Chapter 5

'Bad Idea'

"This is where it starts and you know how it ends but still..."

Chloe wakes up with Matt's arms around her waist. Her alarm hasn't gone off yet but there's sunlight softly streaming into her window. She likes these moments the most because it's calm and it gives you time to relax in this undisturbed atmosphere. It also makes room for her thoughts to run.

Last Friday, she and Matt made up. The flowers he gave her are now sitting perfectly in a vase are a reminder of the promise to give what they have another shot. They've talked about it but there's still more to let out. Feelings that needed to be shared and issues that needed to be brought to light. But then Matt had work to get to so they've planned to spend a day without any distractions to make this talk happen. For now, it's okay. They're okay. It's not great but nothing's perfect after all.

Her thoughts linger until they bring her to dark stormy blues. She smiles at the thought even though those very eyes are tainted with sadness. The sadness that now Chloe knows the reason of.

Loving someone that much even after the amount of pain they've given you, it's something Chloe thinks about. She's had painful break-ups where the amount of time needed for her heart to heal varies but none of them lasted for a year. Then again, she's never been at that point of almost marrying the person before the break-up.

She wonders what that's like. To still feel that much pain for a year over someone who has completely messed you up. Beca may have recently started talking about it but Chloe could still see it. It's almost as if it all just happened yesterday.

It angers her because CR's words keep repeating in her head.

"…we really wished that you should've started working for Beca years ago because we're pretty sure that you'd get along better with her"

To hurt someone to the point of massively changing who they are, that's just unacceptable. And that is why Chloe decides that being friends with Beca Mitchell is going to be her main goal for this year. People might call her crazy but with what she's seen so far, her instincts are right—just like it always has about someone's personality. Besides, Chloe has always been known to fiercely protect her friends and would do anything for them.

Maybe through this friendship, the tiny brunette would start smiling more. A smile makes a person glow into their best self and Beca certainly looks very pretty when she smiles.

Also, Beca wouldn't be so sad and lonely anymore. Because she'd have her. Chloe would be there.

She gets up with this in mind. That, and getting Paris Blake for their music fest.

It's a piece of cake.

"Good morning!" she greets with much more enthusiasm than usual as soon as Beca promptly steps out of the elevator at the exact minute she always does every single day.

However, this enthusiastic greeting might be a little bit too much for the overall producer of live events as Beca's chest leaps up, a hand coming up to her heart.

"God! I haven't even had caffeine in my system yet, Beale," Beca mutters, chest heaving as she eyes her with that familiar look of annoyance—it'll change, she believes that.

"Sorry," she smiles apologetically before handing a cup of coffee towards the brunette before proceeding with an explanation. "The barista has a crush on me and gave me an extra," she says smoothly despite it being a lie.

Apparently, Beca hates being freely handed things and Chloe has learned the hard way. She's baked those cookies to perfection and yet it still went down the trash can weeks ago. Nevertheless, she's found a way to give food and drinks by coming up with tons of excuses that wouldn't sound like a bribe—because it's not a bribe and Chloe is just a genuinely sweet person who likes to give desserts and drinks to people she wants to befriend, in this case, Beca.

Beca starts walking and she follows, a triumphant smile on her lips when the brunette takes a sip. She catches up to Beca's pace as Jesse joins them, handing papers and reporting today's schedule without fail.

"Also you're invited to a birthday party from one of the music executives of Circle Media, Mr. Henry Wright," Jesse reads the name from the invitation before glancing at Chloe who raises her eyebrows in excitement.

"Fun and classy," she notes, looking at the fancy invitation. "Are we also invited?" she asks Jesse who nods happily.

"Oh yes we are! The perks of working for Amplify,"

"I'm not going," Beca cuts their little happy moment as Chloe face falls and Jesse's shoulders sag.

"Why? It's on a weekend!" Chloe points out while Jesse looks on hopefully.

"The next Saturday night, to be exact," he adds as they both stop in front of Beca's table. The brunette now taking off her coat and opening her computer without missing a beat.

"I'm not going because it's the same party every year and the only thing that's different is the amount of candles on that cake. It's probably going to be sparklers this year for the candles though, then some necessary socializing, then alcohol and then fireworks," Beca replies monotonously as she reviews the papers on her desk.

"Alcohol and fireworks, the way to my heart! Are we talking about the party at the Hilton next Saturday?" CR steps in as she hands Beca a folder. "The logo design drafts for the Chicago fan event," she explains.

"Beca's not coming to the party," Jesse answers for everyone and CR immediately looks like somebody's done something awful to the world.

"That's not right," she says. "Even Aubrey is going to this party and I haven't asked Stacie but she's got friends everywhere so she'll be there," she adds before dropping her voice lower. "Also 'cause Aubrey's going to be there,"

"What's with those two really? Are they together or not? Because I'm feeling this vibe. There's definitely something there," Chloe asks, looking even more confused than earlier while CR nods in agreement.

"We don't know either, Red. They've been on and off for a year now and honestly, we're not sure anymore if they are on or off," Jesse shrugs while seemingly dusting off his tie.

"Since when has my area become a place of chit chat?" Beca suddenly says in a cold tone, eyeing them all with a look that can burn someone alive before slipping in a much subdued, "And Aubrey and Stacie's benefits thing is a complicated matter which is why it is to be talked about after office hours," followed by a very stern, "Now all of you, get back to work!" as Jesse and CR scramble to their work areas. Which then leaves Chloe standing awkwardly in front of the brunette.

Sensing her presence, Beca looks up at her again. "Spit it out, Beale,"

"Oh, uhm the Paris Blake thing I told you about last Friday?" she answers, moving closer but when no sign of recognition passes Beca's face and the brunette just stares at her with a look she can't decipher.

"She has a commercial shoot scheduled for filming today and I'm going there to talk to her manager. Give them the invite and all. You know, our deal?" Chloe expresses, hands waving in the air as she stares at those intense dark blues who seem to bore holes straight through her.

The silence continues and Chloe itches to elaborate further so she does, "I need to go out for field work duty—that's what the employee manual reads? And I need your permission for that,"

"Great," Beca blurts out in a rather tender tone before blinking and clearing her throat, "I mean, go. You have my permission. Go do… that,"

The awkward reply reminds Chloe about the time when she was getting rid of Bella's fur on Beca's blazer and it somehow makes her miss the little fluffy sweetheart. Maybe she should drop by sometime this week for a small visit—also so she can browse Beca's music collection and ask for some more of that calming oil.

Nevertheless, she nods and gives her a smile before leaving.

Everything is going according to plan. By the time the day is done, who knows? Paris Blake may already be interested in performing for their event. The contract signing would be next then she wins the deal, a new best friend and the right to prove herself strong enough to survive this grueling industry.

What else can go wrong?

The location for the commercial shoot is located at a hotel, a really expensive one. From the minute she breathes in the air inside the establishment, she could already smell luxury.

Despite that, none of that tremendously intimidates her. She won awards performing in dance events back in high school and singing competitions in college. Being constantly in front of people does help in getting rid of any overwhelming situation although not entirely. There's still that tinge of awe and that challenge to make a good first impression, the most important thing when it comes to meeting new people.

Chloe does miss performing though. She even had dreams of making it big in Broadway but that didn't happen.

Well, at least she gets to run around Hollywood and chase superstars. Close enough.

"Tessa!" Chloe suddenly erupts finally finding the person she's been looking for.

"Chlo!" the brunette wearing a blue company sanctioned t-shirt eagerly greets her in the same intensity, opening her arms for a hug.

When they let go, Chloe eyes her with relief and appreciation, "You don't know how thankful I am that you happen to be working on this gig at the right moment!"

"It's nothing. What are friends for?" Tessa smiles, eyes turning into moon crescents before nudging her side playfully. "And look at you! Amplify, huh? You deserve it,"

"Well, I'm still working on the 'deserving it' part and this project is sort of the make it or break it for me so, I definitely have to make it, Tess. I've got a boss to prove my worth to," she says gnawing her bottom lip in anxiety and excitement.

"Sounds like you're working for a monster there. Is he one of those balding gray haired men whose beer bellies are about to pop out their shirts?" Tessa asks as they walk up the staircase.

"Uhm, no, no and no. My boss is a girl, a year younger than me actually—"

"Is she pretty? If she is—which I'm 99 percent certain of, is she single?" her friend quickly pushes her side, eyes lighting up in anticipation.

"I thought you're with that guy who is like a hand commercial model?" Chloe tries to remember his name but doesn't come up with anything other than the fact that he spends most of his time making sure his hands are moisturized and flawless.

"Oh no I broke up with him after a week—or less, it doesn't matter. Besides, who would date a guy who doesn't hold your hand unless you have your hands moisturized? Ugh, if he can't do that then how's he going to tickle me down there?"

"That's not… right," Chloe sighs, wondering how the conversation turned south so fast. But then who is she kidding? This is Tessa she's talking to.

"Damn right it isn't!" Tessa passionately agrees. "Foreplay is everything Chloe. Everything,"

"Agreed, so let's go get business done here that I could finally treat you to something delicious and we could talk more about other things later," she immediately cuts in, ushering her friend towards the upper floor.

"Fine, also, you didn't answer my question,"

Chloe looks back at her friend in confusion, trying to remember what the question was.

"Your boss, Chloe! Is she pretty or what?"

"Oh, Beca? Yeah,"

"Beca? Cute name. Is she single?"

Chloe pauses again as she eyes her friend pointedly.

"You're not even going to ask if she's into women or not?"

"Sweetie, there's not a woman out there who is a hundred percent straight, okay? Also," her friend smiles slyly, giving her a playful look as she points at her. "No matter how drunk we were then, I haven't forgotten about you confessing your regrets about not experimenting more back in college,"

Swatting her hand away, Chloe shakes her head with a smile. "That was just curiosity, okay?"

"Yeah? What about your massive girl crush with that girl from your a cappella group?" Tessa wiggles her eyebrows.

"That's a thing, you know. Girls have girl crushes all the time! It's basically just admiration. She's so pretty and does everything so well!"

"Whatever you say, Chlo Bear," Tessa says with a teasing shrug before motioning her hand over at her form, eyes squinting as she seemingly tries to figure out something.

"I'm giving you a 75 percent on the straight meter,"

"Oh shut up!" she says, giving her friend a playful shove as they both erupt in laughter.

"Bryan? Bryan Domingo," Chloe says with a smile she knows is warm enough to break through cold walls.

The guy in a cap looks up from his phone to look at her. There are bags on his shoulders, which he carries with ease and a cup of what looks like health juice on his left hand.

"I'm Chloe Beale from Amplify," she says with an official ID to prove that.

The name of the company immediately sparks recognition on Bryan's face as he immediately takes the hand Chloe offers to give it a quick shake. Now all she has to do is entice Paris Blake's manager to at least give their offer a shot.

"Is this about the album interview because Paris still has schedules lined up and we're not sure about which to take first. She still has a magazine cover and a music video to shoot but we're definitely going to do that interview with Amplify," Bryan explains, eyes dropping to his phone every now and then.

"Ah well, that's good! But I'm here for another reason," Chloe starts and at her words Bryan looks back up at her again.

"We're inviting Paris to perform at our annual music festival as one of the main acts. As you know it's one of the largest events Amplify is hosting, it is to be attended by approximately more than a hundred thousand fans with full media coverage and we'd like Paris Blake to take center stage with her new album coming out," Chloe gets straight to the point, laying it all out in one go. People in this industry are already used to sugar coated words and fake smiles so, best to get right down to business. Besides, entertainment people are always rushing, time is gold in Hollywood.

And it seems to be working.

"I am aware how good this is, believe me, her publicist would love this but you have to take this one with Paris herself. She still has the final say when it comes to performing for events such as this. If it were up to me, I would've signed her up the second you asked," Bryan replies before leading her towards a hallway.

That's a good sign. At least she's jumped through the first obstacle easily. Now on to the next and this one might be a little too high. Nevertheless, Chloe has high hopes.

Who the hell would say no to such an opportunity?

"I'm sorry, thanks for the offer but I'll have to pass this year," Paris tells her twenty minutes later and Chloe's heart drops.

What just happened?

Paris Blake is literally like an ethereal being. Having only dealt with local bands, Chloe's in awe at the sort of presence superstars like Paris exude. Her skin is luminous, or whatever lotion commercials yap about the effect of their products. Her auburn hair is so shiny and soft, at least that's what it must feel to the touch. She's still wearing this comfortable looking bath robe as her assistants start prepping her for today's shoot. Still, she could definitely wear that and still look fashionable. And don't even forget about how good she smells. Chloe only gives her perfume bottle one look and she instantly knows that it's worth more than her salary.

She's so star struck that it takes a moment to realize that the singer is looking at her through the mirror. Bryan introduces her and Chloe immediately steps forward, reaching out to shake her hand. Her theory about the singer's soft skin is proving to be correct.

It's so surreal that it all feels like she's floating in some dream. She's sure this is everyone's dream.

"A fellow redhead, lovely," Paris comments fondly, pointing at her own red locks. "Is that natural?" she asks with a smile while Chloe nods, a smile breaking in her own lips.

"So, what can I do for you, babe?"

"Just one simple thing," Chloe replies, unbelievably still finding her voice despite currently being stunned by how her day is turning up.

"And what would that be?" Paris throws back at her light heartedly and Chloe thanks her stars for how accommodating the singer is.

"We want you to headline Amplify's annual music festival at the Empire. We only want the best and so here I am," she confidently says.

Paris looks over at Bryan who nods. "It's one of the biggest music events in the country. It's perfect," he tells the singer who seems to be deep in thought.

"Take this as an official invitation. You don't have to decide right now if there is a schedule conflict to be sorted out. We can wait," Chloe assures her.

"Of course," Paris mumbles, a knuckle under her chin as she looks far away before finally snapping back to life with a question, "How's Jonathan, by the way? He could've just called,"

The question throws Chloe off because now she's mentally starting to run a list of employees named Jonathan but comes up with none.

"I'm sorry, we're talking about Jonathan…" she leaves her words hanging, hoping for Paris to help juggle her memory.

"Jonathan Strauss, your boss?" the singer supplies before taking in the confusion of her face. "Oh, is he still in Amplify?"

"No, I'm afraid not," Chloe answers suddenly remembering papers which she's seen the familiar name scribbled underneath a signature. "We have a new overall events producer,"

"Ah. Jonathan was an old friend, you see. I've worked with him a couple of times. There's only a few people in this industry you can count on, if you know what I mean,"

"I do and you can trust that there's still people like him out there. I and our whole team are some of those people,"

There's not an ounce of hesitation in her voice as she says this with pride. She's done her research before entering the company and knows just how big Beca's accomplishments were. It was her capability to handle massive projects such as this that has earned her the reputation she has now and the position she holds.

Last year's music festival was one of the most successful events the company has ever had and to think that it was Beca's first music festival as the head of the team. The theme then was 'Hope through music'. A theme Beca herself chose.

It was probably one of the biggest music events that had trended not only for its star-studded line-up but for the powerful message it brings, that music soothes and heals. It can build communities and repair broken souls with such simple notes. It can move hearts and lift them up in the worst of times. It's a medicine that's free and guaranteed to ease the pain.

Chloe regrets not being able to have joined the team that time. It would've been awesome. And now that she is, she's not going to let the them down. She's going to prove her worth and make this another successful event as a part of that team.

"That sounds really fun, Chloe. But I really don't want to waste your time and leave you hanging for an answer when I'm already sure of it," the last words suddenly makes her stop.

Chloe feels the room suddenly grow small and far away because that is not a good sign at all. She feels it in her gut, something's about to go wrong and Chloe can't have that.

"I'm sorry, thanks for the offer but I'll have to pass this year as well," Paris continues to say with an apologetic smile. "I'll see if I can make it up to you next year,"

Someone comes in at that exact time and there's a call for the remaining time as Paris stands up to change into her outfit for today's shoot whilst she stands still in shock. Bryan looks at her apologetically and a sigh that tells her that he saw this one coming.

This isn't happening and Chloe needs to act quickly because if she got that right, it means that she's just failed.

Chloe Beale does not back out from a challenge. She doesn't give up. And she does not want to fail her team.

"She just declined my initial invite," Chloe whispers towards Tessa after she hands over the director's latte.

"What?! How can she say no to those puppy eyes? Did you at least use the pleading abandoned puppy look?" Tessa whispers back as they both watch Paris go over a take.

Chloe looks back at her friend hopelessly. "It was going well until she said no. I was so shocked I didn't know what else to say. I looked like an idiot! She didn't even get to think about it for more than five minutes. Who would say no to an offer like that?"

"Taylor Swift? Beyonce? Rihanna?" Tessa suggests, making Chloe groan.

"Oh c'mon Chloe Bunny, don't give up. You can do this. Remember, you're the girl who got me to dance up at a table in a bar! And I never dance… up on tables," Tessa recalls, wrapping an arm around her in an attempt for comfort.

"You were drunk! It was a memorable karaoke night! Dancing on top of a table was inevitable," Chloe retorts.

"True and you also met Matty blue blue,"

"Don't call him that,"

"Your boy seems so tightly wound all the time. Does he have diarrhea or something? Tell him, a smiling DJ is also cool,"

"No, he does smile and can we please get back to my main problem?"

"Right, side problem later. Main problem now. Assistant mode on," Tessa says as one of the producers wave for her to come over. "I'll be right back," she says before leaving Chloe, gaze wandering back to Paris who is currently acting for the camera, her eyes seemingly sparkling with life.

She can't give up.

She has to do this for the team.

She has a lot to prove.

And she has a friendship to win.

"Still here?" Paris says in mild surprise as looks up to find her in one of the hotel's bathrooms.

"I've never been to a huge commercial shoot before," Chloe simply says as she leans against the marble wall next to the mirror. "Certainly had no idea how many hours it takes to film one," she chuckles, glancing at the time. It's already late in the afternoon.

The singer rinses her hands underneath the gold faucet of the sink as she eyes her with intrigue.

"Are you here to beg or are you going to hold me at gun point until I say yes?" she smiles and Chloe shrugs.

"Well if the begging doesn't work then guess I don't have a choice,"

Paris laughs at that. "I like you, Chloe,"

"I've been told that I have a very interesting personality,"

"You do," Paris agrees as she grabs a paper towel to dry her hands but then her smile fades. "I'm still not coming to the music festival though. I've got tons of other stages to perform in. You see, I prefer closed arenas where you don't get rained on or struggle with the wind whipping your hair at your face,"

Chloe slowly nods at that, pausing for a while before finally speaking again.

"The theme for this year is 'To all the dreamers'," she begins, looking down at the intricate designs of the sink.

"I always wanted to perform in Broadway ever since I watched my first ever theatre play. I was ten that time. It was Peter Pan and I loved every single minute of the production. I loved it so much that I remember talking about it nonstop with my parents. It became my dream all because I wanted to fly and never grow old," she smiles at the memory.

"When I grew up, the dream grew too. I wanted to be in Broadway. I wanted to perform and move the audience. I wanted to touch hearts the same way it touched mine. That's how I knew just how powerful it can be, to see someone stand up and do what you love with that kind of passion. It shows, you know," she looks back at Paris.

"We all started with a dream and we aim to inspire the youth to hold on to theirs. This event started as a dream and now we're living it. We'd really like you to be part of it because I'm more than certain that you had a dream once too. That very same dream you started with before you got to live it,"

"What happened to yours?" Paris asks softly and Chloe looks down, exhaling heavily.

"I failed to hold on to mine," she admits. "Reality came and dampened my hopes. I struggled to make ends meet. Starting wasn't easy, as it always is. In this line of work, you aren't guaranteed to always be in a production. I fought for it though, took up a part-time job in live events. Did all I could to keep the dream alive,"

"But?" Paris says, seemingly already expecting what comes next.

With her thoughts rolling back years ago in that exact time of uncertainty, she slowly says, "I fell in love and then I had to choose,"

"Do you regret it? Choosing love?"

Chloe doesn't really know how or what to answer to that. She hasn't asked that question to herself yet.

She's not even sure if she likes to know the answer.

"I don't know," she truthfully says but she isn't Chloe Beale if she couldn't turn something bad into something good.

"Had things gone differently though, I wouldn't be here though to convince Amplify's front act to perform months from now in what would be called the event of the decade. It would've been a loss and that would suck," she cheekily ends with a sly grin.

That earns another laugh from Paris.

"You never give up, do you?"

"Giving up. Been there, done that. Didn't get me anywhere," Chloe answers with a head shake.

The singer inhales deeply, resting her hands against the sink. "My dream started at a concert. A Destiny's Child concert and I remember saying that it was the best night of my life," she smiles and it tugs on the corner of Chloe's lips as well.

"You can do the same for all those who are still dreaming. It'll help, believe me. Do it for those who feel like giving up. Help them hold on to it,"

Paris straightens up, checking herself in the mirror one last time and Chloe wonders what it'd be like to always look so gorgeous in front of the mirror. She may be confident most of the time but there are still days when she doesn't feel like so.

"I believe you," the singer says as she faces her. "And maybe I'll think about that offer, Chloe," Paris gives her knowing smile before leaving, high heels softly clacking against the beautiful tiles.

She doesn't move immediately from her spot, letting it all sink in as she gives a huge sigh of relief.

She just turned a no into a maybe. It still may not be a yes. But that change is a positive sign. There's hope and she made a way for it to happen.

In the end, she hugs Tessa tightly, endlessly thanking her for getting her a pass and quickly keeping her promise for some catching up at a nearby café. When they were done the sun has set and the day ends.

Matt would be in the club by now. Leaving Chloe alone in the evening again and somehow instead of heading home, her feet take her back to Amplify. She's got a feeling and it's a strong one.

Almost everyone has gone home by now yet the lights still remain open as Chloe steps out the elevator. Her heart settles calmly at the thought that her instincts were right as she slowly walks to the separated space.

This time though, there's music filling up the air and it's something unique to her ears. It's a remix of an Oh Wonder song and it's done really well. The added beat is so catchy until it reaches the drop and it suddenly becomes addicting that there's surely some sort of soul enlightenment happening within her at some point.

But what catches her eye might just make a perfect end to her crazy day.

Beca standing in front of the printer, taking a sip of her tea as she scans a document, head bobbing to the beat and body swaying lightly. Chloe would've let her presence known immediately if only the brunette hadn't started to sing and stun her in the process.

Beca sings and that's solidly a voice that needs to be heard through a microphone. The girl can sing and she sings like an angel. She's heard great voices and this girl's voice belongs to the top.

For a moment she contemplates recording a video of the whole thing, mostly to check if she isn't hallucinating or not. The other part is sort of having evidence to share with Stacie so she could ask if she knew about this hidden Beca talent at all.

She doesn't get to do that though because Beca turns around and catches sight of her. Of course, her chest jumps from surprise and tea almost gets spilled on important papers.

"Fuck!" Beca yelps and suddenly it makes Chloe guilty.

Shocked eyes turn into deadly spikes aimed her way and Chloe gulps, sheepishly smiling at her.

"Sorry?"

"Seriously, Beale. This is the second time today! Are you trying to kill me through a heart attack?" she demands and Chloe immediately lessens the space between them to convey her apologies.

"My bad. Wasn't my intention to scare you at all. I just thought you'd still be here alone, again, so I decided to drop by before heading home," she explains, eyes flitting over the computer where the song is playing.

"Who did that? It sounds really good!" she quickly adds, unable to hide her curiosity any longer.

The moment she points it out though, Beca's hands move in a flash to press the stop button.

"It's nothing, just some remix," Beca dismisses as she types in a few words before hitting send on her computer.

"Can I have a copy?"

"No,"

She did expect that. It's Beca's favorite answer to anything she asks.

"At least tell me who did it. I really like it,"

That makes the brunette pause. "You do?" she asks despite busying herself with cleaning up her desk, there's uncertainty in her voice as it falters a bit.

Chloe nods, "Yeah, are there any other remixes from this person? They must have a Youtube or Amplify account at least. I'm subscribing,"

"It's not online. You're not going to find it anywhere," Beca breathes out, unplugging something at the side of her computer before handing a black USB over to her. Chloe looks at it for a second before taking it, trying to wrap her head around it until only one explanation is left.

"Did you make that remix yourself?" her jaw drops as she looks with eyes wide in surprise at the brunette who is now clearing up her desk and turning off her computer.

"I did. Had a lot of spare time," Beca says before finally looking at her with a threatening glare. "And if you share it online or to anybody else consider that as a termination of our deal. I'll also make your life here a living hell,"

She doesn't seem to be joking and Chloe doesn't doubt that she couldn't do it.

"No worries, your secret is safe with me," she promises, clutching the USB tightly before eagerly following the brunette towards the elevator.

Once inside, she cocks her head to the side, trying to recall something familiar until it clicks.

"Hey! Do you know you have the same perfume as Paris Blake's? Oh god, you bought one! How much is it?" she asks, leaning closer towards Beca's neck to get a whiff of that heavenly scent.

That's why it was so familiar to her earlier.

The brunette however suddenly jerks away from her like she'd been electrified or something. "Personal space is actually something you should know exists," Beca points out before answering her question.

"It's… expensive. I must've lost my mind when I bought it impulsively," Beca mumbles.

"Can I have some?" comes the meek question.

There's a deadly look her way and she knows it's definitely a no. Worth a try though. Getting to smell like a superstar for a day would be awesome.

"First my cat, then my clothes and now my perfume. What's next?"

She looks down teasingly at the brunette's shoes and Beca is quick to follow her line of sight.

"I'm calling this deal off," the brunette grumbles.

The elevator bell dings and a grumpy Beca Mitchell speed walks out to the exit followed by a laughing Chloe Beale.

It takes only seconds for her to catch up to Beca. The brunette had her hands in her coat pockets which then makes it easier for Chloe to hook her arm around hers.

It's like catching a running puppy.

"Are you heading home?"

"I'm not giving you a ride,"

"Let's eat,"

"I have plans," comes the firm reply.

"To eat take-out with Bella?" Chloe challenges and mentally celebrates her triumph when Beca hesitates.

Chloe always hated eating on her own. It just isn't right. It's depressing, to be honest. Being someone who has grown up with a table full of loud family members in every meal, Chloe knows that a hearty meal is when the company is good and the atmosphere is lively.

"That's still a plan," Beca mutters albeit less confidently.

"Just come eat dinner with me!" she insists.

"Call Stacie, she's always available,"

That one's true and she could definitely ask somebody else, people who are more than willing to hang out but then thinking of Beca spending dinner alone while munching unhealthy stuff is bothering her.

"It takes her too long to choose which shoes to wear!" she replies indignantly.

"I know, it's getting ridiculous. We had to attend a funeral once and she just can't choose which black high heels to wear. It's not like the dead would be able to appreciate it and they all look the same anyway," Beca explains with sudden energy as they walk towards the parking lot.

"That's crazy," Chloe mumbles.

They seem to have stop walking now and when she looks over to the brunette, there's a look that screams 'let go' and Chloe glances down at the arm she's tightly holding on to.

"There's this delicious restaurant nearby," she tries once more.

"Don't you really have anyone else to drag with you?" Beca exasperatedly asks, trying to pull her arm back but fails with Chloe's vice-like grip.

She finally lets go though and faces Beca squarely.

"This will be a business dinner. I have a proposal to make with regards to the festival," she seriously says and Beca studies her carefully.

"If this is another one of your jokes—"

"It's legit. It'll only take an hour and a half then you can go home,"

Sighing, the brunette finally nods. "Fine, get in,"

The squeal and grin she displays earns another glare but she's quick to enter the car leaving Beca without a choice. Besides, Bella is in no harm—she's probably lounging around the house like a Queen—and she really does have a legit suggestion for the festival.

"When did you come up with this proposal?" Beca asks after adjusting her rearview mirror for the tenth time—even though the angle is already perfect in the first place.

"A minute ago," she nonchalantly replies, already browsing through Beca's evening playlist and choosing a song—thankfully a good one, drowning Beca's irritated sighs and protests.

"I knew this was going to be a bad idea."

Author's Note:

Bella is the star of the story.

Tessa is the love of my life.

I keep saying that something's a bad idea but I still end up doing it. Those are actually the best ideas I've ever made to be honest. But then there's also... 'Don't watch that drama, it's going to leave you hanging and wanting more' *watches it till 5am* 'Don't ship it. They are straight' *smiles coz too late! They are married in my head* 'Don't drink that' *chokes and vomits*

Keep smiling. Thanks for the support, loves!