A/N: This chapter is not based on an Adele song, but it works as a bridge between the previous chapter and the next one. It provides context that will be useful in upcoming chapters :)
One month later…
July 2015
"I thought you said you wouldn't be making a lot of money at the beginning." Chloe said as she meticulously inspected Beca's new apartment.
"That's right." Beca answered from the kitchen, from where she was preparing some sandwiches.
"In that case, how are you managing to afford a two-bedroom apartment in Murray Hill? Did you win the lottery?"
"Well, something like that. The thing is I'm not going to pay for living here."
"Did you buy it?"
"Don't be silly. With what money? My dad gave me this apartment as a graduation gift."
"What?!" Chloe exclaimed.
"You heard that right."
"Your dad owned an apartment in New York City and you never told me?"
"Okay, first of all, don't look at me like that. You know how much your freakishly blue eyes scare me. Second, I had never heard of this place before. It was my grandfather's and he left it to my dad after he died."
"And now he gave it to you." Beca nodded. "Mine only gave me a hug and a kiss in the forehead!"
"Isn't he going to pay for your acting school?"
"Yeah, but I think I prefer this!" Chloe shook her head. "So you own this place now?"
"I do."
"Wow. I guess a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders."
"Oh, definitely."
"Are you going to live here by yourself?"
"I'm actually thinking of getting a roommate or two. I could use the extra money."
"I don't think you'll have a problem with that, it's not difficult to find a roommate in New York."
"Hey, why don't you move in here? You'd save a lot of money and Lincoln Center is not that far away from here."
"Thanks, but I prefer living on campus. I'm afraid it's the only way I get to class on time."
"Well, if you ever change your mind, mine is an open invitation."
"I know. What if you ask me again in four years? I'll need a place to live after I become an unemployed graduate."
"I'm certain you won't be an unemployed graduate."
Chloe smiled and peeked out the living room's window. "You don't have the nicest view, but this place is very well located. You have a subway station three blocks away and a bus stop around the corner. It doesn't get any better than that."
"Ah, but it does." Beca smiled. "Residual Heat is less than a mile away from here, which means I can walk to work every day."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously. It's a fifteen-minute walk."
"Well, it's definitely a promising start. I think you'll live a very satisfying life here."
"I sure hope so."
"I'm certain you will."