Chapter 22
It was a few days later and Beca had planned out her date for her and Chloe, she planned to have it tonight, on their last night here, and hopefully end their trip on a high - if all went to plan.
Beca had been out for the most of the day sorting everything with the help from Stacie who had, had to give her a major pep talk so she wouldn't back out due to her freaking out Chloe would reject her. "Get your shit together Mitchell, or do I need to come down there and slap it into you?" Was what Stacie had said. So Beca wasn't too sure if that helped, or just scared her.
Currently, she was driving back from one of the few destinations she had sorted, she knew the manager quite well and he was more than happy to accommodate for her plans keeping the paparazzi at bay, and giving them some privacy. She wanted this to be between her and Chloe and not for the press to interrupt them with their meddling questions.
She knew it was their job, and that they needed their paycheck but sometimes they would step over the line, even going to the lengths of following her back to her private home, and at one point she had one sneak past the guards at the label and try to get some inside scope on who they were working with. That person never wrote another article again, charged with trespassing, he wasn't allowed to work for another press company again.
She wanted everything to be perfect and she knew if the press got any word of her taking a girl out or even seeing them together it would be splashed across the covers of the country's top gossip magazines. She wanted it to be perfect, to her Chloe was perfect, and it was important for her to get this right. It was the least Chloe deserve, someone to take care of her, lover her and treat her like a princess which Beca vowed she would do if she was given the chance. Flowers, surprise gifts, notes anything cheesy and romantic Chloe deserved even if it made her lose her badass reputation completely, Chloe was worth it.
She was in her Range Rover talking to Jesse over the Bluetooth about the latest deal that had come in, normally she would have been in LA to take care of it but she stayed back in Florida to take some well deserved time off and get her life back on track and have a bit of a reset for a few days, and so far it had done her the world of good. She could feel herself being more relaxed at her mind felt lighter, like she didn't have it constantly under pressure and stress from artists and fellow producers asking her to assist with work, along with her own career of producing music and running a company all whilst remaining a human being, eating and sleeping. Both of which Beca couldn't survive without, Chloe had said to her once that she had the mind of a genius but the stomach of a teenage boy, and she didn't disagree.
"Okay so 20th Century have upped their offer, they held back after you informed them about the whole Tom situation." Beca had, had to tell 20th century about them taking someone to court over some problems within her staff, but she hadn't gone into details but fortunately the movie studio was adamant they wanted her input on the soundtrack so they had backed off for a while, but she understood they had deadlines to meet hence why they had brought up their offer again.
"What does the deal look like Jess?" She asked.
"It looks good. Really good $2 million, good. We can take the offer, we don't have too much going on over here, and it would be good for the label. Open up a new market and broaden our clients, it could definitely be a big move for us," He explained. Beca thought for a while, Jesse was right, it would be a big move for the label and with the new branch in New York opening, it means she could be doing more at both studios but have it all spread out. She then remembered when Emily gave her that song when she first arrived, from the general outline of the film that she'd been given the song could really work.
"Hey Jess, go and speak to CR, she will have the file of the song that Emily sang. Have a listen and tell me what you think. I believe that it would fit with what Michael Gracey is going for. If you like it then, accept the offer on my behalf and you can begin to make headway. Take who you need and get some musicians in or use the label's but just get moving, if this deal is as good as you say it is, then I want us to get it done," Beca said, she was excited for this, it could open up a new world for the label and bring in new opportunities.
"You got it, Boss! I'll get on it right away, when are you back?" He asked.
"We are leaving tomorrow night, and getting the redeye so I should be in LA the next morning and I'll be in as soon as I can, keep me updated Jess," Beca said, she was now pulling up the drive and it was around 5 o'clock.
"Of course, I'll let you get off. Have a safe flight and I'll see you soon," Jesse said as he hung up.
Beca disconnected her phone from the Bluetooth and parked her car in the garage. She hopped out and grabbed the gift she'd picked out while she was driving around. She had decided on a single, red, thornless rose. It meant love at first sight, and it was singular to represent the early stage of their possible relationship. Yes, it was cheesy, but this was Chloe, Beca would do anything to put a smile on her face, and she was very aware that she was turning into a hopeless romantic, but the fact was that she didn't care.
Beca walked through the door and dropped her car keys into a bowl the red rose behind her back.
"Chlo!" She called out.
"Out here," a muffled voice said back, Beca followed the origin of the voice where she was led outside to a sight that would make anyone weak at the knees. Chloe was laying on one of the sun loungers, relaxing with the beginning of the sunset dropping behind her in an all black bikini, which showed off her perfectly toned abs and generous cleavage. It was still fairly hot out which would explain why she was out here as late as she was. But Beca had booked everything for 7.30, so Chloe would have enough time to get sorted. She walked closer to the redhead, pushing her nerves aside as her clammy hands gripped onto the stem of the rose that was still behind her back. Chloe sat up and looked confused as to why Beca seemed off, nervous almost.
"Okay, so I had a massive speech planned out, but that's now sort of out the window so I'm going to wing it," Beca took a deep breath and Chloe smiled encouraging her to continue, she was curious to what the brunette was going to say.
"Right, ever since I met you, I knew you were different, special. You made me feel like I could be just Beca and not Beca Mitchell. You amaze me every day, and you have let me into your life, and introduced me to your amazing family. You deserve the world Chloe Beale, and if you would do me the honour, would you like to go out on a date with me?" Beca finished revealing the rose from behind her back and offering it over to the redhead, who graciously took it and held it to her chest.
"I would love to," she said without hesitation, Beca sighed in relief.
"Okay, great well ready at around 7," Beca said knotting her fingers together.
"I better go and get ready then, I will see you soon, Mitchell," Chloe said as she walked back into the house, and Beca was pretty sure she had added an extra sway to her hips just to tease her.
She had made her way back into the house to get herself ready, she had multiple outfits splayed out across the room; tops, jeans, boots, heels, dresses, what do you wear on a date?! She hadn't been on one since Olivia and that was at least 4 years ago. Since then, it had all been one-night stands and small flings that never took off, she'd never been a serious about anyone before and felt the connection that she did with the girl who was right across the hall. Even when she was with Olivia, now she could reflect back on it more, she knew she loved Olivia but she wasn't in love with her, her feelings didn't run as deep as they do for the girl with bright blue eyes and flaming red hair, and she doesn't think they ever will for anyone else. Chloe is it for her, she knows it. It's like she's been in a coma her entire life and she's only just waking up like she's only experiencing life now and she's at home for the first time.
She remembers something that her mum used to say to her when she was younger, her first boyfriend had broken up with her- she was 11 - and her mum held her in her arms and told her a piece of advice that she only just now realised was so true. When she and Olivia broke up, she didn't believe in love, didn't believe it could possibly exist, that it was all an act.
But her mum had said to her, " Bec, love can be a beautiful yet tricky thing. You are brave, kind, strong and love is all that and more, it is spoken in the language of kind deeds, thoughtful actions, truthfulness, trustworthiness and self-sacrifice. Within that love holds a true passion, but remember this, you have more love than your heart can hold even in those times of trouble and hardships, always remember that and you will be okay. You may not always feel it, but you will be, you just have to look inside here," she said as she patted her daughter's chest, just above where her beating heart was.
She had always remembered that cherished that moment, and she truly believed Chloe was the one. The one she was willing to sacrifice everything for, through all the hardships and troubled times, it would always be Chloe, forever and always.
She showered letting the cascading water wash her nerves and fears away, she scrubbed her body clean and lathered her body in body wash letting the scent of lemon linger in the misty and hot air from the hot, steaming water. She massaged her scalp, instantly feeling the tension leave her body, tonight was the night, the night she would ask Chloe Beale to be hers.
She wrapped her body in a towel and padded into her room, looking at the outfit she had eventually picked out, she had been going back and forth over what to wear and had finally decided on a black and white letterman jacket with black jeans, a white rolling stones t-shirt and a pair of vans, she also had her wrist covered by an array of different types of bracelets to finish. She had some light make-up on and curled her hair which was now brushed to the side. She checked she had everything she needed, keys, wallet, phone. Now she just needed the girl. She walked outside, down the stairs and quietly shut the front door, she kept checking the time until it reached exactly 7 o'clock. She took a deep breath, and rung the doorbell, she brushed down her outfit out of habit and waited until the door was opened.
When it did, her breath was taken away, she was speechless. Chloe looked stunning, there was no other way to describe her. Her hair had been straightened and looked different from her natural wavy locks. She was dressed in a pair of black skinny jeans, and strappy black heels to match that highlighted her toned legs. She had a gold short-sleeved top and a black leather jacket over the top. She had a few golden bangles on her wrist to match her top and had some light makeup on to finish.
"Wow," was all Beca could manage. Chloe just blushed and looked down in response. "You look beautiful," she added.
"You don't look too bad yourself," Chloe said with a wink, "So where are you taking me Mitchell?" she asked, as Beca led her to the car her hand in hers.
"Now that is for me to know and you to find out," Beca said as she opened the door for Chloe, she decided that they would go in her Audi as it was a) her and Chloe's favourite and b) it was the most fun to ride, they both loved the thrill of going quite fast and having the wind in their hair. So she thought it would be a good choice.
"Such a gentleman," Chloe joked when Beca stood holding open the door for her.
"Who said chivalry is dead," Beca said with a smirk, which Chloe just shook her head at. Beca closed the door and jogged around to her side and hopped into the car. She pulled out of the garage, through the gates and began the journey to their first destination. Chloe moved to put on some music but her hand was swatted away by Beca.
"No touching Beale," Beca said in a fake warning voice, but she was ignored by the redhead who quickly reached for the aux cord before Beca could stop her.
"You're impossible," Beca said laughing, "What awful song are you going to put on then?" Beca asked, keeping her eyes on the road. Chloe didn't respond she just plugged it into her iPhone and pressed play on her music.
The sound of Taylor Swift blasted through the speakers and Beca groaned jokingly. Of all the songs she could have put on she chooses this! Beca sighed but let the redhead keep it on, and listened as Chloe sang along to the lyrics.
Chloe then tried to encourage Beca to sing but she was having none of it, never in her entire existence would she sing along to her. Now, in her defence Taylor was a really nice person, she'd met her at the Grammys after-party, but she was not into this whole country to pop transition thing, but she would happily admit that she could sing. Taylor had an incredible voice, her range was great and her lyrics were relatable...well to anyone who had dated multiple men and wrote songs about all of them - but that's beside the point.
10 minutes later of singing and dancing they pulled up outside the restaurant Beca had picked out, it was an old-school country diner. She had chosen it specifically because she knew it would be the perfect destination for them, somewhere with a great atmosphere, great food and they would normally have musicians playing throughout the night. It was a rustic looking building but still had a lot of charm to it. Beca parked the car in a spot and went round to open the door for Chloe. Chloe took her hand and they walked in, they could hear the sound of a guitar being played as they neared the entrance. They stepped in and the music became clearer, there was an old piano in the corner and a few guitars lying around, at the minute there was a guy sitting on a stool, an acoustic guitar in his lap and his voice was filling the air. Beca's hand went to rest on the small of Chloe's back as they waited for someone to serve them. Seconds later, the manager approached them and greeted Beca with a warm hug.
"Beca welcome. We have your table let up over here, if you'd follow me," the pair followed the man, he was dressed in a black t-shirt and ripped jeans, he was quite young and well groomed, and when Beca had spoken to him earlier to book the table he had been polite and more than helpful in accommodating her needs. They had a table with a perfect view to the stage, Beca pulled Chloe's chair out for her, and then moved round to her own, two menus were handed to them, and their hands tangled together on top of the table between them.
"Thank you for all this," Chloe said looking up to meet Beca's eyes.
"Of course," Beca responded squeezing Chloe's hand affectionately, "I'm glad you are enjoying yourself."
"What are you going to get?" Chloe asked her eyes scanning back over the menu.
"Lobster Mac and Cheese," Beca responded, if Mac and Cheese were on the menu, you could be sure it would be on her plate.
"I should have known," Chloe said teasingly, "I think I might go with the chicken burger."
"That sounds good, I was thinking about getting that, but when Mac and Cheese is on the menu, it stood no chance," Chloe laughed and the two continued talking until both their orders were taken, in which Beca ordered Chloe's for her, which Chloe loved. Tom had never been like that, and she enjoyed the little things that Beca did to make her feel loved and cared for.
The food came soon after, and they marvelled at how good it tasted.
"Oh my god, "Beca said closing her eyes in delight, "This is amazing! We need to learn how to make this at home," Beca commented taking another bite out of her food.
"We?" Chloe countered with a laugh.
"Okay, mainly you and I will help," Beca said, knowing her cooking skills still weren't up to par. "How's yours?" Beca asked.
"Really good, I think I'll learn how to make this as well," Chloe said, her mind went back to what Beca had said earlier, 'home' it made her insides turn to mush and a smile appear on her face.
"What's up?" Beca asked, noticing the massive grin that was on the redhead's face.
"I'm just happy," Chloe simply responded, and she was, happier than she had been in a very long time.
This caused Beca to break into her own smile, and they probably looked like idiots but they didn't care.
After they had both finished their meals, and Beca excused herself to go to the bathroom.
Chloe took some time to think about how lucky she was, she'd met an incredible person, who had not only brought out the best in her but made her want to be a better person. Beca made her feel things she'd never felt about anyone before, made her feel alive and wanted and free. She'd hadn't had such a good time in forever, Beca was considerate and kind and funny and an all around amazing person, and she doesn't know what sort of situation she'd be in if it wasn't for the brunette. She was broken out of her thoughts when a familiar voice echoed out over the microphone.
"Hello everyone, as some of you might know my name is Beca Mitchell. I'm here with a very special person, hey Chloe," she waved over to the confused Redhead who waved back, waiting to see what she was going to do. "So, I've never been too good about talking about my emotions, so I thought that I'd put them into a song, so this one's for you Chloe," Beca moved to sit behind the piano, she took a deep breath and locked eyes with the redhead who already had teary eyes. How did she get so lucky to find someone as amazing as Beca Mitchell?
House of cards - Tyler Shaw
The fire was burning out
My mind was filled with doubt
I long to feel alive
Don't know if I'll survive (yeah [2x])
But my hope was running low
You appeared out of nowhere
It was more than an illusion
More than I could ever know
Baby, it's magic the way you came around (yeah [3x])
You caught me before I hit the ground (yeah [3x])
There something was missing in my house of cards
And all that I needed was the queen of my heart
It's magic the way you came around
You didn't make a sound
My heart was screaming out
A trick under your sleeve
Yeah, you make me believe (yeah [3x])
But my hope was running low
You appeared out of nowhere
It was more than an illusion
More than I could ever know
Baby, it's magic the way you came around (yeah [3x])
You caught me before I hit the ground (yeah [3x])
There something was missing in my house of cards
And all that I needed was the queen of my heart
It's magic the way you came around (yeah [3x])
It's magic the way you came around
Baby, it's magic the way you came around (yeah [3x])
You caught me before I hit the ground (yeah [3x])
There something was missing in my house of cards
And all that I needed was the queen of my heart
It's magic the way you came around (yeah [3x])
It's magic the way you came around (yeah [3x])
Beca finished the song and looked out to the crowd, she received a standing ovation from everyone but her eyes were only focused on the girl with red hair and bright blue eyes.
Chloe was wiping the tears that had ran down her face, as Beca had sung, she had such an amazing voice it was unreal and that fact that she had sung it just for her made this moment even more special.
Beca walked over to her eyes filled with love and desire, ignoring everyone else as if she was the only person in the room. She rested her head against the shorter girls and lovingly wrapped her arms around her neck.
"That was beautiful, Becs, thank you," Chloe whispered, loud enough for only them to hear.
"Anything for you," Beca said genuinely, "So I suppose these leads me to the big question. Chloe Beale, will you be my girlfriend?"
"Yes," Chloe replied, she leaned in a gave Beca a loving kiss, Beca's hands found a place at Chloe's hips and pulled her closer, they kept it PG since they were on display, but they both knew what it meant, it was filled with passion and love. They both broke apart so they could catch their breath but kept each other closer.
"Want to go somewhere?" Beca asked, her arms still around Chloe's waist, she got a nod in response. Beca reached for her wallet, threw some bills on the table and led Chloe outside, she got a wink from the manager as she left and a thumbs up, she'd told him about her plan beforehand and he's wished her the best of luck and from what he was seeing he was guessing everything went okay, well more than okay from what he just witnessed,
The two girls decided to take a walk along the Broadwalk, hand in hand, the stars shining above them, it was perfect, and neither of them wanted to be anywhere else.
They were happy, happier than they'd been in a long time, and it was all because of each other.
Are two favourite ladies are finally together! What did you guys think? What do you want to see happen with them?