ah ya ya ya ya I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the ocean)
"You ladies sound amazing," Henri says from the front of the van.
"Gracias, Henri," Flo says with a flirty smile.
"Are we almost there?," Chloe asks.
"As a matter of fact, we have just arrived," Heni says as he parks the van. He gets out of the driver's seat and opens the door. "Here we are ladies."
"Are we at the marina?," Aubrey asks.
"Oui," Henri says. "The reception is being held on a yacht. If you will follow me I will take you aboard. Please watch your step." The Bellas look suitable impressed and follow Henri.
They stop in front of a beautiful yacht and 'ooh' and 'aww' over it. "Classy," Jessica and Ashley say simultaneously and laugh.
Henri leads them up the walkway to the deck of the yacht. "I am afraid this is where I leave you ladies," Henri tells them.
"Why?," Flo asks putting her hand on his arm. "You can stay as my, I mean, our date for the reception."
"That sounds delightful," Henri says. He frowns and adds, "But I'm going to have to decline. Have a wonderful evening, ladies." He then turns and walks back down the walkway and off the boat.
"Adios," Flo says and waves at him
"Thank you, Henri," Emily calls out to him.
Henri gives a final wave from the dock and the walkway is removed. Aubrey and Chloe look at each other and smile, both excited at hearing DJ Khaled's announcement. The others are busy checking out the yacht.
"Where is everyone?," Emily asks, looking around.
"Maybe everyone is down below?," Chloe says. "We should head down. I want to find Beca anyway."
The girls find some stairs and start walking down. Aubrey and Chloe are in the lead, with Emily directly behind them. Once they make it down they look around and don't see anyone else.
"What's going on?," Emily asks, starting to become concerned. "Where is everyone?"
"Guys, we're moving," Denise says pulling back a window curtain. This causes all the girls to rush to the stairs. They clear the last step and everyone is shocked to see that they are already about fifty yards from the dock.
"What about everyone else?," Chloe asks, worried about Beca now more than ever.
"What the hell?," Aubrey says. The girls stand together on the deck and watch as the dock gets farther and farther away.
"Welcome aboard, ladies," they hear from behind them. They all jerk around as one and see Fergus Hobart standing there with a smug smile on his face.
RJRMovieFan note: So here are a couple more scenes from the movie that have undergone some transformation. I hope you continue to like our changes.
BeChloeIsLegit note: Thanks to RJRMovieFan for this fun ride. I am having a great time working on this and hope that it shows through as much as I think it does. I want to thank everyone for sticking with us.
Song used:
Cake by the Ocean by DNCE