CHAPTER 15

POV- Beca

I roll my eyes at the sound of Jesse knocking on the glass of the booth again. Since the shift started, he's been trying to get me to bring him with me to recital tonight. And ALL last week, he's been suggesting that we out and do very "couple-y" activities, like picnicking, going to fancy restaurants, or going to the movies…

I wait until the music starts and wave for him to come in.

"Bec, I really miss you…"

"I miss you too, Jesse." His face lights up.

"…as a friend." I add. Feeling pretty shitty once his face drops again.

"I…that's how I meant it." He shrugs in an attempt to appear unbothered.

"I do miss hanging out with you though," I admit. Thinking back over all the fun times we've had together.

"Then, why can't I come with you to the recital?" He whines.

"Because, I told Chloe I'd go with her."

"Is it a date?" He asks quietly.

"What?! No!"

His eyes narrow as he watches me, suspiciously. His whole demeanor becoming uncharacteristically aggressive and bitter.

"Look," I start, hoping to chill Jesse out,"We can hang after the show tomorrow, okay? Just like old times."

Take it or leave it, Swanson.

"That would be nice…," He forces a smile before leaving the booth.

Once the shift is over, we manage an awkward hug before going our separate ways.

I meet Chloe in the recital hall before the performance. Even after the lights dim, I can see the childlike excitement in her eyes.

Fucking adorable.

Throughout the recital, I find myself watching Chloe more than the performers on the stage. Watching her eyes light up when something impressive happens…smiling when she spouts off some dancer lingo like,

"Oh my God, her FEET!"

Or, "I want my turnout to be like hers"

Or,"Did you SEE that? How is that even possible?"

I find myself smiling even wider when she squeezes my hands excitedly, sending that fluttery feeling through my body.

I'm glad we're finally back to normal.

No feelings or emotions… Just doing what feels right…

After the recital, I walk Chloe back to her dorm. Smiling as she rambles on about the performances. Once we reach her dorm, she turns to face me. Smiling lazily as she leans against the door.

"Thanks for going with me tonight," She cocks her head, resting it against the door as she watches me.

She's got "that look" in her eyes again. Don't let her invite you in. Just walk away.

"No prob...Goodnight!" I smile up at her, briefly, before starting down the hall, Not giving myself time to appreciate the twinkle in her eyes.

THE NEXT WEEK-

I find myself sitting in the recital hall again as I wait for Chloe's performance. I decided to invite Fat Amy and Cynthia Rose, which I'm regretting more and more as I listen to them talk.

"You know, I was the best dancer in Tasmania…" Fat Amy starts.

"Really?" Cynthia Rose turns to face Fat Amy, curiously.

"Yup. I was the best dancer, with legs, that is," She nods, contently.

Cynthia Rose and I exchange a look, as we try not to laugh.

"Speaking of legs," Cynthia Rose speaks up as the lights dim and an attractive older woman (I assume she's the chair of the dance department) takes the stage. Thanking everyone for their support…reminding us not to use our phones during the performance… that whole deal.

Then the performances begins: First the solos, then the group numbers.

Chloe is the last soloist to come out. I feel my breathing become labored as I take in her appearance.

The messy bun…the sports bra… the spandex shorts… Every muscle showing as she moves across the stage in the most graceful manner.

My thoughts become more inappropriate as me gaze falls to her legs… I think about how strong they felt, wrapped around my waist…thrown over my shoulder.

"Close your mouth," Cynthia Rose whispers, teasing me over what I'd said to her during the first few performances.

Wait…my mouth is OPEN? Am I drooling?

I close my mouth, swallowing nervously as I look around Cynthia Rose to see if Fat Amy noticed. But, much to my relief, Fat Amy is preoccupied with a noisy bag of skittles she's been trying (and failing) to eat quietly.

I try to control my breathing (and my thoughts) as her solo comes to an end and the group numbers begin. I'm not gonna lie… it bothers me a little to see some guy holding her and moving with her and lifting her. And looking at her the way he is…

"B… You've got it bad," Cynthia Rose elbows me, but I can tell she's serious this time.

"Lez-be-honest, Beca" Fat Amy interjects, as she pops another skittle into her mouth.

"Why don't you just tell her?" Cynthia Rose persists, no longer talking quietly.

"You guys are delusional. Chloe is just a really close friend…" I lower my voice, noticing the angry stares we're getting.

A VERY ATTRACTIVE close friend…

Once the recital is over, we start towards the double doors to wait for Chloe. I recognize a few of the dancers as they walk past with family and friends. Finally, she appears.

"Hey, girls!" She takes her place beside me, linking her arm through mine, "I'm SO glad you all came to support me. I was SO nervous." She tightened her grip on my arm, smiling down at me.

"Of COURSE we came to support you, Chlo," I shoot Cynthia Rose a warning look as she starts to snicker.

With that, we start towards the campus coffee shop, for a congratulatory coffee and cookie outing.

"Of course we came to support you"? Beca, come on... REALLY? What the fuck is HAPPENING to you?