Chapter 7

'From Paris With Love'

"I may run in different places, cross oceans, travel lands and watch time pass by but sadly, it's the memory of you I cannot escape"

It's been almost a week. Or well, who was she kidding? It's been more than a week already since Chloe has talked to Paris Blake and her people about the proposal for Amplify's music festival and now she's getting antsy. She's tried contacting them several times through emails and messages but the replies are now starting to look like excuses. If this continues, the chances of signing in the superstar are unfortunately dropping down to zero. Which also would ultimately mean that she'd lose the bet, along with Beca's trust and prove her assumptions that Chloe really isn't capable of being in Amplify.

Thinking about it already makes her want to lock up in her room and cry over buckets of ice-cream like that time she lost to Brianna Stevens during a dance competition back in grade school.

Horrible times.

What's worse is, Beca seems to be avoiding her. It's not like she's outright pettily ignoring her but more like there's this sudden wall the producer has put up whenever she's around. Chloe feels it. They've gotten pretty close since the first time they met that she almost thought that she's about to gain a new best friend without even winning the bet yet.

As a matter of fact, last Sunday, the brunette seemed to be having a great time. They laughed, took a photo and shared jokes. Chloe even got a warm hug and another free ride home without even asking. It's the most open and affectionate she's seen Beca show.

The producer rarely smiles that when she does it just means she's genuinely feeling great—It's a very pretty look on her too. Even though at some point of the night Chloe seems to have been getting a feeling that Beca was upset about something.

She didn't ace psychology for nothing. Ever since she was young she had always been so good at reading people. Empathy was and is her strongest point. So she knew that trying everything just so she can share comfort even if done in the subtlest of ways would hopefully help. She thought she was successful but now, for some reason, the distance between them apparently has grown again.

Although, she had to admit it's not as much like the first week since they met. There's still a cold—even though it doesn't feel so cold anymore—response to when she energetically greets her in the morning and the reminder to not be late after office hours. Beca also still drinks the "accidental extra order" of coffee she gives her.

Chloe's pretty sure that by now the producer must have caught on with all her excuses on why she keeps suddenly having another fresh cup of black coffee from Beca's favorite coffee shop, of all places. It's already pretty obvious especially when she's been doing it everyday for the past two weeks.

But like what she's observed, something is amiss. Ever since Monday, Beca seems to be too busy to even have a quick snack break. It shouldn't be surprising since Beca herself is taking in more work than before but when even her friends are worried for her Chloe knows that this could be personal. Jesse says that their upcoming last Friday of the month get together might be the cause.

This Friday would have been Beca's wedding, had she and her ex-fiance, Rachelle, not called off the engagement and broke up a year ago.

Now, the brunette has buried herself in endless piles of projects and meetings. She's always gone by lunch for 'important matters'. She keeps declining Chloe's invite to dine out after office hours right away before leaving to attend another 'important matter' and somehow when she finds time to try small talk, Beca seems to be always hurrying off for something. Oddly, she's even started clocking out of work earlier than usual. Leaving no space for Chloe to get a chance to interact with her.

She's sure it's because of what this coming Friday means because what else could it be?

Of course, Chloe completely understands if Beca needed space but does she really have to block everyone out? Wouldn't it help if she'd just talk it out, all these feelings that are bottled deep down her chest? Chloe knows about keeping things because you just think that it's what's best but based on experience, that way doesn't end well. It makes you feel even worse.

There's nothing better than unloading all those troubles even for just a bit.

She could wait when Beca's ready to open up again, sure, but somehow in the back of her head, she can't help feeling like she did something wrong. Like there must have been something that she must have said or acted for Beca to pull away without a warning.

It's really bothering her. Even more than the fact that there's another issue in her life that she needs to address.

Matt.

Her boyfriend, Matt, whom she knows is trying hard to be there. Unlike before, he has been more attentive and understanding. They've actually got to talk and since then she can see that he's trying.

But then…

Something is bugging her.

Chloe should be happy that he is willing to hold on and get through all their issues but why doesn't it feel right? Why doesn't it feel enough for her?

Why does she always feel like something's missing?

She shakes her head at the thoughts bothering her. She's probably just stressed with work and god, she really needs to get in contact with Paris Blake's people soon or she's going to go crazy.

On cue, a new notification rings on her phone and Chloe quickly opens it when she sees Tessa's name popping up.

Paris will be at Audi's new product launch this afternoon. You can thank me by giving me your cute boss' number.

She thanks the universe.

Chloe smiles excitedly at the message about Paris before rolling her eyes at the last sentence.

You're the best! Also, I love you but I also love my job. You getting involved with Beca might just get me fired.

She types back, fumbling around to get her stuff before standing up to find Beca's table still empty meaning the busy producer hasn't come back from wherever she was needed yet.

Another notification rings and Chloe takes a quick look.

How do you know that it's not going to work? Who knows, I might get you promoted~

Chloe shakes her head again before turning to CR to tell her where she's heading and also to ask her for a few simple favors during her absence.

CR nods, assuring her that she's got her back before Chloe's hurrying off, giving Beca's table one last worried look.

Determination kicks in.

This project is so important to Beca. She knew just how much it means to her and if this is the only way to make Beca smile then failing is not an option.

A rush of energy and confidence kicks in her system as Chloe's strides become filled with purpose.

No matter what happens she needs to make this event a success and Paris Blake is who they need in order to achieve that.

The event is held at a huge showroom with the debut of the company's newest car model right at the center for the press, invited guests and interested buyers to see.

Chloe comes in a bit late, armed with the press ID Tessa hands her, so she doesn't catch the company's big names make their speeches and express their gratitude to all those involved.

What she does catch is the models strut around the oval shaped platform. The event is grand and being in promotions herself, she knows that they went all out for this event. If you want to sell your product, you don't hold back on promotions. You present everything you can offer in order to attract buyers.

It's all or nothing.

Looking around, Chloe takes a glass of champagne from one of the waiters, hoping to blend in as she tries to look for Paris.

She didn't have to look further though. The lights, glowing in shades of pink, violet and blue, flash down the main stage as the beat starts to change into something familiar. The tempo slows a bit from the fast paced club music earlier as the melody begins to flow smoothly. The beat is catchy and Chloe can't help but fix her eyes forward.

That's when she finds who she is looking for.

Of course, Paris isn't only a guest. She's also the newest face of the brand and one of the highlights of the event.

Chloe watches, mesmerized at the way the singer carries herself on stage with overflowing charisma.

Her songs perfectly match the cool vibe Paris gives and Chloe having researched about the star knew that she also writes her own songs. She's even downloaded a couple of them, having deemed the tenth track of Paris' first album her favorite. This was the very album that launched her to stardom with her debut song, Love Lane.

Much to her delight, it's the song she's performing with the beat having been tinkered for the live performance in order to hype up the fans present.

The singer belts out two more songs before thanking the company's big bosses sitting up front and the people behind the event.

When she finally steps down, Chloe abandons her champagne and hurries off to the direction Paris went.

Tessa's ID gets her in one of the private rooms meant for important people like Paris where the singer is busy taking photos with a few fans that were given access and signing posters that would be hung up the company's car show rooms.

There's talks of the singer's commercial endorsement now circulating on social media and Paris is immediately on her phone to repost the video on her Instagram account—most certainly her public account because every celebrity definitely has a private one.

"Chloe," Paris says with a smile amidst the surprise in her tone, amusement in her eyes as Chloe steps forward.

The room is less chaotic now that the lucky fans have had their time with the singer and the managers and higher position heads have already finished taking photos with her.

Now there's just Paris' staff arranging gifts, clothes and the huge array of make-up scattered all over the tables. There's a small buffet on the side and a couple of the event's security standing by the door. It's quite intimidating actually despite having already been in the presence of Paris Blake a week ago.

Celebrities always have that untouchable aura about them. It's almost easy to forget that they are also imperfect human beings like everyone else.

"Miss Blake," she replies and this earns a fond shake of the head, soft auburn locks swaying.

"Please, no need for formalities. Just call me Paris," the singer says from where she is seated at the middle of the long fancy looking sofa as she checks her phone when a notification pops up and Chloe wonders if it's that actor she is being linked to these days.

"I take it you are here to continue wooing me for Amplify's music festival," Paris suddenly says and Chloe almost panics at which words she should choose to use.

It doesn't take her long though.

"I would've brought flowers and food but it seems your fans have already showered you with love," she says, eyeing the number of bouquets, chocolates and the catering service nearby.

She successfully gains Paris' full attention at that.

"Well, if you're planning to bribe me it's a no on the flowers because I just don't know where to put them anymore and the chocolates are indeed overflowing but I think there's still space for ice-cream," the singer slyly says.

"Ice-cream and singers have a tragic relationship though and I don't want to be the cause of a million of broken hearts due to a cancelled performance," Chloe thoughtfully says, having been reminded of her mistake years ago.

"Although, there will be ice-cream after the music festival since one of our partners happens to be the Happy Cow," Chloe quickly adds, applauding herself for the perfect timing.

Guess, luck is on her side?

…or not.

"That's a shame since I can't come then,"

Chloe's heart drops but her spirit remains unbreakable despite what seems to be another rejection.

"We've read the details you e-mailed and unfortunately it's just simply below our expectations," Paris says straight away and Chloe swallows hard at this because of course this is about the money.

This is also a business deal after all and these famous labels have their demands for their artists. In their defense, it's not easy creating music to attract a global audience and find not only a person with talents but the charisma to stand up there.

But then again, labels as famous as Barden Records also take importance with their top singers decisions. Paris is one of Barden's hottest stars and one word from her is all it takes for them to agree.

So, in the end, it all comes down to one person yet again.

"I know that it's a bit below from what you're usually offered but this stage is enough to create social media noise and therefore, boost album sales. It's an event that draws audiences from all over the world," she explains with pride, suddenly feeling like she's back in college trying to sell their a capella group to potential talents which they are in need of.

But when Paris holds up a hand to stop her, Chloe doesn't feel good about this.

Failure is looming but Chloe refuses to even give it a glance.

It's not over till it's over.

"I know it is but my rate remains the same. I'll tell you this personally and not through my managers because I can see the effort you've given and I do like you a lot. It's rare finding genuine people in this business," she slowly says before finally leaning back against the sofa's back rest, legs crossed as she sighs.

"If you can do something about it then expect me ready to perform but until then I'm sorry, Chloe,"

Maybe there's still a way. She just has to figure it out, put more effort into convincing but for now she brings forward the file she is holding.

"This is everything about the music festival. The contract and more details. If you could just take one more look and maybe if you change your mind… you know how to contact me,"

She leaves the folder by the coffee table in front of the singer before finally taking her leave.

Tessa finds her sitting by the venue's more secluded staircase, head in her hands.

"Hey Chlo cakes, what happened?" her friend softly asks, sitting next to her.

Chloe lifts her head up, sighing heavily before turning to her friend.

"I'll probably have to convince Beca to stretch the budget to meet Paris' rate but at this point I just…" she trails off, not wanting to continue the negative sentence.

She fears uttering it might just make it true.

"I only have a few days left to hopefully turn things around, Tess," she confesses as her friend soothingly rubs her back.

"You still have a few days. That's good. A lot can happen in a few days. You can do this!" Tessa encourages her but words are just words it's the doing it that makes things complicated.

"What if I can't?" she asks, desperation thick in her voice.

Tessa eyes her worriedly, "Then do better next time! Maybe the timing is not just right. It's not the end of the world, Chlo Chlo Chanel. There's always tomorrow. We just simply get back up again,"

"Yes I know but this is something I can't afford to fail at right now!" she cries out, more frustrated in herself than the situation.

"Maybe I didn't say the right words or I wasn't convincing enough or I'm just not cut out—"

Tessa stops her at this point.

"You're not. Don't ever say that because you're the most passionate, dedicated and driven person I've ever met. You made it to the Lincoln Center for god sake! So don't ever tell me that you aren't good enough," Tessa says with conviction before pulling her in a tight hug and Chloe really doesn't know what she'd do if her friend hadn't been here with her.

Her eyes start to sting and really, crying in an event hall staircase is already something she's never going to forget.

"Miss Beale?" someone cuts in and that immediately break their moment.

Parting immediately, Chloe wipes away tears before turning to the source.

Surprisingly, it's Brian, Paris Blake's manager.

"I'm sorry. I tried calling your phone but you were out of reach. Anyways, Paris wants to see you," he informs her and Chloe remembers her phone dying the moment she steps out the waiting room.

Looking back at Tessa in confusion, Chloe quickly gets up to follow Brian, taking a few glances at her friend who urges her on supportively.

Chloe finds herself back towards the fancy waiting room where she sees Paris sitting in front of the huge vanity mirror, back towards Chloe. In front of her, the folder lays open as the singer sits there deep in thought.

Her manager catches her attention and that's only when she realizes Chloe's standing behind them.

Paris gets up on her feet, turning around to face her fully as she leans against her vanity table.

The room suddenly goes empty and they are now alone.

Chloe doesn't really know what it is but something's different.

Something's definitely changed.

"Tomorrow, 9pm at the Ricardi Bellagio," Paris starts to tell her and for a moment Chloe doesn't know what she means until the singer makes it clear.

"I'd like to review the contract over dinner. I hope the time is good for you? I have prior engagements so I can only make time after 9,"

Chloe is stunned at the sudden turn of events that she doesn't answer immediately.

"O-Of course, any time is a good time! I'm available all the time in any day!" she sputters, cringing at herself but it doesn't wipe off the huge smile on her face.

"I'll be seeing you on Friday then," Paris says before looking back at the folder and pulling it towards her.

Chloe continues with her word vomit and gratitude that really, she is certainly going to regret later. But then before she leaves, the singer speaks again, eyes still on the papers.

"Beca Mitchell," she utters slowly, making Chloe pause at the name.

That's when she sees the singer tracing the name with a finger against one of the papers. The memo for the music festival which Beca reviewed and signed months ago.

"I want to meet Amplify's new overall producer," she says and it's the most serious tone she's heard from the usually casual singer. "Bring her with you or else I'm not signing the contract,"

Oddly, it feels like a very serious demand, one that seems to hold so much meaning.

Paris meets her eyes and Chloe sees it. There's a melancholic look behind those green irises and yet she doesn't understand why it's there. Or maybe it's what she failed to see through all that glamour until now, that tinge of sadness.

"We'll absolutely be there,"

It's already seven in the evening when Beca looks at her watch, her head throbbing, shoulders heavy, nose red from sniffing and her eyes tired and watery while she curses the heavens for letting her be sick, of all times.

She can already hear Aubrey reprimanding her for her recent sleepless nights and forgetting to take her vitamins because of rushing early in the morning.

Jesse and CR had left reluctantly minutes ago, both had tried to pry her off from all her paperwork and computer but stubbornly she refuses.

In the end, she resorted to promising them that she's only waiting for the email from the suppliers and she'll be heading straight home. Despite being skeptical, both her worried friends finally left but not without getting her dinner and a warm tea.

Honestly, she really wants to do everything that can be done tonight. Next Friday is the deadline of the line-up and there's still some conflict with an artist due to their schedules and one due to some recent drug scandal. They just can't have negative press in this event. There's also problems regarding safety which she still needs to follow up with the security company after that horrible accident at a concert this year. She's been contemplating hiring a different security group.

On top of all these problems, there's one thought that keeps knocking at the back of her head all day.

So far, she's avoided it—her—by requesting for meetings, visiting suppliers and simply working somewhere else where her brain wouldn't keep flying back to expressive baby blue eyes and contagious gorgeous smiles, half the reason for the sleepless nights.

Groaning, because she's caught herself thinking about it—her—again, she props her head on top of her arms at the table and closes her tired eyes, seeking even the tiniest relief in the short break she's allowed herself to have. The words she's been reading for half an hour now have already started swimming all over the screen.

She's unconsciously drifted to sleep when soft, gentle hands on the top of her head stir her awake but just before she panics and screams for security, she realizes who it is.

"Beca," Chloe's voice makes her sit up straight, immediately moving away from the touch, and there goes her weak body instantly protesting from the sudden motion.

Clearing her throat and massaging her temples, she replies with a tone of surprise, "What are you still doing here?"

She flinches at how raspy her voice sounds and immediately reaches for her tea—which she puts down with a grimace after sipping the already cold liquid.

"I left my phone charger here," she says as she lifts up said charger before looking at her with concern.

"Beca, are you alright? You… don't look okay,"

Beca almost laughs at her words. 'Okay' is very far from what she feels right that moment. Her desk, despite still being more organized than the rest, is still a mess with all the piles of scattered paper, empty health juices, half empty boxes of take-out, her cup of tea and boxes of tissue paper. She grabs another sheet of tissue to wipe her nose with it before discarding it over her already full trash bin.

But despite being caught in such state, she waves the redhead off. "I'm fine, I'll just clean up and then head home. You go on first and—"

"Don't be late tomorrow," Chloe finishes for her thoughtfully and Beca nods which was a bad move considering her headache.

The redhead seemed hesitant to leave as she stalls in front of her table for a few moments and Beca realizes how cliché it is that about two weeks ago, it was her who was hovering about awkwardly behind a sick Chloe before deciding to leave her a warm cup of tea and her favorite blanket. Now, it's Chloe looking down at her like she's about to say something. Maybe something like Who's the one getting sick now?

Beca prays she doesn't stay around to try and help or whatever Chloe always kind to others Beale decides to do out of the goodness of her golden heart.

She's never exactly been very good at receiving help. Being born in a simple home where her family couldn't even afford to buy a car. Beca had always worked hard to earn and help her parents. While other kids were happily going on vacation trips during holidays, she was working two, three part-time jobs in order to pay for school and save up for college. By eighteen, she left home and flew to L.A. in hopes of a brighter future.

Overworking is admittedly her biggest issue ever since then due to the fact that she supported her younger brother's studies and paid for all hers and her parent's loans.

When she asked Rachelle to marry her then, Beca had determinedly chased the promotion in order to secure a very good life for both of them, a life that will be far from what she had growing up but all that… went to nothing.

Rachelle couldn't wait for Beca, couldn't understand why she couldn't always give her time and in the end, was dazzled by the beauty of the life she chose.

Now all Beca has is this job, working is all she knows and asking for help or appearing weak in front of others is something she hated so if only Chloe would just leave her now, Beca would appreciate it very much.

She let herself be vulnerable once in front of someone, years ago, and yet it only broke her, leaving her heart hollow. She doesn't want a repeat of that. Especially now, knowing that this special thing she feels for this special girl is already starting to sting even further.

"Have a good night," Chloe softly mumbles which she replies with an equally soft hum.

She hears footsteps drag away from her table and almost lets out an audible sigh of relief.

Glancing over towards Chloe's back walking farther from her and towards the elevator, Beca hopes she doesn't call Stacie or worse, Aubrey.

Beca weakly starts packing up her stuff, already shoving every file she needs to finish working on in her bag along with her phone and Ipad and switching her computer off.

It takes her all the effort she can muster to stand up without wanting to crash on one of the sofas nearby and going straight to sleep.

She finally makes it to the elevator and once she enters, leans against the side, closing her eyes as she does. When the bell rings to tell her that she's reached ground floor she stands straight up to walk out.

She almost cries in joy when she reaches her car and only prays that the traffic isn't as congested as her nose tonight. Opening the back seat of her car to basically throw her heavy bag filled with her files with all the strength she has left. With her Car key in hand, she finally closes the door only to have it snatched in a matter of seconds from her fingers.

When she turns her head, she sees a flash of red hair and before she knows it, Chloe Beale opens the driver's seat door to get in herself and start the engine.

Beca's shock freezes her in place before she realizes what is happening. In a click of some mental switch inside her, she taps on the window impatiently.

It slides down a couple of inches and before she protests, Chloe looks her dead in the eye and strictly says, "Get in," as she cocks her head towards the passenger seat before sliding the window back up again.

Having no choice, she walks over to the other side, giving the redhead a warning look—basically just a pained frown since it's all she can muster right now.

"I can fire you for this," she mutters angrily but is met with a sweet smile instead.

"Oh you can try but let me remind you something. This event lies in your hands and if you get into an accident because you weren't fit to drive then excuse me for hijacking your car for the sake of the company,"

Beca hadn't known how scary it is to be reprimanded with a sweet smile until now. That's what shuts her up until a thought finally enters her head.

"Do you even have a license to drive?" she asks warily while strapping in her seatbelt, remembering the times when she'd seen Chloe's boyfriend picking her up.

She's answered with silence and her heart leaps when Chloe suddenly leans towards her to press the recline button.

"That's really-that's not necessary," she stutters, immediately berating herself when her eyes trace the curve of Chloe's neck.

Had she not been sick, she would've died from a heart attack.

Her eyes quickly fly up at the roof of the car while she presses herself against the seat to create some distance—if that was even possible.

She starts breathing again when Chloe pulls away and puts on her own seatbelt before driving off.

So she can drive. Right. Noted.

Traffic was bad and Beca had to admit how much of a relief it is that she's not driving. Sometime in the middle of a nice laid back song Chloe chose, her tired eyes slowly close and when she wakes up it's to Chloe's soothing voice and gentle touch yet again. That's what gets her moving, pulling away as quickly as possible.

With Chloe already carrying her bag—because it contains precious files and basically it's for the good of the company—they both step in the elevator of Beca's building.

Beca would've taken a spot opposite Chloe had the elevator not been occupied by some residents familiar to Beca riding up from the parking basement. Having exchanged short greetings, Beca moves closer to Chloe who presses her floor number. Once the elevator moves, Beca's head spins and she quickly grabs on to Chloe's arm to steady herself and now she badly wishes she was with Stacie or anyone else from their gang so she can lean her heavy head on a shoulder… and not have her heart bursting.

The elderly couple step out of their floor, bidding them goodnight and much to Beca's embarrassment the lady adds a cheery, "You and your girlfriend look lovely together!"

The exchange was quick and the door closes shortly, leaving no chance for Beca to correct her which now becomes the reason for the awkward silence.

She rectifies the mistake with Chloe instead, "Sorry about that. You know old people, always very nosey and assuming things," she mumbles while Chloe shakes her head with a smile.

"Oh that's alright. Just be happy that now they think you have one lovely fake girlfriend instead of all this work junk you are married to," the annoying psycho teases with a wink and Beca already wants to die.

How many arrows has cupid hit her with by now? She needs to tell that bug to stop shooting her with the wrong women.

Or maybe the bug's already given up with how reckless heart is.

Beca opens her door before turning towards Chloe to take her bag back and sincerely thank her but of course the redhead passes her by and enters straight inside her unit like it's her own.

Bella happily greets Chloe, ignoring her completely now that there's a pretty girl in the room.

Chloe picks Bella up in her arms before heading over to the living room and Beca aching head is now trying to think fast.

"This is-well, thanks for everything," she awkwardly starts, rubbing the back of her neck with her hand. "Uhm… I'll call you a Lyft to take you home. It's the least I can do for all the… trouble,"

"It wasn't trouble at all," Chloe quickly says, still cradling Bella in her arms as she looks back at her.

It's a weird thing actually, seeing Chloe back in her home, standing at the center of her living room and Bella staying still in her chest with only her tail swinging slowly, eyes judging her hard.

"There's no need for a Lyft though," Chloe adds and Beca quickly offers her car in a heartbeat without even thinking. She might as well offer everything she owns with how this is going.

Her cat looks at her as if saying, Who's the useless lesbian now?

Beca glares back at Bella.

"I'm crashing in actually," Chloe says nonchalantly before walking towards her sound system to play a song.

Beca's head is spinning by now.

What was that again?

"Why? Had another fight with Johnny Bravo?" she asks without thinking and her blood runs cold at the slip.

Chloe looks at her as she proceeds to flail while stuttering an apology, the classic and literal, gay panic.

Bella looks at her like she's hopeless.

Hopeless useless jealous lesbian

There are only three scenarios where Beca's tongue goes loose and accidentally spits out words that she really means but wouldn't really say out loud. Stacie and Amy have long agreed that this is their favorite version of Beca Mitchell.

One, is definitely when she is drunk, totally singing out loud to pop love songs drunk. Two, when she is sick to the point of deliriousness. And finally, when whipped.

In Chloe Beale's presence, Beca is currently both number 2 and probably… reluctantly, number 3.

"I'm sorry. I meant your… boyfriend… not the uhm… cartoon character," she solemnly says, looking at anywhere but Chloe.

Her headache just increased twice as bad by now.

"It's okay. Tessa has given much worse nicknames than that,"

"Tessa is… your friend who's working as a personal assistant in… where was that again?" Beca asks, desperately wanting to change the topic.

"Barden Media. She's how I actually get access to Paris Blake's schedule and events," Chloe tells her and Beca starts to sit down.

Sleep is screaming for her.

"Hey, you should go ahead and rest," Chloe quickly says and Beca tries to tell her that she's fine.

"Yeah—but really, I'll call you a driver to get you home. Matt… is probably going to worry that I'm… overworking you again," she hastily says, fumbling for her phone.

Chloe sighs at this, arms crossed in front of her chest, "If I leave you like this, you're going to open your laptop and start working again," she finally breathes out in admission.

Beca tries to deny it but again Chloe is on to her.

"You're not going to bring all these files home if you weren't planning to work on them tonight," she says and this time there's concern visible in those eyes that makes Beca want to give in.

"I'm going to be okay, Beale. You don't have to worry about me. I can manage," she says, her voice rising with conviction.

"Well, that's not going to work. I'm staying to make sure that you can manage. Besides, Matt's at work. He's a DJ at a club and won't be home until 3 in the morning," Chloe stubbornly counters.

"Okay, that's real cute but I'm not a child that needs watching over. I don't need your help!" she bites back, spikes rising back up.

"I can see that," Chloe simply says, not even flinching at the harsh tone Beca has given.

"Then why aren't you leaving?" she questions.

"Because you're clearly not okay. You've been not okay for the whole week and everyone's worried," Chloe replies, eyes never leaving hers and silence follows.

This whole conversation is zapping the energy out of her fast.

"You don't have to talk about it Beca. You don't even have to tell me anything at all. Just… stop running,"

Beca exhales, too tired to argue as she closes her eyes.

"Fine, whatever," Beca says after a while, shoulders sagging in defeat before quickly adding, "But you'll have to let me make it up to you. Either, cleaning the kennels on Sunday or whatever it is you want help with,"

Beca watches the Chloe's eyes light up in excitement—or mischief—and god, she hopes the redhead doesn't make her wear a dinosaur onesie or whatever it is people make onesies into. She's suddenly regretting her decision now.

"Actually, I'd rather have dinner, tomorrow at 9," Chloe immediately says with much certainty and Beca almost chokes on her own spit—because this isn't what she had in mind.

"With the gang?" she asks slowly, trying to clarify that they aren't going to have dinner with just the two of them at 9 in the evening.

Girls go out on girls only nights all the time but for Beca and the rest of the rainbow community, two girls having dinner at some restaurant is clearly what is called a date.

So here she was, clarifying.

"Uhm, I've invited a few other people—but that's a surprise and you offered to make it up to me so you can't say no," Chloe says, eyes wide in excitement.

Having other people should chase off her worries but Beca still doesn't feel good about it though. She's not good at reacting to surprises—or new people. You just never know what to expect. Blame bad experiences and anxiety.

"Are you setting me up with one of your friends? Because, if you and Stacie are teaming up behind my back then it's a no,"

"No! I'm not—no," Chloe says, shaking her head adamantly. "Just… don't ask questions and say yes,"

"That's what they say before shooting you with tranquilizer, dumping you in the back of a truck to drive you off to an abandoned warehouse where you and the girl you love get tortured for information by your evil half-brother and then get shipped to a castle in Bulgaria where shit happens," she finishes seriously in one go, leaving her breathless.

Chloe stares at her for a moment, blinking in confusion before erupting into fits of laughter.

"You've clearly been reading way too many crime novels or… fanfics," she says in between giggles while Beca scowls at her.

Clearly, being sick is earning her a brand new reputation. One that makes her the least feared producer in Amplify.

"Why don't you have any Paris Blake songs in here?" Chloe suddenly asks, now back to focusing on Beca's playlists.

"You should listen to her first album. It's got the kind of vibe you like. I personally like her song Friday. The beat and melody is just so addicting. It's my favorite," Chloe continues as she picks Only In My Dreams by The Marias.

"That's nice but I'm not adding it in my playlist," Beca says softly, head leaning back against the sofa and eyes drifting towards the view of the buildings outside.

Chloe turns to her curiously.

"Why so? Have you even listened to it? It's really good! It's sweet and makes you want to fall in love all over again," she says with a smile.

Wordlessly, she gets up and exhales at how tired her body feels.

The bed is calling for her. It's time to call it a night. Better to pass out than dwell on things that she's still reluctant to face.

Looking at Chloe one more time, she replies weakly, hoping that the bitter aftertaste that stings deep in her chest doesn't show.

"Because I hate that song the most,"

Authro's Note:

You guys are all so sweet. I'm having tooth decay just by reading all the comments.

Beca, ultimate lover of music, hates a song. Chloe might win the bet. Bella is still the queen of sass. Dinner date tomorrow?

Also, it's obvious I wrote this during the last chapter of Midnight Sunshine.

Thanks for reading!