DAY 17 - TEMPORARY GIRLFRIEND
Author's prompt: What's a Christmas series without at least one fake girlfriend AU?
Chloe's family doesn't believe her when she tells them why she broke up with her last boyfriend. It's time for the Beale Annual Christmas party and Chloe's parents are suggesting she give her ex another shot and allow him to be her escort. Chloe doesn't want any parts of him so she blurts out that she's bringing someone home with her to meet the family. Now, all she has to do is find a fake date in three weeks. A piece of cake. Right?
"Yes, mom," Chloe said into the phone. "I know, mom, but I don't need you to fix me up."
"You haven't spoken of any boys you've met," Charlotte Beale responded. "You must have an escort for the party. Tom is willing to let bygones be bygones and escort you even though you broke his heart."
"I dumped him because he cheated on me," Chloe said. "The only heart that got broken was mine."
"That was almost six months ago," Charlotte said ignoring everything Chloe said. "Can't you just get over it already? Tom said he forgives you and would be happy to be your date."
"No," Chloe said.
"What did you say?," Charlotte asked with an edge to her voice.
Chloe swallowed and tried to hold back the tears that had sprung to her eyes. "I said no. I'm, um, bringing someone home to meet you all. I, uh, didn't say anything because I, um, I wanted to surprise you and daddy."
"Really?," Charlotte asked. "You've never mentioned meeting anyone."
"It's, um, still new," Chloe said. "But, I, uh, really like them."
Chloe could hear the smile in her mother's voice. "Wait until I tell your father and brother. This is great news, Chloe. I have to go, but I'll talk to you later."
"Oh, um, okay," Chloe said. "Love you, guys."
"Love you, too," Charlotte said and ended the call.
Chloe threw her phone down on her bed and flopped back. "Now what do I do?"
~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
"Hey, Chlo," Aubrey said as she entered the redhead's bedroom. "I'm going to meet Stacie at the diner for dinner. Would you like to join us?"
"Um, sure," Chloe said and got up from her bed. "I need to talk to you guys about something anyway."
"What's wrong?"
"I'll tell you both once we get there."
It was a quiet ride to the diner. Chloe was going over in her head what she told her mother. Aubrey was shooting glances over at Chloe while driving. She can tell something is bothering Chloe, but can't get a read on what it might be.
They arrive at the diner. Stacie had beaten them there and had a booth. Aubrey smiled at her as they walked in. Stacie stood and kissed Aubrey.
"Hey, Chloe," Stacie said. "I'm glad you decided to join us."
"Thanks," Chloe said and sat in the booth across from the couple.
Chloe had barely situated herself when a guy came to their table. He smiled at Chloe. Chloe blushed and looked over at Aubrey and Stacie.
"Hi, I'm Danny," the guy said. "I saw you come in and I just had to introduce myself. You're hot, and I was wondering if you'd be interested in going out sometime."
Chloe stuttered and mumbled something, barely looking at the guy.
"I'm sorry," Danny said looking at Chloe. "I didn't hear what you said."
"She said she's not interested," Stacie cut in.
The guy furrowed his brow and looked from Stacie to Chloe. "Really? I mean look at me. I'm what every girl wants. Come on, Red. I'm a good guy. Go out with me."
Chloe didn't know what to do or say. She didn't want to go out with him but didn't want to hurt his feelings either. She gave a pleading look to Aubrey.
"That's enough," Aubrey said. "She's very shy and doesn't appreciate your continuing to bother her. You can leave now."
Danny just stood there, dumbfounded.
"Now, if you don't mind," Aubrey said glaring at Danny.
"You really don't want to go out with me?" Danny was looking at Chloe.
Chloe shook her head but didn't say anything.
"Fine," Danny said. "Your loss."
He walked away as the waitress came to take their orders. Aubrey ordered for Chloe since Chloe wasn't paying any attention.
Once the waitress left, Aubrey looked at Chloe. "Are you okay?"
"I'm sorry," Chloe whispered. "I'm just not good in these situations."
"Chloe, you have to stop listening to what your parents and Charlie say about you," Aubrey said.
"I've tried," Chloe cried. "But, it's like I can't do anything right. I don't look like any of them, and I'm not all that social like them. And, Charlie hates me because I dumped his best friend. He doesn't believe that Tom cheated on me and then hit me when I told him we were through. He said I should appreciate the fact that Tom is willing to forgive me and wants me back."
"I'm sorry, Chloe," Aubrey said. "I know how he's been lately. I just wish you had more confidence and realized what a great person you are."
"I'm not all that great," Chloe said.
"Chloe," Stacie said. "Anyone would be lucky to have you. You're smart, funny, and hot. If your family can't see that, they're the ones with the problem, not you."
"Thanks, Stacie," Chloe said with a small smile. "I've always been the black sheep of the family. I'm too shy to speak up for myself, and I let everything they say get to me. I mean, why would they lie to me? They're my family."
Stacie let out a sigh, and Aubrey decided to change the subject.
"So, what did you need to talk to us about?"
Chloe told the girls about her conversation with her mother. Aubrey and Stacie looked at each other. Both surprised that Chloe stood up to her mother.
"What can we do to help?," Stacie asked.
"I don't know," Chloe said. "I thought maybe I'd wait until I got there and told them that my fake new boyfriend broke up with me and that I was devastated. Hopefully, they'll ignore me not having an escort to their fancy Christmas Eve party."
"Chloe," Aubrey said. "I know your parents, and that won't happen. They'll force someone on you and won't care one bit about how you feel. You know how they feel about you and Charlie having dates for their party."
Chloe sighed again. "You're right. But, what else can I do? If I don't find someone, they will insist on having Tom escort me because I need to 'get over' that he cheated on me."
"Does it have to be a boyfriend?," Stacie asked.
"What?" Chloe was perplexed by the question.
"What if you took a girl home with you?," Stacie asked. "Would they accept it or not?"
"I came out as bi to them a couple of years ago," Chloe said. "But I've never taken a girl home with me. And, they've never tried to set me up with a girl."
Stacie sat there thinking for a minute. She pulled out her phone.
"What are you doing?," Aubrey asked.
"I'm calling Beca," Stacie said.
"Who's Beca?"
"She's Stacie's cousin," Aubrey replied. "She's snarky, sarcastic, and totally not someone you'd go for."
"How do you know that?," Stacie asked. "Beca's great."
"Chloe goes for the clean-cut, all-American type," Aubrey said.
"And look where that's gotten her," Stacie said. "Beca has a heart of gold. She comes off as closed off or stand-offish, but once you get to know her, you'll find out how great she really is."
"She's right," Aubrey finally agreed. "Maybe someone totally opposite of who you normally bring home is just the ticket to get them to back off. And I'm sure Beca could hold her own against anything they might say or do to her."
"Damn straight," Stacie said.
"I've only got three weeks until I go home," Chloe said after much thought. "Call her."
"Yes," Stacie said and pulled up a number and hit call. "You won't be sorry."
Chloe sat looking nervously at Stacie as she made the call. Aubrey gave Chloe a reassuring smile while Stacie spoke on the phone.
"Great," Stacie said. "We'll see you in about ten minutes. And, yes, I'll order you something. My treat."
The waitress came by with their drinks. "Oh, can I add to our order please?"
The waitress pulled out her notepad. "What can I get you?"
"I need a double cheeseburger with bacon and a side of fries," Stacie said. "Add a large Coke to drink."
"Got it," the waitress said. "It should be out in a few minutes."
"Thank you," Stacie said.
"Tell me more about Beca," Chloe said.
"She's a really great person," Stacie said. "She'd do anything for me or anyone she cares about in a heartbeat. She's always been there when I needed someone. Whether it was to cry to or I needed an ego boost. She's the one who told me I should go for it with Aubrey."
"She did?," Aubrey asked surprised.
"Yeah, she did," Stacie said. "Remember, we were hanging out and she ran into us? It was the first time you two met, and she could see I was into you. She told me I'd be an idiot not to go for it."
"I didn't know that," Aubrey said.
"What does she look like?," Chloe asked.
"She's about a half inch to an inch shorter than you," Stacie said. "She has chestnut brown hair."
"You'll love her eyes," Aubrey said causing Stacie to look at her with a raised eyebrow. "What? You have to admit she's got beautiful eyes. They're like a navy blue. Deep and dark."
"She's not wrong," Stacie said with a smile. "But why describe her when you can see for yourself?"
Chloe looked over her shoulder where Stacie was looking. Her eyes widened because this girl was hot in a dark, mysterious kind of way. Chloe sat up straighter as the girl made her way over.
"Hey, Stacie," Beca said. "Hey, Aubrey, how are you?"
"I'm good," Aubrey said. "Beca, I'd like you to meet my best friend, Chloe."
Oh, hey," Beca said. "It's nice to finally meet you. I've heard Aubrey mention you a few times."
"Won't you sit down?," Chloe asked indicating the space beside her.
"Sure," Beca said and sat down.
Just then the waitress brought out Chloe, Aubrey, and Stacie's orders.
"Your burger will be out in about two minutes," the waitress told Beca and winked at her.
"Thanks," Beca said and watched as the waitress walked away. She turned to find Stacie and Aubrey looking at her. "What? She was cute. So, why did you ask me here? I know you have something in mind so spill it."
"We have a proposition for you," Stacie said. "And before you say no, I know you don't have any plans for Christmas, and you don't want to spend it with your dad and Sheila."
"You've got my interest," Beca said. "Go on."
Stacie explained Chloe's situation and how they wanted Beca to pretend to be Chloe's girlfriend.
"And, you're okay with this?," Beca asked Chloe.
"Um, yeah," Chloe said softly. "I understand if you don't want to do it. It's a dumb idea anyway. I'll just give in to my parents and go to the party with Tom."
"Tom?," Beca asked. "Who's Tom?"
"The guy who cheated on her and smacked her when she broke up with him," Aubrey said causing Chloe to glare at her.
"Why would your parents want you to go anywhere with that jerk?," Beca asked incredulously.
"He's my brother's best friend," Chloe said. "And he and my parents took Tom's side when we broke up because they don't think I can find anyone better."
Beca's eyes widened, and she looked at Stacie and then at Aubrey. Before she could speak, the waitress brought her food and drink and set them in front of her. She also handed Beca a slip of paper. Beca took it and looked at it; it was the waitress' phone number. She looked over at Chloe and then back at the waitress.
"I'm sorry," Beca said handing the paper back to the waitress. "But, it would be very disrespectful to my girlfriend here if I took someone else's number."
Stacie and Aubrey smiled. Chloe's head jerked up and looked at Beca.
"Right, babe?," Beca asked looking at Chloe.
"Um, right," Chloe said. "I wouldn't like it at all."
"I'm sorry," the waitress said. "I didn't realize."
"It's okay," Beca said.
The waitress smiled slightly and walked away. Beca reached for the ketchup and Stacie mouthed a 'thank you' to her.
"So, where exactly am I spending Christmas?"
~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
A week passed, and Beca and Chloe began spending more time together so they would be comfortable around each other while in front of Chloe's family. One evening, after having dinner with Stacie Aubrey, Beca was walking Chloe back to her apartment. Beca instinctively reached for Chloe's hand and Choe flinched.
"I'm sorry," Beca said. "I did that without thinking. But, if we're supposed to be in a relationship, you can't flinch every time I reach for you or try to take your hand."
"I'm sorry," Chloe said. "Tom used to take my hand and squeeze it really tight sometimes. I guess it's just a reflex. I'm really sorry."
"It's okay, Chloe," Beca said. "We have a couple of weeks to work on it. How would you like to come to the club I DJ at on Saturday night? I know Stacie's coming which means she'll probably bring Aubrey. You can see what I do for a living."
"How can you work at a club?," Chloe asked. "You're only twenty. Don't you have to be twenty-one?"
"Only if I'm serving alcohol," Beca said. "Which I'm not, so I'm good. Plus, I've been working there for two years."
"How did you get started?"
"Let's get back to your apartment, and I'll tell you my life story," Beca said. "Things that people who have been dating should know. And you can tell me about you."
"I like that," Chloe said. They started walking again, and Chloe reached for Beca's hand. Beca smiled at Chloe as she took it.
~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
It was the day before Beca and Chloe needed to leave to go to Tampa. Chloe was laying on the sofa, and Aubrey was sitting in the chair across from her. The TV was on, but Chloe wasn't watching it.
"I think I'm falling for Beca," Chloe said suddenly causing Aubrey to look at her. "I know she's just pretending but I swear she's treated me better in the last three weeks than anyone I've ever dated. It makes me feel...I don't know. Like she really cares for me."
"Chloe," Aubrey said. "Maybe you should forget about this fake dating thing. If you have feelings for her, you could get hurt."
"I can't," Chloe said. "My folks won't stop talking about wanting to meet her. I just have to enjoy what we have for the time we have it. I know she doesn't feel anything for me and I'll probably never see her again once we get back, so I can do this for another week. I have to."
"Just be careful, Chloe," Aubrey said.
There was a knock on the door, and Aubrey answered to find Beca and Stacie standing there.
"Hey, babe," Stacie said. "I told Beca I was coming to visit and she wanted to tag along. I hope that was okay."
"It's fine," Aubrey said. "Come in."
Chloe was sitting up now, and Beca sat on the sofa next to her. She put her arm on the back of the couch behind Chloe and Chloe smiled at her.
"Hey, babe," Beca said with a smile.
"Hey, yourself," Chloe said.
"Um, Stacie," Aubrey said. "Can I speak to you in my room?"
"Sure," Stacie said with a shrug.
Aubrey leads Stacie to her room. Beca watches them go and turns to Chloe. "Want to get out of here? I have a feeling they're going to do more than talk."
Chloe blushed and said, "Let's go to lunch."
"You're on," Beca said and stood to take Chloe's hand. "Ready?"
~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
"I remember everything you told me about your family," Beca said as she sipped her soda. She grabbed a fry and took a bite. "Quiz me."
"Okay," Chloe said. "Tell me what you remember about my grandma Beale."
"She's seventy and is outspoken," Beca said. "Will probably say some very inappropriate things around us, but she only does it to get a reaction."
"That's right," Chloe said. "How about my brother, Charlie."
"He's a douche," Beca said around a mouthful of her burger.
"Beca!"
"What?" Beca looked at Chloe. "Any guy who would be okay with the things you told me Tom did to you, is a douche. Especially when those things were done to his own sister."
Chloe couldn't help the smile that came to her. "I'll give you that. But, please just let him be. He's like six-feet tall and big. I don't want you trying to take him on."
"I'll do what I feel needs to be done to protect my girlfriend," Beca said with a wink.
Tears sprang to Chloe's eyes. No one has ever said anything about protecting her like this. She was in deep trouble as her feelings for Beca were getting more intense.
"So, what time do we need to leave tomorrow?," Beca asked.
"Um, oh," Chloe said. "It's about a seven-hour drive, and my mom wants us there for dinner. If we leave no later than eight o'clock, we can stop for breakfast and still be in Tampa by four."
"Sounds like a plan," Beca said. "I'll gas up the Jeep and be at your place by seven-thirty."
After lunch, Beca walked Chloe backed to her place. Chloe was about to enter the apartment when Beca stopped her.
"Um, I know we haven't talked about this," Beca said. "But, I think we should kiss. I don't want it to be awkward when we get in front of your family."
"Um, yeah, okay," Chloe said nervously. "That makes sense."
Beca leaned in and kissed Chloe before she had time to think about it. The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but it was few seconds of heaven for Chloe.
Beca pulled back from the kiss with a smile. "I know you're not big on PDA, but I figure at some point we will probably have to do that."
"No, um, it was fine," Chloe said.
"Let's go in," Beca said. "I need to see if Stacie's staying here or going back to her dorm."
Chloe opened the door and walked in to find Stacie and Aubrey on the sofa watching TV.
"Where'd you guys go?," Aubrey asked.
"We went to lunch," Beca said. "We still needed to figure out a few things before we leave for Tampa."
Aubrey looked back to see Chloe standing with her back to the door and her fingers to her lips. "You okay, Chloe?"
"What?," Chloe said coming out of her revery. "Oh, yeah. I'm good."
"Stace, you ready to go?," Beca asked. "I have to finish packing."
"Beca, why don't you finish packing and meet us later for dinner?," Stacie suggested.
"That's a good idea," Aubrey said. "You can stay the night here and won't have to get up so early tomorrow."
"Are you okay with that, Chloe?"
"Um, yeah," Chloe said. "Totally. It makes sense."
"Okay," Beca said. "I'll see you guys in a couple of hours."
The three girls watch as Beca leaves the apartment. Chloe moves to go to her room when Stacie steps in front of her.
"Not so fast, Red," Stacie said.
"What?"
"Aubrey told me about you possibly having feelings for Beca."
Chloe glared at Aubrey, who just shrugged. "She's her cousin."
"So, do you?," Stacie asked. "Have feelings for Beca?"
"I wasn't sure before, but after what happened just now, I know I do," Chloe said as she flopped down in a chair.
"What happened?"
"She, um-"
"She kissed you," Aubrey said, and Chloe nodded her head.
"What am I going to do?" Chloe put her head in her hands. "She only kissed me so we wouldn't be awkward when we got around my family. But it was the sweetest kiss I've ever had."
"Oh, you do have it bad," Stacie said. She went over and sat on the coffee table in front of Chloe. "I know Beca. And I think she might have feelings for you, too. She's probably as unsure as you are because she thinks you're doing everything to keep up the pretense when you get home."
"I don't know," Chloe said. "I couldn't be that lucky to have someone like Beca like me."
"Stop worrying about it," Stacie said. "Whatever happens will happen. Beca won't lead you on if she's not really into you. She'll just play her part, and that's it. Okay? Just be careful, so you both don't get hurt."
"I promise I won't hurt her," Chloe said. "I just hope I can make it through the next week without making a fool of myself around her."
"You'll be fine," Stacie said. "You'll see."
~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
Beca parked in the driveway of the Beale home and turned off the Jeep. She looked at Chloe to find the redhead looking as if she were about to throw up.
"You okay, Chlo?"
"I think so," Chloe responded. "I'm just nervous."
Beca reaches over and gently turns Chloe's head to face her. "I'm right here. If anyone says anything, we can attribute your nervousness to not having brought home a girl before. It's going to be okay."
"You're right," Chloe said and smiled at Beca.
"Um, I saw someone looking out the window at us," Beca said not turning away from Chloe. "I'm going to kiss you, and then we'll get out of the car. This is the last time I can warn you before I kiss you, so expect it at any time that it seems appropriate. And, you can also kiss me whenever you feel you should. Okay?"
"Um, okay," Chloe said and swallowed. She leaned into Beca, and they kissed.
Beca pulled back and opened her car door. She ran around to Chloe's side and helped Chloe out of the car. Just then an older woman came out to greet them.
"Chloe, dear," the woman said as she hugged Chloe. "It's great to have you home."
"Hi, mom," Chloe said as Beca got their luggage and gifts out of the back of the Jeep. She walked around to join Chloe and her mother.
"Mom, this is Beca," Chloe said taking two of the bags. "My girlfriend."
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Beale," Beca said.
"It's nice to meet you, too, Beca," Mrs. Beale said. "And, please call me Charlotte. Come. Let's go inside."
Beca followed Chloe and her mother inside. "Chloe, show Beca to your room so you can put your luggage away. When you're done, come down to the kitchen."
Beca followed Chloe, first to set the gifts near the tree and then up to her room. Beca set the luggage down.
"Can we unpack before we go downstairs?," Beca asked. "I want to hang my stuff, so it isn't wrinkled."
"Sure," Chloe said and showed Beca where she could put her stuff.
After they finished unpacking Chloe led Beca down to the kitchen. They could hear voices as they approached the door.
"She's very pretty," Charlotte was saying. "And she really seems to like Chloe. I saw them kissing in the car."
Chloe blushed, and Beca smiled. "See, no problem."
Chloe entered the kitchen first with Beca right behind her.
"Dad, it's good to see you," Chloe said with a small smile as she hugged him. "This is my girlfriend, Beca. Beca, this is my dad, Carl Beale."
"Nice to meet you, sir," Beca said and held out her hand.
Carl took Beca's hand and gave it a shake. "Nice to meet you as well."
"Oh, Chloe," Charlotte said. "Charlie got called in for an extra shift and said he'd see you tomorrow."
Beca noticed Chloe visibly relax. Chloe smiled and said, "I guess that just leaves us for dinner."
"Something smells good, Charlotte," Beca said. "Can I help with anything?"
~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
Dinner went well, and Chloe and Beca were sitting with Chloe's parents just chatting when Beca yawned.
"I'm sorry," Beca said. "All that driving must have tired me out."
"It is getting late," Carl said. "Why don't we call it a night. Tomorrow's going to be a busy day."
"Good night, everyone," Beca said.
"Good night, mom," Chloe and hugged her mother. "Good night, dad."
"Good night, you two," Carl said.
Beca followed Chloe up to her room. They entered the room, and both stopped and stared at the bed. This is one thing they had not thought to talk about.
"Um, I'll just sleep on the floor," Beca said.
"No, um, that's not necessary," Chloe said. "We can share. I mean, if you want."
"Okay," Beca said. "I'll use the bathroom first and change in there. You can change in here and then use the bathroom."
They finally get ready and climb into bed. Beca lays on her back and stares at the ceiling. Chloe does the same.
"Would you want to-. Never mind," Chloe said and got quiet again.
Beca smiled and turned on her side. "You're a cuddler, aren't you?" Beca spreads her arms and smiles at Chloe. "Come here."
Chloe squealed a bit and snuggled into Beca. "Thank you."
~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
The next morning Chloe woke up to an empty bed and voices coming from downstairs. She stretched and got out of bed.
"Your best friend is nothing but a douche," Chloe could hear Beca saying. "I don't even know why Chloe was with him in the first place."
"He was my best friend." Chloe heard Charlie's voice and hurried the rest of the way down the stairs. "I thought he was a good guy or else I would never have let her be with him."
"Hey," Chloe said as she practically ran into the kitchen. She was surprised to see Charlie and Beca sitting at the table drinking coffee. "What's going on? Where's mom and dad?"
"Beca and I were just chatting," Charlie said and turned to look at Chloe. "Mom and dad went to the hotel to check on a few things for the party tonight."
"Charlie!" Chloe ran over to him. "What happened to your face?"
"I saw Tom this morning," Charlie said. "Let's just say we had a disagreement and leave it at that."
Chloe went to the freezer and got some ice. She put the ice in a towel and brought it over and held it to Charlie's eye. Charlie took it from her and held it himself.
"You didn't fight because of me, did you?"
"He deserved it. What he didn't deserve was you. I'm sorry I've been such a jerk about all this with Tom. Tom seemed so devastated when you broke up, and I believed him when he said he didn't cheat on you. I should have known you wouldn't lie about something like that."
"Thanks, Charlie," Chloe said and hugged him. "That means a lot to me."
"So, your girlfriend and I have been talking," Charlie said looking over at Beca. "I like her. She's good for you."
"Thanks," Beca said and winked at Chloe.
~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
That night, Beca got ready for the Beale Family Christmas Party in the guest room. Chloe was in her room getting ready.
Beca thought about the redhead as she got dressed. Chloe was really something special, and Beca could feel herself falling for her. She knew nothing would come of it, but maybe tonight she could pretend that they were really a couple. Beca wondered how far she could push things before Chloe reminded her that this was only temporary.
Beca decided to call the one person she could talk to about this.
"Hey, Becs, what's up?"
"Hey, Stacie," Beca said. "Um, I think I may be falling for Chloe."
Beca waited for the backlash from Stacie. Waited to hear Stacie tell her that she was crazy and to stop talking nonsense. But, that's not what she heard.
"Really?" Stacie squealed. "That's so great, Beca. I think you two would be great together."
"Wait! What?"
"I think you two would be great together," Stacie repeated. "I wish I had thought of getting you two together before this whole temporary girlfriend thing came up."
"But, it is just temporary," Beca said. "Things will go back to the way they were before all this started."
"Have you said anything to Chloe?"
"No," Beca said. "Absolutely not. I don't want her to hate me and go running back into the arms of that douche, Tom."
"Talk to her about it," Stacie said. "I think you'll be surprised by what she says."
"Stacie-"
"Merry Christmas, Beca," Stacie said and ended the call.
Beca was still staring at her phone when she heard a tap on the door and then Chloe's voice asking, "Beca? Are you ready?"
"Um, almost,' Beca called out. "I'll meet you downstairs in a few minutes."
"Okay," Chloe said.
Chloe went downstairs to where her parents and Charlie were waiting. "Beca will be right down."
About five minutes later, Beca came down the stairs. Charlie's eyes widened when he saw her, and he let out a low whistle. Chloe turned to see what caught Charlie's eye and everything around her disappeared.
"Beca, you look amazing," Charlie said. He nudged Chloe's shoulder. "Better keep her close to you tonight or else someone may try to steal her away."
"Never gonna happen," Beca said with a small laugh.
"You look," Chloe said and swallowed past the lump in her throat. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you," Beca sad a bit shyly. "You are even more gorgeous than usual."
Chloe blushed and looked down at the floor.
"Okay, that's enough," Carl said with a laugh. "We're all hot, gorgeous, beautiful and all that. Now let's go before we're late to our own party."
Everyone laughed as Carl ushered them out the door. Chloe took Beca's hand as they walked to the car.
~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
Beca and Chloe have spent most of the party by each other's sides. Beca and Chloe were talking with Charlie and his date, Shannon when Beca decided to step outside for some air. She excused herself and kissed Chloe on the temple before moving away.
"She's really sweet," Shannon said.
"She's good for you, Chlo," Charlie said.
"Yes, she is," Chloe said and smiled sadly.
"What's wrong?," Charlie asked.
"Nothing really," Chloe said. "She's just so special to me, and I don't think she likes me as much as I like her."
"You're kidding, right?," Shannon asked.
"I wish I had someone look at me the way she looks at you," Charlie said.
"Maybe you and Shannon will have that one day," Chloe said.
Shannon and Charlie both laughed.
"What?" Chloe looked at them confused. "What's so funny."
"Shannon is the sister of one of the guys at the firehouse," Charlie said. "She agreed to be my date to keep mom and dad off my back because I didn't have one. She's sweet but she's also married."
"Oh," Chloe said and laughed at how similar her and Charlie's situations were.
Chloe decided to come clean and told Charlie about how Beca came to be her date.
"Look, Chloe," Charlie said. "It's obvious you and Beca have it bad for each other. Maybe you just need to talk to her. I guarantee she has some really strong feelings for you. I don't think she's faking it."
"You think?," Chloe asked looking toward the door Beca walked out of.
"If I were you," Shannon said with a smile. "I'd go get my girl."
Chloe smiled and hugged Shannon and Charlie. "Thanks."
Chloe hurried out the door to find Beca. She found her standing on the patio looking up at the sky, deep in thought. Chloe made her way over to the brunette and stood next to her. Chloe could tell that Beca knew she was there by the small smile that came to Beca's face.
"What are you so deep in thought about?," Chloe asked.
"Would you believe me if I said I was thinking about you?"
Chloe blushed. "No, but I would hope it was true."
Beca turned to look at Chloe. "It is true. I was thinking about you. About how your eyes sparkle like the stars in the sky. How about your beauty outshines any sunset or sunrise that graces that same sky."
"Beca," Chloe said with tears in her eyes.
Beca pulled Chloe to her and kissed her. It was a soft kiss, filled with all the feelings that Beca had been holding in.
The kiss ended, and Beca pulled back to look at Chloe. "I'm falling in love with you Chloe Beale."
Chloe let out a small sob. "I'm falling in love with you, too, Beca Mitchell."
"Really?"
"Yes, really." Chloe let out a small laugh. "I was afraid to say anything because you were still acting like this was still temporary; that you were still pretending."
"I thought the same," Beca said. "So, do you think you might want to be my permanent girlfriend?"
"Absolutely," Chloe said and leaned in to kiss Beca again.
The broke apart when they heard someone clearing their throat. They looked over to see Carl, Charlotte, and Charlie smiling at them.
"Sorry, to interrupt girls," Carl said. "But it's almost Midnight and time for the family to give our Christmas toast."
Chloe and Beca followed the rest of the Beales back inside. Beca held back as Chloe continued to follow her family to the front of the room.
Carl turned as everyone got situated. He looked around with a slight frown until he spotted Beca. "Beca get up here." Beca blushed and slowly did as she was told. When she reached the front of the crowd, Carl took her arm and pulled her to stand next to Chloe.
"Everyone, this is Beca Mitchell, our daughter Chloe's girlfriend," Carl said. "You might want to get used to seeing her with us because I have a feeling she will be around for many, many Christmases to come."
Chloe smiled and pulled Beca to her as Carl began his annual Christmas toast. He ended with a "Merry Christmas to you all!" as he held his glass up. Everyone repeated the "Merry Christmas" and drank.
Chloe kissed Beca.
"Merry Christmas, Becs."
"Merry Christmas, Chlo."