Chapter 7

NEW YORK

Beca opened the Bellas group chat as soon as she got home.

"Look at Beca sparking headlines." Stacie attached the TMZ link.

"She's officially a Hollywood celebrity." Flo added.

"I thought Silver was straight?" Fat Amy got curious.

Beca couldn't read any of it anymore so she replied already.

"She told me that press tour for the film is cut into three weeks, meaning I don't have to leave for so long. I'm begging you guys to please leave Silver alone. She's also one of my closest friends now and I don't want her to get uncomfortable when she's with us."

"We understand. Thanksgiving is tomorrow. We'll have it at Beca's apartment at 6 pm. Remember to bring your share. I can't wait to see you all. Welcome back, Beca. Congrats on London Fashion Week." Aubrey replied. Beca was thankful that the other woman was mature enough to reply quickly and save her from the Bellas.

"See you tomorrow, Bellas. I'll be co-hosting it with Beca. I love you all." Chloe messaged, being the sweetest as usual.

THANKSGIVING

Chloe arrived at Beca's 12 noon and bought all the grocery needed for tonight. Beca couldn't thank her enough on having her back all the time.

"How many dishes are we cooking for tonight? You sure you didn't buy out the whole store?" Beca asked the redhead.

"We're cooking three dishes for at least 15 people. Of course it's going to be this much." Chloe answered.

"We should start prepping then. Thank you, Chlo. Thanks for everything." She smiled at Chloe. They stared at each other for a few seconds as the redhead started to walk closer to her. When she was a foot apart from Beca, she slowly put her arms around Beca's neck. Beca felt tense but eased into the other's body.

"What's that for?" Beca looked at Chloe curiously.

"I just feel alone lately. Everyone's getting sht done and I'm always in between vet school and working. I go home and fall asleep immediately and I wake up seeing the girls hanging out with their other friends or family. And then I see you, killing it during the fashion week. I didn't want to bother you while you were working even if I felt so alone." Chloe didn't shed a tear despite the confession.

"You were looking for me 'cause you knew that's how I always feel like? Chloe, I'll always be here for you. You know that. Even if I'm in the middle of touring, I'm a message away. Now cheer up. I have three days here before we head to Paris and other Europe stops."

"Three days is too short, Beca. You'll spend the next two days sleeping like a sloth." Chloe knew how Beca spent her time away from everybody during days like these.

"You can come over and study here or sing while I sleep. I wouldn't really care."

The two continued talking about their plans for the next two days and spent their time cooking. They've missed hosting parties and seeing the girls. They were all living their own lives and keep up with each other through the group chat only.

It was 6 pm and the Bellas were all on time. They placed the dishes on the center of the table. They didn't know Beca made renovations in her apartment so they were all shocked when they got in.

They were all sat around the table and started to say what they're thankful for this year. It was all typical until it was Chloe's turn.

"I'd like to thank you all for being my family but most of all I thank, Beca. You really are the best friend anyone could ever ask for. You've always been there for me despite your hectic schedule with filming. I've been lost for the past few months but you made sure I'll get through it. Here's to many more years with all of you. Thank you for loving me."

Beca was the last one to say her thanks but she doesn't know how to top what Chloe just said. The girls remained calm even if they want to be vocal about their ship.

"Such kind words, Chlo. I just want to thank you all for never forgetting about me. You always check up on me and made sure I'm doing good, even if you all are busy with your lives. You're the only constant people in my life and I'm eternally grateful for it. Thank you, Chloe, for tolerating me even if I'm the raincloud to your sunshine."

She kept it short and sweet because she might confess her feelings to the redhead unexpectedly.

They all took their time eating and conversing. Some even burst into singing because they were the Bellas after all.

Beca remembered to thank Silver and sent her a quick text.

"Thank you for everything, Silver. I hope you're enjoying today with your family. Come over anytime."

Aubrey whispered to Chloe to follow her to the living room.

"What's up, Bree?" she asked her best friend sweetly.

"Oh don't ask me that. You didn't tell me about Chicago. Beca called me that's why I knew. I don't want to intrude cause it's none of my business but she told me you were sad and far from yourself. Chloe, you know I'm here for you. You can come to my place anytime."

"I know that, Bree. But I told her first so she'll know."

"Know what?"

"That I never saw a future with Chicago. I even clarified to her how good friends we are, even with her fiancé."

"Bold move, Chlo. You're smart like that now, huh?"

"I got a few tricks up on my sleeves."

Beca watched Chloe and Aubrey as they sat back down the table. She knows something was up but she tried to stay composed as she talks to Amy.

They heard the doorbell rang. Silence suddenly filled the room.

"I'm getting that. Be right back."

They didn't know Beca invited anybody else. It was Silver.

"Hi, Beca. I'm sorry but I was alone in my apartment and it felt shitty. I thought coming over is a good idea." She looked beautiful. She dressed up in a nice dress that wasn't too hot but showed off her elegance.

"I told you. Come by anytime. Join me and the girls. We're still having dinner." She motioned her manager to come in.

"I also bought pasta for some midnight snack maybe?"

"You didn't have to. Thank you for coming, Silver."

The girls looked at the pair wide-eyed. Beca knew she had some explaining to do.

"Bellas, I asked Silver to come by if she ever gets lonely. Her family's back in LA and she couldn't spend it with them because she's busy taking care of me and her other artists. Please be nice."

Still. No one talked.

Aubrey took one for the team and told her to seat beside her. She was always this polite.

"Seat here, Silver. Please feel free to eat anything you want."

The manager finally felt a bit at ease. Since no one really had the guts to talk to her knowing she was "too cool" for them. Aubrey initiated a conversation as the others went back to talking to each other.

"So how are you, Silver? What's a day in the life like? I'm Aubrey Posen, by the way." She smiled.

"I'm doing really well. Nice meeting you again. Thanks. I just felt really alone at my apartment that's why I went here. A day in the life like is unbelievably hectic. Managing three artists who are really on the top of their game is hard, but it's worth it seeing them successful. "

"I can relate. I run a retreat camp and I'm booked for the year. You must be really good in your job because Beca rarely gets close with anyone. She talks highly of you." Aubrey said.

"She's sweet. Despite her grumpy exterior, she was always polite to everyone in the industry. She has her weird humorous remarks but she is such a professional. She takes everything seriously."

"She's lucky to have a manager like you then. You keep her grounded."

Stacie was starting to get curious about what the two were talking about and decided to join.

"So, are you seeing anyone right now?" Stacie asked with a huge grin on her face.

"Excuse her, you don't have to answer that." Aubrey tried to downplay what was happening.

"I'm getting married actually." She showed off her ring finger, which was HUGE.

"She's marrying a British actor by the end of the year." Beca added raising her glass to Silver.

What. A. Relief the girls thought. They were thinking about the rumor between the two.

"I never date clients, though. That's just nasty." Silver answered Stacie again.

Now, they all approve of her. Even Chloe.

She really saw Silver as a threat. No one was close to Beca as much as she was and she didn't mind sharing. But the rumors on social media really gets in her nerves. She would rather find out from Beca than reading an article about it online.

The doorbell rang again and the girls were more puzzled.

"Now, this, I have no clue. Wait till I get back." Beca headed to the door.

She was surprised to see Ryan, Blake, and Taylor Swift. Yup. Taylor Fucking Swift bought cookies to her apartment.

"Hi, Beca. We thought we'd crash here because Taylor was excited to meet you."

"Hi, Beca Mitchell. I'm Taylor. Nice to finally meet the best new artist of the industry." Taylor shookt Beca's hand.

"I never thought this would happen in my wildest dreams. What an honor to meet you, Taylor. Please come in."

"Please excuse my friends if they're inappropriate. I haven't told them you guys were coming." Beca warned them as they walk to the dining area.

"No problem, Beca. I'm sure it will be great." Blake said.

They went in and the girls froze. They were quiet for a few seconds.

"Did you hire a Taylor Swift lookalike for Thanksgiving?" Amy asked.

"Everyone, meet my co-star Blake and her husband, Ryan. Also Taylor Swift. She's actually here."

They didn't know how to respond and they all heard Beca "Ah, on three."

"1, 2," and the girls all belted "ah" on cue in perfect harmony.

"What just happened? Can I join next time?" Blake asked.

"I did it on purpose so they don't freak out too much. That's what they do on reflex." Beca explained.

"Can I join next time?" Taylor asked.

"You can join the group if you want to. I don't think they'd complain." Beca answered.

Then all hell went lose. The girls were proper as they talked to the three guests. They were all posting it on social media and they even went trending.

Taylor, Blake, and Ryan were enjoying themselves as they talk to the Bellas.

Beca decided it was time for Chloe to talk to Taylor. She excused them from the group and they went to the living room for a while. Blake followed.

"Taylor, I want you to meet Chloe, my best friend. She told me I'd have to introduce her to you when given the chance. She only sang your songs throughout our college acapella days."

"Hi, Chloe. Nice meeting you, I've heard you're getting a vet degree. I'll definitely let my cats be taken care of you." Taylor smiled at the redhead and gave her a quick hug.

"I just hugged Taylor Swift and didn't pass out. What an achievement. Thank you so much. You don't know how much this means to me. I never thought meeting my idol is possible." Chloe was teary-eyed.

"Thanks to Beca for making everything possible. Without her I wouldn't have met you all. The bellas seem like a tight group. You're like me and my girls. One of them is this gorgeous woman over here." She held Blake's hand.

"I can't thank you enough Blake. You made this Thanksgiving party a billion times cooler." Beca and Blake did their handshake. It was made by their director on set.

"How about we sing at my house? We can go there for the after-party. My band mates will follow us there and we could all sing-along." Taylor invited them.

Who wouldn't say yes?