Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or the song "Remind Me" by Brad Paisley featuring Carrie Underwood.
The sun's rays poking through the yellow kitchen curtains made patterns on Finn's face as he slowly came awake. His eyes focused on the microwave clock and he tried to figure out what time it was before lifting his head but the numbers just wouldn't focus. Rubbing his hands over his face his sat up and looked at the clock. 10:30. Shit, he slept later than he thought. He pushed aside his notebook and tried to find his cell phone on the table. Hopefully Mr. Schue would be at home and have a minute to talk to him. Not seeing his phone on the table he patted his pockets and discovered he'd never taken it out of his pocket since last night. Pressing the number 9 he waited to be connected to the Schuester household.
"Hello?" Emma chirped as she answered the phone.
"Uh hey Mrs. Schue. It's Finn." He always felt a bit awkward when talking to Emma. Maybe it stemmed back to that awkward counseling session he and Rachel had with her their junior year or maybe it was all those pamphlets she still tried to pass out. Regardless of the reason Finn always tried to avoid talking to her one-on-one for too long. "Is Mr. Schue around?"
"Sure, let me get him for you, " she replied warmly. She covered the receiver of the phone as she called for Will to pick up. He came into the kitchen carrying Elaina on his hip. A smile lit up Emma's face at the sight as she said, "It's Finn."
Will passed Elaina off to Emma as he grabbed the phone. "Hey Finn. How's it going?"
"Well Mr. Schue things are kind of a mess right now actually. I'm betting you've heard Rachel's back." He knew how the small town worked; Will probably had known Rachel was back right after she left the shop yesterday.
"I did hear something about that Finn. How do you feel about that?" Will asked rather cautiously. He hadn't been a huge supporter of them getting married in high school but like everyone else in town he didn't really know what had caused them to separate or how Finn felt about it.
"Well, actually Mr. Schue that's why I'm calling. Um, you're attending the benefit tonight right?" Finn closed his eyes as he hoped that the Schuesters still planned on attending.
"Of course we are! You know how strongly I feel about the arts in school Finn." Will's tone was almost incredulous as he continued, "Plus I owe it to Burt-if he hadn't run for Congress Sue could have won and then where would we be?"
"Yeah, uh I know Mr. Schue." Finn replied with a roll of his eyes even though his former teacher/mentor couldn't see him. "So, I was just kind of, you know, wondering if you could do me a favor before the benefit."
Will caught the slight desperation in Finn's tone. "Well what exactly did you need me to do?"
"Erm, it's almost Regionals, right ?" Finn continued beating around the bush. His fingers tapped out a nervous beat as he waited for Mr. Schue to answer him.
"Tuesday-just two more days until we put another trophy in the case." Will's voice was full of pride as he spoke. "What does the club have to do with your favor Finn?"
"I need you to convince Rachel to come to the club and sing." This was where the plan got a bit muddled in his head, but he pressed on. "I don't know, maybe um you could use her as an example of how to perform or something. You know since she's a Broadway actress and all. But instead of her singing alone I'll be there too and you can ask us to duet." He spoke the words quickly afraid that Mr. Schue would say no.
"Are you sure this is a good idea Finn?" Will seemed apprehensive to help and Finn rushed on.
"You know how good we perform together Mr. Schue. I mean I just think if we could do one ballad together again she'd open her eyes and see what's in front of her." Finn held his breath hoping Mr. Schue would agree to this harebrained scheme. If not, he was back to square one and as much as he wanted to talk with Rachel like he promised they would, he was much more confident that if they sang together he could win her back.
"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to call and ask. Did you have a song in mind?" Will caught Emma's gaze across the kitchen and just shook his head at her puzzled expression. He'd explain everything later.
"Um, actually what duet are you using for Regionals? I have a song in mind, but maybe what you're using would work?" Finn didn't want to push his luck, if Mr. Schue told him they had to sing the ABC's he would do it.
"We're using Stay, you know the Jason Aldean/Kelly Clarkson song?"
Finn contemplated for a moment trying to recall the lyrics to the song before replying, "That's actually perfect Mr. Schue. I really appreciate this."
"Have you thought about the fact that she might say no Finn? Is there a backup plan for this?" Will took a sip from the coffee Emma passed him.
"It'll work Mr. Schue. It has to." He pulled his wedding band from his pocket again, looking at it intently before closing it in his fist.
"Alright Finn. Let me see what I can do. I'll see you at the benefit tonight right?"
"Of course-Mom would kill me if I didn't show." Finn said letting out a tiny chuckle.
"Well ok, we can talk about it more then. I'll see you later."
"Thanks Mr. Schue. I really appreciate it. I'll see you and Mrs. Schue tonight." He replied eagerly before hanging up without giving Will a chance to respond. Grabbing his notebook, he settled himself onto the couch to continue writing.
Will looked at the phone as the dial tone sounded. "I sure hope it all works out."
Emma crossed the room and rubbed her hand over his shoulders. "Everything ok?"
"I guess. Finn wants me to help him have an opportunity to sing with Rachel again. He's trying to win her back I guess." Will heaved a sigh before finishing, "And I kind of owe it to him you know? Without him and Rachel New Directions wouldn't exist."
"I know honey; how are you supposed to help?"
"I need to call the Berry's, see if they have a way for me to contact Rachel. He wants to sing with her in front of the kids before Regionals." Will went to grab the phone book from the counter, quickly flipping to the B's. "Well here goes nothing."
Rachel was sitting with her dads having breakfast and trying to figure out her options when the phone rang. Hiram glanced at the caller ID and answered cheerfully, "Berry residence."
"Hi Mr. Berry; it's Will Schuester."
"Well hello there Will. To what do we owe the pleasure of a phone call?" Hiram watched Rachel's face seeing how it lit up at the mention of her teacher's name.
"Actually, I heard Rachel was back in town. I was wondering if you had a way for me to contact her." Will absently took a sip of the coffee which had now grown cold making a face that made Elaina and Emma both giggle.
"Well she's sitting right here Will. Hold on a second." He passed the phone off to Rachel who grabbed it eagerly.
"Mr. Schue? Hi!" She said her excitement at speaking to her former teacher evident in her voice. "How are you? How's Mrs. Schue? How's Glee? Are the kids as good as we were?" Her questions all came out in a jumble in her normal bossy way.
"I'm doing well actually and Mrs. Schue is great. It's funny you should ask about the kids; I was kind of hoping you could help me out." Will couldn't help smiling at how easy this was turning out to be.
"What do you need? I'm only planning on being here another day, but if I can help I will!"
"I was wondering if you'd mind coming and singing for the kids tomorrow? Show them how a Broadway star performs?" His tone was slightly teasing, but not too much. He was really proud of her for accomplishing her dream.
"Oh absolutely Mr. Schue-I'd be thrilled to show them how it's done. You know I always look forward to sharing my talent with others. Did you have a song in mind?" She smiled across the table at her dads as she spoke. It definitely boosted her ego to think of the fact that she could inspire these kids.
"Well, I think I'd like you to perform one of the songs that we're performing at Regionals." This was definitely easier than he expected; he should have remembered that Rachel never passed up the opportunity to perform.
"That's fine-I'll just look over the music tomorrow then. Does practice still start at 3?"
"Yep, 3:00 in the choir room. Does that work?"
"Oh absolutely Mr. Schue! I can't wait." A chance to perform was exactly what she needed to help clear her head.
"Great Rachel. I really appreciate this-and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
"You too Mr. Schue! Have a good day!"
"Thanks Rachel, you too." Will said before ending the call. He looked at Emma and said, "Boy I hope Finn knows what he's doing."
Rachel smiled at her dads as she hung up. "Mr. Schue wants me to come and perform for the club tomorrow. I can't wait to see them all in awe of my singing."
Hiram returned her smile, "Well that sounds fun! What are you singing?"
"I don't know actually. Something the kids will be singing at their competition." Rachel took a sip of juice before another thought popped into her head. "It'll be interesting to sing on that stage again."
Leroy looked at her, "I'm sure it will be. After everything you told us last night are you going to be able to perform on that stage?"
She looked down at the table guiltily before responding. "I still don't know what I'm going to do Dad. Maybe singing on that stage will help me. I have the benefit with Anthony tonight and then maybe singing tomorrow will clear my head."
"So you still don't know what you're going to do Little Star?" Hiram asked gently.
"I'm going to get ready for the benefit, have a pleasant evening and try to figure out the mess I've made of my life." She pushed back from the table. "Now if you'll excuse me, I believe I'll take a nice long bubble bath before I get ready."
"We're not trying to pressure you Rachel; we only want what's best for you. That's all we've ever wanted." Leroy told her, keeping his eyes on hers as she backed out of the room.
"I know Dad. I've always known that." With that she turned and fled to the sanctuary of her bedroom before starting the bath she had told them she would take.
The evening came much too quickly for her liking. She studied herself critically in the mirror, turning sideways and angling her head over her left shoulder to see how the dress looked in the back. Thankfully she had saved her old senior prom dress and it still fit. The pale gold color suited her skin tone and the mermaid style of the dress flattered her figure.
Turning back to face the mirror she continued her assessment of herself. She had chosen to wear her hair down, pulling it back at the temples with two crystal star shaped barrettes she had found in her old room. The style drew attention to what she considered her best feature, her eyes. Her makeup was all set except for the fact that she needed to get her lipstick. Unfortunately her lipstick was in her purse downstairs. Knowing her dads wanted her to make an entrance, she crossed to her bedroom door and called out , "Daddy? Can you please bring up my lipstick? It's in the red little bag in my purse."
A few moments later, she heard a knock on the door. Assuming it was her Daddy she said, "Come in," as she fastened her diamond stud earring into her right ear. She glanced in the mirror as the door opened, turning in surprise at who was on the other side. "Anthony! What are you doing? My dad wanted me to make an entrance."
"I needed to see you sweetheart; I've missed you. I gave them my best puppy dog look and they let me come up." His gaze swept over her lovingly as he continued, "You look beautiful honey."
"You look quite handsome yourself there. I'm almost done; just need to put in this earring and the lipstick and we can go." Rachel turned back to the mirror to put the other earring in.
"Well here, I'll grab your lipstick." Anthony unzipped the red pouch that Rachel always carried in her purse which always held her lipstick. She just usually threw the bag in whatever purse she needed and was good to go. That little red bag was a staple in her purse no matter where she was. Reaching his hand in the bag, his fingers brushed against something before he could grasp the lipstick tube. Pulling the other object out, he stared at it a moment before quietly asking, "Rachel? Why do you have a wedding ring in with your lipstick?"
She whirled around, panic showing on her face at seeing him holding her engagement/wedding ring since the two had been soldered together. Before a lie could slip from her lips, the truth came out. "They're my rings from my first marriage."
"First marriage?" He repeated back at her, "I had no idea you had been married."
"We were very young, we got married in high school in fact." She licked her lips before she trudged on. "When we divorced, I vowed to carry that ring with me everyday so I could prove that I didn't need him. That I could be a star and happy without him."
"Well," Anthony said turning the ring over in his palm. "I think you've accomplished that hmm?"
For the first time since they had been together Rachel couldn't read his face. She crossed to him, taking the ring and the lipstick case from him. She dropped the ring back inside and pulled out her lipstick. Turning to look at herself she applied it hastily, ignoring the trembling of her hand, anxious to get out of the room and into a more public setting. "Come on, we shouldn't keep your mother waiting."
He blinked at her and focused back on her for the first time since she had taken the ring back. "You're right of course." Placing a gentle kiss on her lips he said, "Let's go."
They made their way down the steps with Anthony's hand on the small of her back guiding her steps. When they hit the bottom he immediately grabbed her hand, holding it tightly as if to reassure himself that she was still his. Beatrice chose to make her presence known in that moment.
"My goodness. I was about to send Rachel's father up there to retrieve you two. We're going to be late; you know how I feel about being late." Her eyes swept over Rachel, "I suppose that dress will have to do."
Bristling under the inspection Rachel opened her mouth but before she could reply Anthony smoothly stepped in. "She looks lovely Mother. She'll be like a beautiful golden star in the room."
Gratefully Rachel kissed his cheek before crossing to her fathers to give them a hug. "We'll see you there in a little bit right?"
"Of course Rachel. As soon as your Dad finishes making himself look presentable." Hiram said, nudging Leroy in the side.
"I can take a hint. We'll see you all there soon." Leroy moved to the steps and began climbing as Hiram escorted the other three to the door.
Anthony opened the passenger door of the rental car, assisting Beatrice into her seat. Closing the door, he opened the rear passenger door for Rachel. Placing a kiss on her cheek he told her again, "You really do look beautiful."
She sank into the soft leather seats of the car as she replied, "Thanks."
Anthony started the car and immediately turned the radio on to cover any awkward silence in the car. At least music was something they all had in common. A country song began playing and Anthony immediately commented on it.
"You know, this is one of Wentworth Records songs. The lyrics are just so haunting don't you think?"
Rachel forced herself to focus on the words to the song more closely. Her breath quickened as some of the lyrics hit home.
We didn't care if people stared
We'd make out in a crowd somewhere
Somebody'd tell us to get a room
It's hard to believe that was me and you
Now we keep saying that we're ok
But I don't want to settle for good not great
I miss the way that it felt back then I wanna feel that way again
Been so long that you'd forget the way I used to kiss your neck
Remind me, remind me
So on fire so in love. Way back when we couldn't get enough
Remind me, remind me
In the front seat, Beatrice huffed over the lyrics. "Really Anthony? They seem a little crass don't you think?"
Rachel continued to listen intently as the next verse began. Again, it sounded eerily familiar.
Remember the airport dropping me off
We were kissing goodbye and we couldn't stop
I felt bad cause you missed your flight
But that meant we had one more night
Do you remember how it used to be
we'd turn out the lights and we didn't just sleep
Remind me, Baby Remind me
Baby remind me
Oh so on fire, so in love
that look in your eyes that I miss so much
That's exactly what had happened when Finn was supposed to go home for the first time without her. She'd given him a kiss at the airport, but one had turned into two and pretty soon he had missed his flight. Her stomach was starting to twist itself into knots. Trying to remain calm she focused on the song, Anthony and Beatrice's words in the front seat merely sounding like the teacher on the old Charlie Brown cartoons.
Remind me, baby remind me
I wanna feel that way
Yeah I wanna hold you close
Oh If you still love me
Don't just assume I know
Do you remember the way it felt?
You mean back when we couldn't control ourselves
Remind me
Yeah remind me
All those things that you used to do
That made me fall in love with you
Remind me. Oh Baby Remind Me
Yeah you'd wake up in my old t-shirt
All those mornings I was late for work
Remind me
Oh baby remind me
The song concluded and Rachel's heart was pounding as she asked the question that she feared she already knew the answer to. "Who wrote the lyrics for that song?"
Anthony had a fantastic memory; it was one of the things he prided himself on. He quickly replied, "A man named Finn Hudson. Actually, he's from around here. Maybe you knew him." He glanced in the rearview mirror offering her a warm smile, missing the way her face paled.
Beatrice interjected, "Well I wouldn't be surprised if she knew of him. This town is rather small and his mother is married to a very important man in Congress you know."
Oh if only they knew how well she knew Finn. Deciding against full disclosure but not outright lying, she told them, "As a matter of fact Finn and I were in our high school glee club together. I'm not surprised he's a lyricist; he wrote a song for our national competition our junior year."
"Really? Did you win?" Anthony inquired as he navigated the way to the Marriott hotel.
Rachel couldn't help but smile, "We came in twelfth. But it was ok; we all learned a lot from that experience."
"That's truly fascinating Rachel, "Beatrice said dryly. "I would just like to remind you that you're here representing the Wentowrth name and to please not regale other guests of your 'losing' experiences here in Lima."
Rachel sat ramrod straight as Anthony turned into the hotel valet, "There is nothing about my experiences here that I'm ashamed of Beatrice."
"Oh I'm sure not dear; but I did say you're representing the Wentworth name not the Berry name, so please act accordingly."
The valet chose that moment to open Beatrice's door and Anthony pleaded with Rachel, "Just ignore her love. You know she just gets nervous in public."
Feigning a calm she wasn't sure she possessed she replied, "Of course," before alighting from the car herself.
Walking slightly behind Beatrice, Anthony's hand once again was on Rachel's back as he guided her into the ballroom. Rachel's gaze immediately scanned the room, finding many familiar faces milling about. She saw Sandy Ryerson carrying on a conversation with someone she didn't recognize, Quinn and Puck were talking with the Schuesters but her gaze didn't find the one person she was subconsciously looking for. Hearing a familiar laugh she turned in the direction of the sound and found Carole talking with Burt and Finn. God why did he have to be so devastatingly handsome? His tux fit him like a glove and he had clearly already run his hands through his hair since it was just a little bit disheveled. He was smiling at Carole and Burt and she longed to go over and be a part of their inner circle again. Beatrice snapped her back to reality.
"Now Rachel, pay attention. We're going to circle the room, making sure that we're seen. Then we'll take a moment and I'll introduce you to the Hummels." Assuming Rachel and Anthony would follow, Beatrice turned towards the outer portion of the room where tables had been set up with items being auctioned off in a silent auction. She was stopped in her tracks when she heard a voice call out Rachel's name. The warning on how Rachel should respond never made it past her lips as she saw Rachel being engulfed in a hug by none other than Carole Hummel herself.
"Rachel! You look positively breathtaking. How are you honey?" Carole pulled back and held Rachel's hands as she stared at her.
Rachel beamed back at Carole, "I'm doing ok Carole. You look fabulous; you haven't changed a bit." Hearing a delicate throat clearing come from Beatrice, Rachel's smile faltered a bit before she continued speaking. "I believe you know Beatrice Wentworth, President of Wentworth Records and her son, Anthony." Conveniently Rachel left out the word 'fiancé' from her introduction of Anthony.
"Well yes, as a matter of fact I do. Hello Beatrice," she said air kissing the other woman's cheek, "And Anthony," she smiled warmly at them both. "I'm so pleased you could make it.
"We wouldn't miss a chance to support arts education Carole," said Beatrice smoothly, even though she was seething that Rachel hadn't mentioned she knew their hosts for the evening. "Rachel didn't tell us she knew you; how do you two know each other?"
Finn approached with a glass of champagne for Carole at the moment Beatrice asked the question. "You could say Rachel's like family, right Rach?" His eyes locked on hers as his eyebrow lifted, almost daring her to correct him.
"You could say that. Beatrice, Anthony, this is Finn Hudson, the lyricist we were discussing on the drive over. He's Carole's son." Rachel noticed the way Finn stiffened at the mention of Anthony as he gave the man a once over.
"So pleased to meet you in person Finn. Your lyrics are always beautiful." Anthony gave him a genial smile as the two men shook hands.
"Well thank you; I have the best inspiration." Finn looked pointedly at Rachel as he spoke. "I've been writing since junior year, but honestly my brother was the one who first sent you my lyrics. So, Rach what were you discussing about me?" Finn smoothly turned away from Anthony, again focusing all his attention on Rachel.
"We heard your song on the radio is all. Naturally when Anthony mentioned you wrote them I mentioned that we used to sing together." Rachel held Finn's gaze, pleading with him to let the issue go.
Beatrice was not missing the subtle undercurrents flowing between the two, even if Anthony was. "Well, we really shouldn't monopolize your time. I'm sure you have others to speak to as well." Beatrice's smile was warm as she addressed the group, but her eyes were cold.
Carole spoke for the group, not acknowledging Beatrice's rudeness, "Of course. Enjoy your evening." With that, she turned and walked towards the Schuesters.
Finn however continued to stand with the trio a moment longer, even leaning over to kiss Rachel's cheek before departing. "Yes; enjoy your evening and perhaps you could save a dance for me Rach? For old times sake?"
"Of course," she said, hoping she sounded more confident then she felt. Turning away from him she spoke to Beatrice. "Shall we look at the auctions? They always have fabulous items up for bid."
"Ladies, I'm actually going to head to the bar for a moment, would either of you care for a drink?" Anthony asked as he trailed behind Rachel and Beatrice.
"I'm fine thanks," Rachel replied.
"A glass of champagne would be lovely dear. Thank you." Beatrice dismissed Anthony with a pat on the cheek before turning her attention to Rachel. "I have never been so embarrassed Rachel. You should have told us you knew the Hummels so well."
Rachel tried to interject but Beatrice just continued on.
"All that flirting too with that son of hers? Need I remind you you're engaged? Be very careful here Rachel, your career could be at stake here. I wonder what would happen to your Broadway debut if the backers suddenly pulled out?"
Her face flushed with the embarrassment of being scolded in public Rachel addressed Beatrice. "I didn't do anything wrong. You didn't give me a chance to say anything about the Hummels, Beatrice."
"You also didn't mention how involved you were with her son."
"It's none of your business Beatrice." Rachel looked for Anthony, actually trying to will him to reappear.
"Everything about you is my business Rachel. You would be wise to remember that." Beatrice fixed a smile on her face as Anthony approached. "Are we clear?"
"Yes ma'am." Rachel replied under her breath as Anthony headed back to them drinks in hand. She noticed the Schuesters talking with the Hummels and again wished she were a part of that conversation.
"She's gonna do it right Mr. Schue?". Finn muttered under his breath while his mom and Burt talked to Emma.
"Yes, I hope you know what you're doing Finn."
He looked Will straight in the eye, "I'm going to try to get her back. That's all I can do." When he finished he noticed Burt excuse himself to go make his annual thank you for coming speech.
Everyone politely turned their attention to Burt who began speaking about how thankful he was that everyone still supported this worthy cause. However, as he droned on and on some people in attendance found their attention drifting.
Quinn nudged Puck in the side before smiling and speaking out the side of her mouth, "Do they think they aren't obvious? I mean my God I can feel the sparks over here!"
"I wish you had been at karaoke. It was just like the old days; I hope those two get their heads out of their asses before she marries that other dude."
Quinn kept her eyes trained on Finn, "Well maybe we can help them along.". She slowly crosses the room to get to the band, making a request she was sure would get Finn and Rachel dancing.
Burt wound up his speech, "Again, thank you all for coming and supporting this cause! Now please, relax, enjoy the food and music." Turning and nodding at the band he walked back to Carole.
The band began playing Quinn's request and it seemed that the room got incredibly quiet. As 'Faithfully' began to play, Finn crossed to Rachel and said, "May I?"
Heart in her throat, she placed her hand in his as they walked onto the dance floor. Their bodies moved in sync and neither spoke a word. There was nothing to say.
Puck looked at his wife and grinned, "You're an evil genius."
She rested her head on his shoulder as she watched her friends dance. "I learned from the best."
Carole gripped Burt's hand as tears threatened to fall. God she hoped these two got their act together.
Beatrice on the other hand did not like what she was seeing. She wanted to leave and leave now. Placing her hand on Anthony's arm she said, "Oh dear. That dreadful headache has returned. I need to go rest."
"Of course Mother," Anthony said, instantly concerned. "Let me just tell Rachel I'm taking you back; I'm sure her fathers can take her home when they arrive."
"Absolutely not. She came with us, she will leave with us. Now go fetch her.". Beatrice all but shoved him onto the dance floor towards the couple who was now hardly moving, instead just staring into each others eyes.
The song ended and Rachel felt a tap on her shoulder. Breaking her gaze from Finn she turned to see Anthony there looking apologetic.
"I'm sorry dear, but Mother has a headache and we need to go so she can rest." Anthony offered them a regretful smile.
"I'm sorry to hear that but someone here can see that Rachel gets home.". Finn said not letting her go yet.
Rachel's emotions were all over the place after hearing Faithfully and she froze looking at Anthony and waiting for him to reply.
"Well what kind of fiancé would I be if I just left her? Come on sweetheart." Anthony took her hand and led her away leaving Finn standing there alone.
"Hey Rach!" Finn called out.
She spun around, "Yes?"
"I'll be in touch."
She nodded at him before following Anthony out of the ballroom. She wished she knew if she should take his comment as a promise or a threat.
A/N: Isn't Beatrice so sweet? I don't see her letting Rachel out of her sight too often now so Finn's plan should be interesting. Thanks so much for reading and please feel free to review; I love hearing your thoughts :)
Groffles to my Lea? Thanks for the push on this chapter. You're the best :) I appreciate you so much more than you know!
Hey #1 fan/Mrs. B-was the wait worth it?
Mida212-I'm looking forward to Thursday…I'm holding pics in reserve to bribe you :)
Sara-you've gone MIA on twitter again…I miss you and hope you're well!
Mandi-I'm so glad you're back; I was getting worried!