Chapter 3
Aubrey arrived around two the following afternoon. Chloe bounced to the door to let her best friend into the new apartment. They hugged before Chloe took her overnight bag to stow it in the guest room while Beca greeted their visitor.
“This place looks amazing, you guys! You did all this in a week?” Aubrey accepted a beer and sat in the arm chair as Beca and Chloe took up positions on the couch.
“Beca stayed home to help, so it went fast enough once the furniture was delivered.” Chloe smiled over at her partner as Beca slid her hand into hers.
“Well, Chloe did most of the packing while I worked, so it was only fair,” Beca chimed in.
Aubrey smiled at them. “If anyone can make this arrangement work, it’s you two. You love each other too much to knowingly take advantage.” That made both of them blush and Aubrey chuckled as she took mercy and let it drop. She dove into a horror story from work with a funny ending that had all of them laughing. “But as soon as I figure out what else I can do, I’m out of that retreat.”
“Honestly, I can’t believe you’ve put up with it this long,” Chloe commented. “Most of the horror stories I’ve heard from you did not have funny endings.”
Aubrey shrugged. “It started out great. Then it was fine, then okay. Now it just sucks. But it’s what I know.” She finished her beer and set the bottle on the coffee table, keeping her eyes averted.
Chloe stood and moved to sit on the arm of the chair and hug the blonde. “What do you want to do, Bree?”
Aubrey cleared her throat, patted Chloe’s arm, and smiled her best bright smile. “What I’d like at the moment is another drink, if possible.”
Chloe glanced at Beca, who went into the kitchen to get new beers for everyone. “We’ll talk later, Bree,” she said as she stood to return to her seat. Beca emerged with their drinks and told a couple stories from work to change the topic. By then it was time to decide on dinner. “I’ll cook breakfast tomorrow, but we’ll order in tonight,” Chloe informed them. They agreed on burgers, and Chloe called in the order from the kitchen.
In the living room, Beca said, “You know she only wants to help, right?”
Aubrey sighed. “I know. It’s just… it’s been harder, lately.”
“Since the tour?”
The blonde nodded. “Exactly. Don’t take this wrong, but seeing Chloe find what she really wanted with you makes me rather envious.”
“I can understand that.” She leaned forward, resting her arms on her knees. “How much of that is because you realized you want the same thing?”
Aubrey’s eyes went wide. “How… Beca…” She looked up as Chloe walked in. “Your partner is disturbingly observant,” she commented to the ginger. She held up a hand to forestall interruptions. “We’ll talk about the whole thing, but later, when I’m drunk enough to tell you the whole thing.”
Beca leaned back, wrapping an arm around Chloe when she sat in her lap. “Alright, that’s fair.” They found other things to talk about until dinner arrived, then concentrated on their food.
While Chloe cleared away their meal, Beca brought her laptop out and cranked the music a bit. Chloe emerged with vodka cranberries and they moved the coffee table to make room to dance.
They danced through several songs, Beca keeping track of the drinks and keeping everyone refilled until Aubrey begged for a break. Beca turned down the volume and they all flopped into their seats with their glasses. Aubrey blinked at the couple, then shifted to sit on the couch with them, leaning against Chloe.
“Guys, I have a problem and I don’t know what to do,” she said quietly, fidgeting with her glass.
“That’s what we’re here for, Bree. Spill it.” Chloe draped an arm over her shoulders.
“I know what I want to do, and who with. But… I haven’t told them yet. They just moved to the city and I can’t even bring myself to text them.”
“Well,” Beca opined, “if you tell us who it is, maybe we can help with that, too.”
Aubrey nodded and sipped her drink. “I haven’t breathed a word till now,” she whispered.
Chloe put her drink down to take Aubrey’s hand. “You know you can trust us. You know we won’t judge.” Aubrey took a deep breath.
“It’s Emily.” She met Chloe’s sky blue eyes, her own pale blue full of misery. “When she said she wasn’t writing music, it hurt more than it should, y’know? And as we performed, and traveled, and talked more than we’d had a chance to before the tour, I just… fell.” She shrugged. “I am crazy in love with Emily Junk. And I want… I want to be the Chloe to her Beca.” She smiled softly. “I want to make a home to love her in. But I can’t even pick up the phone, so…” Chloe pulled her friend into a hug, which Aubrey accepted this time with tears in her eyes. “What am I gonna do, Chlo?”
“First, you’re gonna have a great weekend with us. Then, we’re gonna find a way to get you two talking.” She sat up, her hands on Aubrey’s shoulders. “Now, then. More dancing?”
***
Beca awoke with a groan Sunday morning. She dragged her pillow over her aching head as she felt Chloe start moving around. “I need coffee, Advil, and food, in that order,” the brunette grumbled.
“Yes. As soon as I can get up,” Chloe replied, her hand over her eyes to block even the dim light in the room. She gave herself a few minutes, then rolled out of bed. Beca was close behind as they made their way to the kitchen. The guest room door was still closed, so they made regular coffee to avoid making too much noise.
As the coffee finished brewing, they heard the door open, and Chloe took down a third mug. Aubrey was seated at the table by the time Chloe got the coffee served and a second pot brewing. They caffeinated quietly as they all recovered from their hangovers.
The coffee gradually worked its magic and halfway through her second cup, Chloe started making pancakes to help fix them all up. She hummed quietly as she cooked, as had become her habit.
When the ginger handed out plates, Aubrey caught her wrist. “Thank you, both of you, for last night. I didn’t know who to talk to about it.”
“That’s what family does, Bree. And you know you can always come to me.” Chloe smiled as Aubrey nodded and picked up her fork to eat. Aubrey stayed a few hours after breakfast, making sure she was okay to drive before heading home.
“That was an enlightening night,” Beca commented as Chloe sat next to her on the couch and curled up against her.
Chloe sighed. “I really hope we can find a way for Aubrey to tell Emily how she feels. Even if it doesn’t end up with them together, it’ll drive Aubrey crazy if she has to keep this secret.”
Beca kissed her temple. “We’ll figure something out, love.”
***
Beca and Chloe soon hatched a plan to do more than simply start a conversation between Aubrey and Emily. The following weekend, they called Aubrey to run it past her first.
“So, you’re inviting both of us to dinner, hoping we start talking regularly.” Aubrey summarized after Chloe outlines the plan.
“Exactly. It’s much less awkward than a random text out of the blue.”
Beca chimed in, “And you can stay that night so you don’t have to drive home late.”
The blonde was quiet a moment. “Okay, when do you want to do this?”
Chloe grinned at her partner. “We still have to call Emily, but we’re hoping for Friday evening, if that works for you.”
“Yeah, I can do that. I’ll take the day off so I can get to the city early enough. And, guys?”
“What’s up?”
“Thanks for this. I really appreciate it.” The talked details for a few minutes before hanging up.
Chloe sat her phone down and leaned against Beca. “I think this may work. At least it should get them talking.”
“As long as Emily agrees to come, yes. Being very new to the city, I bet she’ll jump at the chance to see friends.” Beca kissed Chloe’s temple. “Who’s calling Emily?”
“I’ll do it. Could you maybe make lattes?” Despite Beca’s promise to be useful and helpful at home, she tried not to ask Beca for much.
Beca heard the uncertainty in her voice and kissed her softly. “Absolutely. I’ll be back in a few.”
Chloe took up her phone and dialed the younger woman’s number.
“Chloe?! Oh my god, it’s been too long! How are you and Beca?”
Chloe outlined the bare bones of the move. “But we just heard you moved to the city. How are you settling in?”
Emily sighed a bit. “It’s a lot to get used to, but I’m getting there. You’re the first person who’s called except my mom, so it’s been a bit lonely.”
“Well, we can help with that. Why don’t you have dinner with us Friday. Aubrey is driving in to visit; you can see the apartment after dinner.” Chloe accepted the mug Beca brought her before heading back to make a latte for herself.
“That sounds amazing! I would love to see you all. It’ll be nice having friends to talk to.” Emily sounded genuinely excited, and Chloe grinned.
“Perfect. I’ll text you the address of the restaurant. Take a cab, we’ll get you home.” They soon hung up, minutes before Beca returned. “All set, she’s coming.” She quickly fired off the address to Emily and a confirmation to Aubrey. “Apparently, we’re the first to reach out to her since she arrived. She sounded very excited.”
Beca smiled as she sat. “We’ll have to find time to hang out more. She shouldn’t have to adjust to the city alone.”
“Well, if Friday goes well, she may have someone else to hang out with, or even visit, eventually.” She sighed a bit. “I really, really hope this works. I don’t want Aubrey to be heartbroken, and I think she’d be good for Emily.”
“I think they’re great for each other,” Beca replied. “But all we can do is give them the chance to spend time together. And of course, we’ll take care of Aubrey if it goes south.” Chloe nodded. All they could do now was wait.
***
They had chosen a diner to avoid any pressure to dress up and look impressive, though that didn’t keep Aubrey from spending half an hour doing her makeup in the bathroom at Beca and Chloe’s apartment before they left. She’d been there since mid-afternoon, hoping the time with Chloe would help calm her nerves.
“Please tell me you’ll help if I put my foot in my mouth,” she asked Chloe while Beca changed after work.
“Of course, I will. We’re your wingmen tonight. I won’t let things get bad.” Chloe gave her a reassuring smile as Beca emerged.
“All set? We should get going,” the brunette said. Chloe and Aubrey nodded and they headed out in Chloe’s car. They were a bit early, so they stayed in the car until Beca spotted Emily exiting a cab. They got out of the car to call her over.
Emily rushed over to greet them, claiming big hugs from each of them. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you all.”
“It must have been hard to go back to school to finish up after the tour, with everyone else coming up here,” Aubrey observed quietly.
Emily turned to her with shining hazel eyes and a smile. “It was, but I’m up here now, so I try not to think about it.”
Chloe herded them inside, where the host sat them in a booth far from the front door. They ordered drinks, Chloe assuring them she was staying sober to drive. The others ordered beers, and Chloe mentally grinned. Just a few drops of liquid courage could make all the difference. Much of dinner was spent listening to Emily talk about graduation and her move.
When the food was done and they were nursing their drinks, Chloe extended the offer of the apartment to Emily again. “We can relax in peace and quiet and talk more there,” she said encouragingly.
“The apartment is lovely,” Aubrey added. “They’ve done a fantastic job there.”
Emily nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, let’s do it. I still have to hear what all of you have been up to, since I monopolized the dinner conversation.” That decided, they all returned to the car, Chloe turning on some music and prodding everyone to sing with her as they drove.
At the apartment, Aubrey helped Chloe make drinks while Beca gave Emily a quick tour before settling in the living room, the younger woman getting comfortable on the love seat.
In the kitchen, Aubrey mixed vodka cranberries for her and Chloe, while Chloe made rum and coke for Beca and Emily. “What the hell do I have to talk about? I’ve spent 2 months working and pining over her, and I can’t tell her the second part.” Aubrey sipped her drink as she leaned on the counter while Chloe got some cookies and chips out to snack on.
“Talk about work. Just make sure some of them are happy or funny, rather than all horror stories.” The redhead turned and placed her hands on her best friend’s shoulders. “Don’t overthink it. Just be you. If it’s meant to happen, that’s all you need to do.” Aubrey nodded and took a deep breath before they carried everything to the living room, Chloe handing Aubrey Emily’s drink to deliver.
With everything arranged in the living room, Aubrey took the opportunity that presented itself and joined Emily on the loveseat, getting a warm smile of thanks for the drink.
At Emily’s urging, Beca and Chloe gave more detail about the move, and Beca told a few work stories. “The label always needs songwriters. Who knows, we could work together again.”
Emily blushed a bit. “I may try to get in there. I was so eager to move here, I didn’t find myself a job to start with.”
“Don’t worry,” Beca assured her. “I’ll work with you to get you in.”
“Does that mean you’re writing again?” Aubrey asked.
“Actually, yeah, I have. When we came home from France, I had a head full of inspiration and started spending Friday and Saturday nights up writing. I have a few songs that are mostly done.” She smiled at the blonde. “And now I get to thank you for pushing me to keep at it. I had almost forgotten how fulfilling it can be to finish a new piece.” She put a hand on Aubrey’s wrist lightly. “So, thank you, because I think you saved me.”
Aubrey’s eyes widened a bit. “I… you’re very welcome. I’m glad I was able to help out a bit.”
“It was more than a bit, Aubrey,” Emily replied quietly.
Chloe let the silence continue until it bordered on awkward, but she could see the two of them lost in each other’s eyes. Standing, she collected glasses for refills. When Aubrey moved to help, Chloe waved her off. “Becs can help with this round. You’re family, but you’re also a guest.” Beca stood and winked at Aubrey before following Chloe to the kitchen.
“So far, so good, eh?” Beca said when they were alone.
“I’d say so, going by that last bit. They couldn’t look away from each other.” She handed Beca two cans of soda from the fridge while she got the cranberry juice. “We should tell Emily to stay. We have the couch.”
“Aubrey will probably insist on giving Emily the bed, but that works, too. Good idea, babe,” Beca replied. They carried the drinks into the living room, where Emily and Aubrey were deep in conversation about music they enjoyed. They accepted their drinks and brought Chloe and Beca into the conversation. “There’s a local-ish band I’ve been wanting to see. The four of us should check them out.”
“That sounds fabulous,” Emily asserted, and Aubrey voiced her agreement. “Living here will be so much easier with friends nearby.” She looked at Aubrey. “That includes you. I know you’re a bit of a drive, but that’s still closer than Georgia.”
The blonde tried to hide a blush behind her glass. “You’re welcome to visit if you need a break from the city.”
“That’s incredibly generous, Aubrey, thank you. I’m sure I’ll take you up on that.”
“Speaking of taking up offers,” Chloe chimed in, “Beca and I wanted to invite you to stay the night.”
“You can take the guest room,” Aubrey said immediately.
“I don’t want to put anyone out. I can always get a cab home if it gets too late.”
“Nonsense,” Beca asserted. “It’s absolutely no trouble, and we’re not putting you in a cab along, drunk, at night. Chloe cooks an excellent hangover breakfast, and we haven’t seen you since the tour, and for a long time before that.”
Aubrey touched her knee lightly. “She’s right about breakfast.”
Emily chuckled and conceded. “Alright, I’ll stay. And thank you for being great friends.”
Deciding it was time to lighten the mood and get their blood moving, Chloe stood up. “Okay, babe. You grab the good music, I’ve got the coffee table.” At Emily’s look of confusion, she explained, “Time for dancing!” She pushed the coffee table against the wall, then asked Aubrey to help with refills before they started.
“Dancing?” Aubrey asked in the kitchen. “I’m supposed to watch her dance and keep my mouth shut?”
“Keeping you mouth shut is your decision.” Chloe turned to face her best friend. “I don’t know if you can see it, but from where we’re sitting, things are going very well so far. I think there may be something there to work with. And no one said you have to dance exclusively with her, Beca and I are here.”
Aubrey took a deep breath. “Alright, I trust you, Chlo. Just please don’t let me make an ass of myself.”
“I got you, Bree. Don’t worry.” When they returned to the living room, Beca had the music on and Emily, still on the loveseat, was vibing with Beca’s mix. Chloe handed Beca her drink, and once Emily had hers, the ginger pulled her to her feet to start dancing. Beca winked at Aubrey again and gestured with her head that they should join in.
They danced for several songs, some as a group, more in various combinations of two. Emily finally pleaded for time, and Beca switched playlists and turned the volume down a bit for more relaxing music. She and Chloe took their customary seats, and when Emily sat, Aubrey sat on the arm next to her. They were all pretty buzzed, and Chloe soon switched them all to tea. One of her favorite slow songs came on, and she grabbed Beca for a dance.
To everyone’s well-hidden shock, Emily stood and offered Aubrey a hand. “Dance with me?” Chloe and Beca frantically signaled for her to accept, which she did after a short hesitation.
As she subtly watched them over Beca’s shoulder, Chloe whispered, “They are adorable. This is fantastic.” Beca nodded, and when the song ended, they all resumed their seats.
Eventually, Chloe started herding everyone to bed. Aubrey grabbed her bag from the guest room, leaving an oversized Barden shirt and sweats on the bed in case Emily wanted to change out of street clothes for bed. Beca helped Chloe set up the couch with sheets and a pillow. With everything ready, Chloe and Beca bid their guests good night and headed for bed.