Killing Me Softly Chapter 20: Quests and Questions, a pitch perfect fanfic

A/N: Hope y'all enjoy this chapter. Please don't forget to read & review.

Corinne... Thank you SO much for not killing me when I ask for one more read through or when I pitch a crazy idea. You're the best. Love you special fin! ;)

o~O~o
Chapter 20
Quests and Questions
o~O~o

Because Beca and Jesse were officially back together as a couple again, she still wasn't able to offer him a contract or have him on sign on with Warner Records. Truth be told, even if they weren't in a relationship, she still couldn't have signed him because of their past history, despite her essentially being the one that discovered The Riff. If there was one thing she had learned over the past year, it was to never mix business and pleasure. She had already learned that blurring the lines of professionalism and conduct in a workplace was clearly not appropropriate but that didn't stop her from thinking about how much she wanted a repeat performance of their antics in the elevator a few months previously.

Beca could, however, mentor Jesse and his band, who he had recently gotten back in touch with, minus a few bad seeds, in an effort to get them signed by another record company and get their unique sound out there. Unfortunately for them, they were competing against groups of younger guys who had perfected the boy band vibe.

During one of their practice jam sessions in her guest house, Beca explained that while their look, sound and stage presence were amazing all on their own, they needed to choose a genre, a sound and then overhaul their entire image. The guys were all suddenly looking at her like she was speaking a foreign language. She giggled before explaining that while one the band members in sweats, one in a pleather jacket, one in shorts and another in jeans might have worked while they were playing small gigs at pubs and bars, but if they wanted to be taken seriously, they need to try to unify their look.

Beca told them they could still continue to sing covers but in order to get signed to a record deal, specifying a genre would define and solidify who they were as a group and make getting a recording contract happen a lot faster. The guys listened intently as Beca explained it was all about marketing and clearly it was hard to market a band that was singing a cover of 'Hey Jude', while looking like the band KISS. It was a whole lot easier to sell a band that was polished, even if a little rough around the edges, than one that still didn't know what they hoped to accomplish or achieve.

The band took everything she said to heart and really worked to improve upon everything from their look to their sound. The guys piled into Casey's clunker and headed to The Grove to shop for everything from jeans to jackets. All of them went to the barbers and freshened up their look including Troy who cut off his dreadlocks. Beca was impressed by their dedication and organized, through one of her contacts in the business, for the band to get some photos taken and had Amy design a basic website using a few of the photographs and some sound clips from a few of their more recent gigs.

Beca had been working with Jesse and The Riff since early November, by the beginning of December were ready to record a demo. She had taken them into the studio after hours and after several sessions, their hard work finally paid off. They had something solid that they could be proud of. Beca had sent their newly recorded demo CD out to all of her contacts in the music industry. She persuaded Lilly and Kimmy Jin to head out to all of the promotional gigs they could find within a hundred mile radius armed with CD's, flyers and freebies. The initial response was good, and feeling like things were about to take off for them, Beca sat back to wait for the calls to start rolling in.

She waited…

… and waited.

… but the phone never rang. Well, it did ring but it wasn't anyone inquiring about The Riff's demo CD. It was usually Anne fussing about this and that, whether she was resting enough and enquiring if Jesse was helping more around the house. Beca dutifully listened, her mind elsewhere as clearly her plan hadn't worked. So she took matters into her own hands and started sending out emails directly, making phone calls and scheduling lunch appointments with her contacts and anyone else she could think of.

Beca hated having her back against the wall. She hated calling in favors but she knew in her heart that The Riff was good and they deserved the chance to prove themselves. True, they needed a little polishing but that was what time in the studios was for. Beca called Sam, the owner of Gallagher's Pub & Grill, a sports bar in Long Beach, and asked… no, if she was honest, she had begged, him to let The Riff play. He agreed but but only had one available time slot open, it wasn't the best but it would have to do. Sam knew Beca from previous events and knew she usually could pull in the big crowds so he didn't mind the extra work involved in getting ready. He reminded her that Christmas was only a few days away and suggested waiting until the New Year which Beca told him was not an option. It was going to be tight but it was definitely doable.

Beca pulled out all the stops with the catering, decorations and additional staff. No expense was spared and Sawyer turned a blind eye to the pile of receipts that was accumulating on her desk not knowing if they were business or personal. She hosted the event and suggested that between sets the band mingle among the scouts to help promote themselves. She then spent some time coaching them on how to answer questions appropriately and what not to say. Despite a little reluctance in the beginning and a few resistant phrases from Nate such as 'I just want to play music, not socialize with suits' they all seemed to be getting excited.

On the night of the event, Nate had to admit that Beca's idea worked and the evening was full of compliments which pleased her immensely. She figured if she filled their bellies with amazing cuisine that she could get them to listen to her spiel about The Riff and hopefully get someone, anyone to agree to sign them.

Once again, her plan hadn't worked. She was so tired of hearing that, while they were clearly talented and very passionate about their future, but that they didn't 'have the right sound' or that they 'weren't what the label was currently looking for'. Even Red Bull Records, who usually signed anything out there with a pulse said it was going to be hard to find their corner of the market. They weren't a boy band as they were too old, but they weren't strong enough to carry their own lyrics just yet. Even her friend Cynthia Rose turned her down flat saying that The Riff was 'missing something' but that she 'couldn't quite put a finger on what it was' but that she would 'keep them in mind' for opening acts and local gigs.

Beca was devastated and beyond exhausted she'd been as dedicated to this project as any of her others but she hadn't had to struggle this much before. She knew The Riff were talented and had just as much potential to succeed in the business as she'd ever seen but she needed someone to give them a chance.

She slipped out of bed on the Thursday of the second week, ignored the nauseous feelings as she crept down the stairs and took up residence in the kitchen with a mug of warm, soothing English tea. She used to laugh at Luke when he said that 'a cup of English tea solves everything' but recently, she'd come to understand what he meant by that.

She was annoyed with herself for not getting The Riff signed. All of Jesse's hard work… his blood, sweat and tears were literally down the drain and all because they had decided to have a relationship. Beca was so disappointed with herself. If she had just held things together a while longer and been more in control of herself, she could have signed Jesse and The Riff to Warner and then started a relationship afterwards.

As her hand rested on the tiny swell of her belly, she knew that things didn't always work out the way they were meant to but that didn't mean that there was a second, third or fourth back up plan. It was then and there that she decided that she was going to call Cynthia Rose one last time and beg her to give them just one more listen.

After several phone calls, emails and texts throughout the day, Cynthia Rose finally agreed to meet with Beca again the following week. Former college friends, she knew Beca to be a real go getter, some might even say persistent, but she had never known her old school friend to be like this before; there was far more involved than just the usual persistence. Beca was begging and pleading with her to sign The Riff, so much so that Cynthia Rose began to second guess herself, which she never did. She had dismissed The Riff rather quickly, the market for their particular sound was dried up and almost non existent… but was there really was something there?

Beca knew that Cynthia Rose was her last hope to get The Riff signed. If Columbia Records didn't want to sign them then she didn't know what else to do. Throwing her last card into the mix, Beca told Cynthia Rose about the baby and how Jesse was working very hard to support his new family. Despite the slightly underhand way of doing things, Cynthia Rose reluctantly agreed to meet up with Beca for a late lunch, at Warners expense, and she could pitch her case one last time.

On the way to the restaurant, Beca listened to the demo again. She simply couldn't understand what Cynthia Rose was finding fault with. Nothing that Cynthia Rose had told her up to that point was making any sense. It was a solid demo with perfect song selections that showcased and enhanced their sound. She had carefully and personally selected the songs to display the The Riffs talents. They sang in tune, on key and the instrumental parts were riveting. So Beca failed to see what the problem was.

During lunch, Cynthia Rose actually had the nerve and the audacity to look bored and Beca began to nervously fidget with her water glass. Cynthia Rose had been through all of this before and quite frankly, she wasn't sure how many times she had to tell Beca that she just wasn't interested. She was just here because she didn't want to cause Beca any further stress, especially after announcing quietly to Cynthia Rose that she was pregnant. She listened as Beca went on and on, her mouth moving at mach speed and if Cynthia Rose was honest, she wasn't entirely sure Beca had even taken a breath. It was the same song and dance she's heard a million times before but Beca was a friend from college and had done quite a bit for her in the past so she felt she owed it to her to be there.

After Beca had totally run out of things to say and was at risk of repeating herself for a third time, Cynthia Rose finally agreed to listen to Jesse's demo again just so she didn't have to hear Beca's pleas again. She promised Beca that she would get back to her after the new year, which was only a few days away.

Beca just knew it would only be a matter of time before Cynthia Rose was calling and begging to sign Jesse and left the restaurant with a spring in her step. When she didn't hear back that afternoon, she was devastated but she didn't have a lot of time to dwell on it as she had a New Year's Eve bash to get through. She figured she'd start again fresh after the new year.

o~O~o

Beca's house was mass of confusion and chaos on New Year's Eve. Delivery drivers and caterers started showing up in the early afternoon to begin setting up for Beca's annual New Year's Eve bash. Every year the party seemed to grow a little because throughout the year she usually gained new colleagues, friends, business partners and neighbors.

Aubrey managed to convince Beca to extend an invite to Pepper, their pole dancing instructor, to the party. New to the area, she didn't know that many people who weren't clients and after a few months of living in a small beach front cottage, had become quite friendly with Aubrey. Along with Beca, they had gone out for coffee a few times after class and found that Pepper was quite an interesting character; a pole dance instructor by day and an exotic dancer by night. She shared stories of some of her exploits which made the usually prim Aubrey squeal with laughter and Beca found herself drawn into the conversation with ease.

Beca had given Jesse a honey-do list for the day of the party and he was more than happy to do his share. Beca secretly loved watching him refer back to his list, which had been shoved in his pocket, and crossing things off his list as he did them. It gave Beca hope for their future. He'd been kept busy making sure the lawn and garden were just so and helping to set up tables and chairs. Beca enlisted the help of Silvana to clean the day before so that the entire house was pristine. Jesse kept the backyard under control and he'd also washed and waxed both of the cars in the driveway to ring in the new year.

Guests were due to start arriving at eight o'clock and Beca's one request was that everything be ready before five to give them both a chance to rest and clean up before the party began. Beca could hear Jesse and the band setting up outside on the custom glass stage that was set up over the pool. The pool lights were shining through which was such a cool effect. Taking a break for five minutes, as everything seemed to be under control, she leaned up against the door jam with a mug of tea and watched as they spoofed their way through a warm up song. Happy that the equipment was ready, the band left to get changed, promising to be back at seven o'clock.

Jesse saw Beca watching them and gave her a half wave as he tucked some of the cables away, securing them together to keep them neat and out of the way. Beca appreciated his efforts more than she could say and as he walked up towards the house, handed him her mug to share.

"Hey." He said as he drained her cup. "You look tired."

"I'm ok though I might go take a nap for an hour or so. Will do us both some good." Beca said honestly, her hand covering her belly.

"Good idea. I'll shower while you rest and if you have anything else for me to do, I can do it while you get ready. How does that sound?"

"Good!" Beca said, taking his hand. "I do have one job for you now though."

"What's that?"

"Keep me company." Beca said, with a soft smile.

"That's a job I'm happy to do!" Jesse said, pulling on her hand, twirling her around and turning back into the house. He dropped the mug on the kitchen counter as he passed through the kitchen and wrapped his arm around her as they walked up the stairs. Stopping by their bed, he pushed her gently so she sat on the thick comforter and laid her down.

Scooping up her feet, he laid them in his lap and began to massage her toes. She moaned softly as his fingers worked their magic and she felt herself began to relax for the first time in three weeks.

"That feels so good." She said, fighting against the fatigue tugging on her eyelids.

"Yeah?" Jesse asked and she nodded.

He continued to rub her feet, moving further up over her ankles to her calf muscles and stopped at her knees when she sighed heavily. It was then that Jesse noticed that she'd fallen asleep. Instead of heading to shower as he said he would, he rolled her over onto her side and gently laid on the bed next to her, draping his arm over her hip and placing his hand over her tummy. Instinctively he rubbed her soft little bump. Beca twitched and moaned in her sleep and he kissed her cheek before settling his head on the pillow next to hers. Rubbing her belly, he whispered, "I can't wait to meet you little one. I'm going to be the best daddy I can be for you. I already love you so much."

Closing his eyes, he napped for thirty minutes, enjoying Beca's warm body as it curled into his own. When he woke from his snooze, he tried to move without disturbing Beca. He sat on the edge of the bed for a moment and thought back to where he'd been at the same time the year before. He could barely remember where'd he spent the last New Year's Eve but knew he for certain that he was drunk and high. He knew it was because of Beca that his life had been turned around and thanks to the girl currently carrying his unborn baby, he now lived in a gorgeous, safe home where he finally felt part of a family.

"I love you." He whispered as he leaned down to place a delicate kiss on Beca's cheek.

"I... love you... too." Beca mumbled as Jesse stood up.

"I didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't. Where are you going?"

"To shower."

"Stay."

"I need to get ready. Sleep some more and I'll wake you soon."

"Mmm... 'k."

When Jesse was sure Beca had fallen back to sleep, he entered her closet with purpose. Months earlier, he'd hidden something he knew he might need one day and wanted to keep it safe. Taking a second to remember where'd he'd left it, he dropped to his knees, carefully he pried up the loose floorboard and felt around for the small bag he'd left behind. Storing it for safety had seemed like a good idea at the time and now, with all the stress of the past few weeks, he was extra glad he'd kept it hidden all the time he'd been back. Finding what he had been searching for, he opened the bag and looked at the contents to make sure it was exactly as he'd left it. Grinning to himself, he shoved the bag in his pocket, patted it twice for reassurance that it would get him through the night and replaced the floorboard before heading to the bathroom.

After showering and getting dressed in the new shirt and pants that Beca had gotten him for Christmas, Jesse headed back downstairs to set up the little surprise he had planned for her. It wasn't much, as his paycheck wouldn't allow it but he wanted to add a few little touches to the party. He was almost finished when he heard the back door open. Beca was awake and had come to find him.

"Close your eyes!" He called out.

"Where are you? It's so dark out here."

"Just close 'em."

"Ok!"

"Are they closed?"

"Yeah. And for the record, I feel like a dick... so hurry up!"

Jesse grinned as he plugged the long length of cable into the power outlet. "Ready?" He yelled.

"Yup."

Jesse flipped the switch to turn on his surprise and walked over to where Beca was waiting on the morning porch for him, hands resting lightly on her hips and her eyes squeezed tightly shut.

"Jess?"

"I'm here." He said as he jumped up onto the porch, standing behind her and wrapping his arms around her. "When you are ready, open your eyes."

He couldn't see when she had, but Jesse knew by the gasp that escaped her lips that she'd seen what he'd done. Three days earlier, he'd gone out and had purchased all of the discounted twinkle lights that he could get his hands on. He'd managed to get over fifty boxes of the tiny white lights and had wrapped them around the trees in the backyard, woven them through the plants and hedges and lined the roof of the guest house, framing it to look like a little gingerbread house. The subtle little twinkles, while not something Beca had planned for the party, looked perfect and Beca was speechless as she took in the sight.

"It's gorgeous. It's perfect." She said, turning to face him. "Thank you Jesse. Thank you."

"It's my pleasure!" He laughed, seeing the look on her face. "I've still got a few wishing lanterns to place around but I'm glad you like it."

"I really do!" She said genuinely. "How did you have time to do all of this?"

"It helps when the lady of the house takes an hour and a half nap!" He laughed loudly.

"Shit, it's that late?" She asked, grabbing at his wrist to check the time.

"Yes ma'am." He kissed the top of her head. "Go get ready, the guys and I will finish up before the first of the guests get here."

"Sounds good to me."

o~O~o

When Jesse walked into their bedroom to see if Beca was ready for the party he stopped dead in his tracks. Beca was wearing a short, blush colored flowy one shoulder dress with silver beaded embellishments and strappy silver Jimmy Choo peep toe heels. Her makeup was on point and her hair, which was in a soft side bun updo, couldn't have been any better if she had gotten it done professionally.

"Wow!" Was all Jesse could manage to get out.

Beca, lost in her own little world, turned around quickly, as she applied hair spray to the top of her head. "You like?" She asked, almost shyly.

"No... I love." Jesse admitted as he put his hands on her hips and started kissing her bare shoulder, moaning softly. "If you don't get downstairs our guests are going to get an earful."

"Yeah, let's not piss my Mom off any more than she is already!" Beca laughed. "She's already prepped and ready to turn your balls into earrings."

o~O~o

By 10pm, the party was finally in full swing with everyone eating, drinking and mingling about the guest house and yard. All the rooms were open and people who hadn't visited with Beca before, took a quick tour of the house and were impressed at how beautiful her house was. Everyone was in good spirits and even Beca's parents managed to keep a civil tongue in their heads when saying hello to Jesse and meeting his band. Beca stressed how hard Jesse had worked to help get the house ready so she could rest and her mother had raised an eyebrow but failed to mention it past that.

Beca stood off the to side for several minutes, taking in the scene. She was pretty sure that this party would go down as one of the best she'd ever had. The yard looked great, the food was amazing and the compliments were plentiful, the band sounded awesome and people were dancing, listening and enjoying them and the best part of the evening was she didn't have any no shows. She even had several guests comment on how good The Riff was and mentioned that they'd like to hire them for their own upcoming parties and events. Lilly and her hipster boyfriend, who she introduced as Terk, joined Beca and said that she had been approached about bookings. Beca commented to her that 'that had to be a good sign… right?', and Lilly had almost smiled normally before claiming she was going to catch fireflies for a snack.

"Hey..." Luke whispered in Beca's ear and she jumped at the warmth on her cheek. "... great party."

"Cheers." Beca responded with a huge smile. "You having a good time."

"Yeah, sure am. Quite the crowd here Mitchell."

"Free food does that dude!"

"True! But a few new faces." Luke said, looking around the crowd. "Who's the bird by the stage?"

"Which one?"

"The one who's itching to get on stage... the one in the spaghetti strap, midnight blue and ochre dress with the silver shoes."

"Dude, you ain't right. What guy says that about a dress? Most say blue and yellow."

"I'm not most blokes."

"You sure you ain't gay?"

"Wouldn't you love to know?!" Luke laughed. "But no! I've just spent too long surrounded by you and all your girliness... don't roll your eyes! I know you are a secret girly girl! ... Ow! Don't punch me! Tell me who is she?"

"You interested?"

"No, it's not that. Just not seen her before and wondered why she was gazing up at the stage the way she is."

"Her name is Pepper."

"For real?" Luke asked, looking at Beca and waiting for the joke's punchline.

"As far as I know." Beca replied.

"How do you know her?"

"She's a pole dancing instructor. Aubrey and I take her class."

"Oh... wow." Luke gulped hard.

"What?"

"She looks like that and she's got a pretty hot job too. A perfect woman!"

"She seems nice." Beca said.

"She's very pretty."

"Want me to introduce you?"

"No, I'm good right now. Maybe later."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, she seems pretty interested in the band and what they are doing right now, doesn't she? I'm not sure I want to get in the middle of that!"

Beca looked over to the stage area and was pleased to see so many people watching Jesse and the rest of the band while enjoying the party. A few were taking pictures on their phones and some were even pointing fingers at them, animatedly talking about them with their friends. Beca noticed Pepper standing to the side, armed with a tall drink. She was swaying side to side, her athletic and toned body looking fantastic in her dress.

Beca was slightly confused at the look on Pepper's face as she watched the band perform. She hadn't seen anyone that enamoured for a very long time. She inwardly laughed when she realized it was how she must have looked when she saw The Riff for the first time all those months ago.

"Dude, I'm gonna go mingle. Catch up later?" Beca said to Luke, without taking her eyes of Pepper.

"Yeah, go check out what that chick is staring at!" Luke laughed as Beca walked off, not hearing what Luke had said.

Beca made her way through the crowd, stopping every now and then to chat to someone. She passed the drink station and asked for two drinks; one for her, a tall lemonade with plenty of ice and whatever Pepper had ordered before. Collecting the mojito, she continued over to the stage and caught up with Pepper.

"Hey!" She called out, above the noise of the music. Pepper jumped, spilling her drink in the process.

"Hey Beca!" Pepper shouted. "Sorry, I was miles away!"

"No worries. So glad you could come tonight." Beca said, handing her a fresh drink.

"Thanks so much for the invite, and this..." Pepper said, nodding towards the glass in her hand. "This is a great party. I can't believe your place, it really is so beautiful."

"Thanks. I'm pretty in love with it too."

"I saw Aubrey before. Is that her boyfriend, the boy with sweet face?"

"Ben?"

"I think that was his name. He offered to saw me in half."

"Yeah, that's Ben! He does magic. Embrace it, it's okay."

"Good to know!" Pepper said as she wrinkled her nose.

"Are you here with anyone?" Beca asked, not liking the way Pepper was looking at Jesse's crotch the whole time they were talking.

"No, I am Han Solo tonight."

"Huh?"

"Han Solo? Oh, from Star Wars. He's-"

"-Got it. Jesse watches that all the time. He's quite the fan."

"Jesse?"

"Yes, my boyfriend."

"Oh... wait, he... this Jesse?" Pepper said, thumbing towards the band.

"Yep. Jesse Swanson, the lead singer of The Riff is my boyfriend."

"Oh wow! That's pretty cool. He's really talented. And he's very lucky to have scored a lovely lady like you." Pepper said genuinely.

"Thanks!"

"Have you been together long?" Pepper asked.

"'bout a year."

"A year, huh? How do you get any sleep with that fine piece of ass walking around?"

Beca blushed. "Well… umm… Let's just say we're pretty good."

Pepper's eyebrows got lost in her hairline. "Ok, well… anyway, I used to be in a band myself, when I was in High School." Pepper told her in an effort to change the subject. "We we're anything like The Riff but we did win a few local competitions."

"Shame I didn't know you back then." Beca said politely. She'd heard that story a few dozen times and usually meant that the person had no talent at all."

"Right?!" Pepper said, clapping her hands together enthusiastically. "I guess I missed that boat!"

"It's never too late."

"I sing in the car and that's good enough for me." Pepper laughed. "Hey, I'm keeping you from your other guests. If you need to go and circulate, that's okay."

"Yeah, I should. Look, I'll look for you in a bit and introduce you to my best friend."

"Oh, who's she?"

"Um, it's Luke. We've been friends since we were really young."

"Oh. Sorry. But yeah, sure. I'm gonna hang out here for a little while so you'll know where to find me."

"Cool. Catch you later. Have a good time."

"You too and thanks again for the invite." Pepper concluded, turning her back on Beca to carry on watching the band. Beca walked away, looking back at the stage and smiling at Jesse who had been watching her the whole time. He winked and blew her a kiss as he nodded towards Pepper, silently asking who she was. Beca mouthed back 'pole dancing' and Jesse's eyebrows shot to the top of his head. Beca laughed at his expression and went back to mingling in the crowd.

Half an hour passed by before she found Luke again and said she would take him over to Pepper. As they slowly walked through the mass of people, Beca estimating there was over 300 people at her party, she noticed Pepper hadn't left her position by the foot of glass walkway across the pool. She could see Pepper singing along with the song that The Riff was currently, a cover of ACDC's Shook Me All Night Long. Beca watched as Jesse noticed Pepper, swaying softly with her eyes half closed, as she kept up with the words. Without stopping in the middle of his set, Jesse dropped to his knee and beckoned Pepper over. She took the hand that was offered to her and jumped up the stage.

Jesse put his arm around her shoulders and Beca watched as Pepper clung onto Jesse's arm. She reminded Beca of a crazy teenage fan and while Beca trusted Jesse, the green eyed monster was bubbling up inside her. Typically she wasn't the jealous type but with the addition of her pregnancy hormones coursing through her system, there was something about the way that Pepper was looking at Jesse that just didn't sit right with her. She was sure Jesse knew by looking at her that she wasn't really crazy about the way Pepper getting all squiddy and draping herself all over him. She could see that Jesse was trying to shake Pepper off. Short of acting like the crazy pregnant girlfriend and running up to the stage to pull Pepper's hair, there was really nothing she could do about it until after the party. She rubbed her belly in an effort to comfort and calm herself and to remember what Jesse had said to their unborn child that afternoon when he thought she was asleep. There was no way that Jesse wanted anything to do with Pepper.

Beca was about to walk away she spotted Flo watching Pepper's antics. Maybe she wouldn't have much to worry about after all… especially if Flo enlisted Lilly's help. The thought of what those two crazy girls could do if Beca needed to exact revenge on Pepper had her grinning like a fool in seconds.

Beca watched as Jesse pushed Pepper aside and walk to the back of the stage. He collected a spare microphone and turned it on as he handed it to Pepper. Beca was confused as to what was going on and waited for Jesse to make an announcement that the band was taking a break for a few minutes. Thinking Pepper had told Jesse she was an accomplished singer and that she'd take the stage for a moment of two while they enjoyed a break, Beca was very surprised to see Jesse signal to Nate to change songs.

Feeling uneasy about the change in set list, she stepped closer to the stage just as the first bars of Sweet Home Alabama began to sound out around her backyard. Not a song they currently practiced, Beca looked confusedly at Jesse who winked back.

"Ladies and gentleman..." Jesse said into the microphone. "... the band and I would like to thank you for your support tonight. We would also like to thank the host of the party, Miss Beca Mitchell, for allowing us to perform at her annual New Year's Eve bash. It's an honor and a privilege to be here. May I now introduce Pepper Elaeb, who will sing with us for this next song, as a treat because it's her birthday tomorrow." Jesse turned to Pepper. "Stage is yours."

Beca reached the bottom of the stairs just as Pepper opened her mouth to start singing. She winced, unprepared for what was about to happen. Beca had one foot on the step when a sweet voice rang out, causing more than one head to turn towards the stage in surprise.

"Big wheels keep on turning
Carry me home to see my kin
Singing songs about the Southland
I miss Alabamy once again
And I think it's a sin, yes"

Beca stood stock still, listening to Pepper as Jesse picked up the microphone to join her in the next verse. Beca had to admit that she was good and could hold a tune, despite not having had a warm up or sung with The Riff before. She was even more shocked when Jesse's soft lilt picked up the pace and melded his voice easily.

"Well I heard mister Young sing about her
Well, I heard ole Neil put her down
Well, I hope Neil Young will remember
A Southern man don't need him around anyhow
Sweet home Alabama
Where the skies are so blue
Sweet Home Alabama
Lord, I'm coming home to you"

The crowd began to stop what they were doing to listen as the band played song after song while Jesse and Pepper sang. A couple of people came up to Beca and commented that it was an awesome surprise for the evening and Beca graciously said it was spontaneous and all Jesse's idea. She excused herself to go and find her parents to see what they thought, knowing they would have seen Jesse in a different light after the effort he was putting in for the evening. She was just side stepped a large flowerbed full of azaleas, when Cynthia Rose signaled to her from her spot on the morning porch.

She'd been watching the band with a hint of interest all evening and while she had to admit that they were good, she still couldn't see why Beca was so desperate for her to sign them. She had mellowed after a couple of drinks and after listening to the band and that random chick that jumped on stage with them sing Shook Me All Night Long, Sweet Home Alabama and Pearl Necklace they finally had Cynthia Rose's full, undivided attention. She was convinced that the chick singing with them made all the difference. She softened the sound just enough without making the band sound too girly. She wasn't sure exactly who the woman was but she knew she had to find out. This was total perfection. Cynthia Rose continued to listen in awe as The Riff performed Shameless by Garth Brooks. They really were versatile and unique. She sat front and center as Beca watched from afar, talking with her parents, completely and utterly satisfied.

The band took a quick break and Cynthia Rose took the opportunity to make a beeline for Jesse. Waving to Beca who returned the gesture with a face that screamed 'I told you so', she purposefully strode over to the band members as they entered the kitchen in the main house. If she had had a contract in her car, she would have signed The Riff right then and there but it would have to wait until Monday. For now, she was going to have to make one hell of a pitch considering she turned The Riff down on at least three separate occasions. Cynthia Rose knew that Beca was going to make damn sure that anything she offered the band was worth its weight in gold.

"Jesse… right?"

"Yeah… how did-" Jesse started to ask but realized who she was. "Oh… you're Beca's friend from college. Cynthia Rose… right?"

"That's me. The one and only." She said with a wink.

"You looking for Beca?"

"Nope… I'm looking for you."

"Cool… so, what can I do for you?"

"Well… this is actually more like what I can do for you."

"Oh. Um, ok... I'm listening."

Beca watched the interaction between Jesse and Cynthia Rose. Judging by the looks on their faces a deal was definitely being made… or at least being discussed. Jesse and Cynthia Rose spoke very animatedly and even laughed a bit. Beca was proud of Jesse and the way he was keeping his cool. He kept eye contact and his hands steady as he listened, nodding along and pointing out the other band members and clearly talking about them judging by the way he was ticking things off on his fingers. He had been working hard and deserved this. She prayed that Cynthia Rose wasn't just blowing smoke up his ass.

"Ok… I'll see you Monday." Cynthia Rose told him, offering him her hand.

"What time is best for you?" Jesse said, giving a firm handshake in response.

"Just come by after you get off work."

"Are you sure? I don't want you to have to work late on account of me."

"I'm positive. After what I saw tonight… you're well worth it."

"Thanks." Jesse said. "Look, I hate to cut this short but I have to get back on stage."

"No worries… we'll visit on Monday."

"See you then!"

The band had another thirty minutes to play before Midnight and even though Jesse was pretty sure they had just landed a recording contract, they needed to make it good. They had a quick pow wow to discuss the final set and a few changes Jesse wanted to make.

"Ok guys… this is the last song of the night. Fellas, grab your lady love and get to the dance floor." Jesse announced into the microphone. "Beca… this one is for my love."

"Sometimes late at night
I lie awake and watch her sleeping
She's lost in peaceful dreams
So I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark
And the thought crosses my mind
If I never wake up in the morning
Would she ever doubt the way I feel
About her in my heart

If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she's my only one
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face the world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes

'Cause I've lost loved ones in my life
Who never knew how much I loved them
Now I live with the regret
That my true feelings for them never were revealed
So I made a promise to myself
To say each day how much she means to me
And avoid that circumstance
Where there's no second chance to tell her how I feel

So tell that someone that you love
Just what you're thinking of
If tomorrow never comes"

When the song was over, Jesse put his guitar down and made his way towards Beca. He wanted to be with her at the stroke of Midnight. When he got to her, he wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck. "Hey baby… ready to ring in the New Year?"

"I am." She said turning and slipping her arms around his neck. "I love you." Beca whispered as she kissed Jesse and laid her head on his chest.

Jesse wrapped his arms a little tighter around her waist. "I love you." He said before kissing the top of her head.

"... 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Everyone cheered.

All eyes were on Beca and Jesse as they stood off to the side of the crowd, ringing in the new year in their own private little bubble. Sweat had started to bead on Jesse's forehead and he was starting to looking very nervous. Beca looked at him and wondered what was wrong as he gulped and looked like he was about to throw up. Before she could ask if he was ok, he was down on one knee and reaching for her hand. Their guests suddenly got quiet and still as a few elbows were nudged in a few sides for attention. They began to back up a bit to give them some room.

"Will… you didn't say this was happening tonight." Anne said through clenched teeth as she watched Jesse reach into his pocket.

"Told you that he asked for my blessing," Will said, fearing the wrath of his wife, "he didn't tell me when he planned to ask."

"I still can't believe that you gave him your blessing." Anne hissed.

"It was going to happen regardless." Will told her as he kissed her cheek. "Give him a chance, he has changed."

"What the hell is going on here?" Anne's sister Gail asked her as she handed her a fresh glass of wine. "What I miss?"

"Apparently boy wonder over there is asking my pregnant daughter to marry him." Anne announced to Gail.

"Will have you gone and completely lost your mind?" Gail asked Will as she jumped to Anne's defense.

"Oh, you missed the best part… he gave his blessing!" Anne snapped.

"Gail, he's changed. I won't say he's a saint but he is doing much better." Will piped in.

"Doesn't Beca know that she can't stick a bouquet of flowers in an asshole and call it a vase?"

"Apparently not." Anne said crossing her arms over her chest in disgust. She spoke loud enough for a couple of people nearby to hear. Will pulled her to him and hugged her, whispering that everything was going to be ok into her ear.

All eyes were on Jesse as he pulled the bag out of his pocket. Luke stood watching, his hands firmly jammed into his pockets as he willed this not to be happening. Amy was clutching onto Bumper's arm so tightly that he could feel the circulation being cut off and Aubrey stood, open mouthed, looking at her cousin with glee. Jesse tipped the contents of the bag out into his palm and looked directly at Beca, seeing no one else but her.

"Beca… I know we've had a couple of rough patches and we've encountered some pretty rocky roads but I promise to do better, I promise to be better, I promise to make this next year and every year after that better than the one before it. This is all I can offer you but it's with dedication and determination." Opening his palm, Jesse held out a black velvet ring box. As he opened it, he asked Beca a very important question, "Will you marry me?"