Chapter 3

Stacie wasn't sure what to expect when she saw Aubrey again for the first time in over a year. After the bachelorette party, she flew back to Portland and focused her energy on her work. She barely checked the Bellas' group chat, only giving brief responses from time to time or birthday wishes, and decided to give herself space from her friends. While she hated to admit it, there was no way for her to get a clean break from Aubrey while also being a Bella. She was relieved when her friends said they understood, all except for Beca. The music producer took it personally, feeling as though she lost her best friend over something she had no control over, but Stacie did her best to talk to Beca from time to time to keep up with what was going on in her life. That is how she ended up seeing Aubrey again, after accepting Beca's invitation to the baby shower she was planning for her and Chloe. Stacie was happy for her friends and wanted to show her support. The baby shower was held at Beca and Chloe's house in Los Angeles and all the Bellas were in attendance, along with some of Beca and Chloe's family and other friends. She frowned in confusion when Aubrey excused herself during one of the baby games and while Stacie told herself it was best to leave it alone, she was up and following Aubrey out into the backyard before her rational side could win out.

"You okay? You look stressed," said Stacie and Aubrey smirked as she looked out at the view of the ocean.

"Hi to you too, Stace." Stacie smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry, hey Bree," said Stacie as she leaned against the railing beside her. She gave herself permission to actually look at her fully instead of quick glances in her direction. She still was the most beautiful woman Stacie had ever met, but there were bags under her eyes now. She looked tired and had a rehearsed smile, not the genuine one Stacie loved.

"It hasn't been that long. I am still me," said Aubrey and Stacie looked down.

"It has been long enough. So, are you okay? You're still hot, but stressed out Aubrey isn't exactly my favorite," she teased and Aubrey rolled her eyes, but giggled.

"I didn't know you had a favorite version of me."

"Didn't you have one of me?" Aubrey thought about it for a second and shook her head.

"No, they are all my favorites, silly Stacie, party Stacie, nerdy Stacie, and even grumpy and hangry Stacie."

"Huh and all this time I thought the Hunter was your favorite," she teased back. Aubrey shook her head in amusement.

"No comment."

"That's what I thought," laughed Stacie and Aubrey did as well. They were both quiet for a moment and enjoyed the scenery before Aubrey sighed.

"I wasn't sure if you would show," confessed Aubrey.

"I wasn't sure if I would either," confessed Stacie.

"I am glad you did. It is really nice to see everyone together again. It feels weird when it is only some of us."

"So, what's going on in that Posen head of yours? Your best friend is pregnant and you don't seem as happy as I thought you would be." Aubrey frowned.

"I am happy for her. Of course I am, what kind of friend would I be if I wasn't?"

"Whoa, calm down, it wasn't a judgment. Everything cool with you and Chloe?"

"Chloe is amazing as usual. It isn't…nothing…I should go back inside."

"You are trying to get pregnant, aren't you," questioned Stacie and Aubrey's eyes widened in shock.

"How did you…Chloe doesn't even know that," said Aubrey and Stacie shrugged.

"Part of being a scientist is being observant. You declined wine at the restaurant and haven't had a drink since you arrived. You keep zoning in and out of the conversations, so I knew something was on your mind. Plus, your guard is completely up and you keep trying to remind yourself to smile every time someone talks about the baby."

"We don't have to talk about this. I know that isn't fair to you." Stacie shrugged.

"Actually, it's cool. Things are better now and I think I am ready to try that whole friend thing again." Aubrey sighed.

"You sure about that?"

"Try me, what's up?"

"I don't think I can get pregnant," she whispered sadly and Stacie scooted closer to her.

"Is that what your doctor said?"

"I haven't been. I am terrified to check. I want to be a mom so much and I know there are other ways but…the plan was to always be a mom," said Aubrey as tears filled her eyes.

"Well, stress can do a lot to the body, including making it difficult to get pregnant. I think we both know you can get so caught up in your own head that you can't stop stressing enough to actually relax. My mom is friends with a few specialists. They may be able to help or know someone in Georgia you can see."

"You would do that for me after everything I put you through," questioned Aubrey and Stacie smiled at her.

"Bellas for Life, right? Besides, it isn't like I never wanted you happy. You will make a great mom someday, Bree. I always believed that." Aubrey slowly nodded as she looked Stacie over.

"Now who is checking who out," teased Stacie and Aubrey blushed.

"Something is different about you too. You seem…happier," admitted Aubrey and Stacie nodded.

"I am. I started my own company and am in the process of finding a location for it. Right now I am still working out of my office and lab at Conrad Industries." Stacie was surprised when Aubrey hugged her, but didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around her. It had been far too long since she was immersed in her scent and she sighed as the memories came rushing back in.

"That is so amazing, Stace. It is what you always wanted. All of us should be celebrating that too." Stacie waved her off as they stepped back from one another.

"I will invite everyone to the party we will plan once the place is up and running. Once Rad Tech is officially open, I will be more than happy to party it up Bella style."

"Rad Tech, I like that. You are amazing, Stace." Stacie looked down at her feet and took in a deep breath as she said the words she mulled over since they first arrived.

"I also have a girlfriend now," she confessed and Aubrey gave her a small smile.

"That's great. I figured as much. You deserve everything you want in life. What's her name?"

"Lexi, we work together. Well, not really anymore, she works for my parents' company as a geneticist and is happy with her position there. I offered her a position with Rad Tech but she didn't want it to be a conflict of interest when it came to our research. She is very practical like that."

"Stacie Conrad attracted to practical women…never," teased Aubrey and Stacie laughed.

"Oh I definitely have a type. She is ambitious and structured. She definitely is smart. Can't sing to save her life but we all have our flaws."

"And she loves you…right…like…" Aubrey took in a deep breath to collect herself and Stacie waited patiently for her to continue.

"She loves you the way you deserve to be loved, right?"

"Yes, we love each other. She is out and has been since she was a teenager. Her parents are catholic so things were tense for a while between them but they are very accepting of me and kind."

"I am happy for you. I never wanted…I never want you to think I didn't want your happiness."

"I know you did, Bree," assured Stacie as she cupped her cheek and Aubrey leaned into her touch.

"Hey you flat butts, time for presents," called Amy and Stacie quickly pulled her hand away as they took a step apart.

"You heard the Aussie. Time for presents," said Stacie before quickly heading back inside. Aubrey tried to calm her nerves before following her back into the house as well.