A/N: I apologise for not being able to reply to your reviews. I've read all of them and they are giving me life. This chapter is a treat for all of you and I can't wait to hear what you think. I'm not sure if you've noticed but my updates are a bit sporadic for this one. I know it can be annoying as a reader. It's cause I've posted it too soon! I got too excited and posted it without finishing the story so here I am writing as we go and it's been so much fun to write. Anyway, happy reading my lovelies, my dudes, my honeys wherever you are.

Chapter 6

Beca was known in the music industry but she was no pop star and the last time she was followed around by paparazzi like this was when she won the Grammys. That didn't last long since they couldn't find anything interesting about her. They all knew about Nate and for some reason, her story with Jesse just wasn't a best seller.

On the other hand, having Jesse and Nate made it easier to evade questions not related to her music. There were speculations from time to time about her personal life especially when Jesse moved out but they were never accurate that she would find them mostly entertaining. When she goes out in public she would always be either with Nate, alone or with friends. She rarely went out to drink but when she did, there would always be a few photos of her caught out in the club but nothing too explicit or embarrassing.

When Everglow was released, she did not expect the paparazzi to be on her tail again and she thought that was as bad as it was going to get. Nothing could have prepared her for this.

She would normally drive herself to work but Stacie beat her to it and had Fred pick her up from her apartment building. She saw a group of photographers in the corner of the street where she lives and more photographers and fans alike swarmed outside their studio building. She took the time to greet the fans and take pictures and apologized when she had to go.

After making sure Nate was okay, Jesse offered to drop him off at school. They've also decided that it would be best for Nate to stay with Jesse for the meantime.

"How much did I fuck up this time?" Beca asked Stacie when they were alone in Stacie's office.

"Well it's some fuck up. I expected that this was going to cause waves but I didn't expect this much to be honest. The good news is that they're not really talking about Nate and it's actually turning out to be a good fuck up."

"Okay. That's good." Beca says nodding. "I mean with Nate and all, that is good. And the bad news?"

"They're really interested in Chloe. They want to know who she is, what's your story and you know how this works, they won't stop and they will figure it out. Pictures of you two are somewhere out there and they will get their hands on them eventually."

"Why? Why are they so interested in her? What does she have to do with this?" Deep down Beca knew.

"Beats me Bec." Stacie was being sarcastic. "But when there's news like this about someone as closed off as you, everyone's going to be fighting to be the first to publish that exclusive."

"No one's even gonna buy it."

Stacie rolled her eyes. "Really? By the looks of it, people are totally buying into this. Think about it. You released a song out of nowhere, people are already curious, you keep mumm about it and then all of a sudden a conversation is leaked and apparently there's a Chloe tied into this whole thing. Everyone is dying for a good love story. And this is admittedly, a love story in the making."

"Fuck I can't believe this is happening. So what do I do?"

"Like I said, with your surprise release not too long ago and then this, they're starting to connect the dots. Though some people are claiming it's all a publicity stunt."

"Great. Then let's say that. I can do that. I can come out and say this is exactly that and it could be the end of it. Yes?"

"No. Our credibility is on the line here and to be honest, they're not going to believe you."

"So what are my options Stace? What do you want me to say? The truth? You want me to lay it all out there for them? No way."

"Look I don't think we can do or say anything that will stop them from going after Chloe. Actually, why don't we try to be honest?"

"What do you mean?"

"Make a statement or go live or something. Get ahead of the story. Open up and take control of the narrative. Say something like yes there is a Chloe and the song is about her and ask for some privacy or something."

Beca had to roll her eyes on that last point. "What if I don't say anything?"

"I think not saying anything will only make everyone more curious. I mean you could just ignore it and not say anything but remember either way, they will find out about Chloe and write about her. Don't you want to have a say?"

"Can they do that?"

"To an extent they can."

"Okay. Wait." Beca's mind is in a whirl. She takes a deep breath and let out a long breath. "I'm sorry for this, for not being careful and for being reckless but can it wait? I need to think about how I'm going to approach this."

"Don't take too long. We need to get ahead of this and take control of the situation."

"Didn't you say it's turning out to be a good fuck up?"

"Your song is doing really well, there have been an increase in our streams and if you wanted to get everyone's attention, you got it."

"I didn't want everyone's attention."

"I know Becs. Just the one, right?"

"I don't want Chloe being a part of this. I am not going to use her for any promotion of my music or the company."

"Believe me I know but that's all part of dating you. I'm pretty sure she knows that too."

"We're barely even back to how we were before and I'm scaring her away already."

Stacie just shakes her head. "I told you already. You gotta give Chloe more credit."

"Let me think about this and I will get back to you with an answer I promise. But for now just put everything on hold please?"

"Okay. Do what you have to do Becs."

"Thanks Stace."

Chloe was back in the hospital for another one of her 16-hour shifts. Her schedule this week is two 16-hour shifts including this shift and three 30-hour shifts. She was basically on call this whole week. She might as well just pack her bags and stay in the hospital all week.

Her schedule was also because she took the weekend off. She still couldn't believe she took a whole weekend off for Aubrey only to find out that she was actually moving to LA for good. But she was glad she did, it felt nice to catch up with one of her best friends.

Chloe was walking towards the hospital entrance when she saw Doctor Harrison turn the corner. She has worked with Doctor Harrison for almost a year now and he was a great mentor. Since Chloe started to work with him, they have developed a great working relationship. He smiled as soon as he saw her.

"Doctor Beale. How was your weekend? I'm glad to see you taking some time off. You almost work as much as I do."

Chloe laughed at this. "I had a friend fly in to see me so I had to make time for her."

"Sounds lovely. After you." Chloe stepped into the elevator and was followed by Doctor Harrison.

"Thank you."

He was telling Chloe how he had some of his grandkids staying with him this week. Chloe was amazed at how he was able to manage his busy schedule and have a healthy work-life balance.

"Busy week for you then. Don't worry I'm here all week and I'll be happy to cover for you whenever you need." Chloe says as they arrived at Chloe's floor and Doctor Harrison held the doors for her. His office was in the floor above.

"I'll keep that in mind." Doctor Harrison then clears his throat, which makes Chloe look back at him. "By the way, you're a great doctor and you're doing amazing work here. I don't care what goes on in your personal life as long as it doesn't stop you from doing your job well."

Chloe was confused. She had no idea where all that was coming from but they're very kind words to hear nonetheless.

"Thanks Doctor. It's because I'm learning from the best. You know, I really appreciate it especially coming from you."

"Alright, take it easy, I'll see you later."

Chloe just nods and watched the doors close. "That was very sweet but what was that about?" Chloe thinks to herself. She starts to walk to her office. She's prepping herself for this morning's work but there's something about the way everyone is looking at her today. It wasn't bad but it was like they all want to tell her something.

Even Scott, her ever reliable secretary and assistant had the same look on his face and she's had enough.

"In my office." She tells him as she walks passed him. "Now." and Scott is quick to his feet.

She drops her things and turns to face him. "What's going on? Am I missing something?" She asked with her arms crossed.

Scott shifted his weight uncomfortably. Chloe noticed it as soon as he does it. "What is it?" Chloe asked again; growing a little impatient.

"You haven't heard?"

"Do I look like I have?" Chloe snapped. "I'm sorry I don't mean to take it out on you."

Scott sighed and took out his phone. "Here Doctor, have a listen to this." Scott was tapping away on his phone and then put the volume up.

Chloe's ears perked up as soon as she heard it. She recognised Beca's voice right away. She winced when she heard her name then she heard a second voice. "Aubrey?" She says to herself but continued to listen to the audio.

When it was over, Scott did not dare speak and waited for Chloe. Chloe was blushing a little. She was deep in thought and she had so many questions. It's only when Scott continues to shift his weight that she remembers he is right there in front of her.

"Where did you get that?"

"It was all over TMZ this morning. They say it's Beca Mitchell."

Chloe raises her eyebrows at him. "No shit Sherlock."

"So I don't want to pry. You are my boss and I am saying this exactly because well you are my boss… they're looking for you."

"Who is?"

"I don't know. Everyone? Don't you have twitter or instagram or something, Doctor?"

"I do. But I'm sorry if I haven't had the time to be on."

"I didn't mean anything by that but I do think it's best you double check your privacy settings."

She just looks at him waiting to see if he was teasing her but he was serious. He really means it. Chloe raises a finger when she hears her phone ringing. She looks at the caller ID.

"Speaking of the devil." She mutters mostly to herself but Scott's definitely heard. Chloe swipes to answer and lifts her phone to her ear.

Scott tried to put his best poker face on. He knew something was going on between them. He was able to connect the dots not long after the flowers came and the surprise visits. And like so many of them who knew about their clandestine and not so clandestine meetings, he is rooting for them already. He couldn't explain it but they had undeniable chemistry.

"Bec I'm at work. I don't have long." Chloe started.

Beca cut her off. "I'll be quick I promise. Now I'm not sure if you've heard about what happened."

"Actually Scott was just briefing me on it just now."

"Okay so you have." Beca was hesitant. "Did you hear all of it?"

"Yep." While Chloe's answers were short and quick.

"Right okay." Beca sighed. "First of all I'm sorry. I didn't mean to drag you into this mess. I fucked up and I'm so so sorry. I know you hate it when I apologise but I really am sorry. I swear to you I'm not trying to pull some outrageous publicity stunt."

Chloe softened a little after hearing Beca apologize over and over. She does sound very worried and remorseful over the phone. To be honest, she didn't see the need for Beca to apologise to her. While Beca kept rambling, she sighed and signaled to Scott that he can leave. Scott got the message right away and Chloe smiled her thanks to him.

When he left, she sat on her chair and leaned back. She looked up the ceiling while listening to Beca.

Chloe let her ramble on and when Beca turned quiet as if trying to catch her breath, she asked. "Second of all?"

"What?"

"You said first of all earlier, so I'm assuming there's more?"

"Right hmm. Secondly. Uhm." Beca cleared her throat. "We're working on it. I can have my legal team, PR agents and publicist work with me on this one for damage control. We will fix this and we'll try to keep you out of it."

"Why what's wrong? Are you in trouble? Is there anyway I can help?"

Beca was caught off guard by Chloe's concern. "I'm fine considering and it's okay, you don't have to do anything, oh." Beca stutters. "Don't talk to anyone about this. You'll never know with the press. They have been hounding us all day now. Let me deal with them and make sure you let me know if anyone harasses you, okay?"

"Okay." Chloe nods.

She couldn't tell what Chloe was thinking. On the phone, Chloe sounded like she was fine with everything. That was confusing for Beca and she knew Chloe was just being Chloe that she wouldn't want her to worry. She both hated and loved it when Chloe's being like this.

"How are you really?"

"I'm okay. Just about to start work."

Beca wasn't convinced. "What time do you get off work? Can I see you? I'm not sure I can but-"

"I finish around ten. Is that too late for you?"

"No of course not. That's not too late for me if it's good with you too. I mean you might want to rest after work or maybe you have plans. I don't want to be a nuisance to you." Beca almost slaps herself. She knows she's talking too much.

"No it's good with me too. I'll call you when I finish."

"Okay I know you're busy so I'll see you later then. I'll wait for your call." Beca tries to sound casual.

"How's Nate?" Chloe couldn't resist asking.

Beca had to chuckle at that one. She called to make sure that Chloe was okay. It was very typical for Chloe to ask and check on Nate. "I don't know how I got so lucky with him. He's unfazed by all of this. Just like you so it seems. To be honest, you're both handling it better than I am that's for sure. What about Jamie?"

There was a light knock on her door and it was Aubrey and Jamie.

"I guess I'm about to find out. I'm sorry I have to go but I'm glad to hear that Nate is okay too."

"No no of course. So later?"

"Yup later. Bye."

Chloe quickly put her phone down and stood up to greet them. She almost kneels down to meet Jamie's hug.

"Hey you two."

"Jamie here insisted we say hi to you before I drop him off."

"Hey little guy. I missed you."

"I missed you too. Will you be able to pick me up later after school?"

"I can't Sweetie. Maybe not this week. But one of these nights I'll join you guys for dinner."

"Okay I can work with that."

His answer made Chloe chuckle. Chloe fixed his hair and stands up to greet Aubrey. Aubrey could tell right away something was up. Scott wasn't very subtle outside too.

"What did the midget do this time?"

"Aubrey calling her names will not help with anything." Chloe says while glancing at Jamie, who was smiling up at them. Chloe is sure Jamie knows who Aubrey was referring to.

"Well it makes me feel better." Aubrey shrugged.

"I like Auntie Aubrey." Jamie giggles while listening in on us.

I gave Jamie a look but sighed. "Hey. By the way, whatever you hear at school today or wherever, just ignore it alright?"

"Like what?"

"Something with me, Nate and his mom."

"What is it?"

Chloe had to think fast. She weighed the pros and cons of the consequences if she made Jamie listen to the recording. Ultimately she decided that there was nothing wrong with Jamie hearing it.

"Okay listen to this. But I promise you it's not a big deal. People are making it a big deal but it's not. So just ignore it when someone asks or tries to bring it up."

"Okay. Let me hear." Jamie says not really sure what Chloe was talking about.

Chloe took out her phone and played the audio she found online. She was watching Jamie while Jamie looked down at her phone listening intently.

"Was that you Auntie Aubrey?"

Aubrey spaced out a little. "Yes. That was last night when she came to pick up Nate."

"What about it?" Jamie looked up to Chloe still looking a little confused.

"Well. Not everyone knows our history so when other people heard this they all want to know and be in on the story." Chloe shrugged.

"And you don't want them to know?"

"Yes. I don't want them to know cause it's none of their business."

Jamie is nodding then he shrugs as well and offers to shake Chloe's hand. "Then it's our little secret."

"Our little secret." And they shook on it.

"Alright alright. I think you have to get going. I don't want you to be late for school." Chloe added.

"Let's go Jame. Okay, Chlo. I will call you as soon as I can." Aubrey says to Chloe as she reached for Jamie's hand.

"Yes please." Chloe replies.

Jamie takes Aubrey's hand and calls to Chloe. "Love you Mommy Chloe. See you soon."

"I love you too." Chloe watched them until the doors closed before returning to her seat.

She grabbed her phone and tapped away. When she unlocked her phone, it was automatically on the recording again. Her fingers had a mind of their own and pressed play. Scott was right about the recording being all over the Internet and it didn't take long for Chloe to find it.

While listening to the recording a third time, her phone started to ring and it was one of the nurses from the emergency department. Duty calls.

"Yes, Doctor Beale speaking."

Beca had her phone in her hands as she twirled it around on her desk. She was in her office and it was a usual Tuesday morning despite the circumstances. She's decided to stay away from social media and left it for Stacie to monitor. She's sure that if anything comes up, Stacie would call her so not hearing from Stacie is a good thing.

She had other problems of her own at the moment. She was waiting for a call from Aubrey. Beca tried calling her earlier but she said she was out doing errands and that she would call Beca as soon as she could.

She jumps anyway when her phone rings. She checks if it's Aubrey and it is. She lets it ring three more times before picking up.

"Beca." Aubrey's greeting was cold.

"I'm sure you've heard about what happened." Beca didn't beat around the bush either.

"Yes I have."

"I'm so sorry. I don't know how it happened but I promise you I'm fixing it."

Aubrey just hummed her response.

"These things happen and I have a team of capable people specifically to handle these kinds of things." Beca adds. Maybe she exaggerated a little but Aubrey didn't have to know that.

"So you admit that things like this will happen again. That this is the new normal Chloe would have to live with if ever you two get back together."

"I know it looks bad now but it's not really that bad. Look I just called cause I wanted to apologise and also to say that I have thought about it. More than anything I want Chloe back but I don't think I'll be needing your help."

"What do you mean?"

"As much as I appreciate your help and all. Everything that's happening now just highlights how much this has to be between Chloe and me. It made me realise that whether or not she'll have me back or even entertain the thought, it should be between just the two of us. And frankly there's no one I'd rather figure this out with."

"I must say you continue to surprise me. But don't get me wrong I'm watching you. You're not off the hook just yet."

"I don't expect anything less from you."

There was silence. Beca was waiting for Aubrey to get it off her chest and have a go at her but nothing. "Don't you have anything more to say?" Beca asks with caution.

"Nope. I think the whole situation speaks for itself, don't you think?"

Aubrey has a point. "Yeah I guess it does. So I'll see you around then?"

"See you around." Aubrey echoed.

When Aubrey ended the call. She would never admit that that conversation actually brought a smile to her face. She still didn't fully trust Beca just yet but she was satisfied with how she was handling everything. She just got back from dropping Jamie off. She pulled out the key and grabbed her phone on the dash. Before stepping out of the car, Aubrey opens the voice memo app on her phone and clicks on a specific recording from last night saved on her phone. She quickly pressed delete and got out the car. She clears her throat as she straightens her clothes and walks into their house to have late breakfast with Chicago.

It was a slow night at the hospital and Chloe is just glad that she finished on time. She couldn't help it but she was looking forward to seeing Beca. They have not seen each other since that night and it only left Chloe with more questions. Chloe called her as soon as she could and they agreed to meet at the car park. She let Beca know that she drove her silver Toyota rav4 and that she was on her way out to her car now.

Chloe didn't know that Beca was at the car park already. She had asked Fred to drive her and she had eyes on the hospital entrance waiting for Chloe to walk out.

It was raining hard and it was only when Chloe walked out the hospital that she noticed it was raining. She didn't have her umbrella with her so she used her white coat as cover.

Beca was watching Chloe run to her car up until she got in it. Then she thought she should just make a run for it herself. She was about seven cars away from Chloe's car and with the rain and all, it was going to be hard for anyone to see her or even take a photo of her.

"Thanks Fred. I think I'm good here. I'll just send you a text or call if I need you. Coordinate with Jesse about Nate too please. You know the drill."

"Don't worry Miss Mitchell. I'm all over it. Have a good night."

"Thanks. You too. I'll see you tomorrow."

She double-checked that she had her phone and wallet in the front pocket of her hoodie. She also grabbed the paper bag. She had her eye on Chloe's car and when she was sure she had everything, she went for it. She could feel her phone ringing and she knew it was most likely Chloe calling her.

Beca went straight to the passenger's side of Chloe's car and threw herself in. She jumped when Chloe screamed and ended up screaming with Chloe.

"Oh my god you're gonna give me a freakin' heart attack! Where did you come from?!"

"What? You scared me!" It was true. Beca's trying to control her giggling, as she gets comfortable in the passenger seat and fastens her seatbelt. Then she waits for Chloe recover from the scare and then they ended up laughing together.

"You should really lock your doors." Beca adds. "Oh and I brought dinner."

"Thanks. But wait." Chloe then turns to Beca and puts her hand on Beca's shoulder. "I can't take you seriously looking like that." She then pulls back the hoodie over her head, removes her cap and her sunnies. She shakes her head. "Seriously, what is this get up? And sunnies at this time? Can you even see?" She says as she throws the sunnies over to the back seat.

"It's my disguise! I've been running around like a maniac all day hiding from the paparazzi."

"Oh stop being so dramatic." She starts the car and adds. "And this is not exactly low key." Chloe says gesturing her free hand up and down at Beca.

"Fine. Maybe the sunnies were an overkill."

Chloe just shakes her head and starts the car.

"I hope you don't mind going to my place?" Chloe asked Beca as she reverses out of her spot.

"Not at all. There are paps camped outside my building at the moment so."

"How did you get away from them then?"

"Through masterful deception starting with my excellent disguise." Beca waved her hand slowly in front of her for effects.

This made Chloe laugh. "Oh boy. I guess secret's out."

They sat in silence again. Chloe didn't live more than fifteen minutes from the hospital but it seemed like a long ride for Beca.

"Thanks for meeting me. You're probably tired from your shift."

"This week's a bit full on but I'm used to it. I'm practically on call everyday of this week. If I didn't live close by I would probably be staying in the hospital."

"You do that?"

"Yeah. What, you're telling me you've never slept in your office building before."

Beca chuckled at that one cause if only Chloe knew. "Fair point." Beca concedes.

"And then if I have the time I spend it with Jamie and Chicago."

Beca nods. "You really are Jamie's mommy."

That made Chloe smile and Beca was pleased with herself. She thought it would be an accomplishment that they arrive at their destination without getting into any arguments.

"How was your day?" Chloe asks Beca as if they do this everyday.

Beca felt her cheeks getting warmer. She's starting to regret wearing the hoodie now. She's trying to think of how to get out of it without looking too weird in front of Chloe. She soon realises she'll have to remove her seatbelt to be able to take it off.

She was so distracted about feeling hot that she didn't even see Chloe move her hand that now rests on her thigh and Beca looks down at it. "Everything okay?" Chloe asked.

Beca looked to Chloe, who didn't take her eyes away from the road. Beca nodded anyway as if Chloe could see. "Yeah." Chloe gave it a light squeeze before placing her hand back to the steering wheel.

"So your day was…"

Beca doesn't understand why she's getting all flustered. "Right, sorry. Yeah, it was okay. I mean it was eventful to say the least but nothing too problematic."

"Really? You sounded different on the phone earlier."

"Yeah well, I've already done a lot of thinking since."

"All good things I hope?" Chloe looks to her for a second with a smile before focusing back on the road.

Beca gave Chloe an incredulous look. There was something different about Chloe compared to all the other times they were together. If she didn't know any better it would appear that Chloe was playful to the point of even flirting with her but that can't be right. They were both quiet for the rest of the ride until Chloe pulled into a driveway and stopped in front of a garage door.

Chloe reached over to Beca's side to open the glove compartment. Beca wasn't sure if she's imagining things or did Chloe intentionally brush her fingers over her knees.

Chloe rummaged through and then pulled out the garage door opener, which she later dangled in front of Beca. Chloe clicked it open and returned the opener to the compartment.

"Come on."

Beca followed Chloe inside the two-storey house and Chloe opened the door for her.

"Thanks. Where should I put this?" Beca raised the paper bag.

"We can eat there at the lounge." Chloe points to where it was. "But first, quick tour. There are two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. Both rooms are taken." Beca looks to Chloe with her brows raised. "I live alone. Jamie's called dibs on the other room." Chloe answers her silent question.

"Of course he did." Beca smiles back at her.

Beca follows Chloe and watched her drop her things on the kitchen counter. Beca looked around the open space as Chloe continued. "So kitchen, dining area and lounge room. Welcome to my home."

"This is really cozy."

"I know." Chloe then asks Beca when she saw the look on her face. "What?"

"Nothing. I just wasn't expecting this."

Chloe nods. "Yeah I requested it. Were you expecting somewhere high rise?"

"I was but I get why you would choose this."

"Alright." Chloe clapped her hands together. "So please take a seat. Make yourself comfortable while I go for a quick shower." Chloe points to the stairs. "There's also a bathroom over there." She then points to the door across the stairs. "Feel free to use it. Please help yourself with anything in the fridge. I honestly don't remember what's in it. There should be cold beer ready and wine somewhere. And I'll be back before you know it."

"Thanks Chlo. Don't worry about me. Go take your shower."

"Oh before I forget. Wait."

Chloe rushed up the stairs to grab a few things. Beca dropped the paper bag in the coffee table and becomes a little fidgety. Her curiosity is making her restless. Chloe went back down with her hair up in a bun and handed Beca boxer shorts, a white top and a towel.

"What's this? Is this your subtle way of asking me to stay over?" Beca was surprised with what she said but Chloe wasn't bothered.

"I just figured you'd want to be comfortable. What time did you want me to drive you home so I can time my drinks?"

"Don't be ridiculous. You don't have to drive me home. Wait. Do you even know where I live?"

"Yeah, I dropped off Nate once remember?"

Beca thought about it. "Oh right."

"So what time?"

Beca is cursing herself cause she was being such a teenager right now with how nervous she was to ask this. "Actually, I was wondering if I could stay the night. I just want some peace and quiet you know. I can stay here in the couch. You won't even know I'm here. But if, you know, if that's too much, you don't have to drive me. I'll have Fred pick me up."

Chloe is laughing at her. "Don't be silly. Of course you're sleeping here. You didn't need to ask and I'm not kicking you out at this time either." Chloe answered right back and Beca is cursing herself again cause she can feel a blush creeping in.

"Alright. Stop. Who are you and what did you do to the real Chloe?"

Chloe winked and shakes her head as she jogged back up stairs. "I'll see you in a bit." Chloe called out to her. Beca could still hear Chloe laughing.

"What the fuck." Beca literally had to shake it off. She balanced in one hand the clothes Chloe lent her and emptied her pockets and placed her things on the table as she went for a quick shower herself.

Chloe wasn't sure what was happening to her or what she was doing. It's like she was on autopilot. She doesn't know what to feel about this night. She's been anxious about it all day. How do you say goodbye? All she knows is that she wants them to part ways amicably cause whether she likes it or not, she will be seeing Beca around.

Beca finished before Chloe so she decided to have a look around. There was no way she could sit still. As she scanned the apartment, she could tell that Chloe has just moved in. There wasn't much of Chloe yet. It's like she hasn't had the time to unpack.

She goes through the cupboard and found the wine glasses and decides to go for some wine. She put the wine glasses on the coffee table and went looking for where Chloe kept her wine bottles. Her face gets warm when she starts to imagine if this was what it was like coming home to Chloe and living with her.

She was reaching for the wine at the bottom drawer when she heard Chloe.

"Bec?" She called out. "Beca?"

"Here." Beca answered just as she was reaching for the bottle of wine.

She was on the floor and she could see Chloe standing next to her. Then she smelled that same old lotion or body wash Chloe always had and it was overwhelming all her senses. She always loved this smell. She had to stop herself from resting her nose on Chloe's leg. This whole thing felt so familiar to Beca and she was starting to feel hot again.

Chloe was smiling down at her and offered her hand. Beca looked up at her with her mouth slightly opened and then handed Chloe the wine bottle. Chloe rolled her eyes when she accepted it then she tucked it in her arms and offered her hand again. Beca felt so stupid when she finally got what Chloe was trying to do. She reached for Chloe's hand and held it as Chloe helped her up.

When they were standing face to face it was Beca who turned away first and kept her hands busy by straightening her clothes and fixing her hair.

"I wasn't sure if you would like wine or if you could have some."

"I would love some wine."

"Great. Please after you." Beca let Chloe walk pass her as she follows her back to the sofa. Chloe poured the both of them a glass and handed Beca hers.

"Cheers." They both took a sip. Chloe put hers down while Beca held on to hers to keep her hands busy.

"So why did you want to see me?"

Beca gulped. Chloe was distracting her so much without even knowing it. "I wanted to see and make sure you were really okay."

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Beca was really confused now. "You have heard the recording right?"

"Yeah."

"And? How do you feel about that?"

"Before that, I wanted to say something." Chloe looked to Beca and Beca urged her to go on. "Nate is very lucky to have you as his mom. It doesn't matter whether you planned it to happen or not, I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter to him too. You love him and he knows that and I know he loves you too. So please stop punishing yourself."

Chloe could see Beca had tears in her eyes. She wipes them quickly and hands her some tissue. Beca couldn't talk cause it'll only come out as sobs.

"You know. I've been doing a lot of thinking and I mean this from the bottom of my heart." Chloe continued. "I forgive you. For everything."

Beca still unable to speak could only look at Chloe with all the questions. Chloe understood. She always did.

Chloe resisted comforting Beca. She needed to say everything she wanted to say. "I learned the hard way that you couldn't forgive while you're hurting and I was hurt but I woke up one morning and I just wasn't hurting anymore. I soon realised I've forgiven you and I'm sorry it took me this long."

Beca finally calmed down a little from her crying.

"Can I hug you?" Chloe asked.

"I don't think that's a good idea right now. I'm just going to cry again."

Chloe wasn't offended by it and reached for her glass instead.

"God I swear anything about you or Nate makes me cry. Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me." Beca's voice cracked. She was about to cry again so she paused and took deep breaths to calm down while Chloe rubbed soothing circles on her back.

Beca was so embarrassed but she was such a mess at the moment there was nothing she could do. She and Chloe exchanged smiles.

"So this is it then?" Chloe finally says.

Beca was busy dabbing tissues under her eyes. "This is what?"

"Goodbye." Chloe's voice cracked slightly.

Beca dropped her tissues and stopped whatever she was doing only to stare back at Chloe. "What? No. Are you, is this what you think this is?"

They stared into each other's eyes for a second.

"Is it not?" Chloe was genuinely lost. "Oh."

"Wait. You thought I was going to say goodbye? Like for good?"

"Why are you here then?"

"I already told you. I wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I am okay. I already told you I was. Wait so that's the only reason you wanted to see me?"

"Well it's not the only reason but I really feel bad that I put you in this situation."

"In what situation?" Chloe replied as they continued their back and forth exchange.

"This. Sooner or later they will figure out who you are and what you are to me."

"Why? And what am I to you?"

Beca opens her mouth then closes it then a smirk appears. "That's a pretty loaded question. I'm not sure you're ready to hear it."

Chloe nods. She considers it for a while. "Try me." She finally says.

"What's going on in your mind right now?" Beca asked instead.

"I don't know what to think anymore. This thing that we had, that we have, its…" Chloe shrugged and reached for her wine.

"Why are you not mad at me? I want to know what you're feeling about all of this so I'll know how to fix it."

"I'm feeling a lot of things right now but being mad at you isn't one of them."

"You always were too good for me." Beca says in almost a whisper.

"Please stop saying that. I may be but please stop saying it."

"Okay sorry. But it's true." Chloe just glares at Beca. "Fine. So you thought I was going to say goodbye for good?"

"Yeah. That's what you said in the recording." Chloe scoffed. "Heck, that's what you've been telling me for weeks."

"I also did say I still love you and that I want you back."

"That's where I'm confused. You say you still love me but in the same breath you say you're walking away again."

"Hey you're not the only one who's confused here. I feel the same way. And yes for a while there I was going to say goodbye because I thought that was what you wanted. I didn't want to hurt you anymore."

"I thought that's what I wanted too." Chloe whispers back. If Beca didn't hear it she would never believe it.

"Have you talked to Aubrey? Did she tell you how that conversation ended?"

"Not properly and I didn't really think to ask."

"Alright then." Beca's gathering her thoughts. Chloe patiently waits for her. She could tell Beca was thinking. "Maybe from the beginning will be better so I'll start there. As you know I haven't seen you in a few weeks and that made me anxious."

"Cause you've been avoiding me ever since you released the song."

"That's a whole 'nother story in itself. Anyway, when I picked up Nate who I didn't know was already picked up by Jesse, I did not expect to see Aubrey and there was just something about her protective vibe that made me go all defensive."

Chloe had to laugh at that cause she knew exactly what Beca was talking about. Aubrey can have that effect on people when she wants to.

"So I said those things in the recording and I meant them at that time."

"What changed?"

"I'm getting to it. Be patient." Beca smirked at Chloe.

Chloe rolled her eyes again. "Well get to it then."

Beca did just that. "So after I say all that to her, she asks me how much I wanted to have you back and it threw me off and then she doubted my intentions and I don't blame her for that and then she offered to help me and I couldn't believe it but I agreed anyway. We were supposed to meet today but then the leak happened. To be honest I think I was more curious as to how she could help me, she seemed pretty confident." Beca talked fast. She only stopped to take a breath. Chloe was letting Beca's words sink in.

Beca continued. "And today I called her to apologise about the leak and to say that I didn't need her help anymore cause I realised that if ever we can work this out I wanted to fix things with you on my own and I wanted to figure it out only with you."

Beca was out of breath but in her mind it was now or never. So she kept going. "I know I don't deserve your forgiveness or a second chance with you and I already hate myself for losing you once. But maybe I will hate myself less if I at least give it a shot even if it leads to nothing. But then again the guilt comes in."

"No Bec." Chloe had to stop her there. "I don't want you feeling guilty. I don't want you to feel like you don't deserve me or that I am too good for you or that I deserve better because that's what got us here in the first place."

Beca looked away because Chloe was spot on. "I will work on it."

Chloe looked down on her wine glass as she swirled the wine. "You're right. You can't keep barging in my life whenever you feel like it."

"I know." There was that guilt again.

"And if we're really doing this and really want this to work, we should stop allowing our past from haunting us." Chloe kept swirling her wine before taking another sip.

Beca was nodding her head mindlessly and was about to agree with Chloe.

"Wait. What." Beca was wide-eyed and held her breath.

"We both know what happened between us and I'm just tired—"

Beca interrupted Chloe when what Chloe was saying finally hit her.

"Wait a minute. What's happening right now?"

"What do you mean?"

"What are we doing?" Beca narrowed her eyes at Chloe as if testing her.

"We're talking and having wine."

Beca runs her hand through her hair and laughs to herself. "Oh my god. You are still such a tease. Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"All I know is I'm tired of fighting. I'm tired of making up excuses. I'm tired of getting mad and pushing you away. I want to give this one more try too if you still want that."

Beca couldn't believe she just heard those words come out of Chloe's mouth but the smile on her face disappears in an instant when she saw Chloe's sudden change in demeanour.

"Of course I still want that." Beca's finally got the courage to reach for Chloe's hand. "What is it?"

"I'm scared Bec. And I hate the fact that I'm scared."

Beca just meets Chloe's gaze again and shakes her head 'no'. "It's okay to be scared."

"I don't care about your status now or that Nate will always be the priority or that maybe people will take our photos and gossip. That's not what I'm scared of."

"Are you scared that I'll leave again?" Beca says in almost a whisper.

"Yes and I don't like it because sometimes we fear something so much that we can't help but become the things we fear the most."

"I don't think I follow."

"That night you left, you were scared that I was going to leave you right? So you beat me to it. You left me instead."

"That wasn't the reason why I left. I mean I admit I always thought you were too good for me so I guess I was scared everyday that you'd wake up and realise you don't want to be with me. Looking back it always had been in the back of my mind and I'm not proud of that. It has nothing to do with you."

"I guess we both have a few things to work on to make this work."

"I agree we have to settle our past and not let it haunt us anymore. I want us to figure it out together. It's not your fault. Those were my own insecurities. I understand if you feel that way. Like I said if I have to prove to you everyday that I am here to stay…"

"You say that now and I must say it's not very reassuring."

"What can I do?"

"That's the thing. I don't know if there is anything you can do."

"Okay. That's okay. We don't have to figure it all out at once today. I like this; us talking and being open to one another. I'm really excited to get know this Chloe." Beca gave Chloe's hand a squeeze.

"Same here." Chloe looks at Beca and they locked eyes.

They don't know who looks at the other person's lips first and Beca moves her tongue across her lips. She leans in slowly and Chloe isn't moving away.

Beca holds Chloe's chin up. "I'm going to kiss you now, okay?"

Chloe nods and closed her eyes. She waited for Beca's lips to meet hers. Beca first kisses Chloe on the nose and Chloe scrunched her nose when she felt it and couldn't stop the smile forming on her face.

Beca smiled when she saw the smile on Chloe and kissed her on the lips. It was soft at first. She moved her hand on Chloe's chin to her neck and pulled her closer to her.

Chloe wrapped her hands around Beca's neck. Their kiss was slow at first, almost tentative as they re-familiarize themselves with the other again. When Chloe gave Beca an opening, Beca took her chance and deepened the kiss slowly pushing into Chloe.

Beca ended up being positioned on top of Chloe. As their kiss got deeper, Chloe started pulling on Beca's shirt.

Beca was lost in the moment but froze when she realised what Chloe was doing. "Wait stop." She pulled away quickly.

"What's wrong?" Chloe was worried she was going too fast.

"No no nothing's wrong. It's not you. It's just that. It's been a while Chlo."

"Oh. Are you being shy right now? Really?"

"No I mean you and me. The last time we did it was years ago. We've grown older since. Our bodies change."

Chloe took offense to this but Beca ignored her and continued. "I look different. I mean fuck look at me."

Chloe rolled her eyes and pulled Beca to her again. She starts kissing Beca to shut her up. "That's nonsense. You still look the same to me." Chloe says in between kisses. "I still find you attractive." She continues kissing Beca. "And hot." She pecks her lips again. "And beautiful."

Beca was getting lost in Chloe's kisses. Oh how much she's missed this. Chloe grabbed the hem of Beca's shirt again and she felt her stiffened up once again. Chloe soon picked up on what she was being shy about.

"Bec I'm always going to think you're beautiful and nothing's going to change that." Chloe kissed Beca one more time before pulling away herself. "I don't want to force you into doing anything you're not comfortable with. We'll wait 'til you're ready."

Beca was still on top of Chloe and she took everything in. She's tucked a strand of hair behind her ears and kissed Chloe again; slower this time. She couldn't believe she was able to do this again.

"Thank you."

Chloe let out a yawn before she could stop herself. "Sorry that was rude of me."

"Come on let's get you to bed." Beca kissed Chloe one last time before standing up. She offered her hand to Chloe. "Come on. I'll tuck you in."

Chloe grabbed her hand and led her to her bedroom. She opened the door to her room and let go of her hand.

Beca just stood there by the door. Chloe lifted her duvet and settled on the bed. She looked to Beca and patted the spot next to her.

"I'm not going to bite. I don't want to be tucked in. I want cuddles."

Beca just smiled and settled under the duvet on the bed next to Chloe. She opened her arms for her. "Come here."

Chloe quickly sank onto Beca's side. Beca wrapped her arms around Chloe and held her tight. Chloe loved it. She admits she's missed this and they stayed tangled like that.

"If tomorrow I wake up and this was all a dream. I'll still be happy it happened." Beca says as if talking to herself and tightened her hold of Chloe.

"So I was thinking…" Chloe says in the dark.

"Hm?" was Beca's sleepy response.

"If we're really going to do this I think it's best if we keep this between us first."

"What do you mean? Like keep it a secret?"

"Yeah. Just for now."

"So you want us to pretend we're not together?"

"Yeah."

"For how long?"

Chloe shrugged. "I don't know."

"But we are together, right?"

Chloe laughs. "Yes we are. Do I have to spell it out for you?"

Beca was quiet. Chloe looked up at her in the dark when she heard a quiet sniffle. "Are you crying? Oh Bec."

"No no. They're happy tears I promise. I just can't believe I'm here with you like this. I can't believe this is actually happening. I can't believe we're talking about this."

Chloe reached for Beca's face and wiped her tears. She then kissed her somewhere under her ear and snuggled back into her.

"Me too."

"Why do we have to pretend again?"

"Because I want us to figure this out but I don't want anyone else's opinion on it, just us two, like you said."

"Okay." Beca hugs Chloe tighter and lowers her head on her hair giving her a soft kiss on the head. "Can we tell the boys?"

"Of course. Let's tell them together." Chloe yawned again.

"So how exactly does this pretending not to date work?"

"Shh Bec. No more talking." Chloe reached for Beca's mouth and covered it with her hand.

Beca grabbed it with her own hand and kissed it and laced their fingers. "Good night Chlo." She said with a contented sigh.

Somewhere back downstairs, Beca's phone had been ringing out. Stacie had been trying to reach Beca for the past hour or so. She's left her dozens of messages and voicemails. Soon Beca's phone runs out of battery and it leaves Stacie both worried and fuming; more the latter.

Chloe woke up to her alarm and she instantly reached to the other side of the bed. Her heart dropped when it was cold and empty.

"Okay. Don't overthink this. She's not running."

She checked the time on her bedside table. It was time for her to get up and get ready for work.

Her worries were gone as soon as she opened her door. She could smell coffee coming from downstairs. She had to look at herself twice. She was happy and giddy. She had to stop and mentally scold herself to get it together.

She walked downstairs and tried to act cool about the whole thing.

"Good morning. You're up early?"

"Hey. There you are. Nothing I was looking for my phone." Beca couldn't help but stare.

"Everything okay? What?"

"Nothing. You look nice. Work?"

"Yeah. Thank you."

"Which reminds me." Beca turns around and shows Chloe her neck. "I thought you wanted to keep this a secret?" Beca shows Chloe a hickey just below her jawline.

"Oh. Believe it or not that's unintentional." Chloe bit her lip.

Beca was smiling as she shakes her head. "Coffee?"

"No thank you. I have to leave for work soon. Sorry again."

"Don't be. It's no worries."

"Did you need me to drop you off anywhere?"

"I don't think that helps in our pretending to not be together."

"Why? Do I have to be your girlfriend to give you a lift? Just cause I'm dropping you off to work, it doesn't mean we're dating."

"But we are right?" Beca said wiggling her eyebrows. "But it's a fair point. But it's okay, Fred's on his way here to pick me up. What time do you finish?"

"2pm tomorrow. Stay for as long as you want. Just lock up on your way out."

"Am I being too clingy if I want to know your schedule for the week?"

"No not at all. I'll send you a link later to share my calendar with you."

"I'd like that very much." Beca took a sip of her coffee. "Alright drive safe."

"Oh uhm. Here. Just in case." And Chloe hands her a spare key. "You know just in case you lock yourself out or if you forget anything."

"Wow you move fast."

Chloe rolled her eyes. "Seriously, don't lose it."

"Never." Beca takes another sip of her coffee.

"On second thought, I'll have some of that coffee." Beca offered Chloe her coffee but Chloe grabbed her by her shirt instead and pulled her in for a kiss. Chloe could taste the coffee in Beca's mouth. Beca thought they were going to be awkward after last night. She was wrong. She actually felt hot from that kiss and the way Chloe licked her lips when she pulled away, Beca could only shake her head.

"See ya Bec." Chloe winked and turned around to leave through the garage door.

Beca couldn't say anything in response and just mumbled something back. When Chloe closed the door to her garage, Beca couldn't stop smiling. She ran to her phone that was charging in a corner. She knows Stacie had been looking for her but she's been avoiding her all morning. She just wanted to be happy and just savour this moment before she returned to the chaos she's dealing with.

She sent her a text message to let her know that she's on her way to the office. Stacie did not reply. She could only imagine how mad Stacie was at her when she sees her.

That's the thing, Beca smiles to herself, she doesn't care. She had the same hoodie on and her hat. Her sunnies must still be somewhere in Chloe's car. Fred was parked outside Chloe's house.

"Morning madam. Where should we go?"

"To the office please Fred."

Beca was looking out the window and was bobbing her head to whatever was on the radio. She was sure she had a goofy smile on her face too. She looked up the rearview mirror only to see Fred looking at her probably weirded out by her too. She cleared her throat and bit the insides of her cheeks to make her stop smiling.

There were more paparazzi and fans outside their building but unlike before Beca didn't go down to meet with them. She had Stacie's wrath to deal with. Beca went straight to her office avoiding the curious looks from Katie. Katie must've reported to Stacie that I was here cause it didn't take long for Stacie to come into my office.

"Where the hell have you been?"

"Nowhere and everywhere."

"Did you go out and have a one night stand or something? Those were your clothes from yesterday. Another scandal is not the solution."

"Speaking of that. I've decided to not do anything. Let them think what they want and write what they want. I don't care." Beca says dismissively and obviously disinterested.

"Really? Well talk to me again after you've read this."

"What's this?"

Stacie hands Beca the latest Star Magazine issue. "You're their top story."

"What?"

"There's an article in there. An exclusive actually about you and Chloe. They've found her."

"How?" Beca grabbed the print out. There was a picture of Chloe in her white coat. "Oh shit." Beca scans the article quickly.

"Luckily they haven't found a photo of just the two of you together either from years ago when you were actually dating or any of the more recent ones. But there are group photos there from when we were in New York."

Beca was busy going through the article. She was trying to see if there was anything bad about Chloe. So far they're all speculations. She read how they actually reported that they met in New York and that Chloe's an 'old flame'. Beca had to roll her eyes on that one.

"That's not the worst bit. Look at the by-line." Stacie continued.

Beca looks at Stacie for a bit then up the page again. Star Magazine. Then she saw it. "Charlotte fuckin' Davis. Unbelievable. I can't believe she's actually using me for clout. What a bitch."

"The rumours I've heard is that she's running for Editor-in-Chief."

"Isn't she editor already? God she's so annoying. What is she up to."

"I can book a meeting if you want. Her team's actually reached out."

"Reach out but make sure you tell them no I don't want a formal interview. But tell her I'd like to meet her off the record. Just the two of us."

"Are you sure?"

Beca only nodded her response.

"I'll see what I can do then."

Beca couldn't believe the nerve of Charlotte. She resisted from calling Charlotte directly. There was no point. This is exactly the reaction Charlotte wanted from her. She threw the magazine on her desk and walked around her office and did some breathing to calm down and think.

Chloe was currently not in her office. It's been a good five minutes of Scott trying to tell off an unauthorized person forcing her way into Chloe's office. Chloe was returning from her rounds when she heard Scott.

"You can't be in here I'm sorry ma'am. I'm going to have to ask you to wait for Doctor Beale in the waiting area."

"Believe me, I know Doctor Beale. I'm an old acquaintance. A friend even. A friend of her friend."

"I'm sorry ma'am. You will still have to wait else where."

Chloe clears her throat that made Scott turn to her. Scott was about to stand up to explain what was happening but Chloe stops him.

"Thanks Scott. It's okay. I'll take it from here."

Scott was a bit reluctant but nodded anyway. Chloe lead the way to her office. Charlotte didn't even wait for the door to close.

"This is some glow up Chloe. Or should I say Doctor Beale."

"I don't mind either; whichever is okay." Chloe says politely.

Charlotte takes a seat in front of Chloe's desk.

"It's been a long time. Have you seen my article? I hope you know it's nothing personal."

"No I haven't. As you can see, I don't have the time to read the gossip column."

Charlotte ignored this jab. "I should've known it was about you."

"What are you doing here Charlotte? What do you want?"

"Hmm I don't remember you being this feisty."

Chloe was not having any of it and didn't even respond. She knew Charlotte well enough by now. To be fair, she did give her the benefit of the doubt but she just doesn't trust her anymore. She's always been self-serving and, not that she was jealous, but she knows Charlotte still had feelings for Beca. And Beca's always been anxious around her.

"Fine. I wanted to invite you to sit down with me for an interview. You know usual questions to hear your side of the story."

"I don't think-"

"Now before you say no, hear me out. I know you don't trust me so if you want I can even give you a copy of the questions so you can prepare your answers ahead of the interview."

"I'm going to be frank with you Charlotte, but I'm really not interested and I don't think there's any way you can change my mind. I don't want to waste any more of both our times."

"At least think about it. I'm not sure about Beca to be honest but her team seems to be inclined to reach out and comment at least."

"So you haven't talked to Beca? Why go to me first?"

"Honestly cause if you say yes, I'm a hundred percent sure that Beca will sit in that interview with you as well and that is the exclusive."

"I don't know about Beca and I can't speak for her but it's a no from me. I'm pretty sure if Beca says yes that in itself is still an exclusive."

"It is. But here's the thing. Her team's never reached out to us before. So you know I was hoping you would say yes then it's like hitting two birds with one stone. But I guess I miscalculated you. I wonder what else I miscalculated. Beca was always the weakest link between the two of you. You were always so unpredictable; almost disarming. I can see what Beca sees in you; why even after all these years she's crazy about you."

"I'm not sure whether you're complimenting me or insulting me but thanks I guess? I'm sorry I'm not making your job easier for you. Just so you know, I'm not saying no cause it's you. Like you said it's nothing personal. I don't care what you write about me or what picture of me you end up posting as long as it doesn't affect my work and my family."

Charlotte raised her eyebrows at that but didn't enquire further. "Fair enough. I will have to go now. That's all I came here for. Thank you for your time." She then took out a copy of the magazine from her bag and placed it on Chloe's desk. "This is for you. Consider it a gift."

Chloe walks Charlotte out. "Next time I would appreciate it if you didn't barge in my place of work especially unannounced."

"Duly noted." Charlotte then left. She didn't even acknowledge Scott and went straight for the lifts.

Chloe watched her leave and stood by Scott's desk. When she was gone, she looks to Scott.

"Thanks for that. You did the right thing. Still don't let her in next time." Chloe says to her secretary.

"Who is she if you don't mind?"

"Press. Charlotte Davis is her name. She's someone who's just being nosy. The next time she tries to get in here, I'm giving you permission to call hospital security if she persists."

"Yes Doctor. By the way Doctor Harrison called to remind you about his rounds?"

"Oh shoot. I'm covering for him and I'm ten minutes late. Thanks Scott. I have to go."

"Anytime Doctor."

As soon as Beca received the email with the link to access Chloe's calendar, she has been stalking Chloe all day. Chloe's schedule was hectic; even more hectic than hers. But what she liked most of all is seeing how their schedules merged in her calendar app. She assigned Chloe's appointments to have a light blue background and she had hers with the green background. She also put in the setting for their shared appointments with a purple background.

She was staring at her calendar when she applied all the changes and the final results made her giddy. Then she saw that Chloe had an opening in the late afternoon, she thought maybe it was the best time to talk to her about the article.

She checked her schedule and saw that she didn't have anything on either. She even had the time to go home and change. It was a no brainer. She already sent the text to Fred.

The concept of her disguise was pretty much same, a jacket worn over a white shirt and black jeans topped off with a cap. She kept her head down when she arrived at the hospital. She had to go through the back cause thanks to Charlotte's article Chloe had been exposed so there were few paps hanging around outside the hospital. Beca had to be careful cause if any of the paps saw her here right now, she might as well throw a press conference about her and Chloe. She knew it was risky but she risked it anyway.

Beca kept her head down and went straight to Chloe's floor. She almost memorized the way to Chloe's office so she almost didn't look up all the way here. She nodded her acknowledgments to the concierge when they saw her walk in but she didn't stop to talk to anyone.

The only time she did was when she was outside Chloe's office. Scott didn't notice her right away and he almost jumped when she spoke to him.

"Scott. Hey. I just wanted to say thank you for everything that you do for Chloe. She loves you, you know."

"Thanks for that Beca – is it okay if I call you Beca?"

"Of course dude."

"Thanks again. I love her too. I mean not the same way as you love her. I mean assuming that you do love her. But I love her as a boss."

"Don't worry I get it. Is she back yet?"

"Nope, but feel free to wait for her in her office."

"Sure thanks Scott."

Beca was in a hurry to get into Chloe's office that she didn't hear Scott was trying to tell her that there was someone else already in Chloe's office waiting.

"What are you doing here?" Beca says to Aubrey who was settled on the couch browsing her phone.

Aubrey looked up and she was not expecting to see Beca here of all places. "I work here. What about you? What are you doing here?"

Beca was just about to answer.

"Wait a minute." Aubrey stood up and examined Beca more closely. "You have that goofy look on your face. That wasn't there the last time I saw you." Aubrey thinks where she's seen that look before and then the realization hit her. "Oh my god. You worked things out with her, didn't you?"

"Not really. Not in the way you think." Beca respected Chloe's wishes that the keep whatever they have a secret. "But we're not fighting anymore. So that's a start."

"Alright, I'm happy for you two. I guess I'll get going then."

"Wait I've actually been meaning to talk to you. Wait." Now it was Beca's turn to properly look at Aubrey. "There's something different about you too. Something doesn't add up."

"What do you mean?" Aubrey was fidgety for the first time ever in front of Beca.

The nervous and fidgety vibe of Aubrey did not go unnoticed by Beca. "No way. You didn't. Aubrey. You leaked the recording, didn't you?"

"What? Do you hear yourself?" Aubrey says with a nervous laugh.

"I may not be the smartest person but I am a hundred percent sure there was no one around when I went to your place. I can be reckless but I'm not that reckless especially when it comes to Nate and Chloe."

"That doesn't mean I did it."

"It's mainly your reaction. You were cool as a cucumber. A little too cool. This was technically my 'strike two' I expected you to lose your shit but you didn't."

"That still doesn't mean I did it."

"But then it got me thinking about why just leak a part of the conversation, why not leak the whole thing? The only reason I could think of was that whoever leaked it cared."

Aubrey sighed and looked down. She was too embarrassed to even look at her. She was already caught. There was no point in lying. "Are you going to tell Chloe?"

"No. But I think you will have to. You know how she is with these things."

Aubrey looks up to Beca again. "Exactly. That's why I can't. She doesn't trust a lot of people nowadays. No offence."

"None taken. I'm working on that."

"I just can't break her trust like that."

"Hey it work didn't it?"

"What do you mean?"

"This was your plan all along, wasn't it? You wanted to help me win her back and you did. If it wasn't for the recording I wouldn't have been able to open up to her the way I did."

"But God I didn't know what I was thinking. I'm so sorry Beca. I hope Nate didn't have a hard time."

"Nah. Nate is okay. And I know Jamie is too. You did cause a ruckus. I think the only person you have to apologise to is Stacie. But don't worry, I'm not telling anyone else about this. It's done. Let's move on from it. Chloe's okay with it too as far as I know. She couldn't be bothered. As for me, well I was only worried about Nate and he's fine so I'm fine. And my song's back in the top 5 thanks to you."

"I felt so bad. I didn't know it was going to blow up the way it did. I'm so sorry. I swear I'm never going to pull off something like that ever again."

"Hey it's okay. I know you won't. Wanna hug it out?"

Aubrey sighed and gave in. She met Beca's embrace but it was the most awkward hug she's ever had. They both pulled away.

"Lets not do that again." Aubrey says.

"What do you mean? It was great."

"I'll find time to tell Chloe. But Beca, I'm still watching you. I swear if you fuck this up."

"I won't."

"Good." Aubrey then looks at Beca from her head to toe. "Wait a minute. What are you really doing here? And what exactly did you mean when you said it worked?"

"I only meant that we were talking again. And I'm here because of this." Beca handed Aubrey the magazine. "It was released this morning."

Aubrey took it and went wide-eyed. "Holy fuck. This is all my fault."

"As much as I didn't really want to go here today especially after that, I had to be the one to show her this."

"No I'll do it. This is my fault. And don't worry about the hospital. This is a safe space. We take care of our own here.

"There's really nothing incriminating there. It just says how we allegedly know each other and stuff. You know the usual gossip."

"Yeah except its true."

"Well they don't know that."

"There's literally pictures of us Beca when we used to go out. What are you going to do? How can I help?"

"Honestly, I came here to ask Chloe what she wants me to do with it. I talked to her about the recording, she said it was up to me, but if it were up to her she'd just leave it alone and ignore it. So that's what I did."

Aubrey just nodded. She's still going through the article. Similar to what Beca did when she first saw the article.

Aubrey checked the time and knew she really had to go. "Hey is it okay if I hold on to this? I'll be the one to talk to her about it. This is all my doing anyway."

"Actually, I'd like to be the one to talk to her about the article if that's okay."

Aubrey furrowed her eyebrows and checked who the author was. "Ex-girlfriend?"

Beca scoffed. "In her dreams."

"I see. Let me guess. Chloe's not her favourite cause this Charlotte Davis has a thing for you."

"Had. It's in the past. Way before me and Chloe got together."

"I see. History. Interesting." Aubrey hands back the magazine to Beca. "Anyway, let me know how it goes. I have to go back to work. I'll talk to her later I promise."

"I won't say a thing don't worry. And you too, let me know how you go."

"Alright, she won't be long. She should be stepping out of surgery soon."

"I know. I'll just wait for her here."

Aubrey was about to leave but turned back around to face Beca. "What do you mean you know? How would you know?" Aubrey asked with an eyebrow raised.

For the first time during their conversation, Beca was stuttering. "I mean I, I know cause I asked Scott outside before coming in here when I arrived."

"Right. Okay, I'll catch you later Beca and thank you."

"You're a good friend Aubrey and you know she can't hate you."

"I guess we'll find out soon enough."

They exchanged quick smiles and Aubrey left. When Aubrey was out the door, Beca threw herself to the sofa and huffed. She left the magazine on the table. She's also sent a text to Chloe letting her know she's here before putting her phone on the side table. God knows they've had too many surprises today.

"We just can't seem to catch a break." Beca knew it was not going to be an easy road ahead of them. She's starting to feel a little frustrated about the whole thing. All she could do was shake her head. "It's just my luck. I bet the whole universe is conspiring against me." She mutters to herself once more. But then she remembers being with Chloe again and just the thought of them working through this together instantly wiped away all her worries. They were both different this time. Together they were a force to be reckoned with and it will take more than a magazine article to break them.

She looked up to the door expectantly when she heard someone about to turn the knob.

Beca swears her world stopped when she saw Chloe come in. She still couldn't believe it. She could only imagine the look on her face but she didn't care. She knows she just saw her this morning before Chloe left for work but she continues to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming or that her mind wasn't playing cruel tricks on her.

Chloe enters her office and is met with Beca's eyes gazing into hers already. For a second the both of them didn't move and just absorbed the moment. They exchanged smiles and probably had conversations with their eyes cause they were laughing about who knows what.

"Hey you."