Chapter 13
(All)
As they unpacked during the week, Chloe sent them regular updates about Beca so they wouldn’t worry. Aubrey suggested they could change Christmas plans, but Beca insisted that she would be fine and they were keeping their plans.
So, on Christmas Eve, Beca and Chloe made the short drive to Emily and Aubrey’s to start the holiday. Since they’d had to unpack, they had left the Christmas tree bare until they arrived to help decorate. Beca’s black eye had faded some, but it was still obvious, along with the cut on her face and those on her hands.
“I hope no one minds if I avoid knives during food prep,” she said dryly as she watched Emily get o a chair to add the star to the tree.
“Becs, you don’t have to do anything you don’t feel up to. We’ll handle it and everything will be fine,” Aubrey said, resting a hand on her friend’s shoulder. The tree was done, and Aubrey asked Chloe to help bring drink out for everyone.
Emily looked at Beca from the couch. “Are you sleeping any better?”
Beca shrugged. “It’s hit or miss. Some nights are harder than others, but I haven’t had anymore nightmares. Either way, it’s back to work on Monday.”
Emily nodded her understanding. She went back Monday, too, and knew how hard it was after a week without the additional stress Beca had to deal with. She imagined going back to work wasn’t what Beca really wanted yet. “Maybe you should schedule some time to work with me the first few days. You know I understand and won’t push you too hard.”
Beca gave her the best smile she could manage. “Thanks, Em. That’s a really good idea.” She pulled out her phone to text her plan to Theo so he could schedule it. She was setting the phone down when Chloe and Aubrey emerged with mugs of hot cider, which Aubrey had made with Beca in mind. The brunette didn’t miss the gesture, and thanks the blonde with deep sincerity. Aubrey just smiled as she joined Emily and Chloe sat next to Beca.
“Em, are you up to some music?” Aubrey asked her partner.
“Sure, let me grab the guitar.” She disappeared into the guest room long enough to retrieve it, playing Jingle Bells as she walked back. She resumed her seat as she played through a veritable concert of Christmas songs, until Aubrey put a hand on her wrist.
“Take a break, love. You don’t want your hands to cramp up.” Emily complied, and Aubrey massaged her hands to help them relax further.
“I didn’t know that was an issue,” Beca commented. “Em, make sure I never push you to that point at work.”
Emily gave her a reassuring smile. “I won’t, I promise.” Soon, they all headed for bed, Aubrey and Chloe setting alarms to put the ham in the oven.
When Aubrey’s alarm went off, Emily grumbled but released her grip on her partner. “Back soon?”
“I promise.” In a robe and slippers, the blonde shuffled into the kitchen, Chloe right behind her, Beca in tow. “Becs? You okay?”
“Rough night,” Chloe answered for her as they sat at the table, Beca in Chloe’s lap. The ginger ran her fingers through Beca’s hair as Aubrey started the coffee.
“You two can go back to bed. I can handle the ham,” Aubrey offered.
Beca grumbled something, and Chloe kissed her forehead. “I know, love.” To her best friend, she replied, “At this hour, it’s easier for her to stay up and nap later.” Beca grumbled again. “I’m sure it’s fine.”
Aubrey could guess at the second grumble. “Yes, it’s absolutely fine if you need a nap, Becs. Today doesn’t have to be high stress. And you don’t need to apologize.” She poured their coffee and brought it to them, then went about the business of the ham. When it was finally in the oven, she turned back to her friends. “I promised I’d go back to bed…”
“Go, go,” Chloe waved at her. “Don’t keep her waiting.”
Aubrey grinned and returned to her partner, who immediately threw an arm around her and pulled her close. “Everything okay? That took a while,” Emily asked, her voice sounding more awake despite her closed eyes. Aubrey recounted the conversation and Emily opened her eyes, concern in their hazel depths. “Should we go out there now?”
Aubrey shook her head. “Beca’s not even fully verbal yes. Let’s give her some time.” Emily nodded and kissed her softly. Aubrey leaned into it, sliding a hand up the back of Emily’s shirt.
“Bree…” Emily murmured against her lips. “We have company.”
The older woman sighed a bit. “You’re right, love. I can wait till later.” She claimed one more lingering kiss.
“I’ll make it worth the wait,” Emily promised in a whisper, making Aubrey shiver. To Aubrey, it was always worth anything, but Emily’s suggestive tone stirred the fire inside her.
Aubrey tucked her head into Emily’s shoulder, knowing if she got lost in those eyes, she wouldn’t be able to hold back. Emily combed her fingers through her hair gently, scraping lightly with her nails to help her relax. They lay quietly for half an hour, when Emily finally said, “Okay, I need coffee. I hope Becs is feeling up to company.” They both got up and donned slippers and robes to go to the kitchen.
Beca was more awake, but didn’t necessarily look happy about it, not that Emily could blame her. She knew Beca wasn’t a morning person on her best day. She gave Beca a wordless hug before heading to the coffee pot. A moment later, Beca slipped off Chloe’s lap and headed back to the guest room. Chloe scrubbed her hand over her face and through her hair roughly, looking sad and frustrated. Emily sat her mug down and gave the ginger a tight hug. “Go after her if you need to,” she advised quietly.
Chloe nodded and followed her partner. Beca was sitting on the bed, silent tears coursing down her cheeks unchecked. Chloe sat next to her and gathered her close in her arms. “I’ve got you, love, I’m right here.”
After a few minutes, Beca sat up, wiping her eyes. “I have to go apologize,” she said quietly.
“Hey, Becs, no you don’t. Aubrey said so earlier. Their our family; they’ll understand that you needed time.” She brushed away a stray tear. “Now, was it something specific, or just the exhaustion?”
Beca sighed. “Both. I was already feeling… fragile when Emily hugged me. They hug was the last I could take, so I came in here.” She ran a hand through her hair. “I just need a few more minutes.” Chloe nodded and held her tight.
In the kitchen, Aubrey got comfortable in Emily’s lap. “I hope she’s okay. I’m getting really worried about her,” Aubrey said, her voice tinged with concern.
“Me, too, Bree. I wish there were something we could do.”
The blonde sighed. “Unfortunately, I think all we can do is what Beca asks. There’s no other way to know what will help.” Emily nodded her agreement and sipped her coffee.
Several minutes later, Beca and Chloe returned hand in hand, resuming their seat together. “Bree, I know you said I don’t have to, but it will bug me till I do. I’m sorry I disappeared. I’m really tired and that makes me feel delicate, which I hate.”
Aubrey nodded. “I understand, Becs. You do whatever you need, and let us know if we can do something to help.”
“Or if there’s anything you would rather we not do,” Emily added quietly. She knew it was her hug that had sent the older woman into hiding with her emotions.
Beca could hear the guilt in Emily’s voice. “Hey, Em, don’t. It’s not your fault I’m exhausted. You had no way to know what would happen. Hell, I didn’t know it would happen.”
Emily nodded. “Just let me know if I should keep my hands to myself.”
“You’re fine, I promise. And yes, I’ll let you know if something would help.”
Eventually, Aubrey made lattes for Emily and Beca and sent them in the living room. Chloe gave Beca a soft, lingering kiss. “Call for me if you need anything, love.” Beca nodded and took her latte to the loveseat. Emily started asking work questions, which helped keep Beca’s mind occupied. Aubrey had told her not to worry about setting the table and to keep Beca’s attention till dinner. Her questions worked, and before Beca knew it, Chloe came in to get them.
“But we didn’t…”
“You didn’t need to, we had it handled. You needed the relaxation and distraction.” Chloe took her hand and led her into the kitchen for dinner.
After dinner, Emily helped Chloe clean up while Aubrey and Beca went to the living room with their cider. “Thanks again for the cider, Bree. I’ve really been taken with it.”
“You’re very welcome, Becs. I’m glad I could add something good to your holiday.”
Beca sighed and looked down into her mug. “I wish I had done the same for you.”
“Becs…”
“No. No… not right now, Bree. I can’t.” She took a deep breath. “I’m gonna try to nap. That should make me feel better.” She set her mug down and went to the kitchen first to tell Chloe where she would be, then headed to the guest room.
Aubrey chewed her lip, debating saying something to Chloe now, or waiting till she finished. Finally, she stood and went to talk to her best friend, explaining the conversation with Beca. “I just didn’t know if you’d want to check on her or let her sleep.”
Chloe sighed. “Bree, I don’t know what else to do for her.” There was sadness and helplessness in her voice. “Nothing I try seems to work.” She put her face in her hands.
Aubrey hugged her. “I don’t have an answer, Chlo. I just know she needs you, probably more than ever.”
The ginger took a deep breath and nodded. “You’re right. I can’t break down; I have to be strong for her.” She straightened and resolutely set her shoulders.
“Chlo, I didn’t mean…”
“I have to take care of her. She would do it for me. I can’t… I can’t fail her.” Her voice shook at the end, and Emily came up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“You can’t pour out of an empty cup. You’re allowed to have feelings about what’s going on. And you deserve the time to handle them. She’s probably already asleep. Sit and have some cider. I’ll finish this little bit up.”
Chloe sighed and conceded, sitting while Aubrey filled a mug for her. Aubrey sat next to her. “I think time is what Beca needs most. Time and support. What happened was a big deal, and I would be more worried if she was already over it. Just keep doing what you’re doing, and remember we’re here to help in any way we can.”
***
Chloe tried to convince Beca to take more time off, but the brunette insisted on at least trying on Monday. “Okay, if you’re sure. But call me if you need anything.” Chloe hugged her tight before she headed for the studio.
After an hour in her office catching up on memos and call from the week she’d missed, she texted Emily. “Let me know when you’re ready.”
“Come on down, I just got back in.” Beca collected her folders of sheet music and took the elevator down to Emily’s office. Emily refrained from asking too many questions about how she felt, not wanting to focus on the attack while Beca was keeping it together for work.
Beca flipped through the folder of piano music, pulling out a few pieces to work on and handing them to her friend. “I want to insist that you play when I record these, so I’ll send you copies later for practice.” Emily nodded her understanding and they got to work.
By noon, Emily needed a break and they were both starving. “I was gonna order a sandwich and eat in here. You’re welcome to join me,” Emily offered casually.
“That actually sounds perfect. I… still don’t like to be alone.”
Emily called in their order. “Well, feel free to look for me for lunch any day. I usually eat in here so I can look over things while I eat.” They went over the music they were working on while they ate, making notes as they went. After lunch, they went back to work. But by 2:30, Emily could see and hear Beca’s energy fading and she stopped playing. “Becs, you need a break. Like, till tomorrow. We got a lot done today.”
Beca didn’t even have the energy to argue. “Yeah. You’re right. I think… I think I’ll head out for the day. Thanks for the help and the company. Tell Bree I said hi.” She gathered up the music and folders and made her way back to her office, stopping at Theo’s door to let him know she was leaving.
When she got in the car, she sat staring out the window, thinking about everything that had happened the last week. As run down as she felt, she knew Chloe had to be exhausted, too. She pulled out her phone to text her partner. “Coming home early. No big problems. Pick out an outfit for a nice evening out.” Setting the phone aside, she started the car to head home.
Chloe was in the shower when she got there, and she settled with a beer in the armchair to wait for her. In the meantime, she scrolled through her phone looking for a nice restaurant.
When the ginger emerged in a robe, combing her hair, she went to the chair to collect a soft kiss from her partner. “How was work, love?”
Beca outlined her day, and Chloe smiled. She was proud of Beca, both for returning to work and for doing what she needed for herself. She was also glad Beca had worked with Emily; the younger woman wouldn’t push too hard and would understand if something happened. “Sounds like a pretty decent first day back.” The brunette nodded and slipped her hand into Chloe’s. “Did you have specific plans for tonight?”
“I thought we could have a nice dinner out after everything that’s happened. We both deserve a treat.”
Chloe squeezed her hand; the cuts had closed at this point, though a few had left faint scars. She was careful not to pay obvious attention to them so Beca wouldn’t feel self-conscious about them. “That sounds great. I’ll go get dressed.” With another kiss, she headed to the bedroom.
Beca sipped her beer, not rushing to change yet, as they had time to spare. When Chloe emerged in a blouse and skirt, Beca smiled. To her, Chloe always looked radiant, but she also enjoyed seeing her dressed up to go out. She stood as Chloe approached and drew her into a soft, lingering kiss. “You look fantastic, babe.”
Chloe blushed. She didn’t often have a reason to dress up these days, so she appreciated Beca’s attention when she did. They moved over to the couch, where Beca gathered Chloe against her side. “Chloe, I just have to say thank you for everything. The last week has been hard on both of us, but you’ve been my rock, and I can’t thank you enough.”
Chloe kissed her jaw. “I’m glad I could be here for you. And that you seem to be doing better.”
Beca nodded. “I can’t guarantee I’m totally over it yet, but it isn’t so front and center in my mind now. I can think past it. I think working will help, too.”
Chloe voiced her agreement. Having something musical to concentrate on should aid her in moving past the attack. Beca kissed her cheek and went to change for dinner.
***
The next morning, Beca spotted Emily outside the studio talking to one of the drummers she’d done some work with. She headed their direction as Emily laughed at something Simon said. Beca had a funny feeling in her gut, but couldn’t put her finger on why.
“Hey, Becs!” Emily said, hugging her. “Do you know Simon? He’s one of the drummers.”
“Not officially, no.” She extended a hand. “Beca Mitchell. It’s good to meet you.”
He looked surprised as he shook her hand. “You’re friends with Beca Mitchell?” he asked Emily.
“Since college. We’re old friends.”
“Wow, lucky you. Ms. Mitchell, it’s an honor. I was one of the drummers in France. You were spectacular.”
Beca winced at the mode of address. “Please, just Beca. And thank you.” Simon glanced at his watch.
“Well, I have a recording in half an hour, so I should head in. Beca, again, it was great to meet you. Emily, I’ll see you later.” He headed into the building as Beca realized what she had sensed earlier. Now, she had to find a way to bring it up.
“Hey, Em, do you have anything scheduled today? I’d like to work on one or two of those songs to run past Theo.”
“Sure, I’m open all day,” Emily answered cheerfully. “Want to meet in my office?”
“Um, can we go straight there?”
Emily looked confused, but nodded and they headed inside to her cramped office, dropping coats and bags in a corner out of the way.
“We have to get you a bigger office,” Beca asserted as they got set up.
“It would help if we’re going to keep working like this. It’s fine when it’s just me, but it isn’t really designed for two people for long stretches.” Emily spread the pages of one song across the piano and sat down. “Ready?”
Come noon, they ordered lunch, and Beca decided it was time to talk. “Em, can I say something?”
“Sure, Becs. What’s up?”
“Just… be careful with Simon. He seems to have a thing for you, and you don’t want him to get the wrong idea.”
Emily blinked at her. “What makes you think that?”
Beca shrugged, wishing someone else could have had this conversation. “The way he looked at you, something in his voice. I just don’t want to see you caught up in office drama like that.”
Emily expression was less than happy. “I disagree. Rather strongly, actually. Simon has never said or done anything unprofessional or inappropriate. He’s an excellent musician with whom I discuss music.” Her eyes narrowed at her friend. “I think I’m gonna work on writing this afternoon.”
Beca could hear the angry dismissal in Emily’s voice. “Em, I just…” But Emily had opened her notebook and picked up her guitar. Silently, Beca gathered her stuff and what was left of her lunch and left, closing the door quietly behind her.
In her own office, Beca finished her lunch and sat staring at her phone. Finally, she picked it up and opened a text to Emily and paused. What could she say? She was trying to help her friend avoid potential trouble, but she wanted nothing to do with Beca’s warning. She switched to a text with Chloe. “Wine with dinner?”
“Sure thing. Everything okay?”
“Will explain. Rough morning.” She set the phone down and half-heartedly flipped through the folders of sheet music, which only served to remind her that Emily was mad at her. Closing the folders, she woke up her computer and started going through emails. She headed out at 4:45 so she wouldn’t run into Emily on the way out, texting Chloe that she was on her way.
Beca was greeted at the door with a generous glass of Moscato, her favorite. “Thanks, love,” she said, kissing her partner before sipping her drink and continuing into the living room.
“Can I ask what happened?” With a heavy sigh, Beca explained everything that had happened that morning.
“Now she’s mad at me. I don’t know what to do, Chlo.”
Chloe stroked her hair gently. “I’m not sure, either, love. It kinda sounds like Emily has to find out the hard way.”
Beca’s jaw clenched. “I don’t like that idea. She’ll end up hurt, and Aubrey may, as well.”
“All we can do is be there for them if something goes wrong. But I think they’ll work it out.”