The Reclusive Music Producer and The Journalist

by areaderofmanythings

Chloe is Rolling Stone Magazine's newest intern, she's left Atlanta to start life over in San Francisco. Beca's a cute regular who she befriends at the part time job she has until getting hired on at the magazine. What happens when Beca isn't straightforward about who she is and Chloe refuses to talk about her past? Will Chloe ever get the cover story she's dreamed about for years?

4. Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I don't own PP, characters, ideas or anything else associated with the movie or any of the music referenced in any of my chapters! However, everything else, including all the mistakes are mine!

Thanks again to sugarlandaddict23 for working her wonderful beta skills on this, you rock and are such a huge help!

Here's another long one for you guys!

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Chloe's hand faintly outlined one of the Golden Gate Bridge's towers and a rolling hill of the Marin Headlands in her sketchbook. This iconic backdrop was her view for the day and the only thing that could make her happier was if she was painting, but packing up her stuff and driving here just didn't seem appealing. It was a picture perfect day and almost as soon as the sea fog lifted, she and Billie walked here and this is where they've been camped out, soaking up the sun on a blanket ever since.

It's views like this and days like today that makes Chloe wonder if her life is real, but then her mind wanders to her parents and sister, to where she could've ended up, and she knows how real it is. Because if she'd gone in the direction her father wanted she'd be sitting in a stuffy boardroom in downtown Atlanta taking depositions for multimillion dollar environmental lawsuits.

The series of events that lead Chloe to where she is today all started when she shattered her dad's dream of "taking over the family business" by majoring in journalism instead of pre-law. After that day he never treated her the same, even when she attempted to get back in his good graces by taking the LSAT and getting accepted to both Stanford and Columbia, two of the most competitive law schools in the country. Unfortunately that's when she also made the biggest mistake of her life, instead of actually attending law school she lied and secretly enrolled in Columbia's prestigious journalism graduate school program.

Glancing down at the paper Chloe bit the top of her pencil, she hates reliving that time in her life. She still knows in her heart that she made the right decision, but the aftermath and consequences it caused is something she'll never be able to forgive herself for.

Locking those memories in the back of her mind, Chloe focused on her sketch again. For a rough draft with a simple graphite pencil it looked decent, now all it needed was a little more depth and detail.

Hearing her phone chime Chloe set everything aside and before she could make a move for it Billie crawled into her lap. Giving a quick cuddle, she laughed when Billie closed her eyes and went right back to sleep.

"Looks like you're enjoying your day outside too," Chloe said reaching for her phone. She instantly smiled seeing the new message indicator and name, because this person easily makes her so much better.

Cute Musician [11:08AM]: What's up good lookin', you've been running through my mind all day.

Chloe [11:10AM]: Just living the dream, thinking about your hotness.

It's just harmless flirting and Beca has a pickup line for every occasion, but it's still done with a hint of sincerity and it always makes Chloe's heart flutter rapidly in her chest. Beca brings out the fun loving person she used to be and it's a side she didn't know she missed.

Cute Musician [11:12AM]: Does Commander Posen have you serving chow in the mess hall?

Chloe [11:13AM]: Nope! I've been relieved of duty…

Chloe [11:14AM]: It's my regular Saturday off, in case you forgot ;)

Cute Musician [11:16AM]: Was that winky face your way of asking to hangout? Because I might be busy doing…stuff, very important stuff.

Shaking her head Chloe laughed, because even an implied wink or cheek kiss over text message still causes Beca to blush. She knows, because she tried it one night at the deli when she was standing out of eyesight and as she peeked out of the kitchen door window, she loved the bright shade of red Beca turned. She finds Beca's reactions to things like that highly entertaining and endearing, so she does it whenever possible.

Chloe [11:18AM]: What makes you think I want to hangout?

Cute Musician [11:19AM]: Because I'm awesome and I'm the coolest friend you got…

It's been almost two months since they first met and what started as text message conversations and chats at the deli, has now evolved into this weird sort of limbo between friends and something more. Yet, she feels like there's still something Beca isn't telling her and she thinks a lot of it has to do with money and how Beca has a shit ton of it.

Chloe's first clue came when they started walking home together after her shifts at the deli. She's not exactly sure where Beca lives, she's never had a reason to ask, but the brunette always continues north down Scott Street towards those trendy, super expensive houses close to the marina after they part ways. Her suspicions were only fueled when she rode in Beca's huge SUV, she finds it hard to believe someone working as just a studio musician can afford a top of the line Range Rover with blacked out windows and a pricey sound system.

After that Chloe started picking up on other clues with the biggest being that Beca works wherever and whenever she wants. Sometimes she'll arrive for her evening shift and finds Beca in her usual booth frantically scribbling in a leather notebook or working on her laptop wearing these expensive headphones. It's fairly easy to judge how long the brunette's been there, all Chloe has to do is count the number of empty coffee cups scattered around the table. If it's more than five then Beca's been there all day, regardless of how many she finds she always makes Beca put everything away long enough to eat and socialize.

Chloe's not upset Beca hasn't said anything, money's a touchy subject even for her, besides she finds that shroud of mystery disguised with a heavy dose of sexiness so fucking appealing that she can't wait to pull back the other layers to see what's underneath.

Chloe [11:20AM]: Well I've got Billie so you're awesomeness is out numbered Mitchell.

Cute Musician [11:22AM]: We've already established our dogs are way cooler than us Beale.

Chloe [11:23AM]: This is very true…

Cute Musician [11:24AM]: So like since you won't ask, I guess I will…

Chloe giggled when the bubble on the screen showing that Beca was typing vanished.

Chloe [11:25AM]: I'm waiting…

The message bubble returned a few seconds later and she wondered if Beca was laughing just as much as she was at her last message.

Cute Musician [11:28AM]: I'm bored, you want to hangout? I was thinking about taking Gizmo for a walk and to the dog park. I can come pick you guys up, we can grab lunch or something…if you want?

It sounds like Beca's been working up the courage to ask that, because Chloe can almost feel the shyness and hesitation through the phone. Beca's trying to word everything so it doesn't sound too much like a date, because they're trying to keep things casual and low key. They haven't really been on a date yet so they don't hold hands, they aren't all lovey-dovey and they certainly don't kiss. But she's been thinking a lot about those things and what it would be like to do them with Beca. She likes Beca a lot, Beca's nice and so patient, she's not pushy or demanding and she has this very go with the flow type of personality that Chloe loves. She's never been involved with someone like Beca who's willing to put in the time and effort to get to know her and that makes her feel good about herself.

Enabling her camera, Chloe stretched out along the blanket and snapped a picture of her and Billie and attached it to a message.

Chloe [11:30AM]: We already had that idea, so come find us at Crissy Field :)

Cute Musician [11:31AM]: I'll bring lunch, any requests?

Chloe [11:33AM]: Surprise me! And if you pick wisely I may just cook you dinner!

If music was the first thing they connected with, well then food was a close second. Their first solo getting-to-know-each-other-outing was to a local farmer's market and it was such a hit that they now go every Sunday. Within the first hour she learned that they both love to cook and that Beca is a bit of an impulse buyer. Sometimes Chloe will turn her back to make a quick purchase or ask a question and the brunette wanders off only to reappear with her hands full of something that's either for later or to snack on as they walk. Yet Beca's very thoughtful with all her snack choices, there's always enough to share and most of the time it's something she's mentioned that she loves or would like to try.

So if Beca shows up with raw oysters, a pint of blueberries and an egg chorizo grilled cheese sandwich, Chloe won't be surprised, because stranger things have happened.

Cute Musician [11:33AM]: Dessert too?

Chloe [11:35AM]: Maybe…

Cute Musician [11:36AM]: You know the way to my heart Beale, Gizmo and I'll see you soon! Text me if you need anything else.

Chloe [11:37AM]: Bring enough activities to keep you occupied, I plan on spending the rest of the afternoon here…

Tossing her phone aside with a smile Chloe refilled Billie's bowl with water then grabbed her sketchbook and got back to work.

---

"Hey gorgeous…"

Hearing the compliment Chloe set her things aside and turned to see an excited Gizmo straining against his leash and a happily smiling Beca making their way towards her with a couple of cloth grocery bags.

Sweeping her eyes briefly up and down Beca's body Chloe took in the overly casual attire and bit her lip. The purposefully distressed jeans were looser than normal, but they still hugged Beca in all the right places. While the wrinkled light blue V-neck t-shirt gave off the appearance that it had been buried at the bottom of a dresser drawer for two solid months. Then add in the tan leather bag slung over a shoulder, sunglasses and sandals and the whole look was…

"Hey sexy," Chloe shot back, because damn Beca looked so hot right now. It's so hard to not stare when Beca looks like that, entirely relaxed, at ease and happy. Pushing her sunglasses on top of her head she smiled, "You guys found me!" She excitedly patted her hands on the blanket as Beca bent to release the clasp on Gizmo's leash and he came barreling towards her, "Look who's here Billie!"

Beca chuckled watching Billie nudge herself between Gizmo and Chloe in an attempt to say hello, "Sorry we're late."

Beca's kind of nervous, she doesn't really know what to do next, a handshake is too formal and initiating a hug just isn't her style. Although she doesn't mind when Chloe gives her hugs, they're actually the best and they always turn her insides to mush. After a minuscule debate she went with her go to thing, an awkward wave and smile as she dropped her bags on the grass.

It's weird, they've been hovering close to the friends and something more line for weeks, but lately she's been noticing these kinda, sorta, maybe signals that say Chloe's interested in something more. Except she could be wrong, she sucks at reading signals and half the time she misses them, but then again she's never done the whole I-want-to-seriously-date-you thing with anyone before. This is new territory for her so she wants to make sure she's right and the setup is perfect before making a move. She's been thinking a lot about it and she's come up with the perfect approach without it seeming unnatural or forced.

"You made it, that's all that matters."

"Yeah well Gizmo kept stepping on the automatic door locks every time I tried to open the car door. I swear he thinks it's a game," Beca exhaustively added pulling out the extra blanket Chloe texted her to bring, "when I went into the grocery store he was asleep on the backseat, but when I came back, he had his paws on the steering wheel and the horn was blaring."

Chloe stood to help fluff out the blanket, "Bec, you probably shouldn't have left him in the car."

"Hey, I cranked the A/C and he was listening to Queen's greatest hits," Beca defended as they gently set the blanket on the grass, "although now that I think about it," sighing she placed her hands on her hips and gave Chloe a guilty smile, "dangling the bag of treats I bought to entice him off the steering wheel probably wasn't my smartest move."

"So it was really your fault then," Chloe teased.

Slipping off her shoes Beca reluctantly laughed, "Yeah probably…"

"You are so cute," Chloe grinned as Beca pulled a bag over, "What ya got in there?"

"I brought Billie some things, I hope you don't mind."

"That's very sweet, you didn't have to do that," watching Beca toss out chew toys, a tennis ball and Frisbee towards the bottom of the blanket Chloe couldn't help but think how adorable a gesture like that was. It was just another reason why Beca is serious girlfriend material, "I think they're best friends already."

Beca winked as she pulled over the second grocery bag, "What can I say, we're suckers for you Beales."

Stretching her legs out, Chloe laughed at the light pink flush spreading across Beca's cheeks, "Same goes for us and the Mitchells."

Averting her attention to the bag Beca stared at the small bouquet of flowers and piece of cake she'd bought. At the time she got them they seemed like a good idea, now though she's having second thoughts, but it's whatever, she's just going to go with it even if it's cheesy.

"So, ummm," clearing her throat Beca looked up to see Chloe intently observing her and it made her palms sweat, "like I've got something for you too," she nervously tapped a set of fingers against her knee, "and like you probably don't think it's a big deal, but I…"

Chloe set her sunglasses aside and rested her hand on top of Beca's to calm the restlessness, "Take your time, it's just me."

"I know," Beca let out a slow breath, it was now or never, she just needed to rip that band aid clean off, "you just still make me reallynervous," moving her eyes to their hands she quietly added, "but you already knew that."

"Yep," Chloe nodded, not entirely sure where this is heading.

Reaching into the bag for the flowers Beca handed them over with nervous smile, "These made me think of you…and," quickly retrieving the cake she held it between them and in one quick breath rushed out, "this is to celebrate your first article in Rolling Stone."

Beca knows flowers are a typical date like gift and she had full intention of presenting them that way then asking Chloe on their first official date, but in the span of twenty seconds she'd chickened out. She was so stupid, she'd set it up perfectly, just like she'd rehearsed for over two hours last night in between minimal fits of hyperventilating. Now she's going to have to create another opportunity without making it awkward and she's not so sure how that's going to go.

"These are beautiful," Chloe gushed leaning over to kiss a cheek, "Thank you, I love them."

"You're welcome…"

Looking over the small bundle of flowers Chloe's heart melted, every color was one of her favorites. It was obvious Beca didn't just grab these orange, purple, yellow and red flowers out of a bulk bin while standing in the checkout line at the grocery store. No these were painstakingly picked out and arranged with extreme attention to detail before being bound with simple white paper and tied with a green string.

"I have the perfect place for these at home," Chloe said looking at Beca who seemed relieved and happy that she liked the gift, "You didn't have to get me anything."

"I know but I wanted to," Beca instantly replied, seeing a reaction and smile like that made her want to do things like this every day, "you deserve to have surprises and nice things done for you, because you're amazing."

"Well thank you…" Chloe beamed.

Beca also wants to add how much she really likes Chloe, how she can see them in a real relationship and that the time they've spent together has been the best she's had in a really long time. She's happier, less stressed about the pressures of work and fame and she's noticed a drastic drop in her dwelling on stupid shit. Overall she feels better, granted her sleeping isn't where it should be, but it's getting there and without the help of prescription medication. She wanted to tell Chloe all these things, it was all part of her speech and she wimped out.

"Any time," flipping the plastic lid off the cake, Beca wafted the sugary smell in Chloe's direction, "So like can we celebrate your debut in Rolling Stone Magazine now?"

Chloe giggled watching eyebrows wiggle animatedly from behind a pair of black Ray-Ban's, "Bec it's hardly noteworthy, I barely wrote a paragraph."

"Doesn't matter," Beca quipped back tossing her sunglasses aside to give Chloe a mock stern look. "We're eating this cake, we're celebrating and you'll like it," she said with determination while Chloe laughed harder, "the question is Beale do you want it before or after lunch?"

"That depends…"

Setting the cake aside Beca stretched out on her stomach and reached for her bag. Dragging it closer she fished out the magazine, which coincidentally was delivered just yesterday, and flipped through the pages until she landed on the album reviews. She dramatically turned the final page and pointed to Chloe's name beneath a small review for Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros latest album Person A.

Beca already saw the grin forming as Chloe moved to lay beside her, "Oh my god, you haven't seen this yet have you?"

"No," Chloe bit her lip as they leaned closer to the page, this was her first big publication and she was really anxious to see it, "I've only seen the pre-printing computer layout, I haven't seen the final product yet."

"Well, I'm honored to be the first to show you…"

Chloe glanced away from the page and saw a smile that made butterflies erupt in her stomach, "I'm glad you're here with me…"

"Me too."

"But what if it sucks?"

"It doesn't suck," Beca reassured. She'd heard the album before it came out and although not her style, she wholeheartedly agreed with everything Chloe said.

Covering the review, that she spent what felt like hours writing, Chloe blurted out, "Holy shit, I just wrote something millions of people will read, do you know how daunting that is? What if I get hate mail?"

This uncharacteristically apprehensive and self doubting side of Chloe is something Beca's not used to. She's only ever seen the confident, positive and outgoing side, so this vulnerability is coming from some deeply hidden place. She thinks that maybe it has something to do a lot with the family Chloe refuses to talk about, so she needs to choose her next words carefully.

Prying the hand off the page Beca held it in hers, "Trust me there's always going to be someone who doesn't like something, that's just how the music industry goes. But you know music, better than most people, so as long as you know in your heart you did your best and gave an unbiased critique, then that's all that matters."

Beca's been in this business long enough to know how critical diehard fans, other artists and everyday people can be. It's a hard lesson to learn and in her mediocre explanation she hopes Chloe understands that validation from outsiders isn't needed and that it's just unwanted noise.

"You're right," the pad of Beca's thumb gently brushed across Chloe's knuckles and it sent a warm tingling sensations up her arm making her relax, "I should be excited about my first publication."

Beca tucked a strand of red hair behind an ear, "You should be, this is a huge deal and I'm really proud of you."

Growing up Chloe didn't hear that enough and the way Beca just said it made her feel like it was truly meant, "But it's such a small article, in two weeks it'll be forgotten."

"Maybe, but you won't forget it," Beca laced their fingers together, "and neither will I…" she softly pressed a kiss the back of Chloe's hand, "remember we've all gotta start somewhere."

Looking down at their joined hands Chloe smiled, this was the closest they've come to holding hands and god it felt so right, "Where'd you start?"

"At an internship writing orchestral arrangements for bands that wanted background fillers added to their music," Beca may omit certain aspects of her life during their conversations, but she's never lied. Everything she's told Chloe, including that last statement, has been the absolute truth, "It was so boring, my stuff wouldn't be added until the end, but they'd make me sit for hours listening to them do take after take. I couldn't make any suggestions, even when I heard an off key cord or a bad piano arrangement, but one day a guy named Luke gave me a chance when…" she paused before accidentally saying producer, covering it up with a warm smile she finished, "when someone failed to show up on time."

This was new information, Chloe always figured with Beca's musical ability that job offers would've been handed out left and right. For some reason knowing Beca worked her way up and wasn't handed things her whole life only made her that much more down to earth and attractive.

"I'm scared I won't live up to people's expectations." Rejection and failure are what Chloe worried about the most, they were some of the last words she ever heard her father say. Even though her mom had mouthed he doesn't mean it as they turned to leave, it constantly looms over her head, "Do you ever feel like that? Like you're never good enough and you suck."

This is not at all how Beca thought this conversation would go when she pulled out the magazine, at one point Chloe was happy, excited even, but now she's on the verge of tears. Something happened in Chloe's past to make her this guarded and if Beca had to wager a guess, she'd say Chloe was probably held to some ridiculously high standard while growing up. And considering family and close friends are rarely talked about, Beca thinks they are the likely culprits.

"Of course," Beca nodded, "all the fucking time," she ran her thumb in a comforting circle along Chloe's wrist, "It's a daily struggle for me, so you're not alone…" It's the primary reason she keeps her name and face out of the spotlight. She'll never be like her mom and she doesn't want or need constant daily reminders of that, "Since I started playing and writing music I was always told to do it for me and no one else. I think the same can be applied to you and your writing."

"That makes sense," Chloe fought back her tears, it was almost like she'd been waiting years to hear someone say that, "I shouldn't let other people's perceptions dictate how and what I write."

"Exactly," Beca felt like she'd finally gotten through, "because when you're writing full articles and cover stories, you'll look back on this day and that review," she pointed to the small article with the picture of the album cover, "and you'll say, that's my career and I did it my way and for me."

Sucking in a breath Chloe used her free hand to fan her face so the tears stinging her eyes wouldn't fall, but Beca's hand was there wiping them away anyway. She held the hand against her cheek, "You always make me feel better," locking their gaze she asked, "How do you always know the right things to say to me?"

"Because," flicking her eyes to Chloe's lips then back up, Beca instinctively leaned closer, "I like you and I care about you and I want to be the one that's there for you in every, single way."

"I really like you too," Chloe's breathing sped up just visualizing what's possibly going to happen next.

"Is this ok?" Beca saw worried eyes and she stilled her movements.

It's been close to two years since Chloe has kissed someone and she can't even remember what it feels like anymore. She imagines her first kiss with Beca will be nothing short of amazing, it'll probably be gentle and easygoing and full of this indefinable energy she hasn't felt in a really long time. She wants it, she wants it really bad, yet here she is apprehensive and panicking about whether or not she's ready for it. She never used to hesitate, kissing used to be one of her favorite things ever, but she doesn't want Beca to hate it because she's out of practice and sloppy.

"Tell me now and I'll stop…" Beca's voice was soft, but it never wavered, and her eyes never left Chloe's.

"I…" Chloe's train of thought was interrupted and she absentmindedly rubbed her lips together, "I d-don't want…" swallowing the lump in her throat she closed her eyes only to open them a second later to see the same grey-blue ones waiting for her signal and it made all her apprehensions wash away, "You don't have to stop…"

Stroking a cheek Beca felt Chloe lean into her touch and she breathed out, "Good, because I've wanted to do this for a couple weeks."

Despite all her anxieties, Chloe wants this to happen and as Beca slowly scoots closer and their legs press together, she feels her body heat up in a good way, in a way that's not caused by the sun, and in a way she's never felt before.

"I like how you make me feel," Chloe mainly said as reassurance for herself because she needs to verbalize her thoughts right now so they make sense, "you care about me."

"I do, I like seeing that Chloe Beale smile and I like being the cause of it," moving her hand to the base of Chloe's neck Beca saw the exact thing she was talking about, "And there it is…" she grinned as she started to close to gap between them.

The opportunity Beca missed earlier was back, it wasn't exactly perfect, but she was going to capitalize on it. She hoped she'd been clear with her words, if not the kiss and date she's going to ask Chloe on after should get the point across.

They were still a few inches away and Beca was just ducking head, preparing to connect their lips when Chloe unexpectedly pulled away and started giggling uncontrollably. She watched Chloe drop down and bury her face in the blanket to full on laugh and all she could do was wonder what the hell just happened.

"What's so funny?" Beca asked trying to not sound upset, but a grin quickly spread across her face when Chloe turned to looked over at her.

Jesus Christ, that laugh and smile lights up Beca's entire fucking life, Chloe really has no idea how truly beautiful she is in every single way. In that instant Beca could totally see herself falling for this girl if she was ever given the chance.

"Somebody just licked my foot," Chloe answered in between laughs, pointing behind them she added, "and it wasn't Billie."

"Oh my god," Beca shamefully diverted her eyes as she reluctantly sat up, she knew exactly who the perpetrator was. Turning she saw an excited Gizmo, tail happily wagging, standing at Chloe's feet trying to pick up the Frisbee, "Dude I'm sorry, he does that shit when he thinks no one is paying enough attention to him."

"It's ok…" Chloe giggled covering her face in her hands again, hiding her disappointment.

Taking the Frisbee, Beca set it behind her then pointed to the end of the blanket, "Gizmo, go lay down…" she stated in a soft but direct voice and he immediately complied. Moving forward she scratched his belly, "Good boy, now you need to chill out homie," she really loves him, but man that was the worst timing ever, "I promise we'll play after lunch."

Chloe held back more laughter, because through the whole ordeal Billie hadn't moved she just calmly stared between Beca and Gizmo until finally giving up and closing her eyes. Looking back to Beca a soft sigh escaped her lips, just when she'd worked up the nerve to go through with the kiss it was torn away. She didn't know when it would happen, she just knew she wanted there to be more opportunities because she's pretty sure she's going to like kissing Beca.

But right now all that was the least of Chloe's concerns, because she didn't want their failed attempt to make things awkward. So she did the first thing she could think of, she reached for the cake.

"Bec?" Chloe grinned, she didn't even need to read the label on the plastic lid to know this huge slice of heaven was German Chocolate cake, her absolute favorite, "Let's eat this first!"

"Sounds good to me," Beca moved back to her spot just in time to see Chloe lick frosting from the side of her hand. That image was so hot, Chloe was so hot, and it sent multiple inappropriate images through her mind, quickly shaking her head and clearing her throat she grinned, "it's not really unhealthy if we eat dessert first right?"

"Oh it's totally healthy!"

"We're about to live dangerously," Beca stilled her movements, between what she just said and seeing Chloe lick more frosting from her fingers, she got an idea for a new song. It wasn't really her style and she definitely doesn't have time to produce it, but if she works on it and smooth's it out, she could pass off the catchy, sexual innuendo driven song to some new group looking to make a name for themselves. It's better than just gathering dust on a shelf like the majority of the song she writes, "Can you give me like two minutes?"

Chloe nodded watching Beca franticly riffle through her bag to pull out a leather bound notebook. Beca's usually very protective over that book, so protective that she's never seen it this close in person, "Take your time, we've got all afternoon to enjoy this cake by the bay."

Removing the cap of a black fine tip Sharpie, her preferred pen for writing music, Beca jotted down some piano chords followed by the words, see you licking frosting from your own hands and I keep on hoping we'll eat cake by the bay, on the opposite side of the paper.

"Cake by the bay?" Beca repeated out loud looking at Chloe, who was happily digging into the cake with a couple of plastic forks she brought. She opened her mouth when Chloe held out a bite with a smile, "Thanks my hands are kinda full."

"Any time," leaning forward Chloe kissed a cheek before taking her own bite, "More?"

"Please…" accepting another forkful, Beca circled the word bay as she chewed, it wasn't right, it didn't flow. Swallowing she asked, "Can you repeat this," she pointed to the lyric, "but faster and follow my rhythm…" tapping her pen she closely listened to Chloe then scribbled down a new word, "Once more please, but use ocean instead of bay."

Chloe repeated everything then curiously watched the whole process while they finished the cake. She had no idea Beca also wrote songs, so this was kind of amazing to watch. It was like she was getting a sneak peek into how Beca's mind worked when writing music. The right side of the page was filled with piano chords designated by tight grouping of letters with random sharp or flat symbols thrown in, while underneath that were random dots, some with lines and some without, grouped together in weirdly systematic patterns for what she thinks might be notes. It was a strange way to designate music considering there weren't any clearly defined measures, but it was Beca's system and there was probably a method to the madness.

"Do you write out actual music scores later?" Chloe quietly asked, startling Beca, "Like with notes and measures?"

"Yeah," Beca smiled scratching the back of her neck, "if the song makes it to that stage I have a program on my laptop I use to make it all formal and shit, I can show you sometime."

"I'd like that," Chloe didn't say anything else until Beca finished and closed her book, "I like watching you work."

Beca nervously let out a breath, "Oh, yeah sorry for…" capping her pen she looked down, "sometimes I just got to get the music out or it'll bother me."

Chloe smiled at the adorable awkwardness and shy tone, "I understand and I'd never try to stop you."

"Thanks."

"So is that why you carry that book around?"

"Yeah," Beca apprehensively tapped the cover, "Ummm that's like not my only one, I have more."

"Yeah?"

Grabbing a bottle of water from a grocery bag Beca took a sip to calm her nerves, she's never told anyone this other than Aubrey and Jesse, "Yep, like twenty something, all full."

"Me too," Chloe retrieved her sketchbook that was sitting near Billie, "I like to take photos and draw, mainly of people or places I've been, I've bought sketchbooks all over the world."

"To remind you where you've been?" Beca interrupted.

Chloe nodded, "Yeah, something like that, they also kinda define my life."

"Me too," Beca wants to see some of Chloe's work, she has no doubt it'll be more incredible than the Instagram and Facebook photos she's seen, but the timidness and soft spoken demeanor is telling her not to ask yet. Looking down at her book she fiddled with the edge, "It's funny how our art defines us like that, it's kind of relieving to know you think that way too."

"Is it ok to ask about your music?" Chloe didn't want to overstep her bounds, but she felt like they were connecting again by sharing something so private, "You don't talk much about it and I'm just curious."

Beca wanted to be open and honest with Chloe so she ultimately agreed, "Yeah, I don't mind."

"You said you had over twenty books, but I never see you with a new one," the notebook wasn't huge and as much as Chloe see's Beca writing in it, the extra pages had to be somewhere, "Do you replace the pages?"

Beca breathed a sigh of relief, that the question wasn't too invasive and she could easily handle it without giving anything away. She liked telling Chloe things, she felt safe doing it, and maybe if she starts giving Chloe bits and pieces of the famous side of her life, it'll make breaking the ice down the road that much easier.

"Nope, you just didn't see this," tilting the book Beca pointed to the gold Roman numeral twenty-five imprinted on the spine, "and on each page I mark the date." Handing it over she watched Chloe flip through a few pages, "I find comfort in knowing all my music is in one uniform place, at home I have a bookcase for them next to my piano." It's weird and she knows it, but trying to break from that habit only made her feel counterproductive, "It was Aubrey's idea in college, the one organization tip I actually listened to."

Chloe laughed, organization was one of Aubrey's top priorities, there were neatly drawn pictures all over the backroom of the deli indicating how plates or food should be stacked and presented.

"There's no table of contents," it was clear right from the beginning that Beca's mind worked differently than everyone else's, so Chloe was looking forward to this response, "only dates, how do you find things?"

"There kind of is," Beca flipped back to the first page where she'd written dates and important facts, "Like your sketches, my music coincides with life events, take for instance this."

Following Beca's finger, Chloe read the words mom's birthday along with a date and page number, "I see, so I guess that music wouldn't be the happiest you've ever written, your mom died right?"

Chloe knows how it feels when people ask her that question, so she feels guilty, but she wasn't pushing for details, she was simply trying to grasp how Beca's numbering system worked. It was interesting how at any given time Beca is thinking in terms of music, that life events are associated with rhythms and patterns or harmonies and melodies. It's something she couldn't comprehend because she doesn't think on that level, but this small insight into Beca's life explained a whole hell of a lot.

"She did," Beca reluctantly answered with a frown, "when I was in college, now I have nobody, no family only…"

"Jesse and Aubrey," Chloe rested her hand on top of Beca's who gave a single nod. She knew she shouldn't ask, but before she knew it the question slipped out, "What about your dad?"

"He wants nothing to do with me, I've only met him twice," Beca said with finality. Pointing to another date in the book she quickly changed the subject, "And you're right about the emotion thing, how do you think I felt this day?"

Lifting the book up to decipher the sloppy slanted handwriting, Chloe read the words, The day I met Chloe Beale, and her heart melted. She's honored to be included in one of these books, it means she's part of someone's history, but then that thought hit her like a ton of bricks. If Beca ever decides to drop the whole studio musician job and pursue a career in songwriting or producing, there's potential for a song to be written about her.

Looking at Beca then back down, Chloe's eyes scanned the page again and she saw her name again, in several places. She really didn't know what to say, a simple thanks just didn't seem right, because this deserved so much more. She's never felt so included in someone's life like she does right now, not even her own family. She was just about to set the book aside and kiss Beca, like really kiss Beca, without hesitation or worries or interruptions, but before she could the book was taken away and gently closed.

"So yeah that's me…" Beca took a couple steadying breaths, she knows what Chloe inadvertently saw and she wasn't embarrassed by it, she just didn't want that to be the way her feelings were expressed. Placing the book inside her bag she grabbed the grocery bag again, "Anyways, I'm fucking starving can we eat?"

"Oh," Chloe clapped excitedly even though she was kind of bummed the subject had been so blatantly changed, "I brought a sandwich and fruit we can split it!"

"Just so you know you're still accountable for dinner tonight," Beca winked setting a chopped salad, pita chips and hummus between them, "You promised."

"I know, I know," Chloe jokingly nudged a shoulder, "Since you're giving me a ride do you mind stopping by the grocery store on the way home?"

"I am?" Beca deadpanned, playfully narrowing her eyes all Chloe gave her was a megawatt smile, "You do know the Mitchell car service charges double for wait time right?"

Cutting the sandwich in two, Chloe picked up her half, "I'll make you brownies."

"That's fair payment," Beca said taking a bite of salad, "I can't wait to finally see the Beale household, this is gonna be awesome."

"You are such a dork!"

---

Chloe lifted her camera and focused in on Beca, Gizmo and Billie who were playing fetch in the wide open section of grass in front of her. Adjusting a few settings she snapped a picture just as Beca released the Frisbee and Gizmo took off in a dead sprint after it. Seconds later she captured another right as it was caught in mid air and Beca raised her arms to cheer in triumph. Gizmo has an endless stream of energy, but he always happily watched from his spot next to Beca's feet when it was Billie's turn with a smaller ball. It's how the past fifteen minutes have gone and is probably one of the cutest things Chloe has ever seen.

Checking the photos Chloe smiled, she loves seeing the fun and relaxed side of Beca, it's one she sees a little more of each time they hang out. Granted the sarcasm is still there, it'll probably always be there, but this softer side was always hovering beneath that badass persona.

"Excuse me," Chloe's thoughts were interrupted by a lady a few feet away packing her bag, "I'm sorry to disturb you."

"That's ok," powering off her camera Chloe replaced the lens cover and smiled. Her eyes followed the lady's line of sight over to Beca who'd just tossed a ball for Billie to chase after.

"I think you two are a nice couple."

"Oh well she isn't…"

The lady looked back at Chloe, "She seems pretty great."

"Yeah she is…" Chloe grinned, tearing her eyes away from Beca.

Chloe's knows what they look like and she doesn't have the heart to say they aren't together, because lately she's been reevaluating what she wants and she's come to the conclusion that she wants more with Beca. After the emotional rollercoaster she's been on the last few years she feels like she's finally found some stability in her life with her new job, her new home and her new friends and especially with Beca. She's scared though, mainly because she doesn't think she's good enough for someone as amazing as Beca. But then Beca goes and does something totally random, like bringing her flowers and cake to celebrate her one tiny paragraph in Rolling Stone, and she feels wanted and appreciated and like she is good enough.

"I hope you see the way she looks at you," folding her towel the lady placed it in her bag, "it's like you're the only one in the entire world."

That grabbed Chloe's attention and she fully turned to really look at the lady who'd spent the last few hours next to them. The woman was a little shorter than her, but there was no mistaking how much this stranger resembled her mom, even down to the hairstyle. It was eerie and she didn't know if she was supposed to cry or run over and get that last hug she never had a chance to get.

The one thing Chloe does know is that if this actually was her mom, then the first thing she'd do is apologize for how she handled the whole graduate school thing. If she'd been honest right from the beginning then maybe, just maybe, she would've had someone in her corner the night her family showed up unannounced and they had the inevitable argument she always knew was coming. Instead the only person besides her sister willing to stand up for her was a now ex-girlfriend who only made the situation worse when she called her dad an, "arrogant asshole who only wanted to carry on a family legacy." From there things just got worse and ended with her completely heartbroken and blindsided mother and crying sister following her irate father out of her apartment building and into the waiting car that was supposed to take them all to dinner. That was the last time she saw them alive because later that night she got the phone call that she doesn't wish on her worst enemy.

Chloe just stared as the woman kept talking, but she didn't hear anything that was said. All she could think about as her eyes filled with tears was that her entire family was dead because of a stupid decision she made and that she'll have to live with that guilt for the rest of her life.

"She's very attentive," the lady quickly added only because Chloe knows she's just been asked a question and she never even answered, she just sat there uncomfortably quiet and staring, "you guys have something special."

Pushing the unpleasant thoughts away Chloe wiped her eyes and put on her best smile, "We're still in the beginning stages, but we do click."

"I can tell, you two are smitten with each other already."

Chloe grinned because she's never met someone who can make her insides twist by just a sideways glance or half smile, so yeah it's a fair assumption to say she's smitten with Beca Mitchell. But can anyone really blame her? Along with being downright charming Beca's also the most intellectually and physically attractive person she's ever met and that's a lethal combo in her book.

Shielding her eyes from the sun Chloe lightly laughed, "Well I really like her a whole bunch."

Crouching down the woman put her hand on Chloe's shoulder, "Trust me that one's a keeper…"

"I think so too…"

"My wife told me something unique on our first date, would you like to hear her words of wisdom?" Chloe didn't say a word she just nodded, "Don't let your past and the hearts that didn't love you, keep you from your future and the ones who will."

This person didn't even know her name, but to Chloe it felt like this woman knew everything about her. She met Beca for a reason, she feels the connection they share and she thinks talking to this lady, who holds such an uncanny resemblance to her mother, is all a sign. This might be her mom looking down and telling her to live her life, to go after what she wants and to find someone who makes her happy.

Closing her eyes Chloe took a couple deep breaths, letting the quote sink in. When she reopened them the first person she saw was Beca, a happy, smiling and laughing Beca being chased by two equally cute dogs and she knew exactly what and who she wanted. All she needed to do was overcome her fears and take the plunge that will ultimately let herself be happy.

"Thank you," Chloe said and the lady nodded in understanding, "you have no idea how much I needed to hear that right now."

"I believe people cross paths for a reason," standing, the woman looked over to the brunette, then back down at Chloe and gave a sad smile, "my wife recently died of cancer and this was where we had our first date, so I come here to reminisce about the good times we had when I've had a rough week. I wasn't going to come today, but I'm glad I did, because you have no idea how much I needed to see happiness and love again…so thank you."

And with that the lady walked away leaving Chloe totally stunned, yet incredibly grateful for their brief interaction.

---

Beca closed her book and turned to look at Chloe, who was now reading instead of sketching. How could someone like Chloe who's talented, smart and funny not be taken or married by now? If her heart beats irregularly just thinking about the beauty that is Chloe Beale than other people must be dying to be in her shoes right now. Not only is she the one sitting close enough to smell the light perfume Chloe's wearing and see the slight brow crease from concentration, but she's the one who almost kissed Chloe. Everything that encompasses Chloe is beautiful and if those losers before her never saw that, well then it's their loss and her gain.

"I can feel you staring…"

"Did it hurt?"

"Did what hurt Beca?"

"When you fell from heaven?" Beca saw the edges of Chloe's mouth twitch upwards.

Moving her sunglasses to the top of her head Chloe looked away from her book and tried to keep a straight face, "Did somebody spike your Kool-Aid?"

"Nope, I'm just intoxicated by your gorgeousness," a hand found its way to her forehead and Beca heard mumblings about a fever before Chloe went back to reading, "Really Beale," she asked in a semi-dejected yet playful tone, lifting her foot she repeatedly poked Chloe's calf with her big toe, "I'm giving you quality material and I get nothing."

Marking the page, Chloe closed her book then set it aside and in one quick motion she pushed Beca to her back and straddled her. Pinning Beca's struggling hands to the blanket she victoriously grinned, "Happy now?"

Holy shit Beca wasn't expecting this to happen or how good Chloe's body felt against hers. Thoughts were running through her head, inappropriate thoughts, thoughts like how good Chloe probably looks naked or how amazing their skin would feel as it moved together in one fluid motion or the kinds of sounds Chloe might make as she brings the redhead to… Swallowing the lump in her throat Beca nodded, fucking hell this girl is going to be the death of her one day.

"Look at that, I didn't even need to say you have a beautiful body for you to hold it against me," Beca deadpanned.

Chloe dramatically rolled her eyes, Beca's got a smartass comeback and comment for everything, and as much as she's trying to keep a straight face she really can't. All she can do is laugh as she slid off Beca's lap, "You're something else Mitchell…." Laying down so they were shoulder to shoulder she stared up at the cloudless sky, "Bored with your book already?"

"There's only so much Gandhi one can read in a day," Beca flippantly said, "it's good, but that's a book you read on a rainy day between naps, I knew I should've brought The Hunt For Red October instead, they we're sitting right next to each other."

"Interesting," turning her head Chloe ran her eyes over Beca's profile and took in every detail of her face. Beca' so beautiful, each smooth and soft curve was perfectly proportioned and a sharp contrast to the squared edges of the black Wayfarer Ray-Ban sunglasses that were worn and it made her want to reach for her sketchbook, "I wouldn't have figured you a New York Times bestseller type of girl."

"Let me guess," Beca met Chloe's gaze with a smile, "you think I shop at the City Lights Bookstore?"

Chloe thought for a few seconds, she vaguely remembers hearing her coworkers talk about that place and it just seemed like Beca's style, "Yeah, I figured you were to type who reads books that go against the grain of society."

"I mean yes and no," Beca shrugged, she hadn't been there in a long time and she's forgotten how awesome it is, "I mainly stick with Books Inc. there's one on Van Ness Ave and is like a five minute walk from the studio, when I go I also visit it the little coffee shop next door."

"Peet's Coffee, I've been to both," Chloe happily interrupted, she goes a couple times a week, they're nice places for a break, "the Rolling Stone offices are at the corner of Van Ness and O'Farrell, in the fancy Don Lee Building."

"You mean…" Beca feigned offence, even though she knew exactly how close that magazine was to her studio, "we could've been eating lunch together this whole time?"

"Oh totally, we're going to all this week…"

"Cool…" moving to lay on her side Beca propped her head up with her hand, "So like there's this event at Books Inc. on Thursday night."

"What like a hippie poetry reading?" Chloe asked curiously, noting how Beca was nervously chewing her bottom lip, "Isn't San Francisco famous for that?"

"No weirdo, it's nothing like that," Beca laughed at the attempt at humor, "this lady, Patti Niemi, she went to school with my mom and is doing a like a book signing slash question and answer thing." She'd been personally sent tickets and she wasn't going to go, but her mom was mentioned numerous times in the memoir and she felt like she should at least stop by. Plus it'd be a good way to slowly introduce Chloe to who her mom was and the other side of her life, "She's the lead percussionist for the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, so like if you don't have to work, did you maybe want to go with me?" Letting out a slow breath she offered, "We can go for dinner after?"

A shy, fidgety and blushing Beca was so adorable and Chloe's heart swooned, sitting up on her elbows she quietly asked, "Are you asking me on date?"

Beca hadn't thought about it like that, this isn't exactly how she pictured asking and she definitely didn't envision this as their first date, but a part of her thinks all that doesn't really matter because they'll be together.

Picking at a string on the blanket Beca smiled and nodded, "Yeah, I am…" Chloe's face was kind of unreadable, like even though she asked, it was almost like it wasn't expected. Trying to cover all her bases she softly added, "I mean only if you want to, otherwise we can just go as friends."

"I'd love to go on a date with you," Chloe reassured, this was a huge step for her, but after today she was ready. Reaching out she placed her hand on top of nervously tapping fingers, "I actually can't wait, I'm glad you finally asked."

"Me too…"

Tearing her eyes away from Beca's, Chloe checked her watch, mainly to slow her racing heart, but also because she didn't know what to say next.

"What to head out?" Chloe asked looking over at Beca who had turned to mess with Gizmo, "We can squeeze in an episode of something on Netflix before I make dinner."

Looking towards the Golden Gate Bridge Beca got an idea, the sun was starting to dip lower in the sky and this would be a nice way to round out their afternoon.

"How much of the bridge have you seen?" Beca asked turning back to Chloe.

"I've only been once," Chloe said, "on a run with Aubrey, I haven't really explored it yet.

"Can I show you something before we go?" Seeing Chloe happily nod Beca started picking up her stuff, "Well let's go, we'll drop our shit off at my car, then walk the rest of the way."

Handing Beca her book, then magazine, Chloe got a brief peek of the address on the front cover and it was just as she suspected, the expensive Marina Blvd. It wasn't a big deal, Beca was probably wary about telling people, because it would lead to questions about money. Chloe gets it, money's a touchy subject for her too, it's a big part of the reason it has taken her so long to invite Beca over. But Beca's not the type to ask intrusive and unnecessary questions, so she really has no reason to worry.

"Where are you taking me?" Chloe asked chuckling at the fast pace Beca was moving.

"A fucking awesome place, don't worry it's close." Picking up Gizmo's leash Beca jingled it, "Come here dude," he rolled over and she leaned forward to clip it on, "it's time for a walk!" Standing she grabbed their blankets and waited for Chloe to get Billie and her stuff ready, "Oh and don't forget your camera Beale."

"Ok!"

Ten minutes later, their things deposited in Beca's car, they were making their way along the San Francisco Bay Trail directly towards the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. The closer they got, the bigger the smile grew on Chloe's face and that was exactly what Beca was hoping for. Their entire walk had been almost completely silent and she'd done it intentionally, she wanted the views and angles, which changed with each step, to speak for themselves.

Stopping a few minutes from their final destination Beca shoved her hands in her pockets and turned to Chloe who was already snapping pictures, "So this is Fort Point, my second favorite view of the bridge."

"Beca this is awesome," Chloe stated looking around in amazement. She knew this bridge was huge, but she wasn't at all prepared for the sheer magnitude now that they're standing almost directly beneath it, "I've been to a lot of places, but this is…wow."

This view was absolutely stunning and Chloe already had a thousand different photo and sketch ideas running through her head. She was in sensory overload, in one instant her eyes and camera lens were drawn to the waves crashing against concrete bases each pillar of the bridge stood on, then in the next to the sunlight and how it cast these amazing shadows along the water. Her camera was in constant motion as she rapidly took picture after picture.

Lowering her camera a few minutes later, Chloe glanced to her right and was greeted with a smiling Beca, that lady she met earlier today was right, Beca is a total keeper. The entire time they've been standing here Beca never once pressured her to hurry up, Beca just casually and quietly stood next to her without any hint of inconvenience.

"Ok so the nerd in me is dying to come out," Beca said watching Chloe power off her camera, "but do you want some history about this place?"

Chloe grinned, because Beca was eagerly rocking back and forth on her heels like an excited little kid, "Absolutely, teach me ole wise one."

"Cool, so back in the day San Francisco was a popular port and gold rush era settlement and because of that the military saw a need to protect the city against potential naval attacks, like with big ass canons and guns and shit, obviously. So they built," holding up a hand Beca wiggled three fingers, "strategic defense structures, the first line of defense here at Fort Point, followed by Fort Mason and can you guess the last, it's over my shoulder…"

Standing on her tiptoes Chloe scanned the area until her eyes landed on an island in the middle of the bay.

"Alcatraz," Chloe grinned when Beca nodded, "but I thought it was a prison?"

"It was, it actually has a long complicated history," Beca explained, "but we'll save that for later, because we're at Fort Point right now," pointing back to the red brick building she went on to explain more of its history, then how it was eventually saved from demolition when the city decided to build the bridge, "So yeah for years after World War II it sat empty, until a local group petitioned for it to become a protected historic site and now we can visit it."

"I think that's the most I've ever heard you talk," Chloe joked. She knew Beca read a lot and was really smart, but she wasn't expecting to have her own personal tour guide, "I'm really glad you brought me here."

"It was my pleasure really," Beca bowed making Chloe laugh, "but this isn't our final stop," she held her elbow out, "right this way my lady."

Curtsying Chloe stated, "You're so chivalrous," and looped their arms together.

"I know what you're thinking," Beca laughed, watching Chloe check out her pictures as they slowly walked.

Stopping on a picture of Billie and Gizmo resting their front paws on a concrete post and looking out at the bay, Chloe held it up for Beca to see, "What?"

"You're already planning to come back…" Chloe was really in her element taking pictures and Beca loved seeing that and providing a new source of inspiration, "And that you're giving me a copy of that picture."

"Deal…" Staring up at the bridge, which was now looming over their head, Chloe grinned as Beca led her over to a chain link fence with a set of bright yellow plastic hands attached to it. Detangling their arms she stepped forward and read the inscription, "Hopper's Hands?"

"Yeah so some bridge worker guy, noticed that runners and walkers used this as their turnaround place. They'd always get here and," Beca slapped her hands against the fence and shook it, "before starting back home, but he was like 'Dude giving people high fives would be so much more awesome'."

"He really said dude," Chloe laughed.

"Why do you doubt my storytelling abilities Beale," Beca playfully scolded pointing a finger, "Anyways, he had an idea and now there are a pair of hands here."

Chloe has read a lot about San Francisco before moving here, but she never even knew this existed, "I love this city so much."

"It's kinda a San Franciscan tradition and since you live here now…" grabbing Chloe by the wrists Beca yanked the redhead forward, "It is my distinct honor to finally dub you a local."

Chloe laughed as her hands were placed on top of the plastic ones, "I wasn't before?"

"Fuck no!" Beca laughed, "Hang on, don't move…" taking the camera from around Chloe's neck, she switched it on, "Now let me see that sexy Chloe Beale smile," taking a quick picture she gave a thumbs up, "Now you're a local, you just got your official San Francisco welcome package."

"What about Billie?" Chloe joked and as if on cue Beca's finger pointed to a small set of paw prints set into the concrete pillion.

Pulling Chloe out of the way, Beca motioned the runners lining up behind them forward.

Leaning over Beca dramatically stage whispered to a man, "Sorry we got a newbie here…" After taking his turn at the fence he gave each of them a high five and she could tell that it literally made Chloe's day, "Now it's Billie's turn, go ahead, Gizmo and I'll be witnesses again you know," she winked, "to make things official."

"Ok come here!" Kneeling down Chloe gently picked up Billie and placed her front paws on the imprints, "See now you're a local too," she said in a high pitched animated voice making Billie squirm around in her hands. Kissing the top of Billie's head she looked at Beca who was powering the camera off, "She says thank you."

Running her hands through Billie's fur Beca locked eyes with Chloe as she stood, "You're both welcome."

This was another amazing moment and Chloe felt the shift between them, kissing a cheek she enveloped Beca in a hug, "This has been one of the best days ever, you're an amazing person Beca Mitchell."

"You too, I like spending time with you," Beca felt the lingering tingling sensation on her cheek, "you make me feel normal."

For the first time in forever, Beca had gone all day without worrying about work, fame or any other of her personal problems and it felt good, really good. Today was exactly what she needed and it was so simple, yet so much fun and she had Chloe, sweet and beautiful Chloe, to thank for it.

Pulling back Chloe locked eyes with Beca and whispered, "I see that there's more to you than just your music."

"Thank you," closing her eyes Beca took a deep breath, no one had ever said something like that to her. Having her music define her was something she constantly struggled with and she was relieved to know Chloe saw past that, "That really means a lot to me."

"It's the truth…Now," Chloe watched Beca's eyes open and it was just as beautiful as the scenery, "I think I owe you a dinner."

"Do you want to take more pictures," Beca checked her watch, "it's only a little after six…"

"I'm good," looping the camera strap over a shoulder Chloe lightly laughed, "besides you promised to drive me to the grocery store."

Groaning Beca rolled her eyes and immediately got a playful shove, "I'm kidding, but do you mind if I stay in the car, I'd hate to see what will happen if we leave two dogs alone by themselves," Chloe nodded and leisurely backed away, "Are you sure you're done? We can stay as long as you want?"

"Come on, let's go," Chloe slowed giving Beca and Gizmo time to catch up, "remember I've got to make you brownies!"

"Double fudge?"

Chloe didn't answer, instead once they were side by side she slipped her hand into Beca's and laced their fingers together and continued to walk, "Is this ok?"

"It's g-good," Beca reassured even though her heart was racing at two hundred miles per hour. When they briefly held hands earlier she was too fixated on other things to notice how perfectly Chloe's hand fit in hers, it was like they were made for each other, "I like it, we should do it more often."

"We can, anytime you want, you don't even have to ask."

"Good to know…"

Glancing to her right Chloe saw a soft, warm smile tugging on Beca's lips. Beca has no shortage of looks, from happy to sad to smug, but this one was different, it was butterflies-in-her-stomach type of different and she just shyly smiled right back.

Chloe broke the silence a few minutes later, "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything…"

"So my half marathon is coming up…"Chloe nervously chewed her bottom lip.

"Next weekend right?"

Chloe nodded, "And most people have someone waiting for them at the finish line, but I never have, and you're kinda the first person I want to see."

"I'll cheer for you the whole way," stopping Beca gently tugged on Chloe's hand. When their eyes connected she saw a sadness in them similar to what she'd seen earlier, "I'll be there, I want to be there, you don't even have to ask," that earned her a relieved and happy smile, giving a wink she added, "I'll have a towel, Gatorade or whatever else you," she gestured to Chloe's body, "runners need when you finish."

Laughing, Chloe kissed a cheek, "I only need you…"

"Well I'll be there too…" continuing their walk Beca wickedly laughed, "Besides I'm not missing the look on Aubrey's face when you smoke her ass across that finish line, that bitch hates losing."

"I'll try my best," Chloe bit the inside of her cheek, she couldn't wait to see this next reaction, "BTW my start time is six…"

"AM?" Beca was met with nothing but silence, stomping her foot she groaned, "Fucking hell, just be glad I like you Beale…"

---

Stopping in front of the bright blue door labeled 6B at precisely a quarter after eight in the morning Aubrey gave a swift knock. Today was her and Chloe's final training run before their race next weekend and she was kind of sad, because she liked running with Chloe.

They've become pretty good friends in such a short period of time and Chloe's become someone Aubrey can really trust. Chloe's just a good person, someone she can talk to about anything, and to an extent she gets it in return. There are certain topics Chloe just won't talk about and when she tries to broach the subject she either gets a blank stare or a quick, but polite, subject change.

Aubrey's not stupid, she has a vague idea about what happened to Chloe's family and how she found out was completely unintentional. She was curious why someone with a high paying job and degrees like Chloe wanted to work part time in her restaurant, so after their interview she Googled Chloe's name again, but this time did a more in depth search. And that's when she stumbled across information she was probably never meant to see.

The obituaries are what initially caught her eye and from there, Aubrey found multiple articles in the Atlanta Journal detailing the accident in New York City's Lincoln Tunnel and the resulting lengthy court cases between the Beale family attorneys, the state of New York and a semi-truck company. It was very clear why Chloe didn't want to talk about it, the whole thing was tragic and drawn out, but it also explained why it took her so long to finish college and why Rolling Stone Magazine held a job for her.

Aubrey still feels extremely guilty for clicking on those links, although it did help her understand Chloe better and it cleared up a lot of lingering questions. However, she still can't make sense of one pretty big thing, if Chloe inherited what those articles says she did, like in excess of ten million dollars, then why the hell is this girl working part time in her restaurant. But Aubrey can't say anything, because that is the type of snooping that could potentially ruin their friendship and she doesn't want that. So she'll just continue acting like it's no big deal Chloe lives in a spacious two bedroom, two bathroom, condo on the border of the affluent Cow Hollow and Marina District neighborhoods.

"Good morning," Aubrey said as soon as the door swings open and it's quickly repeated with a bright Chloe Beale smile and brief welcome hug. It funny because everyone gets the same greeting, including Beca, don't touch me, Mitchell, "Nice to see you."

"You too," Chloe closed the door softly behind them, "Do you want coffee before we go, I just made some."

"Please," on her way to the kitchen Aubrey passed a table cluttered with various music magazines, CD's, notepads and a laptop, "I see you've made the dining room table your makeshift home office?" She joked taking a seat in her usual spot at the breakfast bar.

"Yeah," Chloe chuckled pulling out an extra mug, "it's more comfortable than a desk, I can spread out all my notes," after filling it with coffee she handed it over then slid the plate of croissants between them, "Cream or sugar?"

Taking a sip Aubrey grinned, Chloe always made the good stuff, "Cream would be great."

As Chloe rummaged around in the fridge Aubrey took in her surroundings again, she loved the bright and airy feel of this place and how Chloe had tastefully decorated it with things she obviously picked up during her travels. But Aubrey's favorite part had to be those gorgeous bay windows in the living room that offered an amazing view of downtown. She could spend hours just sitting on Chloe's ridiculously comfortable and huge U-shaped couch staring out them. Although today she didn't see anything because every single blind in the room was drawn and it was unusually dark.

It paid to be on the top floor and Aubrey was just about to ask if she could open the blinds when she heard the unmistakable sound of paws along the hardwood floor, she'd almost forgotten about Billie.

Setting her glass aside Aubrey turned with a smile and she was stunned to see the caramel colored Labradoodle, "What's Gizmo doing here?" She asked giving him a quick hello before he headed for Chloe, "That's an unexpected surprise."

It really wasn't, everyone has noticed that Chloe and Beca have been spending an increasing amount of time together, like to the point that even Fat Amy, the queen of knowing everyone's business, doesn't know if they're dating. If they are it wouldn't be a bad thing, she'd actually encourage it because god knows they both deserve to be happy after all the tragedies in their lives.

Plus to be honest, Beca Mitchell needs to get serious, she has a lot of positive qualities to offer someone besides just being the quiet, sarcastic, mysterious alt girl who sits in the background. Beca needs someone who'll treat her right and appreciate her for who she is, flaws and all, and from day one Aubrey has always thought that girl should be Chloe. Chloe's confident, smart and caring, but she also probably knows the right way to push, pull and nudge Beca out of her shell without making it seem intrusive or nitpicky. Chloe's perfect for Beca in so many ways and is the exact opposite to those bimbos and dumbasses Beca occasionally goes home with for one night stands. It doesn't happen very often and Aubrey doesn't condone it by any means, but she knows Beca's just trying to fill a void, so she just looks the other way.

"Beca's here," Chloe easily replied shutting the fridge door, "You know I tried to take him outside earlier, but he wouldn't budge."

"He's very protective and loyal to Beca, he doesn't like to stray very far from her in unfamiliar places. After he's been here a couple of times he'll be fine, he was like that when Jesse and I moved into our new house."

"That good to know."

Handing over the creamer, Chloe's eyes drifted towards the living room, she didn't hear anything or see any movement so Beca was still asleep. Shifting her attention to Gizmo she watched him drink from Billie's spare water bowel she'd set out then turn and head back to the living room to probably protectively curl up next to Beca again.

"So how longs she been here?" Closely watching Chloe sip her coffee, Aubrey saw the small smile and light blush hidden behind the mug.

"All night," Chloe replied setting her mug aside, Aubrey's left eyebrow rose in suspicion, "It's not…" she defended pinching the bridge of her nose because she knows exactly how that sounded, "it's not what you're thinking…"

"It's ok if you're sleeping together," by Aubrey's standards it was a little too soon, but her therapist says it's not in her best interests to lecture people on their life choices. She'd be trying to control the situation and she doesn't want to fall back into old habits, she's past that point in her life, "I won't judge you, you're both adults."

"We didn't have sex," Chloe explained dropping her hand, "we haven't, at all."

"Well," pausing for suspense Aubrey took a sip of coffee, then held the cup between her fingers and casually stated, "looks like Stacie lost that bet." Chloe grinned and so did she and as funny as it is, she needed to quickly set one thing straight, "I don't partake or condone the gambling that goes on in my establishment, but in case you don't know, on any given day there are at least two or three bets going on behind my back. Fat Amy organizes them and Lily holds the money so no one cheats."

"Really?" Covering her mouth Chloe tried to hide her amusement, because there was no lack of drama or entertainment at the Divisadero Street Deli.

"Yep, they think I don't know, but I know," Aubrey said with confidence setting her cup down, "Stacie owes Jessica fifty bucks, she was a hundred percent sure you guys have been 'doing it'," she used air quotes, "since day one."

"So they bet on us?" Chloe sighed in disbelief when Aubrey nodded again, "I can't believe they bet on us."

"Is there a you and Beca?" Aubrey asked mainly out of her own curiosity.

"No…yes…" resting her elbows on the countertop Chloe frustratingly dropped her head into her hands, because that was a complicated answer especially now that they're going on a real first date, "I don't know maybe?"

Aubrey could see the inner battle going on just by Chloe's demeanor, "Do you want there to be?"

Taking a deep breath Chloe lifted her gaze to Aubrey's and honestly answered, "I think so, yeah."

"Then you should tell her that," Aubrey got no response to that except downcast eyes. Leaning forward she picked up a croissant, "Look, Beca's an extremely smart person, but she's not a mind reader. Yes she excels in music, but because of that talent and the fact that she started college at such a young age, she wasn't exposed to the same things you and I were exposed to in high school. She didn't go to parties or football games or even the prom, so she lacks knowledge of certain social cues. It was the cause of many arguments when we first met, but she's been actively working on it and has drastically improved, so much so that you probably couldn't even tell…"

Chloe nodded, "I even told her that she doesn't act like a typical musical prodigy when we first met. She's normal, funny and kind of charming."

"She is, but don't forget she's also a pain in the ass," Aubrey laughed, she couldn't resist making a dig at her friend, "Seriously though there may be times you'll need to spell out exactly what you want from her, otherwise she'll doubt she's making the right decision and then she won't make a move. Usually you only have to tell her once, after that she'll be able to recognize it."

A few things that happened yesterday make complete sense to Chloe now. Beca did seem relieved when she brought up the idea of the date and then how Beca only proceeded to almost kiss after she confirmed it was ok. Finally when she said Beca didn't ever need to ask to hold her hand, the brunette almost looked reassured and grateful.

"She's a complicated person, isn't she?"

"To an extent, but I think you're good for her…" Aubrey had noticed lots of positive changes in Beca since Chloe came into their lives and she was so glad to see the old, happy and fun Beca again, "Good for each other."

"Aubrey Posen are you trying to play matchmaker?" Chloe joked and they both laughed.

"Just calling it like I see it…"

"Well your services won't be needed," standing up straighter Chloe grinned, just thinking about Thursday night made her excited, "because Beca asked me on a date yesterday."

That was a new development and Aubrey wondered if Jesse had any idea that happened, "About damn time…"

"As straightforward as always."

"Beca says my bluntness is one of my redeeming qualities," pulling off a piece of croissant Aubrey popped it in her mouth, "So, why is the lovably sarcastic asshole here anyway?"

Chloe quietly laughed at yet another nickname for Beca, "We spent the day together then I made her dinner…"

After the trip to the grocery store they'd arrived back at Chloe's apartment and before putting on some music and cooking dinner, she gave Beca a tour and answered a thousand questions about pictures and other things she'd collected while traveling. The whole night felt so domestic, Beca just kind of floated around her kitchen chopping onions, refilling wine glasses and washing dishes like she belonged there. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Dessert ended up being eaten on the couch while watching House of Cards, they were halfway through the second episode when Chloe saw Beca passed out, head comfortably propped between two cushions. She only intended to wake Beca up long enough to move into the bedroom, but Gizmo had other plans. He actually moved from his spot on the floor next to Billie to stand between her and Beca. Then every time she reached to tap a shoulder or give a gentle shake, he'd nudge her hands away with his nose or gave them a lick. All she wanted was to make Beca comfortable and as frustrating as Gizmo had been, it was also actually pretty sweet that he didn't want anyone to disturb his best friend. In the end she gave up and after carefully adjusting Beca's head to a proper pillow and covering her with the blanket, Gizmo jumped up on the couch and protectively situated himself at Beca's feet.

"And that's how I found them, this morning," Chloe finished conveniently omitting how she also snapped a few pictures of both of them sleeping

"So Beca fell asleep, on her own?" Aubrey questioned and Chloe nodded, "Did she wake up during the night?"

"Not that I know of…" Chloe had checked on them twice and other than normal sleep movements Beca was pretty much where she'd left her, "Why?"

This was an interesting development, Beca hardly ever slept for more than a few hours without the help of prescription medication. So for Beca to have this much uninterrupted sleep without any help was highly unusual, but also a fantastic sign that Chloe's influence was exactly what Beca needed. And Aubrey couldn't wait to tell Jesse.

"Are you ready to run?" Aubrey questioned standing up.

"Sure, but first," Chloe made a move towards the living room, "let me tell Beca we're leaving."

"Don't wake her," Aubrey cautioned in a quiet voice, reaching out she lightly grabbed Chloe's arm, who was looking at her in confusion, "let her sleep, she doesn't get much."

"What are you talking about?" Beca claims to be tired every once in awhile, so it was never something Chloe questioned, until now, "Why is everyone is fixated on her sleep? I hear you, Jesse, and Stacie talking about it when you think no one's listening. She never mentions it, so I'm confused…"

Dropping Chloe's arm Aubrey eyes scanned the living room and thankfully she didn't see any movement. Stepping closer she whispered, "Do you ever question why she texts or calls you in the middle of the night?"

"No," the serious tone to the question made Chloe more suspicious than anything, "I just figured that's something musicians with minds like hers do."

"Yes," Aubrey didn't expect Chloe to be this defensive, the tone wasn't harsh or offensive, but it carried enough weight to say that Chloe knew something, "but…"

"Let's be honest," Chloe cut in, if Aubrey was going to dangle information well so was she, "if Beca had a real nine to five job, she wouldn't be awake at three in the morning making music. I know Beca chooses when she wants to work."

That wasn't true at all, Beca works all the time, at the studio, at home and at the restaurant, and in Aubrey's opinion that's way too much and Beca needs a break. It's something she knows, hell everybody knows, except for Chloe. So when Chloe thinks Beca's working on her own music at all times of the day and night she's not, she could be working on any number of projects from Maroon 5 to the X Ambassadors to The Chainsmokers or possibly even remastering something for James Taylor and Eric Clapton.

"What makes you think she's not a full time studio musician?" Aubrey needed to tread lightly, because there was only so much she could say without revealing things Beca didn't want revealed yet.

"I think she only does that for fun," Chloe crossed her arms and Aubrey mimicked her, "Besides you and I both know you can't drive a hundred thousand dollar SUV or live near the marina on just," she stressed, "a studio musicians salary."

Aubrey was worried, pulling Chloe further into the kitchen she questioned, "What exactly are you saying?"

"That I know Beca's loaded," Chloe reluctantly stated, she didn't want a fight, but she needed to prove that she didn't care what Beca did for a living and that she just liked Beca for who she is, "maybe from some type of inheritance from her mom."

"Ok…" Chloe was starting to piece things together and Aubrey knew she needed to do some damage control and this would be the last time she would do it. Those two were growing closer and it wasn't fair for Chloe to be kept in the dark about Beca's fame anymore. And that's exactly what she plans on telling that little pain in the ass the next time they talk, "You have to understand she's kind of leery about telling people."

"Aubrey I'm not after her money," Chloe reassured in a soft tone as she leaned against the kitchen counter, "trust me I've got more than enough, but you've probably already read that on the internet."

Aubrey's face dropped and her shoulders slumped, so that's why she always got a blank stare when she asked certain questions, Chloe knew she knew her secret the whole time. If possible she feels guiltier now than she did ten minutes ago.

"I'm so sorry Chloe, I only came across those articles while doing your background check," Aubrey just did something she hated to do, she told a complete lie, "you should see what I found on Stacie."

Chloe lightly laughed at the small joke, "It's ok, it's been nice not having people know, I like just being me."

"I'm just curious, but why do you work at my restaurant when you don't have to?"

"Because it helps me to feel normal and I wanted something to keep me occupied until I start writing full time for Rolling Stone," Chloe quietly stated, "that's why I said I only needed the job until the end of my internship. I didn't lie about anything and I also didn't anticipate getting involved with someone like Beca this quick."

Aubrey smiled, "She really likes you, you know? I hear her talking to Jesse."

"I like her too, I do want to be with her and I plan on telling her that on our date," Chloe confessed with a smile, finally stating what she'd been awake all night contemplating, "but can you please not tell her or the others about my family or money," Aubrey nodded and she felt reassured, "I just don't want to be pitied."

"I understand and I don't want to sound like I'm lecturing you," Aubrey cautiously stated, "but you will need to tell Beca at some point, she deserves to know."

"I will…when the time is right."

"Well in that case, if you ever need to talk I'm here to listen," Aubrey offered even though it'll probably never happen.

"Thank you…" for once Chloe didn't feel like she was being scrutinized after everything was out in the open, "but you still never told me why Beca doesn't sleep."

"Easy, because she's a perfectionist," Aubrey grinned as she headed towards the door. This wasn't the whole story, there was way more to it, so she really wasn't crossing the line, but this may be something Chloe could help with, "Beca dwells on little things, mainly when it come to her music, but occasionally it crosses over to her normal thoughts. Usually she's good at separating the two, but when she can't, then she can't shut off her brain at night."

Aubrey knew Chloe probably had tons of questions and honestly she's not going to answer them. Beca's the only one who deserves to give out personal details, but what Aubrey can do is give Chloe some personal insight on idiosyncrasies that took her years to understand.

"Ask her all the personal questions you want, because god knows I don't want any extra comment cards at the deli from the peanut gallery because she found out I gave you inside information," Aubrey swears when Beca's annoyed with her for any reason the cards increase tenfold and with completely ridiculous demands, like a blackjack table or a full size arcade pinball machine, "Plus even I don't understand her nonsense and idiotic reasoning half the time."

"Beca can be kind of flighty," Chloe added with a smile, even though she found it was pretty freaking adorable.

"She can be," Aubrey laughed at how true that was, "but she's also one hell of a friend and I'll never forget anything she's done for me…" She didn't even give Chloe a chance to respond before adding, "So let's run! We'll make it short and on the way back we can grab a smoothie or something that way you're back in time to go to the farmer's market with her."

It was neat learning a little bit about what made Beca Mitchell tick and Chloe loved how it opened up this whole new perspective, "Let me just leave her a quick note before we go."

"Sure…"

Aubrey watched Chloe grab a notebook from the dining room table and scribble down a few sentences. Standing at the edge of the living room she saw Beca asleep on the couch with Gizmo staring at them protectively perched at her feet. She grinned when Chloe adjusted the blanket and pressed a kiss to Beca's cheek before quickly ducking down to retie her shoelaces when Chloe turned to set the note on the coffee table under Beca's phone.

"Ready?"

Aubrey stood and nodded once Chloe was standing next to her, "In the words of Fat Amy, lets crush it."

---

Thanks for reading!

Like it? Love it? Hate it?...Let me know what you guys think or how I'm doing or suggestions either by a review or drop me a PM I'm all ears! It really gives me great feedback to know what works or what didn't work or if I'm moving to slow, you guys really help me shape the chapters if I know what you guys are thinking!

I didn't intend for this chapter to be this long (although something tells me that you guys don't mind am I right? haha), but I didn't want to break it up into multiple chapters and the whole Aubrey scene just wasn't long enough for it's own chapter so I just tossed it in at the end. So I can't promise every chapter will be this long, unless you guys want it, b/c in that case I will comply haha :)

Again thank you so much for all the reviews and PM's you guys sent last chapter, I didn't get to respond to hardly any of you and for that I am sorry, things got in the way and I just didn't have time. But I did read them all and I love you guys for leaving even the smallest ones to such amazing and detailed ones. So THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I can't tell you how much I appreciate each one and I will try my best to respond in this next chapter!

So yeah I moved the timeline up a few months to move the story along a little bit, I know it may seem a little slow going but it's entirely meant to be that way and just know there's way more to come too. I just wanted to give you guys a little bit more insight into Chloe's character since we knew next to nothing about her. That's only a small portion of everything and I'll get into further and do a flashback in a few chapters...And I also wanted at least one person to know the details of her background and I figured Aubrey would be a unique twist on it rather than Beca snooping or one of the other Bellas finding out then blabbing to everyone else. Plus I just really feel that Aubrey can keep a secret because she doesn't want to lose Chloe as a friend...As for the other stuff, I just had to throw in an almost kiss it was too good to pass up and I also wanted Beca to be the one to go for it instead of what we normally see and that's Chloe. I think it shows a different twist on things, but don't worry we'll start seeing confident and going for it Chloe real soon! Finally I hope their day spent together felt like a date b/c if it did I got my point across! Even though it wasn't a date I wanted it to feel like one because that's how I envision the last two months going for them and I wanted to show that and how they were seeing it that way too!

Have no fear, I know some of you asked to see more of the Bellas (aka Fat Amy and Stacie mainly by request of my sister and a few others) and I full intend to, I don't have plans for them in the next chapter, but I do have a few of them heavily involved in Chapter 6 so it's coming, I just got to lead up to it!

Until next time...