A/N: Hello Readers! Here's the next chapter, I hope you all enjoy it as much as the previous ones. This chapter will focus on Beca, and what she's feeling. Don't worry, I will get Beca and Chloe back into the same room soon. And yes, things are going to start happening faster.
Thanks to everyone for the reviews and the really kind words.
Disclaimer: As always, I do not own Pitch Perfect or any of the characters, but I do love them.
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
*** Beca's Day ***
Beca's eyes are closed as she rests her head against the car window, trying to get just a little more rest, it's been so fleeting of late. The rain striking the windshield helps, providing a steady lulling rhythm, helping Beca drift off for much needed sleep.
Jesse is again giving her a ride into work. Beca is thankful, she really is; but her mood is matching the weather outside. She feels off, even through her exhaustion. She has woken up to this feeling before, the familiar taste of depression tasting like ash in her mouth. She hates it, she fears it, she wishes it away.
Last night the DJ had also been off, just off, even as she had been performing at Club Exchange. She just never felt fully there. It had followed her as she went home with Jesse. She was never able to get comfortable in Jesse's bed, leading to a very fitful night. Of course, sleep had finally come, from sheer exhaustion, but only moments before the alarm sounded, and an over caffeinated boyfriend had roused her from slumber by jumping on the bed.
She had prayed all morning that the drive into work would be as painless as possible. Fate, however, seemed to have other ideas, as the rain and LA's normal traffic patterns, all conspired to create one monster of a traffic jam. Getting to work quickly was completely out of the realm of possibilities.
Waking up exhausted from a restless night and a fitful sleep is bad enough, but now the DJ feels even worse. Outside Jesse's car, the morning traffic is the creeping crawl of a bad Los Angeles traffic jam. Beca finds driving in heavy traffic just draining, and this being LA, traffic is bad; it's always bad. It's one aspect of Los Angeles Beca really hates.
What truly amazes Beca is that no matter how truly awful the traffic can be, it can be made worse. In this case by the falling of rain that's been coming down in sheets all morning. The steady falling rain is a double-edged sword, lulling and comforting while at the same time ensuring that this morning the interstate is bumper to bumper with cars and trucks. Which has ensured that Beca's day is starting off rather shitty.
Beca had considered calling in sick, taking a day off to rest and recover. It had been so tempting. She had even let her finger hover over the number that would have connected her to Sam. She could have said she was going to work from home, it's something she has free reign to do; but she had managed to secure time in the recording booth for Emily, and she didn't want to give it up. Time in the booth is gold at Residual Heat.
She loves working at Residual Heat, it's an amazing opportunity, and she hopes to help build it into something more, but their resources in LA are still limited. But she has plans for that, ambitions for that. If she can have enough success, she knows Jay Michael can be convinced to invest more funds in the studio; maybe allow her to put in another booth or two. She knows there's enough demand that the booths would pay for themselves. Now, however, booth time is gold, and there was no way she was giving it up, especially since it's with Legacy; because Emily has quickly become the lynchpin of Beca's plans. Emily's songs are incredible, with amazing potential.
This is why she finds herself leaning against the window of Jesse's car, as he slowly navigates Los Angeles's morning traffic, instead of resting home in bed. Still as she stifles a yawn, the young producer is truly questioning her decision. The gentle movement of the car is lulling her to blissful dreamland.
A sudden lurch of the vehicle causes Beca eyes to fly open. She sits up quickly, looking around, trying to regain her bearings. To her left, Jesse's frantically steering the car, jerking it back into the lane they had been driving. Outside in the rain she can see they just avoided a white service van currently cutting across their path and over three lanes to take the next exit.
He looks at her sheepishly, and says, "Sorry."
If Beca wasn't feeling so incredibly drained, she might have summed up the energy to sigh in annoyance; however, "No worries…" she says absently as she looks out at the slow-moving traffic. "I'll need to ask Stacie why she was driving a plumbing service van today."
"My dear Beca, did you just crack a joke? Before nine o'clock? Before having your second cup of coffee?" Jesse laughs at his own humor.
"Ha ha ha, look it's a comedian folks," Beca says with as much snark as she can muster.
"And yet you still love me," says Jesse with an over the top goofy grin.
"Yeah yeah, keep telling yourself that funny man." Instead of responding he just blows Beca a kiss which she snarkily returns.
Silence descends in the car again, as the excitement of the near crash fades away. Beca is thankful for the silence. She relishes the silence. Of course, Jesse can't stand the silence, and feels an overwhelming need to fill the silence. "Some weather, huh?" Beca just turns to look at him, not sure if she's actually supposed to answer his question. Her mind is to clouded to really formulate any answer. "The weatherman said it's supposed to rain for the next couple days," he says, in an attempt to make conversation. He knows Beca won't answer, but he is a little concerned for his girlfriend; something has been off with her, and last night it got worse. He wants to draw it out of her, but knows asking straight out will only cause her to deny and pull away. He thinks if he can just get her talking, maybe she'll open up.
"Hmm?... Oh! Yeah, some weather," Beca shifts her gaze from outside the window and looks over at Jesse. She smiles awkwardly at him, trying valiantly to return his goofiness, but just can't muster the will. She turns back and continues to stare out at the slow-moving traffic.
"That's a lot of rain for this area, maybe we'll get enough to ease the drought…" Jesse continues to ramble on about the weather, but the moment he mentioned the word 'drought', Beca completely checked out. She's actually pretty pleased with herself for showing as much interest as she did.
"Uh, yeah, lots of rain…. Umm… I'm going to… try for more… umm… sleep."
She needed more sleep so she can be at her best when recording in the studio with Emily today, but for some reason last night sleep just eluded her.
The petite brunette keeps to herself, staring out of the window. Beca can see herself in the reflection. There are dark circles under her eyes, and she looks paler than usual. Beca appears as if she hasn't eaten, let alone slept in days. She can't help but think, no wonder Jesse's being all 'Mother Hen' with her.
Finally, Jesse seems to get the hint and falls into silence. Beca lets the silence wash over her though after a while it's quiet enough she glances over to ensure Jesse's still there.
Beca knows she shouldn't be in this mood. She should actually be quite excited. Today she's going to try to convince Emily of something experimental she wants to try with one of her new songs. Of course, she's confident Emily will at least let her try it; this being Legacy and all. If it works like she thinks it will, she'll be one more step closer to making her dreams and ambitions a reality, to do what she loves best while making this small studio into a major player in the LA music scene.
Yet something doesn't feel right.
Like something is missing.
Beca sighs as she stares out the window, she can't put her finger on what is missing; on what is nagging at Beca the last few weeks.
Truth be told, there's a part of Beca that really doesn't want to go into work. Part of her just wants to be at home, her home, Chloe's home, in bed… suddenly she shakes herself, that line of thought had quickly gone to a place she wasn't ready to face.
"Are you okay Becs? Are you going to be sick, babe? You're suddenly white as a sheet," Jesse asks concerned.
Beca shakes herself, at a loss for where her mind has just traveled to. She uses the shake of her head as cover and gives Jesse a half-hearted response, "No I'm fine…"
"You sure?" Jesse asks as he reaches over and softly gives her knee a light squeeze. "You've been off…."
Beca knows it's true, but she feigns ignorance, "What?"
"At the club, at home, this morning…."
Beca knits her eyebrows in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"You just seem off, and you were really restless in bed."
Beca shakes her head, "I'm fine, just tired-exhausted really- I couldn't settle down last night. Not sure why…."
"Yeah, you were pretty restless last night; but even before that you were pretty off…"
"I'm not…"
"At the club, you were good; don't get me wrong. I'm sure the crowd loved you, but…"
"But what?" Beca asks with a bit more venom than she intended.
"I've been listening to your performances for over four years. I know when you are feeling the vibe and when you aren't," Jesse's reply is defensive in tone.
Beca doesn't respond. She knows Jesse's right. She hadn't felt the 'vibe' last night. Even with her friends there, she hadn't found her groove.
Of course, one had been missing; which caught everyone off guard. Surprisingly Chloe hadn't told anyone but Beca that she wouldn't be making it. Her friends still had fun, still danced and partied, but there was always something or more accurately someone missing.
It didn't feel right. Chloe should always be there. People might not realize it, but Chloe made up half her team. It didn't help that a couple people from the neighborhood had asked about Chloe, as did Marcus and a number of the staff. Chloe is an integral part of what Beca is doing out here in LA. Beca began to wonder if she is one of the people misjudging the role Chloe had taken in her life.
Which only heightens Beca's concern for her redheaded best friend. She hadn't responded to any of Beca's texts, nor Aubrey's, Stacie's, or Emily's. It was so out-of-character for her best friend, that it set Beca on edge. She couldn't comprehend what she would do if Chloe no longer played the active participant in Beca's life.
Just before leaving this morning she had sent another quick text, but still hadn't received a response. It was worrying for the young DJ.
"Beca?"
Beca didn't realize how lost in thought she had fallen. Distractedly she responded, herself "Hmm?"
"Seriously Beca, are you okay?"
"Oh... Yeah, sorry… just a lot on my mind."
"Care to share?"
"Nothing…" she lets the words dribble off.
"You know Beca, anything you need, all you have to do is say."
At this point, Beca actually does let out an annoyed sigh.
"Is there something wrong?" Jesse asks, looking over at Beca with worry written all over his features.
"No! I'm okay. I'm just pretty tired…"
Her mind starts wandering again about Chloe and everything else going on in her life as she feels the car again begin to move.
Beca nearly jumps out of the car when she hears the unmistakable tones of Jesse singing in the driver seat next to her. She glances at the radio and finds he had hooked up his iPod without her notice. She moved her gaze to his face and found he thoroughly lost in the song, 'Livin' on a Prayer'.
She turns her head, bringing her gaze so she can watch his face and found his features contorting in a rather comical manner as he loses himself in the song. Beca can't help the laugh that escapes her.
Jesse looks down sheepishly and says, "Sorry. I guess I got carried away."
"Don't apologize; I've always loved your voice. Though I have to say, Bon Jovi? Really Jesse?" Beca shakes her head as she continues to laugh furiously, causing tears to well up in her eyes.
"Hey they're a classic!" Jesse defends himself with faux outrage.
"Does classic mean ancient?" Quips Beca still chuckling.
He just looks at her, then concedes, "Maybe."
Still feeling the rumble of laughter in her chest, Beca says, "I needed that."
"Sorry to wake you," Jesse says, bringing the mood back down.
She shakes her head, no. "Don't be. You know you have an amazing singing voice, but your facial features can be like a baboon in heat."
"Hey! I resemble that remark," Jesse laughs good naturedly, and Beca joins in. It feels good to laugh again with Jesse, there's been too little of it lately.
Beca furrows her brow. Something has changed with Jesse over the last few days. He's becoming himself again, well at least when he's not with the USC Boys. Their tooliness still seems to rub off on Jesse. Still Beca can sense that Jesse is… back seems like the right word, but Beca reasons that can't be right, because he was never gone.
It's just he hasn't seemed to be trying so hard. He was much more her usual weirdo. Which is good, but a nagging voice in the back of her head whispers that something's missing; that even if things were to go back fully, it can never be the same.
She shakes her head, as if it might shake free such thoughts. She looks out the windshield just in time to witness a miracle occurring as the lane ahead opens up, and Jesse is able to zip ahead to the next exit, and turn down the street where Residual Heat is located. Beca is so very thankful when they finally reach their destination. The last few minutes hadn't been bad, but Beca didn't want to push her luck.
As they pull to a stop, Jesse leans over and gives Beca a chaste kiss on her lips, that the DJ returns. The reprieve from her exhaustion fades, and her dour mood returns.
As she exits the car, Jesse tries one more time to reach her with his upbeat disposition; but Beca can't feel it. He asks, "So, what time do you want me to pick you up?"
Beca kicks herself mentally, she should have had made clear she was planning on spending her night back at her place. She answers hesitantly, "Actually, Emily and I are just going to catch an Uber together."
There's the slightest trace of disappointment in Jesse's tone as he suggests, "I can pick you up there."
"I was kind of thinking about having just a quiet night with Emily and Chloe…"
"Becaaw!" Jesse whines, "It's Friday!"
Beca crosses her arms, standing just outside his car. "And?"
"And we should go out," Jesse says as if it's self-evident.
"Jesse, we just spent the whole ride talking about how exhausted I am." Beca feels her annoyance rising. "I have a full day, and will have no energy to do anything tonight other than eat a pint of Americone Dream and watch 'Friend's'." She does however, raise an eyebrow at him, challenging him to argue this point.
Beca notices the shadow that passes over Jesse's features, and she thinks she hears him say, 'With Chloe…' under his breath, but she can't be sure. Beca chooses to overlook it as Jesse covers quickly and says, "Come on Becs, me and the guys, you know, Jodie and Mitch we're thinking about a team bonding night. You know it's Friday, and all…"
She doesn't want a fight, so Beca swallows her rising temper, and tries to sound reasonable, "I'm really not up for that Jesse," a yawn comes at just the right moment. "I'm too tired to be any fun."
There's an air of scrambling being done by Jesse, as he says hurriedly, "Well, I could stay in too. Take care of you."
'That's Chloe's job', just pops into Beca's head. She can't help it. Yet she knows voicing that sentiment would be the end of her relationship with Jesse. She instead says reasonably, "No, you guys go on and have a good time. I just need a solid twelve hours of sleep, so I'm going to crash early. No reason for you to stay in and not go out, if I'm just going to be asleep."
"Okay, I guess. Well you have my number, call if you need anything."
The petite brunette gives Jesse a halfhearted wave, before turning and walking towards Residual Heat. She resists rolling her eyes till she's facing the building. She can hear Jesse say something else, but she can't make it out, and too be honest doesn't care at this moment.
Grumbling to herself about over caffeinated dorks, Beca walks briskly into the building. She's in such a rush she doesn't notice Sam moving to intercept her, till she collides with the bubbly blonde.
"Shit, I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking and I ran into you. Though I guess you know that, because I just ran into you… Are you okay?"
"It's okay Boss." The tiny blonde woman, replies with a giggle. She actually finds the flustered petite brunette adorable. Sam always finds the juxtaposition of mega-talented musical genius with the quirky, bit clumsy, awkwardly shy woman, quite fascinating
"Don't call me boss, Sam." The DJ responds with an automatic huff.
Sam smiles and winks, "Sure thing boss."
Beca scowls, but it softens at the sight of a full mug of coffee being offered by the effervescent blonde. Taking the coffee from Sam, the surly brunette mumbles a thank you. She takes a gulp of the coffee, thankful that Sam has mastered the art of delivering her the perfect cup, both in taste and temperature. Beca never worries about burning her tongue anymore, as Sam never gives her that hot of a beverage.
The young producer just stands there savoring the taste and enjoys the much-needed jolt from the three shots of espresso. "Thank you," Beca whispers.
The perky blonde gives her a very cheerful smile, "You're welcome!"
Beca scowls at the bubbly blonde and asks the question she's been dying to ask ever since she met Samantha. "Do you have any family in Georgia or Florida? Or does the name Beale mean anything to you?"
Sam places her index finger on her chin, and kind of loses focus as her eyes sweep the ceiling. She bites her lower lip as she thinks for a moment, then a thought causes her already perky features to light up. "Oh! It was my Grandmother's maiden name."
Beca excitedly punches the air, "I knew it!"
"Knew what?"
"Uhh..." Beca doesn't have the energy this conversation will take, so decides to defer. "I'll tell you some other time."
"Oh okay. Well, just wanted to let you know Jay-Michael Ray is looking to meet with first thing this morning. Also, Emily, I really like her by-the-way, called to confirm she'll be in at eleven."
"Thanks Sam. If you see JM, let him know I'm here, and I will find him as soon as I've dropped my stuff off at my office."
"Oh, he said he'd come to you, boss."
"Don't call me boss!"
"Sure thing boss."
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
Beca is sitting at her desk, papers scattered across the surface, her favorite mug, the one Chloe got her when she finally found out about Beca's internship, sitting precariously near the edge of the desk. She looks thoughtfully at the writing on the mug, 'Producers Do It Best', and can't help but grin. She takes up the mug and finishes off the last swallow of the lukewarm coffee.
She rubs her eyes furiously trying to shake off her exhaustion. She's now downed two full mugs of coffee, since arriving, and is feeling the artificial buzz of heavy caffeine running parallel to her exhaustion. She's never liked this jittery feeling, but the lifestyle she leads has meant having to deal with it.
Reaching into her messenger bag for her favorite pen, the Waterman Expert that Aubrey gave her for graduation. She roots around where she knows she keeps it, and pulls out a post-it, this one with a hand drawn Rainbow Dash, and a good luck message from Chloe.
Beca just stares at the note, and can't help but feel a warmth grow in her chest, and a tiny bit of her exhaustion disappear. She quickly opens her planner and places the note with a stack of older notes Chloe has left her. Next, she notices a couple of her favorite breakfast bars with another note reminding her of the importance of breakfast. Rolling her eyes, she says out loud, "Geeze Mom, I had breakfast," and she holds up her mug to the air, as if showing Chloe. She chuckles at her own joke, before she notices a third note deeper in the pocket, this one admonishing her not to just drink coffee for breakfast.
Full throated laughter erupts from her, as she pictures her redheaded friend surreptitiously placing the notes and breakfast bars in her messenger bag, before Beca had rushed out to get to the club. She loves finding these notes. It's become a game between them, Chloe slipping them into Beca's things, Beca trying to catch her in the act. So far, she's never caught the redhead slipping one into her bag, or on her dresser, or actually any time she's left one for her. Somehow her best friend always manages to slip them to her, without Beca ever catching her.
It's almost supernatural.
Bringing her attention back to her work as she unwraps a breakfast bar and takes a bite, her eyes refocus on her desk, and she realizes it's becoming a disaster zone. Beca begins to mentally organize the desk and how she will reorganize it to make it a more efficient work space.
"What the hell?" Beca mumbles to herself. "Was I just possessed by Aubrey Posen?"
So, engrossed in her muttered ramblings, the young producer doesn't even notice when her boss saunters in.
"Yo Reggie!" Beca jumps at her boss's voice. She looks up to see her boss sauntering in with a huge grin on his face. He had seen her jolt, and she considers flipping him off, but then considers that she is trying to be more mature at the office. As she contemplates this she takes note of Jay-Michael's attire, he's dressed in one of his finely tailored dark brown suits. With a shake of her head and a chuckle, Beca responds, "Hey boss man, I looking good."
"Feeling good, Reggie," answers Jay-Michael as he makes a show of unbuttoning his jacket, and showing off his dark brown waistcoat and the labels of the jacket, before giving a smooth little spin to show off everything.
"Important meeting?" Beca asks. Jay-Michael always dresses impeccable, but he only pulls out the waistcoat when he has a particularly important meeting.
"Yeah, came across these three sisters who sing. They're raw, and need training, but they have something. They are Latina and have a 'Destiny Child' like sound. I'm going to meet with them and their parents. See if I can get them to sign with this studio."
Beca perks up at this news. "Wait, what? How come this is the first I'm hearing about this?" She asks excitedly.
Her boss shrugs, "Just came across them. Too be honest they don't seem to be looking to get into the industry. I think I'll have to sell it to them and their parents. Hence," he indicates the suit.
Beca can feel herself getting giddy with excitement at the prospect of bringing in another set of talents, especially if they are raw and in need of refinement in regards to their sound. It will mean she can be more active and creative in the producing. This totally fits her plans for the studio. She tries hard to sound nonchalant as she asks, "So, what can I do for you?"
The man just smiles smugly as he lets himself collapse into a seat and kick his feet up, resting his heels on Beca's desk. "Just checking in with my favorite up-and-coming DJ. Sorry, we haven't had a chance to talk much. How did your gig go last night?"
"Uh...it went well." Beca says deflating a bit. She wants to talk about the sisters. She doesn't want to get into how her gig really went. Though she feels her answer isn't a lie, it did go well, but she doesn't want well. She just has higher standards than that.
Jay-Michael runs his hand over the smooth skin of his bald head as he studies her curiously for a brief moment, then smiles and gives a snort. "You mind if I kick back here?" He asks gesturing to his feet.
She gives him a hard look, "Sure, if you get your feet off my desk," she smirks as she says it, ruining her glare. "So, umm, can I ask… Why do you want to hang here?"
He shrugs, leaving his feet perched on her desk, "I may have said out loud that I needed someone to be my assistant while I was ranting at Dax…"
Beca continues to stare at her boss, "And?"
Her boss actually looks a little sheepish as he says, "Dax may have jumped on a plane and come out here…"
"Wait," Beca interrupts, "Dax is here?"
"Yeah…"
"In LA?"
With a glum look, he replies, "In the building…"
Beca can't help but guffaw. She covers her mouth, and looks up at Jay-Michael in concern, but relaxes who when seeing he's smiling at her. He then opens the file he's been carrying. "So, yeah, I'm going to hang out here and read through this file, if you don't mind."
"You don't think he'll find you here?"
"Nah… He's scared of you,"
"What? Why?" Beca asks truly shocked.
"When you were still in Atlanta, Dax kept texting in a meeting, till you tossed his phone into the aquarium…"
"That was an accident! Yeah, I grabbed his phone, he was annoying me with his constant texts during my meeting. But it slipped out of my hand and ended up in the aquarium…"
Her boss gives her a look, "It slipped?" His voice suggests his skepticism.
"I tend to talk with my hands a lot." Beca's eyes travel up to her hands which are both providing perfect examples of what she's talking about. She pulls them down immediately, looking chagrined.
"Well it left an indelible mark upon the boy. Hence me staying in here."
Beca shrugs, being feared by the likes of Dax isn't the worst thing, but she really wants to get the conversation back to the sisters; wanting to know more about who Jay-Michael is meeting with. She tries to reconnect the conversation, "Do you need anything? Any water or me to accompany you to the meeting with the sisters...?"
"Nah… I'm good" Beca goes to say more, but Jay-Michael holds up the file and says, "Do you mind Reggie? I've got some reading to do."
Beca huffs and shrugs. Reluctantly she goes back to the financials she had been looking at when Jay-Michael entered. She hates financial reports, she doesn't understand all of it, and she knows she'll end up taking them to Chloe or better yet Aubrey to review them. Still she gives it a valiant try.
Fifteen minutes' passes, and Beca's leg is feeling restless, and she's tapping out a beat with her left hand. She glances at her boss, who is sitting quietly, the only movement is when he flips to the next page.
Twenty minutes' pass, and Beca is looking at the same column of numbers she was looking at ten minutes ago. Another glance at her boss, finds him thumbing through the report to the end.
A good half hour passes and Beca is still reading the same page. She wants to talk more with Jay-Michael, but he hasn't made any further noise as he reads through his report. As fidgety she is, he's calm and collected, not so much as a sigh or hum or anything as he just reads through his report.
Finally, it's too much. "Oh, for crying out loud, JM, are you going to tell me more about these girls, or what?"
Jay-Michael looks up languidly and Beca realizes he's messing with her. "Girls? What girls, Reggie?"
"Asshole," Beca grumbles under her breath. "You know damn well what girls."
"Oh, the sisters," he says in an exaggerated voice. "Yeah? What about them?"
Beca rolls her eyes, "Am I going to get to work with them?"
"I was thinking about letting Dax…"
She holds up a finger, and glares, "Don't even finish that sentence."
"Okay Reggie," he laughs, "So you want to help produce?"
"I want to lead…" she answers eagerly.
"How long have you been working for me out here in LA, Reggie?"
Beca shrugs her shoulders, and answers, "Six months…"
"Six months?" He says in surprise. "Has it really been that long?" Jay Michael asks. "Guess it has. In fact, it's been six months, two weeks and five days," he says nonchalantly. "I want you to know Reggie that you've done really well in this place. As good as I could have expected."
Beca bites her lip, not sure where this is going. Her overactive imagination shooting directly to worst case scenarios. "You're telling me this because?"
"Because while I'm satisfied at how this studio is working, and the job you are doing, I want more. I'm going to be expanding the operation here."
Beca's heart soars, it's exactly what she's been hoping for.
"Are you giving me the studio to run?" Beca asks as she leans back in her chair, trying to look slightly cocky.
"You know, Reggie, as far as I'm concerned I could give it to you. But I'm afraid I can't give it to you."
"What?" She asks in disbelief sitting up quickly. "Wh...Why?" Beca sputters as she stands, "with all due respect JM, I'm the best person for this job and I really want it. You aren't going to find someone better than me, I guarantee you. Heck, I've been doing the job!"
Jay-Michael sighs dramatically. "I know...and that's exactly the problem. You already took the job."
"What?"
"You've been doing the job already. I'm not giving it to you, you're earning it. Yes, I'm putting you in charge out here on a trial basis. You are going to be Senior Producer. We'll see how the rest of the year goes, and at the end of the year we'll reevaluate."
Beca is speechless. It takes a good minute to swallow the lump in her voice, and twice that long to formulate her response. When she finally is able to she replies with a raspy voice, "Really?"
"You have been doing an excellent job Reggie. Which is why I have decided to expand your responsibilities here."
Beca blushes and has nothing to say back.
"As I said back in Atlanta, Reggie, I've very high expectations of you. I wish you good luck, and I will certainly see you around." Jay-Michael says as he gets up. He gives her a semi-serious look, "Don't let me down Reggie."
"Don't worry JM, I won't," she eagerly replies.
"Oh, and I'm leaving Dax with you," he says as he leaves the room.
Beca laughs, but as Jay-Michael continues down the hall, she gets a cold feeling that he's not kidding. "You're kidding, right? Right?"
When she hears his laughter, she knows his answer.
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
Beca is at the mixing desk in the recording studio, running over the latest vocal takes she had recorded with Emily a couple days before. Her left hand on the volume knob as she cautiously turns it to raise the volume. When she's happy with the volume level she presses the balance bar carefully, getting just the right balance of instrumental and vocal recordings she's been playing with the last couple of days.
Beca closes her eyes and just listens leaning against the expensive equipment. She's trying to get a handle on the tracks that will go with Legacy's songs. Playing them against one another and trying to decide which bits needed changing and what could be added. Emily has really done an amazing job of writing, Beca wants to match her efforts.
She's buzzing hard, though she's not sure if it's from her third coffee with three espresso shots, or the news her boss dropped on her.
Probably both.
She picks up her phone, and is disappointed to see no response from Chloe. She had texted Chloe immediately after hearing the news. She had texted again an hour later. It's not like her best friend to not respond.
As she works, her mind keeps whirling about. It's incredibly hard to concentrate. It's all she can do not to fly out of the chair. Still Beca is able to make the appropriate notations on the music sheets.
There's only so much time in the studio, so she has to make the most of what she can get.
Beca slides over to her computer and opens a file where she's started collecting worthy soundtracks for the project. She plans to integrate them into the music she's been creating with Emily.
It's at this moment Emily walks in and narrows her eyes, surveying the darkened recording studio. Quickly focusing on her friend and mentor doing what she does best, crafting music. A smile tugs at the corner of the tall young woman's lips as she watches her friend work.
The taller brunette really appreciates the tiny brunette who is so thoroughly engrossed in her work. Emily just knows she's watching genius in action.
Beca's always at her best when she just loses herself in the music; as she is right now. The DJ moves to the rhythm, head gently nodding and shoulders swaying to the sound, keeping rhythm to the beat. Of course, Beca's completely oblivious to the fact that she has company and is putting on a fun little show.
Looking around the studio, Emily just breathes it all in. It has felt so good just to be in a studio again. Last week when she had accompanied Beca into the LA offices of Residual Heat, it had been the first time the two friends had found themselves in a studio since making the demo of 'Flashlight'.
Now they had been back nearly every day. It's a dream come true. Emily's cheeks are beginning to hurt from the strain of the grin she's been sporting. She walks around the room checking out all the equipment; just loving the feel of the room.
So, caught up in taking in the energy of the room, Emily doesn't notice the chair in her path till she's kicked it, stubbing her big toe.
Beca jumps as the roller chair comes crashing into hers. She looks up in time to see Emily hopping on one foot, holding the other, as she cries, "Ow, ow, ow…."
"Emily?" Beca shouts as she jumps up. Emily lifts her head up quickly, causing her to overbalance. She tries to catch herself, but it's too late, and with long arms flailing Emily falls over backwards.
With a truly shocked expression on her face, Beca rushes over, "Emily! Are you okay?!"
At first Emily can't think of a response, not that she hit her head or anything, she just is in shock at what just happened, and feeling deeply embarrassed.
"I am so sorry," Emily's voice is shaky as she apologizes, "I'm just a bit-"
"Clumsy?" Beca can't help laughing lightly at the gangly, awkwardness of her younger friend. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just my pride, and my big toe bruised." All Emily can feel is the blush on her cheeks and neck, the butterflies fluttering violently in her stomach with embarrassment, and her big toe, which still really hurts.
Beca smirks that all-knowing look, and with a laugh says, "You're such a dork."
"Hey," Emily's eyes widened as she stares up at Beca.
"But a very loveable dork,"
"I'll treat that as a compliment then," Emily stands, looking embarrassed. Her soft smile is dainty and demure.
"Come on my loveable dork, let's make you a star." Pointing to the chair Emily initially kicked, she smirks, "Pull up a chair, I believe you know where it is."
"Ha ha, so funny," Emily says as she pulls the spare studio chair next to Beca's and sits down; crossing her legs beneath her.
"You settled? You safe?"
"Yeah yeah, funny." She mock laughs, "We can move on," Emily snarks. "What do you have for me?" She looks over at what the DJ has pulled together so far.
"I have an idea," offers Beca as she flicks a switch, and adjusts a selection of knobs. Beca then puts on her headphones and queues up the portion she wants to have Emily hear.
"Okay, so you know lyrically I love your songs. In this case, I was looking at 'Beat to the Sound of Silence'. I think this is the feature song of your album. I'm thinking to truly appreciate it we want to keep it slower, a ballad, with minimal background sounds, at the beginning."
"Sounds promising, let's listen to this demo."
Beca picks up her tablet in front of her and begins tapping away while she starts describing what she's been thinking. "I was kinda wondering what if we do this," she pauses, and plays a few bars of a melody she's been working on. "And we place it here?" Beca pushes the appropriate button and Emily's voice sings through the speaker.
Emily listens, then asks Beca to play it again. As the young producer does, the taller woman begins to sing, matching the words of this little riff from her song. "I love it Beca!"
"Good. Now I said at the beginning we keep it minimal, but here I am thinking, we bring the house."
Emily looks at Beca, "What do you mean?"
Beca smirks, "I got this idea from Chloe. Now this of course isn't your song, but it's not far off." She hits the button for the song she's got queued up, and suddenly the room is filled with the sound of a full orchestra.
"You want to use an orchestra?"
Beca nods.
Emily continues to listen. Her smile growing. "I LOVE it! I love the way it builds. It really builds!"
Beca suddenly has a flashback of another person saying those words, and she can't stop herself from sarcastically saying, "Great, Chloe's going to have a new jam."
Emily turns to Beca with eyes wide. She grabs Beca by the upper arm and exclaims, "Totally! Oh my God, that would be AMAZING!"
Beca feels the heat rise in her cheeks and neck. An image pops unbidden, and sudden realization at where this conversation is going causes Beca to want to change the subject, "Maybe not…" Emily gives her friend a curious look. The petite music producer coughs to cover and changes the subject, "So, I'm thinking it will play like this." She hits the button to restart the vocals. "We start with this A Cappella style," Beca talks over Emily's recorded voice, as she lays out the song. "Here we start overlaying your voice over minimal background sound; and you're right I want it to build." Emily can hear what Beca's describing. The DJ continues, "So then here, we do this," and again Beca plays the orchestral music she's crafted to sound closer to Emily's song. It matches the soulful sound that Emily had belted out two days before.
When it ends, Emily excitedly says, "Play it again, please!" Beca happily complies and they listen through the rough mix Beca has created.
"Oh my Gosh Beca, that's so good." Emily's legs are jittery and she can't stop them from moving a hundred miles a minute up and down.
"Did you just say 'gosh'?" Beca can't help the playful smirk as she teases her friend.
"Umm-yeah…" Legacy answers shyly.
"You're too cute sometimes, Legacy."
Beca sits back in her chair. "So, you've heard my pitch, but it's your song Legacy, is there anything that you were envisioning?" Emily looks at her friend and grows hesitant. Beca grows concerned. "Did I say or do something wrong?"
Now Emily looks horrified, "Oh no Beca! Quite the opposite. Completely the opposite! Truth is I was picturing something similar in my head, but I didn't want to sound like I'm just sucking up," the younger girl rushes out. She takes a deep breath and says with a lopsided grin, "Umm… You kinda nailed it."
Relief washes over Beca, and she says, "Well then, the timbre of our earlier recordings is not quite right, so I want to get you back into the booth."
"Alright!" Emily fist pumps the air as she leaps out of her seat and practically sprints to the booth. Beca smiles at her friend's enthusiasm. To Emily's credit, she didn't trip or even stumble upon entering the booth.
Once Emily has the headphones on and positioned herself in front of the microphone, Beca pushes the button so she can speak to the taller girl, "Are you set Legacy?"
Emily gives a thumbs up. Beca smiles and says, "We're going to take this from the top." Emily nods, and she begins to sing.
Growing tired and weary brown eyes
Trying to feel your love through face time
Beca sits back, letting her friend's voice wash over her. The younger woman has a rich, beautiful voice, and her lyrics are incredible.
Symphonies of dreams and highlights
Caught up in this crazy fast life
But baby you're not here with me
And I keep calling, calling
Keep calling 'cause
Having timed it perfectly, Beca introduces a steady beat, and an underlying sound. The younger woman hears the addition and smiles, but doesn't miss a beat. She closes her eyes and begins to sway as she truly loses herself in her song. As she gets into the chorus she pours herself into it, letting her passion out.
Now my heart awakes to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence
Beca is sitting at the mixing console, just watching Emily sing her lyrics into the oversized microphone. This is a love song the younger girl has written and she's singing with a deeper huskier overtone than she normally uses. Beca has to admit that it works really well against the drumming rhythm.
Now my heart awakes to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence
Beca's not sure if she's ever heard her friend sing better. She's feeling more confident that her decision to make this the primary song on the album. This song is going to be amazing.
I know I'm stronger and I'm capable
I know it's all in my head
But I keep calling calling
Calling calling
Emily is really into it now moving her hands to the best, belting out her vocals with all her heart.
Now my heart awakes to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence
Now my heart awakes to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence
And it beats to the...
Emily's hand smacks into the oversized microphone, knocking the stand over into another microphone stand just to the left, both of which tumble into a third like dominoes. All three fall down in a loud crash. The young woman jumps up surprised by the sudden crash, which sends her stool falling backwards. She swings around in surprise at the sound of the stool. She stands there, her eyes wide with shock and guilt. A small "Shit" escapes, as her skin turns the shade of Chloe's hair.
Beca's eyes are just as wide and round at the sudden unexpected turn in the booth. She's frozen, her mouth open, unable to process what just happened. When she hears Emily's brief foray into profanity, she reaches over and turns off the recording. She then slowly stands and makes her way over to the booth.
Emily follows Beca with her eyes. Afraid of what Beca's reaction will be. She stands completely still as Beca opens the door to the booth and steps in.
Beca quickly picks up the microphones and stands, saying silent prayers that everything seems okay. Nothing obviously broken, though she'll need to test the clarity of the microphones back at the board.
Once she has everything back in place, including the stool. She stands in front of Emily, who has yet to move, and is looking both petrified and guilty. Beca takes a deep breath and says, "So, I think we should edit out that last bit, I don't think your Mom would appreciate you ending that song with the word 'shit'."
Emily just looks at her smaller friend, dumbfounded. When Beca begins to nod, Emily mirrors it. Beca breaks into a smile, again Emily follows suit. "So, Legacy, let's take it from the top?"
Emily continues to nod, picking up the pace, and her smile becomes brighter. Beca returns the smile and without another word leaves the booth.
Once the petite brunette is back at the mixing board, she has Emily hum a number of notes, go through the litany of 'doe-ray-me-fa-so-la-tea-doe', and back. Once she's comfortable that the microphones are fine, she says, "Okay Ems, let's do it just like last time, but with a different ending."
Emily smiles sheepishly and nods. She takes one deep breath, holds it for a count, and then begins to sing.
Growing tired and weary brown eyes
Trying to feel your love through face time
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
I know I'm stronger and I'm capable
I know it's all in my head
But I keep calling calling
Calling calling
Now my heart awakes to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence
Now my heart awakes to the sound of silence
And it beats to the sound of silence!
And it beats to the sound of silence!
Silence fills the room as Emily ends the song. She had again really lost herself in the music by the end of the song, despite holding back at the beginning. Her hands are tight fists held against her chest, she had made sure they did not fly about. "How's that?" Emily asks tentatively, opening her eyes one lid at a time. Timidly she looks at her friend. Beca is nodding, while fiddling with a few slides on the mixing board in front of her.
The petite DJ leans in, pressing the button so Emily can hear hear her and answer, "I like this ending better." The DJ says it with a straight face, and in such a professional manner, Emily can't help the burst of laughter that escapes her.
Beca smiles as she hears Legacy laugh and then give a triumphant whoop. She knows the last run was good, the next will be better. "Do you want to do it again?" Beca asks with a wink.
"Always." Emily nods and puts her headphones back on with a smile and wink. The tall Bella watches her mentor fiddling with the sound controls with a smug look on her face. Beca finishes up whatever she was doing and gives Emily a signal to start again.
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
A number of hours later, Emily is in the booth again recording vocals on their fourth song of the day. Emily's voice clearly rings through the studio. Beca finds herself tapping her foot against the carpet, nodding her head with the kick and snare, her eyes focused on Emily's overly concentrated features as the younger woman is singing 'Heroes' for the sixth time.
To go sing it like a hummingbird
The greatest anthem ever heard:
She can tell Legacy is putting everything into this song, and Beca feels bad that the same can't be said for her. For some reason, she just can't get this song to sound right. She can't figure out why she hasn't heard from Chloe.
We are the heroes of our time
But we're dancing with the demons in our minds...
Her exhaustion is catching up with her, and she's crashing from her caffeine high. Beca's actually considering taking up smoking, just to get that last little boost the nicotine will provide her. She's pretty sure the only thing holding her back is Chloe would kill her.
We are the heroes of our time
Hero-uh-o-o-oes
O-uh-o-o-oh
We're dancing with the demons in our minds
Hero-uh-o-o-oes O-uh-o-o-oh
Methodically the young producer works on Emily's music to make it better, but she's just not happy with it yet. She's trying desperately to maintain a singular focus on getting the vocals for the song right. Even now, her mind beginning to wander absently with her fatigue. Often when she's stuck like this, she'll bounce ideas off Chloe. Something about talking to the redhead just centers her, and gives her clarity, but Chloe is not available. Beca fiddles more with the switches while deciding on the proper volume levels for Emily's voice.
We're dancing with the demons in our minds
Hero-uh-o-o-oes O-uh-o-o-oh
Beca's having trouble focusing her eyes; her vision blurring back and forth. She picks up her phone, sighs when she sees there's no message from Chloe, and texts Sam, asking for another coffee 'just the way she likes it' and a couple of Red Bulls.
Having finished the song, Emily opens the door to the booth and walks out. "Hey Beca, maybe we can take a break? My throat's pretty tight."
The petite brunette sets her iPhone down and swivels around in her chair looking up at the ceiling though she's feeling down. "Sure Emily. I think we have enough sound of you. I just texted Sam to bring me coffee, do you want anything?"
"You're getting another coffee?"
"Yep," Beca really pops the 'P', before adding, "And some Red Bulls…"
"Don't you think that's pretty excessive. Maybe we should take a break…"
"Nah I'm good. We can push through…"
"How you doing Beca?" Emily asks, a little concerned for her friend. The tiny DJ's eyes seem both concentrated and glazed at the same time. It isn't unusual for Beca to work so diligently on her music, but today seems to be a little different. It looks like Beca is working too diligently, like maybe something is bothering her.
"I'm good…" Beca answers though she nods tiredly.
"You look tired…"
"Yeah, I didn't sleep last night." Beca says, giving a small, tired smile, before resting her head in her arms on the console.
"So, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, helping you make your beautiful music."
"I mean, why aren't you home, getting rest?"
"Because we have studio time now."
"We've had studio time all week Beca."
Half-heartedly, Beca narrows her eyes at the taller girl.
"It's been a long day recording Beca, and it's still only…" Emily trails off, "Does that clock say 4:12?"
"Ummm, yeah…"
"Oh my God!" Emily exclaims. "I was supposed to be back at the apartment to help with the music lessons!"
"What?"
"Remember? Chloe and I were going to start giving lessons today!"
"Settle Legacy, I'm sure Chloe will understand…"
"No, she was really excited about this, and she's counting on me…"
"Emily!" Beca grimaces. "It's okay. It's Chloe, she'll understand. It's just music lessons for a couple kids. We need to get these songs right."
Emily shakes her head slightly, lips forming a frown. "Okay... what's your malfunction Beca? You've been acting weirdly off all... well… for the last week, actually."
"What are you talking about?" Beca's indignation thick in her 's tired and wired, which is never a good combination. She feels her temper growing.
"You haven't been around lately. It's almost like you've moved out… wait… you aren't moving out are you?"
Emily's question and tone provokes Beca, "NO!"
"Then what's up. You know how important these lessons are for Chloe, and I'm letting her down. It's not like you to be so careless with Chloe's feelings."
Tendrils of hot guilt shoot up through her chest, causing Beca's heart to ache. "I'm… You're right…. I'm just so tired…"
Emily's features soften. "Beca, we did some really good work today. You need to get some rest now. Let your body and mind recover some."
Beca does feel herself crashing. Her anger has given way to whining. "It's just that I want, I need to have this album be perfect…"
The younger woman assures her friend, "It will be Beca. It will be."
Emily's Tone and words reminds Beca of Chloe, which only makes her feel worse. "I'm sorry Em, not sure why I'm feeling extra grumpy…"
Any indication that the girl is upset or disapproving easily slips easily from her face, and is replaced with her usual soft-hearted smile and an equally as simple "It's okay. You're so tired Beca, you have yourself believing you're awake. Come home with me. We'll apologize to Chloe, and you can get some rest."
"I'd love to Ems, but I still have a bunch of things to do today."
"Beca…"
"Seriously Emily. I have some things I have to get to right away; but right after I will come home and we'll make it up to Chloe."
Emily looks dubious as she reluctantly agrees, "Okay…"
Beca gives a weak smile as she picks up her iPhone. "I'll order an Uber, and we'll get you home right away, and I'll be like an hour behind."
Emily packs up her things as she says, "You better…"
"I will…"
Emily nods, beaming again. "I know you will."
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
Emily hasn't been gone fifteen minutes when the door to Beca's office slams open as Amy rushes through doors rather dramatically, "There you are, Shawshank." Beca damn near jumps from her seat in surprise.
Seeing that it's Amy entering the room, Beca puts a hand to her chest, and collapses back into her seat. Between way too much caffeine, lack of sleep, and now a Red Bull, Beca's heart is yammering away. She throws Amy a steely glare."
"Shawshank?"
Beca holds up her finger, signaling the need for one more moment. She feels her heart slowing. With a sigh of frustration Beca takes off the headphones Chloe gave her for her last birthday, she never uses studio headphones, and flashes a tired smile at the boisterous Australian. "Amy, do you have to enter a room like that?"
Amy gives her a quizzical look. "Like what?"
Beca sighs dramatically, "Like the buildings on fire, and you need to blow the doors of their hinges."
"Oh, well I just love to make an entrance. Best when taking on a pack of dingo's is to catch'em by surprise."
"Amy, do you seriously think my office might have a pack of feral dogs in it?" Beca asks as she rolls her eyes.
"One can never be too careful Shawshank." Amy answers in what seems to be solemn honesty.
A long low groan escapes from the back of Beca's throat, as she allows her head to slowly fall to her desk. Only half under her breath, Beca sighs in frustration, "I don't have time for this."
"Why?" Amy muses, "What'cha doing?"
"Oh you know; just waiting around seeing who I can make some beautiful music with," Beca sarcastically replies back.
Amy doesn't miss a beat. "So, the ginger is coming?"
Beca's eyes grow as she sputters, "What?"
Amy looks off at the ceiling, "Hmm, nothing…"
Beca groans, "Do you really have to be so, so, so Amy?"
Amy replies with a shrug. The aspiring music producer loves her boisterous blonde friend, but sometimes Fat Amy is just a little too much; and when she is, Beca knows you can't really stop the one of a kind Tasmanian.
"Why are you here Amy?" Beca then asks
"I was actually coming down to see how my tiniest friend is doing," Amy answers. "And I have big news.
"Hey boss, you have a visitor," says Sam as she walks through the open door. "And Jay-Michael wants you to sign these." The blonde lays a stack of papers in front of the petite music producer.
"Shouldn't you announce I have a visitor, like say before she barges in?" Beca asks the blonde receptionist as she takes the offered papers.
The blonde gives a slight shrug of her shoulders, but before she can say anything Amy is jumping in. "Oh Shawshank, the poor girl didn't have a chance. When I'm on a mission, nothing is going to sway me."
Beca has to admit, that's completely true.
Sam quirks her eyebrow, "Shawshank?"
"Oh, yeah Short Stack here was quite the delinquent our Freshman year. Breaking private property, including a window…"
"That was YOU Amy!"
Amy looks thoughtful for a heartbeat, "Nooo, that's not how I remember it. Pretty sure the arrest report had you on vandalism and assault…."
Sam's eyes widen in surprise. "Assault?"
"Yeah, this tiny ball of angst has a mean right cross."
"Really?"
Beca sinks deeper into her chair. "Yeah… that one may be true."
"Really," Sam asks with a new twinkle in her eyes. "I'm seeing you in a whole new light." Beca can feel her face warming, and prays that the blush isn't to noticeable. The blonde receptionist continues, "I'll definitely need to hear this story…"
"Not happening!" States Beca categorically.
"I like you," Amy says to Sam; not sounding deterred in the slightest, "I'll have to invite you to my wedding, and all the activities leading up to the blessed event. There me and my sisters can regale you with tales about this tiny ball of angst."
Beca covers her face, "Please don't…"
"That sounds like a blast!" Sam says happily. "But I don't even know who you are."
"Oh right, Sam this is Fat Amy, Fat Amy this is Samantha, but she goes by Sam." Beca quickly introduces the two.
"Fat Amy?" Sam is genuinely shocked at the name. She asks, "Is that so skinny bitches like me can't use it against you?"
"Well I generally use the term twig bitches, but yeah you get the gist. I knew I liked you."
"Well then I would be honored to come to your wedding. Especially if I get to learn more about…. How did you describe her? Tiny ball of angst?"
"Oh god…" Beca lets out as she lets her head fall back to her desk. More weariness sweeps over her.
"Good! Great even! Glad we got that settled. So, Shawshank what are your plans for the rest of the afternoon?"
"I have some papers to sign," Beca indicates her desk, and the stack of documents Sam just added to. "Then I have a few odds and ends. I really want to listen to what Emily and I recorded today…"
Amy "Legacy was here. Damn, wish I hadn't missed her. Oh well, so what I'm hearing is you can cut loose here and come with me."
"No, that's the exact opposite of what you heard," Beca says emphatically, giving Sam a flower as the young blonde chortles to the side. "I have a list of things that need to be done before I can leave. I have responsibilities, that I can't just leave until later. Oh, my god! I am being possessed by Aubrey." Beca brings her hands up to cover her eyes.
"Come on Short Stack, I need to talk with ya. Let's go get some drinks. I'm dying for a 'Hurricane'."
"I don't think that's a good idea. I am busy and I need to get home," Beca says, actually panicking at the idea of going out with Fat Amy for drinks.
"What?" the Australian protested, "Oh come on Shawshank!"
"Amy, I really have to get this stuff done, and then I need to get home. I screwed up with Chloe…"
"That's nothing new," Fat Amy says just loud enough for Beca to hear.
"What? Never mind I don't want to know; but yeah, I have to deal with that, and I promised Emily…" Beca leans forward and placed her elbows on her desk and begins to rub her temples with her hands.
"Hear me out, my favorite American Pygmy," Amy says.
"I'm not a Pygmy!" Beca slaps her desk with both palms. "I'm five foot two for crying out loud!" Beca scowls at Sam, who can't stifle her giggles.
Beca goes to say more but is stopped when Fat Amy presses her index finger against the DJ's lips, effectively stopping her. Indignant, the petite brunette pulls back, her agitation only growing. "Shawshank, I want you to consider for a second, what's most important to you; this job and your career, or spending time with your best friend in the whole world."
"The job Amy…"
Amy just looks at the irate DJ, with arms crossed, and an amused expression, still she says in a regretful tone, "Damn short stack, thought for sure you would choose your very best friend."
The Australian tries pouting, but Beca lives with Chloe, she's seen the best in pouting, Amy has nothing on the redhead. So Beca grits her teeth, "Look Amy! I can't just leave with you right now. I have to finish and get home. And, seriously, you can't just spring this shit on me. If you had told me earlier, maybe, just maybe I might have been able to, but seriously, Amy," Beca continues massaging her temples.
"Don't worry about it squirt, I'm taking care of it…."
The distracted DJ notices the mobile phone in the blonde' hand. "Wait, Amy, what are you doing?" Beca asks, as she watches her friend type furiously into the device.
"I'm just calling in a favor," answers Amy, "and that should take care of it." The blonde Australian is sporting a very disconcerting smile.
"Amy?"
"Is that Patricia?" Beca looks over to see her boss walking in, with a huge smile, and excited eyes.
"Jay-Michael!" Amy booms, and the two wrap each other in huge hugs.
The tall black man straightens up as he asks, "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, you know, I'm sure you've been missing this sexy fat-ass," Amy says with a loud slap of her rump.
Beca is completely confused, "You know each other?"
"Of course, I know Patricia. I didn't realize you knew her too. I partied with her on her family's yacht two summers ago. You remember the story…"
"Wait! You have a yacht?"
Amy shrugs, "Well my family…"
"How am I only learning about this?" Beca scratches her head, trying to wrap her head around this news. A memory triggers a line of thinking that suddenly has her turning to her boss. "Wait the story about you and Dre, and Eminem, on a yacht, this is that Pat?"
"Yep, that was this Pat," answers Jay-Michael. He turns to the blonde Australian. "Are you still telling people your name is Annie?"
The blonde Australian nods, but corrects, "Amy, now." She looks at Beca, "I used to feel more like an Annie, before I found out the most famous one is a soulless ginger…"
Now something clicks for Jay-Michael, "Wait! This is Fat Amy? The woman you told me about? Who is pitching an idea to NBC?"
Beca nods, "Uh, yeah."
"No way! Small world!"
"Not just pitching, we ARE producing a show for NBC!" Shouts Fat Amy exuberantly.
"What!?" Shouts Beca and Jay-Michael together.
"You know it Pitches! Just finished signing the contract..." Beca runs around her desk and hugs Fat Amy. "... and rushed right over. Well after quick celebratory interlude with my main squeeze Bumper!" Beca releases Amy and backs away with a serious 'eww' face.
"That's… great Amy… thanks for sharing…"
"Gimme some of that love Patricia!" Exclaims Jay-Michael, as he opens his arms. Fat Amy gives him a strong hug.
"So, my bald-dynamo, I need to take Beca out of here?"
"Who?"
"Beca here," Amy says, hooking her thumb over to her smaller friend.
"Reggie? Oh yeah. Of course," Jay-Michael nods in agreement without hesitation.
"Ummm boss… I kinda have things to do…"
"Nonsense Reggie. You put in a good deal of work today. Take the rest off. Patricia here is becoming a player in this town. Keeping a good relationship with her is the smart play."
"But…"
"Take the time. There's nothing here that needs you right now."
"But…"
"It's settled then Shawshank!" Exclaims Fat Amy.
Beca exhales deeply, and surrenders to her fate.
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
Before the young music producer knows what's happening, she finds herself at a restaurant bar that she knows is just a few miles from her apartment. Sitting in a booth across from Fat Amy, staring at her untouched beer.
She had never been to this place, but Chloe had suggested it a couple times. Beca knew the redhead would pout when she finds out that Beca had gone here before her.
Looking around she finds she likes the feel of the establishment. She would have to bring Chloe here to make it up to her. Maybe they could come here to celebrate her promotion at work.
Thoughts of Chloe made the petite brunette suddenly wistful. Instinctively Beca looks down at her phone and frowns. Still no texts from Chloe. It's so unlike the redhead. She sighs dejectedly.
Beca's thoughts drift back to her talk with Emily. She realizes she's been taking Chloe for granted again. Just thinking about it, Beca sighs. Her features are unable to hide her guilt.
"How ya going my favorite tiny dancer?" Amy asks as she takes a swig of her beer.
Beca arches her eyebrow as she looks up at her Australian friend, "Going?"
"You know, doing, how are you doing? I always liked how we say it back home."
"Fine…" Beca sighs. She really doesn't have the energy for this. She directs her eyes back towards the tall glass of beer.
Her blonde friend gives her a look. The DJ squirms a bit under her friend's gaze. "I'm just tired," she replies in a sharp tone.
Fat Amy takes another swing of her beer, then chuckles as she asks, "Really? Come on, what's wrong Pint-size?"
"Nothing…" Beca answers, trying her best to sound normal.
"It's obliviously a little more than nothing, Short-stack."
"Are you running through your entire litany of 'short nicknames for me? And yes! It's really nothing!" Beca's voice carries a bit more vehemence than she actually feels. She tightens her hands around her glass. To cover Beca takes a sip of her beer and apologizes softly.
"Come on, what's up Shawshank? Why all sook? You look like a Wallaby has stolen your last bickie."
Beca runs that through her brain. She looks up and shakes her head. "I'm not even sure what any of that means…"
"You're looking dour and angsty, Short Stack." Amy says, and then adds, "Well, more than usual."
"What makes you think anything's wrong?" Beca rolls her eyes. "There's nothing wrong. I'm fine. Better than fine. I'm great. My career is taking off! My boss is putting me in charge of this studio. Everything I want is coming to me." For some reason, even as she says it, it doesn't feel true. Beca keeps talking, trying to assure her blonde friend, though she knows deep down Amy isn't who she is trying to convince. "I'm fine, I'm good. Everything's good." The DJ answers, her words coming too fast. The only times she talks this fast is when she's feeling guilty.
"Yeah, that sounds believable," comments Fat Amy.
Beca sighs, "I'm fine…"
Amy looks at her thoughtfully. "Yet you look like a dingo stole your last knickers, which isn't fun; let me tell you…"
Beca curses under her breath. Takes a sip of her beer, then takes a deep breath. "I'm just tired Amy. I haven't been sleeping…"
"Then why are y'here with me?"
"You dragged me here, Amy!"
"Because you need it Shawshank. You need to let loose and relax."
Beca rubs her face, muttering, "I'm too tired for this…"
"Fair dinkum…"
"I must be exhausted. I have no idea what you just said…"
"It means, yeah, honestly, you really should have gone home and gotten some rest Shawshank…"
"Amy…" Beca begins to whine. "You're right… I'm going to go home…" Beca gets up from the booth.
Fat Amy cuts her off as she grabs Beca by the wrist. "Actually Shawshank, I have something special to ask you." Amy's tone is suddenly serious.
Beca scrunches her face. Amy is never serious, even when she's being serious.
"So, Beca, what I need to ask you is," Amy pauses for dramatic effect, which just throws Beca off more, serious Amy is a bit unsettling for the DJ. "Will you Beca be my maid of honor?" Amy finishes with dramatic flair.
It takes Beca a second to register what she's just heard. Beca smiles in both surprise and delight. "Of course, Amy! I would be honored!"
Beca goes to give Amy a hug, but the boisterous Australian beats her to it. "Not again…" she manages to say before she again finds her face smashed into the blonde's impressive cleavage. She feels her feet swept up off the floor as Fat Amy swings her about and rocks back and forth as if she were just a rag doll.
"Amy!" Beca shouts when she's finally set down. Immediately regretting it as the patrons of the restaurant all turn and stare.
"Thanks Amy. I'm deeply honored."
"You're too modest, Shawshank," Fat Amy points out. "As the soulless Ginger is want to point out, you're aca-awesome! Can't believe I just used aca. But it's true; aca-awesome enough to be my maid of honor!"
"Thanks Amy." Beca smiles. Fat Amy convinces her to sit back down, and finish her beer, with the promise she'll deliver her home immediately after.
Beca reflects on her crazy day, and all that has happened. All-in-all it's been an incredibly great day. The news from her boss was amazing, her session with Legacy was, even with a couple hiccups, amazing, and now she's going to be Fat Amy's maid of honor. It's actually been one of the best days she's had in a long time. But in the back of Beca's mind, she can't stop thinking about how even as everything she's ever dreamed about seems to be coming true, yet it feels like she's missing the larger prize.
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
A/N: Hey All, that's the end of another chapter. Again, thanks to everyone taking the time to read this.
Sorry this one was delayed, but too be honest I had inspiration for another story, and so have been working on both in parallel. The new story is going to be shorter than this, and a much more fun story. I plan to have it posted in a couple weeks. It's based on a suggestion I received from a review that I liked, but couldn't figure out how to incorporate into this story.
The songs in this chapter that are "Emily's" are music that were sung at Eurovision over the last couple years. If you love music, Eurovision is an amazing annual event, where you can be exposed to some really great artists from other parts of the world. As luck would have it, Eurovision 2017 is going right now.
The first song is "Sounds of Silence" by Dami Im of Australia (which is somehow in Eurovision) that came in second in 2016.
The second song is "Heroes" by Måns Zelmerlöw of Sweden that won Eurovision in 2015
Thanks everyone for the reviews and the really kind words. Till next time.
Disclaimer: I don't own Pitch Perfect or really anything .