The week’s soccer practice had been another adventure, mostly due to Lily’s relentless warrior training of Eli. She had spent the better part of the session teaching him how to “crush the souls of his enemies,” much to the coach’s frustration. Meanwhile, Beca and Chloe had exchanged numbers under the pretense of coordinating post-game snacks, though their texts had quickly taken a flirty turn—Chloe’s were confident and playful, while Beca’s were, predictably, awkward but endearing.
Now, it was Saturday, and Chloe and Lily were set to come over for movie night.
Beca’s house was cozy, filled with musical decor—her piano took center stage in the living room, and shelves of vinyl records lined the walls. At the moment, however, she was frantically cleaning, darting around with a sense of urgency Eli found unnecessary. Beca had not dated much in her life. Her ex was the exception in the barren desert of her love life, and he definitely was an experience she did not want to repeat. So, she hadn’t dated a lot. And she had never, ever, ever dated a woman. Known she was attracted to them, yes. Going out with them, hell no. The thought made her feel like she’d break out in hives and vomit. Probably simultaneously. Yet here she was preparing her home, her refuge, her sanctuary for the arrival of one of the most attractive women she had met. Ever.
“Mom, why do we have to clean the house? We don’t do this when Dad comes over.”
Beca paused mid-wipe, staring at her son. “Because we are having company.”
Eli studied her for a moment. “And why are you wearing your work clothes on the weekend? It feels weird.”
Beca glanced down at herself—black turtleneck, plaid skirt, hair styled neatly, even makeup applied. She groaned. “First of all, rude. Second of all, I am not a slob, I just… I relax more on the weekends.”
Eli shrugged. “Uh huh.” He did not sound convinced.
This little conversation reinforced her concern that she was falling down in teaching her son social skills. Having an habitual anti-social outcast (by choice, Beca swore) for a mother, did not bode well for modeling positive interpersonal interactions for her offspring. At least he had his labradoodle of a dad to give him some support in that area.
Beca pointed at him. “You should work on not calling your mom out. And put some pants on, for the love of Stevie Nicks.”
Before Eli could respond, the doorbell rang. Beca inhaled sharply, smoothing her skirt before running over. But when she opened the door, it wasn’t Chloe and Lily—it was Jesse.
Ex-husband, father of Eli, still not getting the message they were donesville, Jesse.
“Hey, Becs.” Jesse leaned against the doorframe, casual as ever. “Figured I’d drop by and see Eli.”
Beca blinked. “Uh, okay? He’s inside. But we kinda have plans.”
Jesse’s eyes flicked over her outfit. “You’re all dressed up. What’s the occasion?”
Before Beca could think of a response, Eli piped up from behind her. “Mom and I have a date.”
Beca groaned inwardly.
Jesse’s eyebrows shot up. “A date?”
Beca had always gotten a strong sense that Jesse thought their split was a temporary thing. That eventually, with persistence and the right Hollywood-inspired romantic gesture, he would woo Beca back into his arms. Jesse loved love; it was true. However, he wasn’t so good at the day to day, responsible adulting that came along as part and parcel of having a mature relationship. Or marriage.
Before Beca could formulate damage control, a small ginger whirlwind named Lily shot up the walk and into the house, nearly knocking Jesse over in the process. With a loud bellow of “Sneak Attack” she headed towards the living room. Beca heard a loud squawk of “I wasn’t ready” from her son followed by Lily’s response of “A warrior must always be ready”. This exchange was followed by the sound of tussling.
Chloe followed at a more relaxed pace, a smirk already forming. Beca could tell Chloe had also made an extra effort in her appearance. Her red hair was curled and hung over her bared shoulders. Her makeup was soft but she lined her eyes so the blue in them popped. The off the shoulder floral top she wore was cut just a little lower than work appropriate and the flared green linen pants really made Beca’s heart do a flutter as they swished with her graceful walk up to the stoop. Stupid heart, always betraying her.
Jesse looked between the two women like he was struggling for something to say. He gestured towards the sounds of combat coming from further in the house. “Should you maybe go look into that?”
Beca just shrugged and looked at the smiling Chloe. In unison, the two of them spoke. “Warrior training.” Seeing the confused look on her ex’s face, Beca continued. “It’s fine, he’s fine, nothing for you to worry about, Jess.
Jesse turned to Chloe, a bemused look on his face. “So… you’re the date?” He hesitated. “But… you’re a woman.” Beca cringed inwardly. She’d mentioned that she was definitely, probably, most likely bi when they first started dating but Jesse always conveniently forgot about that, and Beca, being the awkward baby bi she was, never felt comfortable bringing it up. Until now, until a certain redhead showed up in her life.
Chloe gasped dramatically, grabbing her breasts with both hands. “Holy crap, I am! When did that happen?”
Beca closed her eyes for a moment, willing herself to disappear.
Chloe, clearly enjoying the awkwardness, held out a bouquet of flowers. “These are for you, Becs, by the way.”
Beca blinked, taking them, her cheeks flushing. “Uh, thanks?”
Jesse shifted uncomfortably. “Well, uh, I didn’t mean to interrupt. Just wanted to check in.”
Beca, regaining some footing, nodded. “Right, cool. Well, Eli’s good, so… see you later?”
As if to prove her point, Eli appeared at the door. He was red faced and looked a little bedraggled but was obviously still in alive and in one piece. Ignoring the shout of “Get back here, you chicken” coming from the living room, he looked up at his father. “Sorry, Dad. I got to get back to training. A warrior must always be ready to defend their castle”
Jesse hesitated before sighing. “Yeah, okay. See you.” He ruffled Eli’s hair before heading out, still processing the interaction.
Chloe, watching Beca’s expression, chuckled. “Awkward seems to follow you around, doesn’t it, Becs?”
Beca, still clutching the flowers, sighed. “Apparently.”
Chloe grinned. “Alright, show me in. Let’s deal with our monsters. I hear we have a date to get started.”
Beca groaned as she led Chloe inside, cheeks still burning.