Aubrey knocks on Chloe's hotel room door. Chloe answers and the tall blonde enters.
"Let's order room service before we do anything else," Chloe said.
She and Aubrey look at the room service menu and make their selections. Chloe calls and places their orders.
"It will be here in about 30 minutes," Chloe tells Aubrey.
"I'm going to run back to my room and put on my pajamas," Aubrey says. "We're going to have a sleepover."
Chloe laughs and Aubrey rushes out the door. She's back about 15 minutes later wearing green silk pajamas. The two get comfortable and chat about the reunion and Beca's performance the night before. There is a knock on the door and Chloe lets the waiter in. He places everything on the table and exits the room. Aubrey and Chloe sit down to eat.
"This reminds me of our Barden days," Aubrey said.
"Yeah," Chloe said. "We did eat a lot of takeout."
"That's because the campus diner food was the worst," Aubrey said. "I must say I was really glad that my roommate had money."
"So, that's all I was to you?," Chloe asks feigning hurt. "A meal ticket?"
"Yep," Aubrey says with a laugh.
Chloe lightly smacks her on the arm. Chloe's phone pings with a new text message causing Chloe to groan.
"Go ahead," Aubrey says. "It might be important."
Chloe sighs and checks her phone.
"It's my new flight information for tomorrow," Chloe says. "We may have to make this an early night. My flight leaves at 8:00 am tomorrow. I'll have to be at the airport by 7:00, which also means I have to be up by 5:00."
Chloe throws her phone on the bed and rejoins Aubrey at the table.
"I'm sorry, Brey," Chloe says. "I really hoped we could have some one-on-one time to reconnect. I really miss you."
"I miss you, too," Aubrey says. "But, I'll be in LA for a few weeks before Beca's wedding. We can get together then."
"I'll try," Chloe said. "But, I'll be busy with the new office. I wish I could delegate some of my responsibilities so I have more free time, but I can't."
"I understand," Aubrey said. "You've become the 'Company Woman' your dad always wanted you to be."
Chloe sighed. As much as she wanted to deny it, Aubrey was right. She has become the one thing she never wanted to be. Someone who was married to their work. God she wished she could just walk away from it all.
"Chloe," Aubrey says getting Chloe's attention. "You okay? I've been calling your name for a few minutes."
"Sorry," Chloe said. "I just got lost inside my own head. Let's not worry about early flights, or being a comany woman, and just enjoy the time we have to be together now."
"Here, here," Aubrey said.
Chloe filled Aubrey in on everything that happened since they graduated from Barden, including her divorce from Ray Matthews.
"Yep," Chloe said. "Best five million dollars I ever spent. Oh, did I tell you? My dad woke me up early this morning with a call to tell me that Ray had been arrested last night."
"Arrested?," Aubrey said. "What for?"
"Don't know," Chloe said. "And, don't care. He is no longer my concern."
Before Aubrey could say anthing else, her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and saw Stacie's name.
"I have to take this," Aubrey told Chloe. "It's Stacie."
Aubrey answered the phone. She spoke to Stacie for just a minute and hung up.
"I didn't realize how late it was," Aubrey said. "You need to pack and get to bed."
Chloe checked the time and saw that it was already 11:00.
"Shit," Chloe said. "You're right. I'm sorry we have to call it a night."
"I understand," Aubrey tells her. "I'll see you in LA in a few weeks."
"Yeah," Chloe said.
Chloe walks Aubrey to the door and gives her a hug.
"Be safe, Brey," Chloe tells her.
Aubrey nods her head and tells Chloe goodbye. Chloe closes the door and starts packing. She leaves out what she will need in the morning and places her luggage near the door. She decides to take a quick shower before she goes to bed. She puts on her pajamas and sets her phone's alarm. She gets into bed and falls asleep almost immediately.
Chloe's alarm goes off at 5:00 am and she reluctantly gets up. She uses the bathroom and brushes her teeth. She gets dressed and packs away her pajamas and toiletries. She calls the front desk to verify that the car she reserved would be there by 6:00 am to take her to the airport. Chloe leaves her room at 5:40 and heads to the lobby to wait for the car.
Chloe gets off elevator and sees Beca and Trish sitting in the lobby, each with a carryon suitcase next to them.
"Chloe!," Trish calls out. "What are you doing up at this ungodly hour."
"My assistant booked me on an 8:00 flight to LA," Chloe said. "I'm just waiting for my car to take me to the airport."
"Oh, my God," Trish exclaims. "We're on the 8:00 flight to LA, too."
"Just great," Chloe thought.
"Wow," Chloe said. "What a coincidence."
Beca mumlbed something that neither girl understood.
"She needs coffee," Trish and Chloe both say at the same time.
Trish laughs.
"I guess some things never change," Trish says.
"Ms. Beale?," a voice calls out.
"I'm Chloe Beale," Chloe says.
"Good morning, miss," an older gentleman says as he walks up to Chloe. "I'm David, your driver."
"Oh," Chloe says. "Good morning."
"Is this your luggage?," David asks.
"Yes," Chloe says. "This is all of it."
"Very good," David says and takes Chloe's luggae to the car.
"Um," Chloe says looking at Beca and Trish. "Do you guys have a way to airport?"
"We were just going to get a cab," Trish says.
"You can ride with me," Chloe says. "We're all going to the same place."
"Thank you," Trish says. "Come on, Beca."
"What?," Beca says.
"Chloe's giving us a ride to the airport," Trish says. "You can sleep in the car and on the plane. Let's go."
Beca slowly gets up and follows Trish and Chloe outside. Chloe talks to David and he put Beca and Trish's luggage in the car. Once everything is loaded the three girls get in and David leaves the hotel.
Beca sits in the front and leans her head back and closes her eyes. Chloe and Trish share the backseat and are chatting.
"Where are you sitting?," Trish says. "On the plane."
"First Class," Choe says.
"We're in First Class, too," Trish says.
"Great," Chloe says. "I'll have someone to talk to."
"Once we get to LA we'll take you to my condo," Trish says. "Might as well move in now, instead of later."
"Um, that's okay," Chloe says. "I've already got my hotel reservation for this trip."
"Nonsense," Trish says. "The condo is closer to your new office. It just makes sense."
"Okay," Chloe says with a small smile. "I'll have my assistant cancel the hotel. Are there a lot of food places around your condo? I wasn't kidding when I said I usually order in."
"Oh, there are plenty," Trish says. "I have a drawer full of take out menus. Some of them are your typical Chinese, Pizza, that sort of thing. But, there are a few that are actual restaurants that you can order for pick up. They're close so you can call before you leave your office and pick it up on our way home."
"Thanks," Chloe says.
They continue chatting with Trish telling Chloe all the things they must show Chloe when she actually moves to LA.
Chloe leans her head back. She tries not to stare at Beca. She always loved when she woke up first because she would just lay there and stare at Beca while she slept. Beca was so beautiful, but she never really thought she was. Morning kisses with Beca was her favorite thing to do. Chloe shook her head to get the memory out of her head.
"You okay, Chloe?," Trish asks.
"What?," Chloe says. "Oh, sorry. I'm just trying to keep myself awake."
"I would say go ahead and take a nap," Trish says. "But we're almost to the airport now."
Chloe looked out the window and sure enough they were entering the airport. David maneuvered the car like pro and pulled up to the drop off curb.
"Beca," Trish called shaking Beca's shoulder. "We're here. Wake up."
Beca lifts her head and stretches her arms. She looks around and then gets out of the car. Chloe and Trish have exited and are waiting for David to unload their luggage. Chloe thanks David and gives him a nice tip.
"I have to check one of my bags," Chloe said pointing to the curbside baggage check. "I guess I'll see you guys at the gate."
"We're going to hit Starbucks first," Trish says. "Can we get you a coffee or something?"
"Yes, please," Chloe says. "I'll have a-"
"Caramel macchiato with extra caramel," Beca cuts in.
"You remember that?," Chloe asks surprised.
"I remember a lot of things," Beca said.
"Wow," Chloe said. "Please don't give away all my secrets. I don't want to scare Trish away."
Beca laughs.
"No worries," Beca said.
Chloe just smiled. She liked that they could joke about some things. Beca and Trish left Chloe to find a Starbucks. Chloe checks her bag and heads to the First Class lounge. She sat and sent a text to her assistant to cancel her hotel reservation and then checked her emails.
Beca and Trish come in and Trish hands Chloe her macchiato. The all sit and Chloe resumes checking and responding to work emails. Beca is once again sitting with her head back and eyes closed.
The announcement for boarding is made and the three gather their carryon bags and head to the gate. They board and Chloe finds herself sitting two rows in front of Beca and Trish.
"At least I don't have to watch them be all coupley," Chloe thinks.
Chloe puts her carryon away and sits down. She fastens her seat belt and leans back in her seat.
The plane is finally loaded and they start to taxi to the runway. The takeoff is smooth and Chloe pulls out her phone and earbuds. She decides to listen to some music and must have dozed off. The next thing she knows the stewardess it telling her they are preparing for landing and she needed to turn her phone off. Chloe sits up and puts her phone and earbuds away.
The landing is a little rough and once the plane lands Chloe stands up and stretches. She grabs her carryon and sees Beca doing the same. She moves down next to her and waits. Beca hands Trish her bag and they proceed to walk off the plane.
"I have to get my checked bag," Chloe says. "I can meet you somewhere if you'd like."
"Nonsense," Trish says. "This time you can ride with us. Beca has a car and we'll go to baggage claim with you."
"Um," Beca said. "I may not be able to do that."
"Why?," Trish asked.
Beca just pointed at a group of paparazzi.
"Oh," Trish said. "It doesn't look like they've noticed you yet, so maybe you can sneak out to the car and we'll meet you outside once we get Chloe's luggage."
"Okay," Beca says and pulls out her phone as she walks away. She keeps her head down and manages to get past the paparazzi without them recognizing her.
"I forgot Beca is famous," Chloe said. "Are the paparazzi always around?"
"Yeah," Trish says. "Sometimes it can be a major pain, but they are usually respectful of Beca because she will actually stop and let them take photos and talk to them."
Trish fills Chloe in on some of the things the paparazzi have done to get Beca's picture. The two women are laughing as they exit the airport. Trish spots their car and leads Chloe to it. The driver gets out and puts their luggage in the back and the girls get in.
They reach Trish's condo. The driver parks and gets Chloe's luggage and escorts the three women to the condo. Trish opens the door and allows Chloe to enter.
"Wow," Chloe says. "This is really nice."
"Yeah," Trish says. "Wait until you see the view."
Trish opens the curtains and Chloe is speechless. The view is spectacular.
"I love to sit here on the sofa with a glass of wine," Trish says. "The sunset view is amazing."
Beca sits on the sofa while Trish gves Chloe a tour of the condo.
"This is the master bedroom," Trish says opening one of the doors. "There's a full bath through that door there and a walk-in closet through that door." Trish points out the appropriate doors to Chloe.
The tour is completed and Trish hands Chloe the keys and a card with the codes for the security alarm.
"It's all yours for as long as you need it," Trish says. "I know you need to check in with your office, so we'll leave you to it."
Chloe thanks Trish again. As soon as Trish and Beca leave Chloe goes through the take out menus and places an order for food. She missed whatever they served on the plane since she had slept the whole flight.
She sat down on the sofa and called her assistant, Karen.
"Chloe Beale's office, Karen speaking," Chloe's assistant answers the phone. "How may I assist you?"
"Hey, Karen," Chloe says. "It's Chloe."
"Hey, Chloe," Karen says. "You have a meeting scheduled this afternoon for 3:00 pm LA time. The contractors and building inspectors will be there. The inspection should have taken place two weeks ago but the contractors had some issues. If the building doesn't pass inspection we have to wait another two weeks before they'll schedule another one."
"Okay," Chloe said. "Anything else I need to worry about?"
"I set up some interviews for you on Friday and Monday," Karen said. "They are scattered throughout the day and they all look good. Well, at least on paper they do."
"I hate that your not coming to LA with me," Chloe said. "You know everything about me, the job, and the company. I won't have time to train someone to bring them up to par with you. Are you sure I can't change your mind?"
"If I were single, I'd be in LA already," Karen said with a laugh. "Plus, the twins would hate me if I uprooted them right before Senior Year."
"I know," Chloe sighs. "How are Sarah and Michelle doing?"
"Good," Karen told them. "They want to have you over for dinner before you make the big move. So, I'll make sure your schedule is free one night before you head to LA."
"Definitely," Chloe said. "And remind them that I'd better get an invite to their graduation next year."
"You know they will," Karen said.
There is a knock on the door.
"I gotta run," Chloe told Karen. "My lunch is here. Oh, by the way, can you call the car service and give them my new location? I'll need them to take me to the office this afternoon. You can text me the details and contact info."
"Will do," Karen said. "Talk to you soon."
Chloe hangs up as she answers the door. She takes the food and goes into the kitchen. She empties the bag, grabs a bottle of water, and sits on the sofa to eat.
At 2:30 her driver, Mark, texts her to let her know he is outside. Chloe gathers her things and heads to the elevator. She gets to the new building and loves how the exterior is modern but classic at the same time. Her driver goes into the underground parking garage and parks. Chloe gets out and takes the elevator to the 8th and top floor of the building.
Chloe puts out all the fires that the Board were concerned with and visits some of the offices. She meets some of the staff that are helping to get the office up and running so there is a smooth transition when the Tampa folks come in.
It is close to 7:00 before Chloe is ready to leave. She texts her drive and heads down to the garage. She gets back to the condo and decides to reheat some of her leftovers from lunch. After she eats, she takes her luggage from the master bedroom into the largest of the guest rooms. She was not going to sleep on the same bed that Beca and Trish slept together on.
Chloe unpacks her suitcases and puts her clothes away. She decides to take a shower and get ready for bed. She is sitting on the sofa with a glass of wine (Trish did say to help herself to whatever she wanted) and her laptop. She responded to emails and finally decided to call it a night at around 11:00 pm.
The next two days are spent waking early to go for a run and spending the rest of the time in the office. She makes it home a little earlier on Wednesday and decides to make a stop at the market around the corner from the condo. She tells Mark she doesn't need him again until Friday morning. She gets a few things and walks to the condol. She orders dinner and sits on the sofa to eat.
She is sitting on the sofa having a glass of wine when her phone pings with a text message. She unlocks her screen.
Trish: Don't forget, Beca and I will pick you up at 9:00 tomorrow.
Chloe: I'll be ready. See you then.
Trish: Don't eat a big breakfast. I want to take you to one of my favorite places for lunch. It is close to at least three of the houses we'll see tomorrow.
Chloe: Can't wait.
Chloe finishes her wine and gets ready for bed. She sets her alarm for 6:00 so she can get an early run in before she has to meet Beca and Trish. She has managed to tire herself out the past two days and hasn't really thought much (as in only 3or 4 times a day) about Beca. As she lays on the bed, her thoughts go back to when she first met Beca. She falls asleep with thoughts of Beca playing in her head.
Beca and Trish and right on time. Chloe meets them outside and they head off. Trish starts telling Chloe about the first house they are going to see. Chloe likes the house but it's not quite what she's looking for. They continue on and at the third house, Chloe is liking everything about it. It has a pool, it is about 10 minutes from the new office, it is all one level, it has the shower she wanted, it has a large gourmet kitchen, and a room off the living room that she can use for an office. It does have a bigger yard than she wanted but she could hire a landscaping service to take care of it.
"I really like this one," Chloe says. "What's the asking price?"
"Nine-hundred seventy-five thousand," Trish says.
"That sounds kind of low for this area," Chloe said. "Is there something I should know?"
"No," Trish says. "It's been on and off the market for a couple of years now. Some family fighting over it since the owner died. They finally decided they just wanted to get rid of it."
"I'll take it," Chloe said. "I'll pay the asking price and can have a cerified check within two days."
"Seriously?," Trish says.
"Yes," Chloe said. "It has everything I'm looking for. I know this is going to sound weird, but, it feels like I belong here."
"Let me make a quick call," Trish said. "If the owners accept, you could probably move in whenever you want."
Trish goes outside to make her call, leaving Chloe and Beca alone for the first time since they talked at the reunion.
"I knew this was the house you'd choose," Beca said.
"Really?," Chloe said. "And how did you know that?"
"It's almost exactly as you described the home we'd live in one day," Beca says.
The two stared at each other for a moment. Tears came to Chloe's eyes and she wiped them away quickly when Trish came back in.
"The owners have accepted your offer," Trish says. "They can meet early next week to close and after that you can plan to move in whenever you want."
"Perfect," Chloe said with a smile.
"Let's go to lunch and celebrate," Trish said.
The three left and headed for the restaurant Trish had told Chloe about. They were halfway through the meal and Chloe had to admit that it was really good. She could see her coming back here frequently.
"Hey, Chloe," Trish said. "I have something to ask you and I hope you'll consider it and not just dismiss it out of hand."
"What is it?," Chloe asked curious to know what Trish had in mind.
"Well," Trish said. "I really don't have any real friends. Most of them are only friends who use me to get to my dad. Or they expect me to pay for everything whenever we're together."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Chloe said with sincerity.
"It is what it is," Trish says dismissively.
Chloe sits and waits for Trish to continue. Beca is watching Trish with a confused look on her face. Neither girl knew exactly what Trish was leading up to.
"Chloe," Trish said. "Would you be my maid of honor?"