Chapter seven

Beca swiped the keycard, willing the light to turn green at the first go. She really couldn't be bothered to schelp all the way to Reception again if the keycard didn't work. She was tired and jetlagged and right now, she really needed to pee. The lock tumbled open with a click and Beca sighed with relief. She pushed the door opened and dragged herself inside.

Mental note to self - do not arrange for a press call immediately after touchdown. That had been tiring. She could barely keep that cheerful smile on her face let alone string coherent answers to the questions the journalists were asking. It had made sense when Aubrey suggested it. She had been keen for Beca to do it first thing because it meant she could get it over with and enjoy the rest of the wedding week. So the arrangement was for Beca to be picked up and whisked away to the press call by her London rep while the others checked into the hotel.

Beca slipped out of her shoes, squeaking out with bliss. It felt really good to sink her aching feet into the plush carpet. She shrugged out of the heavy jacket, tossing it onto the nearest chair. Beca unzipped the tan trousers she was wearing, wriggled out of it and kicked it aside, not really looking where it landed.

The flight over had been interesting. She had freaked out, Beca was willing to admit that. She had initially freaked out about the whole fake boyfriend thing. But after talking it through with Clark over dinner, it somehow didn't feel as horrific as she thought. They had come up with a story, a very plausible background and there was no reason for anyone not to believe she just started dating a struggling yet talented musician named Clark.

Sorry.

Jesse. His name is Jesse.

She has to get used to that.

As her fingers slowly undid the buttons on her blouse, Beca was a little thoughtful.

He was such a weirdo. What with the laptop and the DVD player and the movie which she fell asleep halfway through. She had woken up somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic to find the cabin in semi darkness, her seat reclined and a blanket drawn over her. She instinctively knew it was probably his doing. There was something rather gentle and caring about him and without another thought, Beca had fell back to sleep.

The light silk blouse she had on slid easily off her shoulders and Beca let it land on the floor in a heap. She made her way to the bedroom. She hardly glance round the room; totally blasé towards the plush surroundings having been to many, many identical luxurious hotels before. She needed a bath. There was to be a drinks reception later and before she face 100 miles per hour Chloe Beale-Pilkington Smythe and her Spanish Inquisition, Beca Mitchell will need regroup. A hot bath and perhaps a quick nap were in order.

Beca was halfway across the room when she heard it.

The shower. It was going full pelt.

And there was muffled singing.

Someone was in her room. Someone was in her room, in her very shower, singing.

Beca slowly backed away from the bathroom door, looking around wildly. Was she in the wrong room? No. She must be in the right room. Stacie texted her the number, the keycard worked and look, even her luggage was neatly stacked in the corner. Maybe it was some pervert lying in wait to ambush her? A pervert who liked to keep clean and take a shower before attacking defenceless women in their hotel room? Immediately, Beca searched for her phone and dialled Stacie. It went into voicemail and trying to keep calm but failing miserably, Beca whispered urgently into her phone.

"Stace! Come quick! Someone's in my room!"

The singing stopped and Beca heard the shower being turned off. Fuck. She should get out of here. There must be a mistake or some weird, fishy thing happening and oh god, she was still undressed. Beca was scrambling round to find her top and trousers when she heard the door opening behind her.

"What the... Lane?"

At that moment, Beca was aware of three things.

One, she knew who was behind her.

Two, he should really use her real name like they've discussed.

And three, she was currently bent over, reaching for her blouse lying on the floor thus giving said person behind her, an unrestricted, no holds barred, first class view of her pale, skinny ass in her black lacy boy shorts. Beca swiftly grabbed her blouse and with as much dignity as she could muster, she whirled round clutching that silk scrap against her, ready to tear into that no good son of a bastard.

"What the hell are you -" she started yelling, only to choke on her words and went into a coughing fit. Jesse was standing just behind her, looking confused. He was also bare chested, hair wet and skin glistening from the shower, with only a fluffy cotton towel wrapped around him.

"Hey, you ok?" he asked. His initial look of surprise changed into concern as she doubled up coughing. He took a step closer, reaching out to touch her gently on her shoulder. Beca quickly batted that hand away.

"Dude!" Beca yelled, finally able to breathe. "Why are you naked?"

"I just took a shower. Of course I'm naked," Jesse said, sounding perplexed. "What are you doing half naked in my room?"

"What?" Beca answered, still trying to get her thoughts in order. She looked down. Ah fuck. Like he said, she was half naked.

"Oh wow. I guess Chloe will be very thorough in her interrogation, huh?" Jesse said. "Ok, we haven't discuss this bit of our relationship yet but there's no time like the present. So...if you need to see the goods.."

"Good god no!" Beca bellowed, shielding her eyes with both hands. "Please don't drop the towel!"

All she heard in response was a deep chuckle.

"Lane, relax." - she heard him saying. "I won't go full frontal. That will cost you extra."

"Please keep your towel on," Beca implored, eyes still screwed shut.

"Don't worry. It's on."

Beca didn't know whether she could believe him entirely. She gingerly cracked one eye open. Yep, the towel was in place. He was still topless though and now rubbing his hair dry. A knowing smirk nearly split his face into two and those cute dimples were still there. Obviously her discomfort was highly amusing to him.

Bastard.

And fuck, why was she still standing in front of him in just her bra and panties? Beca quickly tried to put on her blouse, missing the sleeves a couple of times in her hurry.

"Full nudity is extra huh?" Beca snarked, going into the defensive.

"Usually," Jesse replied, cheeky smile still in place. "But to look at all this -" he added, gesturing at his chest and abs. " - is free. Look all you want." At Beca's stunned silence, Jesse gave a fake sigh. "Alright, fine. You drive a hard bargain," he said in surrender. "Just because you're my favourite, I throw in a bare back view. Hell, cop a feel if you want, but anything else -"

"No thank you!"

"Ah," Jesse said in mock disappointment at her determined tone. "I thought you might want to -"

"Might want to what?" Beca replied a little shrilly, finally able to shrug her blouse on. Her cheeks were red with embarrassment already and damn it, what was wrong with these buttons? Why couldn't she do them up?

"Well, you are -" Jesse said, his hands vaguely waving at Beca's state of undress.

"And?"

"Usually when my clients...ahem want to go that little bit further -"

"What? They just tear their clothes off in front of you?"

His growing smirk was unbearable. "Pretty much."

Beca gave up trying to button up her blouse. She was frazzled and embarrassed. She did not know quite where to look nor could she think straight. Maybe if he wasn't standing there, all calm and collected, even though he was naked under that towel.

"I just wanted a shower," she scowled, crossing her arms over her chest. "I don't know why you are in here. You're in the wrong room, buddy."

"Oh. I'm quite certain this is my room."

"No. It's mine. Look, there's my luggage," Beca said, pointing indignantly at the number of LV luggage stacked in the corner.

"Well, there's mine," Jesse countered. Beca's eyes followed where he was pointing at and true enough, there was his luggage at the opposite corner. Unlike the trail of clothes she had discarded on the floor, his clothes were neatly folded on the edge of the bed. Freak.

"I don't know where's the mix-up. Stacie told me this is where I am and gave me the key," he said.

Stacie.

Of course, it would be Stacie.

There was a sharp rap on the door and speaking of the devil, they both heard Stacie's voice calling out from outside. Beca stomped over and wrenched the door open. Stacie was lounging by the doorway and one eyebrow quirked up when she saw the little amount of clothes Beca was wearing.

"Hey Bec, you rang?" Stacie casually asked, peering into the room. Her eyes landed on Jesse and a grin slowly spread on her face. "Oh. Sorry. Looks like I've interrupted something. I'd better go."

"You do no such thing, Stacie Conrad," Beca bellowed, dragging the taller brunette inside. "There must be some mistake. Tell Jesse this is my room."

"Well, it is your room." Stacie said.

"Hah!" Beca crowed triumphantly.

"It's Jesse's room too."

"What the fuck, Stacie?" "Told you."

"What's going on here?" Aubrey appeared at the doorway, iPad in hand. "I could hear you down the corri - oh my god!" She immediately shielded her eyes with her IPad and turned to the tall brunette. "Stacie! I thought you've fixed this."

"I tried," Stacie replied. She did not sound like she tried very hard at all. "But the hotel's full. No rooms."

"What do you mean no rooms?" Beca wailed. "Come on, this is London. There are bound to be rooms."

"Whole place booked out. What else can I do?" Stacie replied. "Besides, won't it look weird your boyfriend is staying in another hotel? Seriously, Bec. I'm just thinking how authentic this whole thing will look, ok?"

"She has a point, Beca," Aubrey spoke up from behind her iPad. "I don't like it but the girl has a point."

"You don't mind sharing a bed, do you, Mr. Swanson?" Stacie smiled flirtatiously at the half naked man. "Beca doesn't snore but she is a restless sleeper. Kicks a lot. So, if that's a problem, you could always come to my -"

"Right. That's it!" Beca interrupted, eyeballing Stacie dangerously. Between Aubrey's cowering behind iPad like she had never seen a naked man before and Stacie's obvious hunter at work, she had had enough. She spun on her heels and marched towards the source of all this madness.

"You!" she hissed, shoving him backwards into the bedroom. "Get dressed." She had intended to push him hard but her hand met a solid wall of muscle and her puny attempt didn't even budge him an inch. He chuckled good-naturedly staring down at her red face.

"Yes ma'am," Jesse murmured, stepping backwards as instructed, grinning all the way

Beca heard audible chorus of disappointment rising up from Stacie and she spun around glaring at her friends. "The rest of you get out of my room."

"Oh. Ok," Stacie winked at her knowingly. "I don't blame you. Obviously you wanna get back to -"

"Oh my god, just get out!"

Several hours later

"Are you always this angry?"

They were waiting for the elevator when Jesse asked her that question. The wedding itinerary said drinks at half seven, followed by a buffet dinner so here they were, on their way to the reception. Beca gave him a side eye, her hand fiddling with the diamond earrings she had on.

"No," she snarked back. "Only when I'm hungry and tired."

"Ok, that"s good to know," he chortled, taking his eyes off her and pressing the call button for the elevator again. "You look beautiful tonight. That dress really brings out the colour of your eyes."

Beca glanced irritably at him, wondering for the umpteenth time how the hell was he always so cheerful and in a good mood all the time. Here she was, a bundle of nerves in a blue cocktail dress and heels, worrying how this evening, let alone the whole week, was going to pan out while he was standing there in that smart dark blue suit and tie, totally at ease with himself. He was just so weird.

After getting rid of Aubrey and Stacie, Beca had spent an awkward two hours studiously ignoring the other person in the suite. To his credit, he didn't seem to force his company on her or tried to make small talk. He was mainly welded to the sofa in the living room, quietly working on his laptop while Beca stayed in the bedroom. She had tried to unpack, gave up after a while and then spent an inordinately long time in the bath tub. She would have fallen asleep in the tub if he hadn't softly knock, reminding her of the time.

The elevator opened and he politely let her walk in first. The hotel was a Grade II listed building and like many its age, the elevators were tiny. During the slow descent down, more people got inside until Beca found herself pressing closer to him. She tried to stay ramrod straight but there was no place and before she knew it, she felt a hand around her waist, pulling her flush against him.

"Relax," Jesse whispered. "I'm not going to bite. Unless you want me to."

The killer glare he got from her made him laugh. He let go only after they reached the ground floor and everyone got out. Beca detached herself hurriedly, eyes already scanning the lobby for the way to the reception.

"We should really work on that, you know." she heard him saying.

"Work on what?" Beca said absentmindedly, already marching across the lobby and not looking at him.

"This whole...vibe..between us," Jesse said, falling in step next to her. "For starters, it would help if you don't look like you can't stand being near me."

Beca stopped in her tracks.

"I don't understand," she frowned. "Is that how it looks like?"

"Yep. Sometimes it looks like you hate being with me." Jesse answered.

"I don't hate being with you," she frowned at the man standing beside her.

"Of course not. I am exceptionally charming, loveable and great to be with," he joked, shrugging his shoulders lightly. "But We're supposed to be dating. And when I do this.." Jesse placed a warm hand on her back and Beca nearly jumped out of her skin. "See?"

Shit. This would be a problem. They just started dating. Theoretically, they should barely be able to keep their hands off each other. They should be having sex like rabbits, only surfacing out of their hotel room for more condoms and wine. Flinching when your boyfriend of two months touch you was not how it should look.

Beca looked round quickly and seeing a small door below the grand staircase, she swiftly grabbed Jesse's arm and dragged him there. Thankfully, the door wasn't locked and it opened up to a small cupboard-like space, holding cleaning supplies. It was just barely big enough for them to stand without falling all over each other. It would have to do. At least no one would be eavesdropping into their conversation.

"Right. Let's get this straight," Beca whispered urgently. "It's not you, it's me. I'm not the touchy feely type ok? So don't think I hate you or anything. I'm just not comfortable with strangers touching me."

"Understood. But we're not supposed to be strangers -"

"I know! We're supposed to be dating. I know how that's supposed to look like, "Beca whisper yelled back. "Look, what we do in private is nobody's business but the girls can be very nosy, especially Fat Amy, so what we gonna say is-"

"Fat Amy?" Jesse asked, face creasing with confusion.

"Yes, Fat Amy. Keep up, Clark -" Beca barrelled on. "- the story is we're taking things slow. We haven't had sex yet and that's alright."

"Wow. Ok, no sex. ," Jesse replied. "Have we made out before?"

"Of course we have! Plenty of times," Beca answered. "We're not weird."

"So you're good if I do this?"

Jesse leaned into her, placing one warm hand behind her bare shoulder. She stiffened up a little under his touch but Beca breathed in deeply and exhaled. She had to get ver this hump if they want to be convincing.

"I'm good," she said, her voice sounding a little high pitched.

"Ok," Jesse replied. "Let me up it a notch." His hand slid up the back of her neck and he squeezed it lightly. Beca was still trying to concentrate on her breathing.

"You're all knotted up," Jesse mused thoughtfully. His other hand came up and Jesse started kneading the base of her neck with both his hands slowly. "You are holding a lot of tension here."

Damn, that actual felt rather good. She forgot how nice it was getting a neck rub. His fingers were strong yet gentle and she actually feel her shoulders relaxing and the tension ebbing away. Beca's eyes fluttered shut.

"Lane, are you ok?"

Beca's eyes snapped open and she found Jesse was looking a little worried.

"Yes, why?"

"You had this strange look - " he started and quickly stopped. "You know, it's nothing. We're doing great here, so I'm going to slide my hands down and bring you close to me, ok? You'll be fine with that?"

"Mmm hmm."

His thumb was stroking the back of her ear gently, the nail lightly raking into her skin. Beca could barely quell down a shiver. He was staring intently at her as he slid his hands down her neck to her shoulders, pulling her into him. There was hardly any space between them.

"We should at least practise a kiss," Jesse said.

"Do we?"

Damn, why was her voice sounding so wobbly and high pitched.

"Yes, we should," Jesse said. "Dont worry. I'm just going to lean in and brush my lips across yours. No biggie. Just a quick brush. Think you can handle that?"

Beca nodded, not trusting herself to speak. The faster they get over this, the better. It was just so stifling hot in this cupboard. There was no air. The heat she was feeling on her cheeks? Yeah, totally because there was no window or ventilation or climate control in this room. Not because she was standing next to this very attractive man who smells so good and has warm hands. Beca was looking down when Jesse lifted her chin up so she was looking straight at him. His head was moving fractionally nearer. Ok, just a kiss. Just a kiss. No biggie. Just a -

"Owww!"

That crack of her palm across his cheek was deafening.

"Oh fuck! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry."

Beca was apologising profusely, mortified at what she had done. He was only leaning in and she had slapped him hard across the cheek. It must have hurt judging by the loud yelp and the way he was holding his hand to his cheek.

"Did I hurt you? Fuck. I'm so sorry," Beca apologised again.

Jesse was moving his jaw apprehensively, slowly rubbing at the red handprint she left behind. "That's quite a blow. I think you nearly dislocated my jaw," he said. "And..oww... There's a tiny cut. Stings a little."

"Shit. That's my ring," Beca replied, realising what might have happened. "I'm sorry! Here, let me look."

She tugged his hand away and was on tiptoes, peering into his face. Jesse watched as her eyes roved over his cheeks, fingers gently probing the fresh cut. He was sure it was a minor cut, no worse that a shaving nick but he still flinched a little when she prodded too hard. Her eyes looked so huge and blue and sorry and worried that Jesse felt he should reassure her.

"Hey, it's just a scratch. I'll live," he said, smiling at her. "Good thing we tried that though. I mean, if that happened in front of everyone -"

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what come over me," she apologised yet again. "I'm so out of practice. It's been some time since anyone else except Luke ..."

"Has it?" Jesse spoke up, intrigued. That couldn't right. Attractive girl like her must have men round the block trying their luck.

"Yep," she answered, looking a trifle embarrassed now. "Been with him for five years. And when that ended, I haven't been dating. I don't have the time." She blew a breath out, looking even more adorably mortified.

"Let me get this straight," Jesse said. "You haven't been with anyone else except Luke for the past five years?" At her nod, he continued. "Ok. That explained that jaw breaking slap. And the last six months -"

"A little longer than six months," Beca admitted, flushing red. She had a rueful look on her face. "I should have seen the signs, huh? He wasn't interested last couple of months. I thought it was because we were busy and I wasn't making an effort. I should have known he was getting it elsewhere -"

"Lane," Jesse immediately said, stopping her mid-flow. "It was not your fault, ok? Don't you ever, ever blame yourself for someone acting like a douchebag and cheating on you. That is all on him." He gently brushed her hair back and said, "I know we've just met but I think you're an amazing, talented woman and any man is lucky to have you. Don't you forget that."

She still looked a little sad but at least a tremulous smile was tugging at the corner of her mouth. Most of the time, Jesse knew exactly what to say. That was part and parcel of his job, his bag of tricks, his little ways to make his clients felt better. But now he wasn't just saying it. She was really amazing and Jesse found himself thinking how can something looked so delicate yet tremendously strong at the same time? And if only he was so lucky...

"Ok...umm. So." Jesse swiftly snapped back into business mode. "Good job on the..ahh..vibe thing we talked about. For health and safety reason, I think we can forgo the kissing. It's only a week and it's not as if your friends will ask us to...ermmm...make out in public-"

"This is stupid."

"What now?" Jesse replied, confused at being derailed off his speech.

"I said this is stupid," Beca said. "I am being stupid. It's not like I'm a virgin or never been kissed before. Let's give it another go."

"Wha -"

Jesse's words were cut off when she launched herself onto him, pressing her lips against his. His arms had caught her and pressed her close to him. She was light as a feather yet soft, so soft against him. Jesse was vaguely aware she had thrown her arms around his neck, hands in his hair, pulling him in even closer. He tentatively opened his mouth and felt hers parting and without thinking anymore, Jesse deepened the kiss. She broke the kiss moments later, only to sigh softly and seek his lips again. He was glad the space was so small and the wall was at his back. His knees would've buckled on hearing that little sweet sigh.

He wasn't sure who ended the kiss first. Both of them were now standing in that small broom cupboard, still holding on to each other, panting. She was the first to step back, nervously tucking her hair behind her ear.

"Ok," Jesse spoke up to break the tension. "That was.. That was good practice."

"Yes. Yep," Beca agreed, clearing her throat. "So...no problem there."

"No. Nope," Jesse affirmed. "Look, my hands on your waist and you didn't try to castrate me." They both stared at how his hands were circling her tiny waist . "Ermm...that's good. That's really good."

"We're ready for the party," Beca said.

"What? Oh. Yes. Yes, we are." Jesse straightened up, letting her go. He reached for the door and pushed it open, gesturing for Beca to go first. "After you."

"Thank you."

They both stepped outside and once they escaped the dimness of the cupboard, they began to notice a few things.

"Your hair," Jesse murmured.

"Thanks," Beca answered back while hastily running her hand through her hair. "Your tie. It's-" She gestured at her neck area and Jesse quickly adjusted his tie.

"Your dress. At the back," he said, hand trying to tug her dress into place surreptitiously.

"You got lipstick all over your mouth," Beca replied, reaching a hand up towards the MAC colour she had inadvertently transferred all onto his face.

"Your friend, Chloe -" Jesse answered back, his words slightly garbled by the enthusiastic way she was rubbing at his mouth. "Does she have red, curly hair? About five foot five? Very excitable?"

"Yeah, why?" Beca asked.

Jesse was staring right over her head.

"Thought so," he whispered. "Look out. Here she comes."

Chloe Beale-Pilkington-Smythe had been Beca's friend since they were twelve. It all started when some older kids were picking on the tiny brunette. The redhead had loudly, almost scaringly shrieked out at the bullies, to leave Beca alone, pick someone their own size or better still piss off or she'll call her police dad.

Chloe didn't have to do that. Beca could very well take care of herself and Chloe's dad actually worked at a pet centre. But the redhead did and she ran over to check whether the tiny brunette was hurt. She was perfectly fine but it was the first time Beca knew how great it was to have a friend in her corner and they had been fast friends ever since. They did grow up together, almost inseparable and they knew each other quirks very well. As much as Beca loved the redhead, there were a few quirks she would never get used to.

"Beca? Becaaaaaaaa!"

That banshee shriek of hers.

"Beca, oh my god! You're here!"

And the ginger's total disregard for personal space.

Beca turned slowly and steeled herself for the inevitable. A whirlwind of arms and red hair seemed to attack her and Beca stood stock still as that mass of arms and hair finally settled down to become her best friend hugging her tight. She felt a wet smack of lips landing on her cheek before Chloe squeezed her even tighter.

"Chlo -" Beca wheezed. "Need. To. Breathe."

Beca took a few deep breaths as she felt Chloe released her hold but the redhead was not done yet. She twirled the tiny girl round and grabbed her face in her hands in a vice-like grip.

"Beca, I'm so glad you're here," she said. "I knew you were here ages ago but Stacie warned me you were probably jetlagged and need a nap. And we know how grumpy you get when you are tired. Plus I had to make sure Cousin Janice did get the stuff for the reception right. You know she nearly ordered like a roast pig tonight and we can't have that. The flowers for the ceremony might be late and I don't know whether I should cancel and get a new florist. Tom was saying I should relax and not be so uptight, like Aubrey and let someone else...hey, who are you? I'm Chloe Beale, soon Beale-Pilkington-Smith and I'm Beca's best friend."

Beca was barely processing what Chloe was saying and she was still at the roast pig when Chloe had turned her short attention span to the man standing beside her.

"Ah, Chlo. This is Cl-Jesse," Beca stammered.

"Cle-ssee?" Chloe frowned. "That is an unusual name. Is it Norwegian?"

"Ah umm. No-" Beca flailed again and Jesse came to the rescue.

"No. It's Jesse. Jesse Swanson," he said, smiling charmingly and offering his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Chloe. Beca talked a lot about you."

"Pleased to meet you, Jesse." Chloe said, primly shaking the offered hand. "I hope it's all good things you've heard but who are you again?"

"Boyfriend." Beca stuttered out. "The guy. You know. We talked about. Him."

Chloe was now frowning at Beca.

"I thought you're going out with someone named Clark."

"Ummmm..."

"Sorry. I can explain," Jesse piped up when Beca stuttered again. "Beca has this aversion to cute pet names so I can't call her 'baby' or 'honey' or 'munchkin moon pie' but sometimes she lets me call her Lane and she calls me Clark. It's just this thing we have between us."

Chloe's blue eyes were swinging wildly between the two, the frown deepening on her face. Beca's heart sank. Shit. This was not going to work. Chloe would call it. She saw through this whole flimsy trick. They were so busted. And it had only been less than an hour -

"Oh my god!" Chloe squealed. "That is sooooo cute!"

Wait. What?

"She let you call her Lane? And she called you Clark? Like in Clark Kent?" Chloe asked, eyes widening in excitement. "Did you know she used to be obsessed about Superman?"

"She was?" Jesse replied, grinning away.

"Yep. Like proper obsessed with posters and fan art everything and Mrs. Clark Kent scribbled everywhere. But it was ok because Beca's weird like that and she was like thirteen so let's not hold it against her. She swore she will only date and eventually marry a dark-haired man with superpowers so it was surprising to us when she got engaged to Luke, who is blonde by the way - Oh."

Chloe suddenly realised she had prattled on too much and threw her hand over her motor mouth. Jesse saw that stony look on Beca's face and Chloe's stricken one.

"Teenage Beca sounds amazing," Jesse easily said, placing a reassuring hand on Beca's back. "You have to tell me more, Chloe. She knows more about me than I do of her. I need all the blackmail material I can get. Did she like unicorns when she was younger? How about showing me some junior prom photos? Maybe she went through an emo phase?"

Chloe had began to squeak in excitement.

"Chloe. Don't you dare!" Beca nearly hollered out, petrified now.

"Oh, Beca-boo! Your secrets are safe with me," Chloe assured her but she turned and gave Jesse an exaggerated wink. "Sorry. I was kidding. I actually knew who you were. Stacie gave me the lowdown."

Beca huffed out in exasperation. "Do you girls ever stop gossiping?"

"Nope!" Chloe trilled. "Besides I saw you both coming out of that cupboard over there. Can't quite wait till later, could you?"

Beca's face went beetroot red while she felt Jesse shaking with silent laughter next to her. This was going to be hell of a long week.

They pulled it off.

By some stroke of luck, they pulled it off.

Beca stared at Chloe and Jesse who were walking in front of her. Chloe had her arm through Jesse's and chattering non-stop as they entered the grand room where the reception was being held. She should be a little annoyed her best friend was more into her fake boyfriend than her but Beca was not even fussed.

She knew exactly what Chloe was doing.

Chloe was drilling Jesse at the moment, trying to suss what kind of guy he was and whether he was good enough for Beca. If he stuck to the script, it should be alright. They just need this whole charade to hold up for the week and when it was all over and done with and a few months later, if Chloe asked, Beca would just say it didn't work out. That was the plan.

"Looks like you've passed the Chloe test."

Beca turned to her right to find Stacie had sidled up to her and was also staring at Chloe talking animatedly to Jesse.

"She bought it, huh?" the taller brunette said, taking a sip of champagne.

"So far," Beca commented. "I got a feeling I'll get a status report and approval rating later."

"I am a genius!" Stacie bragged, smirking into her drink.

"Eh. Nothing to do with you, bitch," Beca replied. "Chloe happened to catch us coming out of the broom cupboard. So that helped."

"Broom cupboard huh?" Stacie questioned. "What were you doing? That king-sized bed not big enough?"

Beca was colouring up fast.

"Nothing. We weren't doing anything," she insisted.

"Yeah. Sure you weren't," Stacie agreed, noting the redness on Beca's face. "I don't know why you're fighting it. That's a lot of man there and you know he'll be happy to -"

"Drop it, Stacie."

"I don't know what else I need to do to get you laid," Stacie sighed frustratedly. "I've got you a professional. I've already tricked you both to sharing a room -"

Beca was rubbing her temples now.

"I need a drink," she groused. "Where's the freaking bar?"

The freaking bar was right across the room and it took a good ten minutes for Beca to weave through the well-meaning crowd. There were Chloe's aunties and uncles and at one point, she ran into Chloe's parents who introduced her to Tom's parents, the very grand Lord and Lady Pilkington-Smythe, who in turn were so fascinated to finally met the famous Beca Mitchell, musician and absent maid-of-honour. She was very aware she had been slack with her maid-of-honour duties. Cousin Janice, one of the bridesmaid had been stepping up to the role and able a felt really bad.

So bad that by the time she reached the bar, Bec wanted to down a shot so badly.

She couldn't get drunk though. Not now.

Beca was trying to grab the barman's attention but even in her heels, she hardly cleared the height.

"Hey," Beca called out, waving her hand. "Can I get a -"

The barman was overlooking her, serving someone to her right instead.

"Hi-" Beca tried again.

The barman looked askance at her.

"Can I help you?" he asked. "If you want alcohol, I got to see some ID."

Beca rolled her eyes, reaching for her clutch. Seriously, she looked her age and definitely older than 21.

"She's good for it, mate." A voice spoke up behind her. "Get the lady a bourbon and coke."

Beca stifled that snort coming out of her. She wrenched her clutch opened, got her driving license out and thrust it at the barman. The barman took a closer look, shrugged and turned to make her drink.

"He's paying you a compliment, babe," the smooth voice behind her continued. "Drinking age here is 18. You should know that."

Beca waited until the drink was in front of her and she had a sip of that fiery liquid before she turned around. Not that she needed visual confirmation. That voice was as familiar to her as her favourite mix and songs.

Luke was standing beside her, casually leaning against the bar, hand tucked into his pocket. He was gazing down at her, eyes roaming down and up again to look at her straight into her eyes.

"It's good to see you, Becky."

AN : Thank you all for your reads and reviews. I'm so happy people are still reading my stories, you have no idea. So they pulled it off, huh? Will they manage to persuade Luke it's the real thing between them? Also how cute is Anna Kendrick? I saw her and Justin Timberlake at the London Eye. They were trying to switch on the Trolls light and the button didn't work. It was both awkward and hilarious.