Beca walked straight to the waiter and took a glass of champagne. She soon joined Snoop who was talking about his successful Christmas album that she worked on.

She kept checking to see if Matt got around to talking to his parents about their misunderstanding. He didn't go near his parents, not until she saw his dad call for him.

She was close enough to hear them and what she heard Mr. Arthur tell his son was painful to listen to, especially since it was in front of a lot of people. She kept watching them until Mrs. Arthur joined them and said something to her husband that got him to stop lecturing their son. Beca looked away when Mr. Arthur look at her and looked back feeling his gaze still on her.

Mr. Arthur gestured for her to join him and the guests he was with that she recognized as pretty important people in their industry along with Matt and Mrs. Arthur.

"Here she is," Mr. Arthur beamed when she joined them. "The woman who's made the New York branch more money anyone before had in a mouth," he gave her a pat on her shoulder.

Was she proud of her accomplishment? Oh, yeah. She was so proud they hit their mark and were at the moment getting close to hitting 260k. She played a huge part but it wasn't just her.

"It was team effort," she polity smiled at him.

"People are buying the music you're creating, producing and occasionally singing," he paused to look at his son. "Ms. Mitchell is going out of her way to keep your job. I really hope you're showing gratitude."

Matt nodded, looking like he would rather be anywhere else but there.

"It was Matt's idea to record an album with my A Cappella teammates from college," Beca felt the need to mention. "Marketing and promotion have been working so hard to get people to listen to our music," she paused, smiling at the reaction she got from Mr. Arthur.

Matt's a bratty asshole 80% of the time but he was a good guy. She was mad at him for using her to work things with his dad but she could see why he would do that.

"Really?" Mr. Arthur seemed to be taken back a little.

Matt nodded again.

"You really are a good influence," Mr. Arthur patted Beca's shoulder again.

"How long you two have been going out?" Mrs. Arthur asked.

"Right," Matt hiccupped. "We're not—"

"—not very long," Beca cut him off.

He just made progress with his dad and was going to wreck it. She couldn't let him do that.

Matt looked down at her with a frown on his face.

"Excuse us for a minute," Beca said as she pulled Matt with her and took him to a corner.

"Why did you do that?" he slurred.

"I hate how your dad treats you," she took a red bull can from the waiter walking pass them and handed it to him.

"I'm still mad at how you used me but I can play along for the night."

He popped the can open and sipped from it.

"In a week tops you tell your parents that we're very different people and just can't work," she glared at him. He nodded swallowing.

"Thank you, Beca," he sincerely thanked her then glanced at his parents who were watching them.

"Don't get any ideas," she warned when he leaned in.

"Never," he placed a kiss on her forehead then sniffed, pulling away. "Since you're going to be away on Christmas," he stuffed his hand in his pocket and pulled a box with a ribbon on top.

"I didn't get you anything," Beca eyed the box he was holding.

"Why would you?" he chuckled, extending the box her way and opened it.

"Dude, I can't take that," she shook her head.

"It's rude not to take a gift," he slurred, a lazy smile on his face. "Just take it now and throw it in the trash when I'm not looking," he added when she didn't reach for the diamond bracelet.

Jesse was humming Skinny Love under his breath as he cleaned up the bar when he heard someone get in.

"We're closed," he said over his shoulders.

"I saw the sign. I can read."

Jesse turned on his heels at the voice.

"Hi," Beca smiled, placing her purse on the bar and hopping on a stole.

"What can I get you, ma'am?" he asked, resting both his hands on the bar facing her.

"What do you recommend?" she asked, shrugging.

"Shots," he pulled a bottle of vodka and a couple of glasses. He filled one with vodka and the other with tap water then held the alcoholic one for her then gave her a slice of lime.

"Cheers," she clicked shots with him and drowned hers. "God," she winced bringing the lime to her mouth.

"How was your night?" he asked as he went back to cleaning.

"Fun, mostly," she took off her heels and coat and walked around the bar.

"Ma'am, you can't be here," Jesse told her as she grabbed a mug to fill with coffee for herself.

"Kiss my ass," she told him before bringing the coffee to her lips.

"Yeah?" he cornered her.

She nodded and sipped her coffee. "So much sass for someone of your size," he looked down at her. Beca held a finger up as she gulped down the coffee. He nodded and waited for her until she finished drinking and put the mug aside.

"C'mere," she threw her arms around his shoulders and pulled him down. He grinned and obliged, leaning to kiss her. He hummed, when she let him slid his tongue, at the taste of vodka and coffee. He cupped her ass and helped her wrap her legs around his waist as they kissed.

"Hey, Marcus, I'm sorry I slept in," Mae sleepily said as she closed the door behind her, walking out of the room they napped in.

Jesse pulled away and tilted his head to look at Mae who stood still when her eyes fell on the bar.

"Put me down," Beca breathlessly said. Jesse gently put her down.

"I'm sorry I interrupted you guys," Mae apologized.

"It's fine," Beca said.

"I didn't know you're here," Jesse rubbed the back of his neck.

"Like wise, buddy," Mae started making her way to the bar. "Covering for Marcus?"

Jesse nodded and watched her take a seat.

"I didn't know you patched things up," Mae reached for the pistachios and grabbed a handful.

"No one does," Beca rested her forearms on the bar, facing Mae. "And, we'd like to keep it that way," she added grabbing a pistachio.

"I won't tell," Mae shrugged. "What time is it?" she asked, popping a pistachio into her mouth.

"0:40 am," Jesse informed her.

"Wow," she mumbled, chewing. "I've been sleeping since 7:40 pm."

"Earning that paycheck," Beca glanced at Jesse feeling his arm around her waist.

"Yeah, it's my last day here," she looked around the bar. "It's exhausting to bartend and also work with you. I don't know how you do it."

"Do what?" Beca asked.

"Work 24/7," Mae rotated her neck.

"It runs in her family," Jesse pecked Beca's temple. He was more than happy that he could finally touch Beca in front of others.

"Why are you keeping your relationship private?" Mae asked. "I'm just curious. You don't have to answer."

"Because," Beca sighed, "I'm his employer until he's freed from his contract and it's morally unethical for me to date someone that works for me."

"I'm really happy for you," she smiled at them. "You make a cute couple."

Jesse chuckled and kissed Beca noisily on the cheek. She really hated being called cute.

"Thanks, Mae," Beca thanked her.

"Holy shit!" Mae exclaimed looking at Beca's purse direction.

"What?" Jesse frowned.

"Holy shit," Mae repeated pulling the car key and holding up. "When did you get a Lamborghini?"

"That's not mine," Beca calmly said, grabbing another pistachio. "It's Matt's," she paused, feeling Jesse dig his fingers in her waist. "He was too drunk to drive. I drove him home. I'm gonna give it back tomorrow: he's dropping me at the airport," she looked back at Jesse and kissed him despite not being a fan of public display of affection. She wanted to reassure him with a kiss.

"Hey, Mae, you got somewhere to be?" she asked.

"No."

"You done cleaning up?" she asked Jesse.

"I'm finishing up." She nodded and pecked his lips.

"I'll be right back. I got an idea," she walked around the bar and wore her high heels.

"Don't leave," she told Mae as she wore her coat and snatched the car keys from her then walked out of the bar.

Beca walked back inside the bar to find both Jesse and Mae waiting for her.

"You guys ready?" she asked, blowing into her hands.

"Yep," Mae told her while Jesse just nodded.

She climbed in the car and watched Mae get in the back seat then Jesse sit next to her and pull the door closed.

"Where to?" Jesse asked, eyeing the interior of the Lamborghini.

"You'll see," Beca smiled starting the car.

"God, I missed driving," Beca sighed pulling over.

"I fixed dad's old mustang, you can drive it when you want," Mae told her.

"Thanks," Beca glanced at her.

"Why are we at an ice skating ring?" Jesse asked, looking out of the window.

"We're going to ice skate," Beca told them.

"I can't skate," Jesse told her. "The one time I went ice-skating I broke my wrist."

"I know," she nodded. "I remember," she took his hand and eyed his messed up wrist.

"I'm third wheeling your date," Mae said looking between Beca and Jesse. "Awesome."

"No, this isn't a date," Beca unlocked the door and got out.

"This is totally a date," Mae disagreed, resting her chin on the passenger seat and looking out of the window when Jesse got out of the car and pinned Beca against it kissing her senseless.

"C'mon, nerd," Beca laughed, watching Jesse struggle to skate.

"I can break my wrist again," he told her.

"C'mon, don't be such a baby," Beca took his hand.

"You just let your guard down," Mae told him as she skated pass them and did a flip.

"Follow my lead," Beca told him. He nodded and tried to follow what she did.

"You're doing it," she smiled at him and let go of his hand and started skating backwards, facing him.

"Yeah," he grinned.

"Babe, relax," she span around.

"I'm trying," he straightened up, still grinning at her. "C'mere," he extended his arm for her.

"No," she said, skating away from him. "You gonna have to catch me," she blew him a kiss then joined Mae.

"When did you plan this not-date?" Mae asked her.

"I saw a store on my way to the bar selling ice skating stuff," Beca shrugged then leaned against the ring. "I figured it'd take him and you too because why not. And, this is not a date." she looked behind Mae and at Jesse who was making his way to them.

"Are you two talking the best looking guy in here?" he asked.

"You're the only guy in here," Beca rolled her eyes, watching Jesse pretend he got the hold of ice skating then fall.

"Are you okay?" Mae asked as she and Beca paced to where Jesse fell.

"Jesse, is your wrist okay?" Beca kicked his leg.

"My wrist is fine, my back not so much," he winced.

"C'mon, get up," Beca kicked his leg again.

"Take my hand," Mae gave him her hand to help him up.

Jesse opened one eye to see whose hand it was.

"No, not you," Jesse pushed her hand away. "I want my girlfriend," he closed his eyes again.

"Asshole," Mae laughed.

"Bec?" he sighed dramatically then opened one eye.

Beca rolled her eyes and extended her arm. He took her hand and pulled her down.

"Off you go now, Mae," Jesse gestured for Mae to leave with his hand. Mae laughed and skated away.

He sat her on his lap and rubbed his hand on her leg. "You're freezing, Bec," he sniffed, frowning.

"I'm wearing a dress," she shrugged then smiled when he buttoned her Kashmir coat and opened his own coat.

"C'mere," he pulled her into his embrace.

She rested her head on the crock of his neck and enjoyed the warmth he was providing.

She slipped her arm behind and rubbed his back. "Where did you hurt yourself?" she asked, looking up from his neck.

"I don't know," he shrugged. "My butt is really cold. I can't feel anything right now, honestly," he rubbed his thumb on her cheek, gazing into her eyes.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," she lied.

"Not true, but it's okay. You don't have to tell me," he paused. "Last time I pushed you to tell me what's bugging you, you dumped me."

"You're right, it's not nothing. I just don't wanna talk about it right now," she got on her feet then helped him up.

She wanted to tell him about Matt and what she did for him but she knew how he'd react so she decided to postpone it.

"And, I didn't break up with you because you were pushy," she zipped his coat up.

"You see, turns out, I have a tendency to break things off with dudes I date when we reach a certain point in the relationship: a mark I subconsciously set that we eventually hit."

"We reached our mark?" he frowned, taking her hand and starting to skate.

"Nope," she shook her head and stopped skating then faced him. "Mom, brought up this thing I do with men after I told her that I'm going to leave for L.A. and leave you. She said I'm using my work as an excuse to break up with you. Just like I used school to break up with Nick and marriage to break up with Cris," she chuckled humorlessly. "To prove to her and to myself that she's wrong and that I didn't end very healthy relationships because I'm messed up I broke up with you when I did."

He nodded as her words sunk in. She sniffed, feeling a lump in her throat when didn't say anything back and let go of her hand. "I'm really sorry," she apologized in a cracking voice.

"Shush," he pulled her in a hug. "You don't need to apologize," he shrugged.

"You hurt me by walking away. I hurt you when I pushed you away." He placed a kiss on her head. "We're even." He cupped her face when she pulled away from his hug. "I'm just happy I got you back," he smiled.

"Me too," she leaned in and kissed him. "I didn't bring Mae with us to act all sappy in front of her," Beca sniffed, pulling away.

"You have no idea how much I miss PDA with you," he sighed.

"I still got 4 pieces to pick," she told him as she skated away from him.

"Take your time," he followed her.

The next day.

Beca was making her way to get through security when she felt a pair of arms around her waist.

"You didn't think I'd let you leave without wishing you farewell, did you?" Jesse said to her ear.

"I thought you did last night when I dropped you off at your place," she tilted her head and pecked his lips. He smiled and let go of her.

"Wow," Beca chuckled eyeing his sweater. "Someone is making a statement."

"Mae got me this sweater and told me that, and I quote, 'we're going to twin through the holidays'," he told her as he looked down at his Christmas sweater that had a huge Star of David in the middle.

"I'm supposed to wear this sweater throughout Christmas," he sighed, looking up.

"Well, you look great," she assured him.

"I got you something," he reached inside his pocket and pulled a silver treble clef necklace.

"This is really pretty, Jess, but you didn't have to," she eyed the necklace.

"I wanted to get you something for Christmas," he shrugged.

She leaned up and kissed him then gave him her back.

"Help me wear it?" she asked then felt his fingers brush her hair aside and help her wear the necklace.

"I really love it, Jesse," she held the treble clef between her fingers then threw her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly.

"What did you get Sammy?" she asked him pulling away.

"I have no idea what she likes these days so I got her a teddy her size," he rubbed the back of his neck. "And, I figured I'd sing for her," he shrugged.

"That's nice," she rubbed his arm.

"Yeah, Mae is gonna drive me to Sandra's place later," he informed her. "You should get going," he pulled her into his embrace and placed a forceful kiss on her head while she inhaled his scent. "Have a safe trip and most importantly have fun. Don't forget to text me when you land," he held her shoulders when he pulled away.

"I will," she reached for her suitcase and grabbed the handle.

Later that day.

"Text me when you're going back to Brooklyn. I'm gonna be around, exploring this part of the city," Mae said watching Jesse nervously reach for the door.

"Thanks," he unlocked the door then got out.

"Relax Jesse, your kid will love the bear," Mae smiled at him as he grab his guitar case and the box he put the teddy bear in from the backseat.

"Yeah," he nervously chuckled. "Bye, Mae," he smiled at her closing the backseat door.

"Shalom," she started her car and took off.

"Shalom," he repeated under his breath watching Mae drive away.

"Sammy come say hi to daddy," Sandra called as she walked further inside her apartment. Jesse put down the box and his guitar down and anxiously waited to see his daughter.

"Daddy here?"

Jesse smiled hearing his daughter's voice then heard her footsteps as she ran out of what he guessed was her room.

He picked her up and hugged when she ran his way. "I'm sorry I don't come anymore," he said into her hair.

"Mommy say daddy's busy," Sam shrugged.

He showered her with kisses and hugged her tightly then glanced up seeing a man come out of his daughter's room. He placed a kiss on her cheek then looked back at the man who wrapped his arm around Sandra's waist.

"Hey, man," Jesse stepped forward and extended his hand, "I'm Jesse."

The man took his hand to shake, "Doug. I'm Sandy's boyfriend."

"Pleasure meeting you, Doug," Jesse shook his hand firmly and let go then smiled when Sam wrapped her arms around his shoulders and tightly hugged him.

"Sammy let daddy breathe," Sandra told their daughter.

"It's fine," Jesse placed a kiss on her head.

"Need some help?" Jesse asked as he stood in the kitchen doorway, watching Sandra pull a turkey from the oven.

"Shouldn't you be playing with Sam?" she glanced at him.

"She's having a tea party with Doug. I don't wanna crash their party uninvited," Jesse told her, hiding annoyance. "So, how can I help?" he asked again.

"I got it, Jesse," she said over her shoulders. "Sam misses you, you should be with her," she coldly said.

Jesse nodded and walked out. Jesse felt unwelcome.

His ex-wife would only smile in front of their daughter. Her boyfriend was snarling comments about how he bailed on his kid whenever he could.

The only person who was genuinely happy to see him was Sam.

He stood in the doorway and watched Sam giggle at something Doug said to her and realized how his presence was unnecessary. Doug seemed to be doing a great job doing his job.

"Jess?" Jesse tilted his head hearing Sandra call his name.

"Here," she walked to him as she held a glass of whiskey, "You look like you need it," she extended her hand.

He felt his throat drying out as he eyed the glass.

"No," he cleared his throat when no voice came out. "No, thanks," he forced a smile.

She shrugged and sipped from it herself then frowned, glancing at his hands that started shaking.

"You okay, Jesse?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he stuffed one hand in his pocket and clenched the other one then glanced at the time. "I have to go," he told her then glanced at his daughter. He was going to lose his grip and didn't want to lose it in front of them.

"Jesse, I'm sorry if I sounded harsh just now," she apologized.

"Please, you have nothing to apologize for," he humorlessly chuckled and started to make his way to the front door.

"You're not gonna say goodbye to Sam?" she asked, following him.

"I'm sure she wouldn't notice if I disappeared from the face of the earth," he picked up his guitar case.

"What's wrong with you?" she asked, standing in front of the front door to keep him from leaving.

"Nothing," he shrugged. "I'm sorry I came," he strapped the guitar case on his shoulder and looked at his feet. "I should have known better than to just show up."

"Sandra let him through," Doug spoke from Sam's bedroom's doorway. "If he doesn't want to be here then be it," he shrugged. "Sam doesn't need him."

"Don't speak for my daughter," Jesse warned behind gritted teeth.

"Or else what?" Doug challenged, pulling Sam closer to him when she wrapped her arms around his waist.

Jesse looked down at Sam who looked clueless and decided to drop it. He bit back what he had to say because his daughter didn't deserve to see them fight in front of her.

"Sammy, daddy has somewhere to be," he paused when his daughter removed herself from Doug and started making her way to him. "I'll come see you soon, okay?" he dropped on his knees and hugged her, placing a kiss on her head when she nodded into the hug.

"Excuse me," Beca said, looking at the caller ID, then walked out of the kitchen where she was helping her step mother with dinner.

"Hey," she greeted picking up.

"Hey, Bec," Jesse spoke from the other end. He was on the sidewalk in the snow waiting for Mae to come and pick him up. "How's Barden?" he asked.

"Pretty cool," she paused. "I'm helping Sheila with dinner."

"That's great," he nodded, deciding not to ruin her good mood with his problems. She sounded like she was having fun with her family.

"Tell me about dinner," he said, hearing her talk would distract him from his thoughts.

"Well, there's a turkey cooking in the oven. I peeled potatoes for the mashed potatoes. There's salad," Beca shrugged.

"You didn't cut yourself, did you?"

"I didn't—everything all right over there? How's Sammy?" she asked.

"Yeah," he lied. "Sammy grew an inch," he told her.

"What did she think of the bear?" Beca asked. His tone changed: she was sure something was up.

"She hasn't seen it yet, Santa comes tonight, Bec."

"Right," Beca shook her head. "Anything else you wanna tell me?" she asked.

"Sandra offered me whiskey, I freaked out and left," he told her after a long beat. He was a needy boyfriend and he knew and hated it.

"Are you okay now?" she asked.

"I don't know," he shrugged.

"That's not an answer," she ran her fingers through her hair. —This is exactly why I didn't want to leave New York. Beca blew a breath. "Babe, I won't be back in New York for a couple of days," she paused, "book a flight and come down here," she added, shrugging.

He still hadn't seen a therapist. He had to spend the money he saved to see one fixing the heat radiator. He never went to a support group: he didn't have a sponsor. He stopped taking the drug that helped with the craving 'cause they were quite pricey and he felt like he wouldn't need them anymore.

He was going to relapse.

"Bec, I can't book a flight even if I wanted to—"

"—I'll get you a ticket with my miles," she cut him off.

"Beca, it's Christmas, I doubt I'd find a flight," he told her then looked up, watching Mae pull over and honk for him to get in.

"Where are you now?" she asked.

"Right now, I just got inside Mae's car, she's driving me back to Brooklyn."

"Pass me, Mae," she told him.

"Hey, Mae, Beca wants to talk to you," he extended the phone.

"Okay," Mae took the phone. "What's up, Beca, how's Christmas going?"

"Awesome," Beca paused. "Mae, do you have anything important to do in the next couple of days?" Beca asked.

"It's Christmas, everyone is out of town visiting their family, so nope," Mae told her popping the p.

"Would you drive Jesse to Barden for a thousand bucks?" Beca asked.

"A thousand bucks. Barden," Mae paused. "Where is Barden exactly?" she asked.

"It's in Georgia," Beca told her. "It's a 12 hour drive from New York to Barden. I'd totally understand if you don't want to. It's a long ass drive."

She glanced at Jesse who was stomping his feet and rubbing his hands uncomfortably. "Okay, text me the address."

"Thank you so much, Mae," Beca sighed a sigh of relief. "I owe you a bunch," she scratched her head. "Everything you spend on pit stops is on me. Buy whatever the hell you need for the road—Can you pass me Jesse, please?" she requested.

"Jesse?" Mae shook his phone as she poked his shoulder.

"Huh?" he looked up and took his phone. "Yeah?" he brought it to his ear.

"Hang in there, Jesse," she told him softly.

"Mhmm," he nodded.

AN:

Questions: Do you think Beca accepted Matt's gift? Would Mae keep what she learned about them to herself or would she slip? Is Jesse being actually needy or is turning to Beca the right call? Any thoughts or guess on what will happen once Mae and Jesse get to Barden?

You don't have to answer of these questions if you don't wanna, duh, but if you did I'd get some perspective.

Thank you for reading, people. I hope this story still interests you. Terribly sorry if it's dull and was a waste of time. Okay, bye now. Chicka, chi-kaaah!