Monday

"Posen speaking"

"Why do you always answer like that? Do you not look who's calling before answering?" Chloe said teasingly.

"I do look obviously. It's a habit so...you know deal with it"

"Whatever...but I have to talk to you. Are you at the office already?" Chloe said as she was pulling into the parking lot of the label. She pulled up to the security to get her ID checked. "Morning Ms. Beale" Chloe just simply smiled at him.

"Ye-"

"Never mind I see your car," Chloe said interrupting her friend as she drove by Aubrey's car to head to her parking spot that was designated just for her. Obvious perks of being the daughter of the CEO.

"Yeah I came in a bit early with Stacie for some paperwork," Aubrey said not realizing how strange that would sound coming from her. Especially since Aubrey tends to be the person who expects things to be done ahead of time. Not to be the one who helps with paperwork since the assistant could easily handle that.

"With Stacie? For paperwork this early?" Chloe asked confused since it is out of the norm even for Aubrey who loves to be organized and early. But to bring her assistant this early for some paperwork that can be easily handled when she comes on her own time. That's when it hits Chloe. "HOLY SHIT"

She said as she put her car in park and got out while holding her phone to her ear."What? What happened? You okay? Did you hit my car again?"

"NO, I did not," Chloe said defensively but couldn't help but smile thinking back to that day. "But I will if you don't tell me..." Chloe said as she walked toward the elevator.

"Tell you what?" Aubrey asked as she typed an email while sitting at her desk.

"I'll be up in a bit"

"Okay?" Aubrey managed to say before her best friend had already hung up.

"Stace" Aubrey said as she headed to Stacie's office.

"Yeah?" Stacie answered distractedly as she was jotting down something on a post-it not even bothering to look up knowing what her boss was gonna ask her.

"Can you get me coffee please?" Aubrey asked as she leaned on the door frame that connects both offices.

"I already ordered it along with the breakfast you get every Monday," Stacie got up from her desk heading toward her boss. "I was just on my way to pick it up." When Stacie reached Aubrey she immediately put her hands around her waist to pull her boss closer. Thier lips were just inches away. "Stop it. We are going to get caught," Aubrey said as gently pushed Stacie away and created some distance between them. "Chloe's on her way already"

"She's coming to your office?"

"Yeah she wants to talk about something"

"You don't think she knows?" Stacie said as she reached for her bag to get ready to go pick up the coffee.

"I don't think so. Why do you think that?" Aubrey questioned as she watched Stacie.

"I didn't want to freak you out but Beca texted me yesterday. She said that Chloe was asking questions at the party after we left," Once she got her purse she faced Aubrey who was already looking at her. After a few months of knowing and dating her boss, she knows that based on her face she was on the edge of freaking out. "Relax, we don't know what she's getting suspicious about. So before you freak out just... I don't know... you have to tell her at least something. She won't be mad. Stacie said to cheer up her girlfriend. "She doesn't look like that type of person to hold a grudge."

"Okay, okay, I'll tell her. It's just. Are you okay about her knowing?" She said while gliding her hands through her blonde locks already feeling a bit stressed out.

"Of course, I don't mind. It's totally up to you."

"Know what?" Chloe said hearing what Aubrey said as she entered Stacie's office seeing as Aubrey was not in her own office. The couple both looked at the new person.

"Um, you know what excuse me I will be right back," Stacie said heading toward the door but not before turning to see Aubrey's shocked guilty face and Chloe's confused face. After Stacie left, Chloe immediately went into a worried state.

"Know what Bree?"

"Okay..um.. come," Aubrey took Chloe's hand and pulled her into her office. "Before I tell you I just want to let you know that I didn't mean to keep this from you." Aubrey began as she pulled Chloe to sit on the couch she had in her office. "It's just that I got worried that this wasn't going to work out and if it didn't then I didn't want to make it awkward."

"Bree relax... I know."

"Know what?"

"I mean I don't know exactly but it is obvious that you are dating someone and that someone might just be your assistant?"

"Oh my god! How did you know?"

"Shhh...I just told you I wasn't 100% sure but after knowing a few things I just assumed."

"Wait what things? Are we that obvious?"

"No no, it's just I knew you were dating someone or at least I knew you were hiding something...but after I asked Beca if she knew something that Stacie might have told her she became all defensive. It just kinda clicked. You always want to be around her. You are always asking for her. You hang out with her a lot, maybe even more than me now." Chloe said. "AND you would never come early to help your assistant with paperwork. You would have made Beca help her"

"Woah...I'm gonna fire Beca" Aubrey teased.

"NO, you will not. Besides you should be pleased that she did not break your trust even with me. HER BOSS"

"You're right," Aubrey said as she got up from the couch to pace around. "Are you mad?"

"No of course not. You know the policies the label has about this," Chloe got up to look out the window looking down at the entrance of the building. "And I get why you didn't tell me."

As put together Chloe tries to be Aubrey and knows that something is bothering her best friend. It's not this secret she just shared it seems like something deeper. "You okay?" Aubrey asked keeping an eye on her best friend as she continued to out the window as if she was looking for someone.

"Huh? Yeah of course" Chloe snapped out of the little trance she was in. "So, tell me Bree...how did all of this happen? Are you happy? Is she your girlfriend?"

"Yeah, she is and I know I'm not one to gush but she really does make me happy. A lot. And it is new to me." Aubrey said blushing a little.

Chloe giggled never seeing her best friend to be the gushing type in all her past relationships. "I'm happy for you," Chloe said heading to sit back down with her friend. "So?"

"So what?" Aubrey asked confused.

"What happened? Tell me everything Bree"

"Okay so..."

After picking up her boss's order Stacie decided to give the two friends a little bit more time before going back to the office. Instead, she decided to pay her short friend a little visit. "Morning sunshine," Stacie said excitedly seeing her friend in her office typing away.

"Morning" Beca replied not taking her eyes away from the computer to see her friend entering her office.

"I have some news"

"What?" Beca replied distractingly. "Did you not get lucky with Posen this morning as usual?"

"So you do listen when I tell you about my wonderful sex life," Stacie said taking a seat and starting to play with the little figurines Beca has on her desk "And to answer your question we did get it on this morning. Thanks for asking."

"That was rhetorical," Beca said now noticing what Stacie grabbed off her desk. "So what's your news?" Beca asked as she took her figurines away from Stacy's hand and placed them back in their original spot.

As Stacie explained what just happened this morning Beca couldn't help but think that Chloe would be mad or bothered that she knew about that relationship.

"So Chloe is in Posen's office right now?"

"Yup"

"You think she will be upset that I didn't tell her?" Beca questioned leaning back on her chair.

"No of course not. Bree will explain to her that you promised to not say anything" Stacie said understanding why her friend would be worried about that seeing as how Beca feels about her boss.

"Don't worry about that Becs"

"I know I know"

"You know that Chloe has changed a lot since our first day right? You know her a lot better now. She used to be strict, and cold towards others, and I don't know there was just a vibe that something was bothering her "

"Yeah of course I know that but..."

"But what? You changed her," Stacie said. "Well maybe not changed her exactly since she still has her tense moments but she's more open to talk with you and that obviously alleviated whatever was bothering her."

"You think so?"

"Bree told me that Chloe wasn't always how she showed herself to be. And even though Aubrey hasn't told you directly she is really thankful that you brought Chloe back to her true self," Stacie said. "Bree was just never able to do that during the few months we started working here."

"Wait Posen told you?" Beca questioned now looking at Stacie.

"Not exactly she just told me that Chloe went through something that she can't tell me yet," Stacie said as she got up to fix the skirt she was wearing with a simple button-up blouse. "I'm guessing to not break the trust with her best friend. But she did say that what Chloe went through basically hit her hard."

"Oh" Beca said but looked at her phone after hearing a text come through.

"Who are you texting? Is it your one-night stand again"

"I haven't had a one-night stand in months for your information and it's Jesse."

"Is he still having his party?" Stacie questioned as she reached to doodle on the post-its Beca had on her desk. Stacie knew that it drew Beca mad every time she came over since she knew Stacie had to always mess with something on her desk and in most cases it had to be an inappropriate doodle on any given paper.

"Is that all you think about? partying?" Beca said while replying to Jesse who again forgot to give her dog and cat food before going to work. Seems like she has to go home during her lunchtime.

"No. Not just partying. But going to a party with my girlfriend." Stacie said emphasizing the word just.

"You know I still can't believe that Jesse, my roommate, was your ex-boyfriend in high school," Beca said looking back at the woman in front of her who seemed very into doodling. "And now you want to bring your current girlfriend to your ex-boyfriend's birthday party"

"Relax," Stacie said getting up. "We ended on good terms and we have always been good friends even before we got together we just drifted apart after high school. But," Stacie paused for a second as she finished up her doodle. "anyway I'm gonna go now see ya." Stacie said as she headed toward the door.

"Morning" Beca greeted shyly. Chloe looked up from searching inside her bag instantly recognizing the voice.

"Hey morning," Chloe smiled looking at her assistant who was leaning on the doorframe that connects their offices. "Um, can we talk" Chloe asked.

"Chloe..." Beca said softly interrupted as she walked to get closer to her boss. "I know what you're gonna say... but before you say it can I say something first" Beca said as she reached for her boss's hands to hold.

Chloe nodded.

"I know that you don't or maybe... aren't looking for anything serious. And I've told you before that I don't want a friend-with-benefits type of shit with you. I'm not like that," Chloe gave Beca a look knowing exactly what she and her bar friend had with each other. So Beca quickly corrected. "Shit y-yeah I know with Leslie but look that's different since I don't feel anything with her like I do with you...but what I'm trying to say I guess...is that if you give us a chance maybe it could work out? You already know the feelings I have for you. They haven't changed one bit no matter how much I tried. Of course, I'll go at whatever pace you want-we don't even have to be exclusive just yet.

Chloe continued to look at Beca. "You really are cute when you ramble" Chloe giggled.

Beca let out a bit of a smile. "I ain't cute Beale but please." Beca let out a breath "Chloe please say something I really have no idea what you feel at times"

Chloe dropped her hands to step back and sit down in her office chair. "Becs you have to understand that... I'm not a good person to be with it. I don't-look I know what people say...that I'm a bitch or that I have no consideration for people's feelings or who knows what else. And I know I can be like that. It comes with the job. My father has always told me ever since I was little that I cared too much for people and that I needed to take care of my heart, especially in this line of business. And I didn't think it was necessary until I realized that it was true. If I wanted to be in his line of business I needed to be strong and in some cases being strong requires me to be someone I am not."

"I get it. I really do." Beca said. "Look I'm not the person who should be giving advice on relationships or anything really" Chloe giggled. "But how about this? We just give it a shit. Nothing much will change between us" Beca said gauging her boss's reaction. "Either way, we still hang out, we work together, and nothing exclusive for now?"

Chloe was really debating on this. Not because she was having doubts about Beca, but instead it was about her own emotional battles she hasn't come to terms with that are still affecting her. "Okay," she whispered.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah"

"There is one thing I want to do"

"What's that?" Chloe asked watching Beca step closer to her

"This," Beca said before she leaned in.

Their lips moved together so smoothly as if they had done this a hundred times. Chloe's heart was beating both loving the fact that Beca was kissing her and because Beca was kissing her at work where anyone could easily walk in. Beca as if she could read Chloe's mind slowed the kiss down before it could escalate. She slowly pulled away loving the fact that Chloe chased her lips still in a trance searching for more. "We have to stop here" Beca whispered seeing Chloe opening her pretty blue eyes. "You're right we should." Chloe pulled away putting a small amount of distance from them.

"Um I think my dad is coming for an impromptu lunch meeting here at the office," Chloe said looking at Beca. "So can you make sure everything is ready for that on the 5th floor?"

"Y-yeah of course," Beca said not being able to think straight seeing Chloe's beautiful blue eyes.

Chloe saw Beca turn towards the door heading to her office but before she could take another step she reached her hand to grab Beca's arm. Chloe wrapped her arms around Becas neck and was met with questioning eyes. She gave her a quick kiss and leaned towards her ear to whisper. "Thank you" Before Beca could say anything she felt another kiss on her lips and Chloe detangled herself and headed toward her desk.

Beca opened her apartment door and was instantly greeted by her dog "Man Bruno you already got fur on my jeans". She said but continued to pet Bruno and even planted a kiss on his head while her cat just looked on in the comfort of her cat tower across the living room. "Hello to you Flynn. You hungry?"

Beca heard a meow in return knowing both of them were hungry. "Okay here's the food," Beca said as she poured the kibble in the dog bowl. "I have to go" Beca said after she gave Flynn food and grabbed an apple on the counter to eat since this is her lunchtime. "I'll see you guys later" Beca at that moment was grateful that her apartment came with a small porch where a small patch of grass could be grown for Bruno to do his business. She was also grateful that Jesse was able to install a doggy door on the screen door so the need to take Bruno out when they aren't there is not very necessary. Of course, Beca and Jesse take turns to take Bruno out for a quick walk in the morning and a little longer walk in the evening.

As Beca was walking out the door she got a notification from Stacie. "You should come. Something is up with your boss".

"What"

"Idk but Aubrey is trying to calm Chloe but she just blew up on the interns"

"I'll be right there"

Beca knew that Chloe had a part in her when she went into 'business Chloe' who immediately did not care about others' feelings and did not take on mistakes. She's seen it a few times before.

"I know you've only been here a few days but can you really...you know... not FUCK UP...like ever," Chloe said with an attitude that Beca has never seen in the few days with her. She looked into Chloe's eyes and knew that at that moment Chloe was not aware of her own attitude or even emotions.

Beca had to contain herself in that moment. She couldn't go back to the way she was where her anger took over. She worked way to hard to be where she was right now. So she took a deep breath.

"Okay look I've been trying so hard to be patient with you. And honestly, I have been patient with you because I am the person who will not take shit like this especially when it's something that is NOT my fault. I get it. You are my boss. But no. I told you. You did not send the email since YOU never told me to."

Chloe never expected this from her assistant. Since she is right. Beca has been patient with her even though it has been a few days.

"I think I did tell you to send the email."

"No, you did not"

"How can you be sure?"

"Because I have been doing everything you asked. Even if it's out of my jurisdiction... like firing people. Yes, I'm your assistant but you know that HR's responsibility. Not mine."

Chloe continued looking at Beca. Knowing everything she was saying was right. She needed to stop.

"So...you don't want an assistant that fucks up? Okay...I'll go." Beca said looking away from Chloe's eyes.

At that moment Chloe felt like her whole world was falling. Which was weird since normally she would not care one bit if her assistant left. She would honestly think it's for the best. But at the moment she had to stop that. She needed to handle responsibility but not like this. She knew that if she was to become the boss she would have to be strict but not cruel.

"Okay okay look I apologize. Sometimes I let the-" Beca interrupted her knowing where she was going with this. "Anger"

"Y-yeah. Anger and emotions get the best of me. Sometimes I say things that I don't mean at all. And I treat people the way they shouldn't be treated at all."

"I get it."

"You do?"

"Yes. Of course."

They were holding eye contact a bit longer than Chloe allowed herself to so she immediately looked down. "I'm sorry. Please I would appreciate it if you stayed?."

"O-okay."

The first thing Beca noticed stepping out of the elevator was the quietness. Yes, it is a business office where people are there too work but there is always music playing whether it is very low music for people to work or loud music which usually is played after an album release. But right now there is no music at all. So she immediately went to search for Chloe.

She opened Chloe's office door and entered. "Choe?"

"Don't you have to knock first?"

Beca stopped in her tracks. She heard that voice before. It's that tone of voice that is coming from the person who is currently looking out at the view.

"Sorry, but I had to come look for you...What happened?" Beca asked softly.

"What happened? You want to know what happened. Where were you!? You are my assistant you have to be at my beck n call always." Chloe said. Still not looking away from the window.

Beca sighed. "I'm not liking how you are speaking to me. So please Chlo...just talk to me please." Beca said as she slowly approached her boss from behind.

"If you want me to go I'll go especially if it's going to be like this."

"Like what?" Chloe replied finally facing her assistant.

"Like I'm at fault." Beca looked into Chloe's eyes seeing the unshed tears. "I-I don't want to fall back into the person I was before so I'm just gonna go." Beca headed toward her office door.

"My father found out. He found out. He ran into Tom and Tom let it slip."

"Okay," Beca said not looking back.

"He told me that he's sorry and everything. But he told a joke to me as we were finishing up lunch. That I can't get out of my mind...He said if I can't go through a full pregnancy I may not even get the presidency since the stress may be too much on me if I want to get pregnant and have kids"

Chloe continued seeing that Beca was finally looking at her. "The only thing going through my head at that moment was that it's true. I can't and possibly won't ever handle the stress of the presidency...or if I do I can't have kids since I'll most likely not be able to handle the pregnancy. And I know it's a stupid thought and I can't believe I let my thoughts take over to the point where I'm letting my shit emotions and words get the best of me."

At that point, Chloe let out a sob. So Beca knew what to do. She walked toward Chloe and hugged her since she knew that Chloe wanted no she needed that comfort.

"It's okay"

"No, it's not okay," Chloe said into Beca's shoulder.

"I know"

"Don't say that"

"It's just. I don't think that you have fully processed this loss yet. You got through it but all it takes is one thing to bring it all back. I don't blame you."

"I'm sorry," Chloe whispered multiple times into Beca's shoulder as they continued to hug.

Ahhh sorry for the delay!

The real world is hard :((

But I've been working on this chapter for a good bit and finally got it done. Please let me know what you think!

Thanks for reading and sorry for the grammar mistakes