THE WAY TO HER HEART
Prompt from FanFiction User Paundy: Stacie asks Beca to bring food for Bella's class for a Valentine's Day party, and Bella's teacher is Miss Beale.
Stacie Conrad stood outside her daughter's school, waiting for her to be released. It was the last day in January, and Stacie couldn't believe how warm it was for this time of year. She sighed as she started paying bills online as she waited.
"Mommy," Bella called out, seeing Stacie.
Stacie looked up to see Bella standing with her teacher, Miss Beale. She smiled and walked over to Miss Beale and Bella.
"We're having a Valentine's Day party," Bella said as soon as Stacie reached them.
Bella held out a piece of paper toward Stacie; she took it and started reading about the Valentine's Day party.
"Yes, we are," Miss Beale said, smiling. "We're having it during lunch and there is a sign-up sheet that will need to be returned by next Friday."
"Sounds like fun," Stacie said. "Do you need any parent volunteers? I'd be happy to sign-up."
"That would be wonderful," Miss Beale said. "I'll see you on Monday, Bella. And thanks for volunteering, Miss Conrad. I'll put you on the list."
"Please, call me Stacie," Stacie said.
"I'm Chloe," Miss Beale said with a smile. "I'll send more info once I have an idea of what everyone is bringing."
"Sounds good," Stacie said. "Have a good weekend, Chloe. Come on, Bella."
Stacie and Bella left Chloe standing with other children from her class.
~ 2020 BeChloe Valentines - The Way To Her Heart ~
"Aunt Beca!" Bella squealed when she and Stacie walked into Bella's Bistro.
"What have I told you about yelling and running in my restaurant?" Beca asked as she picked up her Goddaughter.
"It's rude, and the diners pay good money for good food and don't want to have to listen to some, un, ungluey-"
"Unruly," Beca whispered.
"Unruly rugrats," Bella finished. "I'm sorry, Aunt Beca."
"It's okay, Bella," Beca said. "I blame your mother."
"What did I do now?" Stacie asked as she joined her daughter and best friend.
"You raised an unruly rugrat," Beca said, smiling at Bella. "So, what's for dinner tonight?"
"I want mac and cheese," Bella said.
"You always get mac and cheese," Beca said. "How about chicken instead?"
"Mac and cheese," Bella said, folding her arms over her chest and pouting.
"A nice salad?"
"Mac and cheese."
"Meatloaf with a side of mac and cheese?"
"Mac and cheese!"
"Give it up, Beca," Stacie said. "She lives for coming here on Fridays to get your mac and cheese. Why do you do this every week?"
"I'm trying to enhance her palate by offering her delicious alternatives," Beca said. "Okay, Bella, how about I bring you out an order of my famous mac and cheese?"
"YES!" Bella yells, throwing both hands in the air.
"Stacie, what would you like?"
"Do you really have meatloaf tonight?"
"Yes," Beca said. "What side do you want? No, wait, let me guess. Mac and cheese?"
"Yes, thank you," Stacie said.
"Okay," Beca said, putting Bella down and walking the mother and daughter to a table.
"Hey, Becs," Stacie said as Beca started to walk away. "Can you sit with us for a bit? I have something I want to ask you."
"Is everything okay?"
"Yeah," Stacie said, smiling. "I need a favor for Bella's class at school."
"Okay," Beca said. "I'll put your orders in and have to check the kitchen before I come back."
"Thanks, Beca," Stacie said.
Fifteen minutes later, Beca returned to the table and sat down.
"I ordered you a wine and Bella a glass of milk," Beca said. "Everything should be here in about ten minutes."
"Thanks," Stacie said.
"Thanks, Aunt Beca," Bella said.
"You're welcome, sweetie," Beca said. "So, what's this favor you want to ask?"
Stacie told Beca about the conversation she had with Miss Beale about her class's Valentine's Day party.
"I was hoping I could sign up to bring mac and cheese," Stacie said. "Specifically, your mac and cheese."
"I'd love to help out," Beca said, laughing. "I'll make a fresh batch that morning so it will still be warm for lunch. How many kids are you talking about?"
"About twenty-five," Stacie said. "There will also be parent volunteers like me. Plus, Miss Beale, so I'd say about thirty to thirty-five in total."
"Consider it done," Beca said.
"Thanks, Aunt Beca," Bella said, jumping up from her seat to hug Beca. "You make the best mac and cheese."
"Thanks, Beca," Stacie said. "I appreciate this."
"You know I'd do anything," Beca said and paused before adding, "for Bella." Beca laughed when Stacie smacked her.
"Hey," Stacie said. "I'm your best friend."
"That's true," Beca said. "But Bella isn't going to try and pass off my mac and cheese as her own. I think I'll deliver the mac and cheese to the school myself so I get the proper credit."
"You're coming to my party?" Bella asked, bouncing up and down in her seat.
"If that's okay with your mom and Miss Beale," Beca said.
"I'm sure it will be fine," Stacie said. "I'll double-check with Miss Beale."
"Good," Beca said. "And ask her if she needs dessert or anything else. I'd be happy to make something special."
"I'll mention it to Miss Beale and get back to you on that as well," Stacie said.
"Yay!" Bella yelled when the waitress set her mac and cheese in front of her.
The waitress placed Stacie and Beca's plates in front of them.
"Thanks, Ashley," Beca said to the waitress.
"You're eating with us?" Stacie asked Beca.
"Yeah," Beca said. "The kitchen is running smoothly, and I'm still here if anything should come up."
"You know, I just realized something," Stacie said, cutting into her meatloaf. "I think Chloe is single and just your type."
"Who's Chloe?" Beca asked, taking a bite of her mac and cheese. (Sue her; she makes the best mac and cheese around.)
"Miss Beale," Stacie said.
"She's really pretty, Aunt Beca," Bella said around a mouthful of mac and cheese.
"Don't talk with your mouth full," Stacie said.
Bella made a big show of swallowing and gulping. "Sorry, mommy."
Beca chuckled.
"How do you know Miss Beale is even into women?"
"My gaydar is never wrong," Stacie said. "And she may not be full-on gay, but she is at least bi. I don't know why I didn't think of introducing you two before now."
"Not going to happen, Stacie," Beca said, using her napkin to wipe her mouth.
"Why not?" Stacie asked. "She's hot. Has red hair and the bluest blue eyes you've ever seen."
"I own this place, and I'm the chef," Beca said, shaking her head. "I never have more than a few hours here and there for any personal time. I can't bring someone into that situation. They'd hate me when I'd have to cancel dates or something because of work."
"Beca, you know I love you, but sometimes you're an idiot," Stacie said.
"Rude," Bella said, causing Beca to laugh.
"Thank you, Bella," Beca said.
"Come on, Beca," Stacie said. "You always have time for Bella and me. And I'm sure you'd find time to date someone if you wanted to."
"Whatever," Beca said.
~ 2020 BeChloe Valentines - The Way To Her Heart ~
The following Friday, Stacie was running a little late to pick up Bella. She saw Chloe standing near the playground, watching a few kids whose parents hadn't arrive yet.
"Chloe," Stacie called out as she hurried over to the redhead.
"Bella, your mom's here," Chloe said, looking over to the playground.
"That's okay, sweetie," Stacie called to Bella. "You can play for a few more minutes. I need to talk to Miss Beale."
Bella went back to playing, and Stacie turned to Chloe.
"I'm sorry I'm late," Stacie said.
"You're fine," Chloe said.
"Did everyone turn in their sign-up sheets for the party?" Stacie asked.
"Yes," Chloe said frowning.
"What's wrong?"
"Everyone signed up to bring a dessert," Chloe said. "Well, everyone except you and Ms. Posen. It's not going to be much of a lunch with just a veggie tray and mac and cheese."
"I think I can help with that," Stacie said. "My friend Beca asked me to check to see if there was anything else she could bring to the party."
"Is this the same friend who volunteered to help out?" Chloe asked.
"Yes, that's her," Stacie said. "She's making the mac and cheese. She'd be happy to cook something else if needed."
"That would be wonderful," Chloe said.
"Why don't you join Bella and me tonight for dinner?" Stacie asked. "We have a standing Friday night dinner date with Beca at Bella's Bistro. You can talk to her and get a really nice dinner out of it."
"I'd like that," Chloe said. "Plus, I'll get to meet the woman Bella can't stop talking about."
Stacie laughed. "Bella does love her Aunt Beca."
"Are you sure Beca won't mind me crashing your dinner?"
"I'm sure she won't mind," Stacie said as she pulled out her phone. "But, I'll check to make sure."
"Stacie?" Beca said, answering the call. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah," Stacie said. "I'm with Chloe and wanted to see if it was okay if I bring her to dinner tonight? She needs more for the Valentine's party, and I told her you asked if you could provide more. You two could talk and figure something out."
"Okay," Beca said. "I'll let Jessica know."
"Thanks, Beca," Stacie said. "You're the best. See you tonight."
"I'll see you tonight," Beca said and ended the call.
"You're in," Stacie said, smiling at Chloe. "We usually go around six-thirty."
"It's nice of Miss Mitchell to allow me to crash," Chloe said.
"She's a good person," Stacie said. "And I think you'll really like her."
"Well, I'm excited to have dinner at Bella's Bistro," Chloe said. "I've heard great things about it. I'll see you tonight at six-thirty."
~ 2020 BeChloe Valentines - The Way To Her Heart ~
Later that evening, Stacie and Bella arrived at Bella's Bistro shortly after six. She wanted to be early to wait for Chloe to arrive.
"Hey, Stacie," Jessica said when Stacie walked in. "Hi, Bella."
"Hi," Bella said.
"Hey, Jessica," Stacie said. "Is Beca in her office?"
"Yes," Jessica said. "I'm supposed to notify her when you get here."
"Is it alright if I let her know we're here?" Stacie asked. "We're expecting someone else, but she won't be here for another fifteen minutes or so."
"Sure, go on back," Jessica said.
"Thanks," Stacie said, and she and Bella made their way to Beca's office.
Stacie knocked lightly and heard Beca say 'come in.' They entered, and Beca was sitting at the desk with several stacks of paper in front of her.
"Aunt Beca," Bellas squealed and ran over to Beca.
Beca hugged her and looked at Stacie.
"Is Miss Beale here?"
"Not yet," Stacie said. "I told Jessica I'd let you know we were here, and then we're going to go out and wait for Chloe."
"Give me a minute," Beca said. "I'll go out with you. I need to check on the kitchen before we eat."
Beca made her desk as neat as she could before following Stacie and Bella out of her office. Beca turned toward the kitchen, and Stacie and Bella continued to the dining room. Stacie was surprised to see Chloe standing by the hostess desk.
"Miss Beale," Bella called out, causing the redhead to turn toward them.
"Hey, Bella," Chloe said as the mother and daughter reached her. "Hi, Stacie. I can't thank you enough for inviting me tonight.
"Hi, Chloe," Stacie said as she got to the table. "Beca will be right out. She had to check the kitchen first."
"That's fine," Chloe said. "I was excited, so I'm a bit early."
"If you ladies will follow me," Jessica said, grabbing four menus. "I'll show you to your table."
"Thanks, Jessica," Stacie said.
Stacie followed Jessica, and Bella walked beside Chloe.
Once they were seated, Ashley came over and asked if they wanted drinks. The three ordered drinks, and Ashley walked away from the table.
"This is a nice place," Chloe said, looking around.
"Thank you," Beca said from behind Chloe.
Chloe turned her head, and Beca faltered a bit before sitting down in the seat next to Chloe.
"Um, hi, I'm Beca Mitchell," Beca said, looking at the redhead.
"Chloe Beale," Chloe said.
"It's nice to meet you," Beca said.
"It's nice to finally meet you, too," Chloe said. "Bella talks about you all the time. I've heard nothing but good things about your mac and cheese."
"Beca's mac and cheese is the best," Stacie said. "Bella orders it every time we come here."
"It is the absolute best," Bella said.
Chloe opened her menu just as Ashley brought the drinks to the table. Ashley set the drinks down, leaving a glass of tea still on the tray.
"Beca, I brought you an iced tea," Ashley said. "Or did you want something else?"
"The tea is fine, Ashley," Beca said, taking the tea from the tray.
Stacie looked over to Chloe to find her looking at the menu with a furrowed brow.
"Something wrong, Chloe?" Stacie asked, causing Beca to look over at her.
Chloe's cheeks flushed. "I, um," Chloe stammered. "Stacie, can I speak to you privately for a moment?"
"Um, sure," Stacie said. "Excuse us, Beca."
"Are you sure you're okay?" Beca asked Chloe.
"Yeah," Chloe said. "I'm fine. I just need a moment with Stacie."
"Oh, okay," Beca said.
Chloe and Stacie stood; Chloe followed Stacie to the hallway near the restrooms.
"What's wrong?" Stacie asked.
"This is embarrassing," Chloe said. "I can't afford anything more than a salad here. I didn't realize it was so expensive when I accepted the offer to come here."
Stacie smiled. "You don't have to worry about the bill. Beca always pays for us."
"I can't ask her to do that," Chloe said.
"Chloe, Beca's not just the chef; she owns the place. And you're not asking, she's doing."
"She owns it?" Chloe asked.
"Yes," Stacie said. "Trust me, Bella and I could never afford to come here on our own."
"Are you sure?" Chloe asked, still not convinced.
"Yes, I'm sure," Stacie said. "She's the one who said it was okay. Get whatever you want; Beca won't care. You'll love whatever you decide to get. I promise."
"Um, okay," Chloe said.
The two made their way back to the table and sat down.
"Everything okay now?" Beca asked.
"Everything's fine," Stacie said. "Just some school stuff."
"Good," Beca said, smiling. "So, Bella, are you getting the usual, or can I talk you into something different?"
"The usual," Bella said.
"But, we have lasagna on the menu tonight," Beca said. "You like lasagna."
"I do, but I like the mac and cheese better," Bella said.
"How about you, Chloe?" Stacie asked. "See anything you like?"
Stacie smiled when she looked up to see Chloe staring at Beca with heart eyes.
"Apparently, you do," Stacie mumbled.
"I'm sorry, what?" Chloe asked, looking at Stacie.
"I asked if you see anything you like?" Stacie couldn't help the smirk that came to her face.
Chloe blushed slightly and said, "I, uh, was thinking the lasagna sounded good. But, I'm also interested in trying this mac and cheese I've heard so much about."
"Bella always orders the mac and cheese," Beca said. "Maybe she'll give you a bite so you can try it."
"What?" Bella asked, causing Beca to chuckle. Bella looked at Stacie. "Do I have to, mommy?"
Chloe bit her lip to keep from laughing at Bella. "It's okay, Bella. I can wait until the Valentine's party to try it."
Ashley returned to the table to take their orders.
"Do you ladies know what you want this evening?" Ashley asked. She looked down at Bella and winked. "Don't worry, Bella. I already wrote down your mac and cheese."
"Thanks," Bella said with a big smile.
"Stacie?" Ashley asked.
"I'll have the lasagna," Stacie said. "And, a salad with Italian dressing."
"Got it," Ashley said and looked at Chloe. "Miss?"
"I'll have lasagna as well," Chloe said. "And, a salad with ranch dressing."
"Excellent," Ashley said and looked at Beca. "Beca?"
"Make that three lasagnas," Beca said. "And ranch dressing for my salad as well."
"I'll put your orders in," Ashley said, collecting the menus. "And I'll bring those salads out for you."
"Thanks, Ashley," Beca said.
"Um, Beca?" Chloe said once Ashley had left.
"Yeah," Beca said, looking at Chloe.
"Stacie said that you offered to provide more food for the party if we needed it."
"I did," Beca said. "What do you need? Desserts?"
"No, actually, we need some food," Chloe said, laughing lightly. "Everyone has signed up for desserts except for Stacie and one other parent. So, our menu currently consists of a veggie tray and your mac and cheese."
Beca chuckled. "Well, you saw the menu. What would you like me to bring?"
"The hamburger sliders would be good," Stacie suggested. "They'd go great with the mac and cheese."
"That does sound good," Chloe said. "And maybe something with chicken. Or is that too much? But, I don't want you to break the bank for us."
"Please, don't worry about that," Beca said. "I own the place, so I know how much I can or cannot do."
"That's very kind of you," Chloe said, smiling at Beca.
Beca smiled back at Chloe; the two sat staring at each other until Ashley set a salad in front of Chloe.
"Oh, um, thanks," Chloe said, blushing slightly.
Ashley served the other salads and told them their food would be out in about ten minutes. She left, and Stacie looked at Chloe.
"So, Chloe," Stacie said. "Are you seeing anyone?"
~ 2020 BeChloe Valentines - The Way To Her Heart ~
One week later, Beca was setting up Chloe's room for the Valentine's Day lunch. She and Stacie put red and white table cloths on the tables and arranged the food around the room. A few other parents helped place the desserts on specific tables.
"Wow, that's a lot of desserts," Chloe said. "Stacie, do you think the parents would mind if we put some of these in the teacher's lounge?"
"I think that's a great idea," Stacie said. "Aubrey, CR, would you help me to take some of these to the teacher's lounge?"
The three women put several desserts on a cart and took them to the teacher's lounge. Chloe watched them leave and hurried over to Beca.
"Hey," Beca said, turning to face Chloe.
"Hey," Chloe said, playing with the hem of Beca's shirtfront. "So, I had a really nice time the other night."
"I'm happy you accepted my offer for a date," Beca said. "Stacie did say we'd hit it off."
"Well, she was right," Chloe said.
Chloe looked over her shoulder to make sure no one had returned to the room. She turned and quickly kissed Beca.
"Would you want to go out with me again?" Chloe asked.
"Absolutely," Beca responded. "How about tonight? And maybe you'll consent to be my Valentine, too."
"I'd love to be your Valentine," Chloe said.
Beca leaned in and kissed Chloe; Chloe pulled her closer and deepened the kiss.
Chloe pulled back and wiped some lipstick off Beca's lip. "There will be more of that when we have more time."
"I look forward to it," Beca said just as Stacie and the others returned.