Chloe had been in Los Angeles for three months now, and she was finally settling into a routine. Coming out West to do her Ph.D. had meant leaving her friends, family, hell her whole support network, behind. But it had been the right decision. She felt reborn here. Between classes and studying, she loved finding time to explore the hiking trails scattered around the city. For a city that appeared to live and die by the automobile, Los Angeles had a plethora of hidden gem walking routes. Today was no different. She had just finished her last class for the week and decided to unwind with a late afternoon hike up a scenic trail. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting golden hues over the mountains, and the fresh air was exactly what she needed after a long week. She undid the bun she had her hair done up in for school and shook it so her red locks freed themselves from their binding and spread out over her shoulders. Taking a deep breath, she started confidently up the trail.
As she climbed higher, she rounded a bend and noticed a figure sitting on a rock, massaging an ankle with a frustrated expression. The woman had dark brown hair tied in a messy ponytail, a baseball cap pulled low over her eyes and was muttering under her breath. She was wearing cut off jean shorts and a Kehlani graphic tee. Chloe took a step closer and then stopped short as recognition hit her.
Beca Mitchell.
The Beca Mitchell. The singer-slash-actress who had been topping charts and headlining blockbusters for the past few years. The same woman whose face was plastered on billboards and magazine covers. Chloe had never been the type to fangirl, but she wasn’t oblivious. She had heard Beca’s music, seen clips of her movies, and—fine—maybe she had watched a few interviews because, objectively speaking, Beca was ridiculously charming.
But right now, Beca looked more annoyed than anything, her ankle clearly causing her some grief. Chloe hesitated only a moment before stepping forward.
“Hey, you okay?” she asked, keeping her voice casual, interrupting the other woman’s under the breath rant of “Of course there’s no fucking reception. Bright move, dumbass. Let’s go for a walk and clear my head, I said. It’ll be a nice change of pace, I said”
Beca glanced up and quickly shoved her phone into her pocket. “Yeah. Fine.” She waved a dismissive hand before wincing as she tried to stand. “Just twisted my ankle a little.”
Chloe arched an eyebrow. “That ‘little’ twist looks like it hurts a lot.”
Beca sighed. “I’ll be fine. I just need a minute.”
Chloe took another step forward. “I can help you get back down if you want.”
Beca let out a laugh, though it was more exasperated than amused. “I appreciate it, but I think I can manage.”
Chloe crossed her arms. “Right. Because limping down a rocky trail with a bad ankle is a great idea.”
Beca huffed. “I’ve handled worse.”
Chloe smirked. “I’m sure you have, but let’s be real here—if you fall and break something, then what? Are you gonna crawl the rest of the way?”
Beca narrowed her eyes as if considering whether to argue further. Finally, she sighed in defeat. “Fine. But no weird hero complex, okay?”
Chloe grinned. “Oh, definitely not. Just think of me as your friendly neighborhood… hiker.”
Beca snorted, but before she could protest further, Chloe crouched down in front of her. “Hop on.”
“What?” Beca blinked at her.
“You clearly can’t walk on that foot, and unless you have a better idea, this is the fastest way down.”
Beca eyed her for a long moment, as if trying to decide if Chloe was serious. Then, with a resigned groan, she carefully climbed onto Chloe’s back, wrapping her arms around her shoulders.
“You’re stronger than you look,” Beca muttered as Chloe adjusted her grip.
Chloe smirked. “And you’re lighter than I expected.”
Beca gasped in mock offense. “Are you calling me tiny?”
Chloe laughed as she began making her way carefully down the trail. “I mean… I’m just saying you’re compact.”
Beca scoffed. “Great. Love that for me.”
They fell into an easy rhythm, Beca occasionally making dry comments about Chloe’s hiking skills, and Chloe countering with teasing remarks about Beca’s apparent lack of survival instincts. By the time they reached the parking lot, Chloe was laughing more than she had in weeks.
Chloe gently set Beca down beside a sleek black car. “Alright, you’re home free.”
Beca winced as she tested her weight on her injured foot. “Yeah, except for the small problem that I can’t exactly drive like this.”
Chloe raised an eyebrow. “Hospital?”
Beca made a face. “I’d rather not. I can just call someone.”
Chloe tilted her head. “Or I could drive you.”
Beca hesitated. “You don’t have to do that.”
Chloe shrugged. “I know. But I don’t mind.”
Beca studied her for a moment, then sighed. “Fine. But not the hospital. Just take me home—I can get a doctor to come to me.”
Chloe gave her a pointed look. “Must be nice to have that kind of insurance.”
Beca smirked. “Perks of the job.”
Chloe bit back a smile and helped Beca into the passenger seat. Then, she climbed into the driver’s seat and started the car.
The drive to Beca’s house was surprisingly relaxed. Beca cracked jokes, Chloe teased her in return, and the conversation flowed naturally. When they finally pulled into the driveway of what could only be described as a small mansion, Chloe let out a low whistle.
“So, you do okay for yourself, huh?” she said, trying to keep her expression neutral.
Beca smirked. “I manage.”
Chloe feigned ignorance. “And what is it you do again?”
Beca chuckled. “Oh, you know. This and that.”
Chloe nodded seriously. “Mysterious. I like it.”
Beca rolled her eyes but was clearly amused.
Chloe got out and walked over to Beca’s side, opening the door. “Alright, let’s get you inside.”
Beca groaned as Chloe once again lifted her up. “I feel like a damsel in distress.”
Chloe grinned. “Well, you are kind of helpless right now.”
Beca huffed but didn’t argue.
Inside, Chloe gently set Beca down on the couch and took a step back. “Okay, you’re settled. My good deed for the day is done.”
Beca eyed her. “You’re leaving already?”
Chloe smiled. “Unless you need anything else?”
Beca hesitated, then scratched the back of her neck. “I, uh… I just realized—I never asked your name.”
Chloe tilted her head, a slow grin forming. “Oh? Well, that’s awkward because I already know yours.”
Beca blinked. “Wait, what?”
Chloe chuckled. “Yeah, I know who you are, Beca Mitchell.”
Beca stared at her, mouth slightly open. “Are you serious? This whole time?”
Chloe nodded. “Yep. Just thought it’d be fun to pretend I didn’t.”
For a second, Beca just gaped at her. Then, she let out a short laugh. “Wow. You’re kind of the worst.”
Chloe grinned. “But in a fun way.”
Beca shook her head, amusement clear in her expression. “Yeah. Okay. That was actually kind of funny.”
Chloe started moving towards the door. “Well, enjoy your fancy house and your doctor-on-demand. I should probably head out. I’ll get an Uber back to the parking lot to pick up my car.”
Beca opened her mouth, then closed it. She shifted awkwardly. “Uh… wait.”
Chloe paused. “Yeah?”
Beca swallowed, then blurted out, “Do you wanna go out sometime?”
Chloe blinked, then smirked. “Are you asking me on a date, Beca Mitchell?”
Beca’s ears turned slightly red. “Maybe.”
Chloe grinned. “I’d love to.”
Beca exhaled, visibly relieved. “Cool. Cool. Uh, I’ll text you.”
Chloe winked. “Looking forward to it. But wouldn’t you need my number? And also, my name to do that?”
The rest of the singer’s face turned bright red to match her already glowing ears as she tried to come up with an appropriate response.
None came.
She sighed and rolled her eyes. “Okay you got me, mysterious redheaded stranger. Can I get your name and digits?”
Beca’s attempt to sound cool caused Chloe to snort. “My digits? Okay, Chad. Pass me your phone.”
As a chagrined brunette passed over her unlocked phone, Chloe took it and started to type in her number. “The name’s Chloe Beale. And the number is saved under “Hot Ginger” “
“Of course it is.” Beca said with a chuckle.
“Later, Becs.” Chloe replied.
And with that, she turned and walked out, leaving Beca grinning like an idiot on her couch.