""

It's been almost a week. Or well, who was she kidding? It's been more than a week already since Chloe has talked to Paris Blake and her people about the proposal for Amplify's music festival and now she's getting antsy. She's tried contacting them several times through emails and messages but the replies are now starting to look like excuses. If this continues, the chances of signing in the superstar are unfortunately dropping down to zero. Which also would ultimately mean that she'd lose the bet, along with Beca's trust and prove her assumptions that Chloe really isn't capable of being in Amplify.

Thinking about it already makes her want to lock up in her room and cry over buckets of ice-cream like that time she lost to Brianna Stevens during a dance competition back in grade school.

Horrible times.

What's worse is, Beca seems to be avoiding her. It's not like she's outright pettily ignoring her but more like there's this sudden wall the producer has put up whenever she's around. Chloe feels it. They've gotten pretty close since the first time they met that she almost thought that she's about to gain a new best friend without even winning the bet yet.

As a matter of fact, last Sunday, the brunette seemed to be having a great time. They laughed, took a photo and shared jokes. Chloe even got a warm hug and another free ride home without even asking. It's the most open and affectionate she's seen Beca show.

The producer rarely smiles that when she does it just means she's genuinely feeling great—It's a very pretty look on her too. Even though at some point of the night Chloe seems to have been getting a feeling that Beca was upset about something.

She didn't ace psychology for nothing. Ever since she was young she had always been so good at reading people. Empathy was and is her strongest point. So she knew that trying everything just so she can share comfort even if done in the subtlest of ways would hopefully help. She thought she was successful but now, for some reason, the distance between them apparently has grown again.

Although, she had to admit it's not as much like the first week since they met. There's still a cold— even though it doesn't feel so cold anymore—response to when she energetically greets her in the morning and the reminder to not be late after office hours. Beca also still drinks the "accidental extra order" of coffee she gives her.

Chloe's pretty sure that by now the producer must have caught on with all her excuses on why she keeps suddenly having another fresh cup of black coffee from Beca's favorite coffee shop, of all places. It's already pretty obvious especially when she's been doing it everyday for the past two weeks.

But like what she's observed, something is amiss. Ever since Monday, Beca seems to be too busy to even have a quick snack break. It shouldn't be surprising since Beca herself is taking in more work than before but when even her friends are worried for her Chloe knows that this could be personal. Jesse says that their upcoming last Friday of the month get together might be the cause.

This Friday would have been Beca's wedding, had she and her ex-fiance, Rachelle, not called off the engagement and broke up a year ago.

Now, the brunette has buried herself in endless piles of projects and meetings. She's always gone by lunch for 'important matters'. She keeps declining Chloe's invite to dine out after office hours right away before leaving to attend another 'important matter' and somehow when she finds time to try small talk, Beca seems to be always hurrying off for something. Oddly, she's even started clocking out of work earlier than usual. Leaving no space for Chloe to get a chance to interact with her.

She's sure it's because of what this coming Friday means because what else could it be?

Of course, Chloe completely understands if Beca needed space but does she really have to block everyone out? Wouldn't it help if she'd just talk it out, all these feelings that are bottled deep down her chest? Chloe knows about keeping things because you just think that it's what's best but based on experience, that way doesn't end well. It makes you feel even worse.

There's nothing better than unloading all those troubles even for just a bit.

She could wait when Beca's ready to open up again, sure, but somehow in the back of her head, she can't help feeling like she did something wrong. Like there must have been something that she must have said or acted for Beca to pull away without a warning.

It's really bothering her. Even more than the fact that there's another issue in her life that she needs to address.

Matt.

Her boyfriend, Matt, whom she knows is trying hard to be there. Unlike before, he has been more attentive and understanding. They've actually got to talk and since then she can see that he's trying.

But then...

Something is bugging her.

Chloe should be happy that he is willing to hold on and get through all their issues but why doesn't it feel right? Why doesn't it feel enough for her?

Why does she always feel like something's missing?

She shakes her head at the thoughts bothering her. She's probably just stressed with work and god, she really needs to get in contact with Paris Blake's people soon or she's going to go crazy.

On cue, a new notification rings on her phone and Chloe quickly opens it when she sees Tessa's name popping up.

She thanks the universe.

Chloe smiles excitedly at the message about Paris before rolling her eyes at the last sentence.

She types back, fumbling around to get her stuff before standing up to find Beca's table still empty meaning the busy producer hasn't come back from wherever she was needed yet.

Another notification rings and Chloe takes a quick look.

Chloe shakes her head again before turning to CR to tell her where she's heading and also to ask her for a few simple favors during her absence. CR nods, assuring her that she's got her back before Chloe's hurrying off, giving Beca's table one last worried look.

Determination kicks in.

This project is so important to Beca. She knew just how much it means to her and if this is the only way to make Beca smile then failing is not an option.

A rush of energy and confidence kicks in her system as Chloe's strides become filled with purpose.

No matter what happens she needs to make this event a success and Paris Blake is who they need in order to achieve that.

The event is held at a huge showroom with the debut of the company's newest car model right at the center for the press, invited guests and interested buyers to see.

Chloe comes in a bit late, armed with the press ID Tessa hands her, so she doesn't catch the company's big names make their speeches and express their gratitude to all those involved.

What she does catch is the models strut around the oval shaped platform. The event is grand and being in promotions herself, she knows that they went all out for this event. If you want to sell your product, you don't hold back on promotions. You present everything you can offer in order to attract buyers.

It's all or nothing.

Looking around, Chloe takes a glass of champagne from one of the waiters, hoping to blend in as she tries to look for Paris.

She didn't have to look further though. The lights, glowing in shades of pink, violet and blue, flash down the main stage as the beat starts to change into something familiar. The tempo slows a bit from the fast paced club music earlier as the melody begins to flow smoothly. The beat is catchy and Chloe can't help but fix her eyes forward.

That's when she finds who she is looking for.

Of course, Paris isn't only a guest. She's also the newest face of the brand and one of the highlights of the event.

Chloe watches, mesmerized at the way the singer carries herself on stage with overflowing charisma.

Her songs perfectly match the cool vibe Paris gives and Chloe having researched about the star knew that she also writes her own songs. She's even downloaded a couple of them, having deemed the tenth track of Paris' first album her favorite. This was the very album that launched her to stardom with her debut song, Love Lane.

Much to her delight, it's the song she's performing with the beat having been tinkered for the live performance in order to hype up the fans present.

The singer belts out two more songs before thanking the company's big bosses sitting up front and the people behind the event.

When she finally steps down, Chloe abandons her champagne and hurries off to the direction Paris went.

Tessa's ID gets her in one of the private rooms meant for important people like Paris where the singer is busy taking photos with a few fans that were given access and signing posters that would be hung up the company's car show rooms.

There's talks of the singer's commercial endorsement now circulating on social media and Paris is immediately on her phone to repost the video on her Instagram account—most certainly her public account because every celebrity definitely has a private one.

"Chloe," Paris says with a smile amidst the surprise in her tone, amusement in her eyes as Chloe steps forward.

The room is less chaotic now that the lucky fans have had their time with the singer and the managers and higher position heads have already finished taking photos with her.

Now there's just Paris' staff arranging gifts, clothes and the huge array of make-up scattered all over the tables. There's a small buffet on the side and a couple of the event's security standing by the door. It's quite intimidating actually despite having already been in the presence of Paris Blake a week ago.

Celebrities always have that untouchable aura about them. It's almost easy to forget that they are also imperfect human beings like everyone else.

"Miss Blake," she replies and this earns a fond shake of the head, soft auburn locks swaying.

"Please, no need for formalities. Just call me Paris," the singer says from where she is seated at the middle of the long fancy looking sofa as she checks her phone when a notification pops up and Chloe wonders if it's that actor she is being linked to these days.

"I take it you are here to continue wooing me for Amplify's music festival," Paris suddenly says and Chloe almost panics at which words she should choose to use.

It doesn't take her long though.

"I would've brought flowers and food but it seems your fans have already showered you with love," she says, eyeing the number of bouquets, chocolates and the catering service nearby.

She successfully gains Paris' full attention at that.

"Well, if you're planning to bribe me it's a no on the flowers because I just don't know where to put them anymore and the chocolates are indeed overflowing but I think there's still space for ice-cream," the singer slyly says.

"Ice-cream and singers have a tragic relationship though and I don't want to be the cause of a million of broken hearts due to a cancelled performance," Chloe thoughtfully says, having been reminded of her mistake years ago.

"Although, there will be ice-cream after the music festival since one of our partners happens to be the Happy Cow," Chloe quickly adds, applauding herself for the perfect timing.

Guess, luck is on her side?

...or not.

"That's a shame since I can't come then,"

Chloe's heart drops but her spirit remains unbreakable despite what seems to be another rejection.

"We've read the details you e-mailed and unfortunately it's just simply below our expectations," Paris says straight away and Chloe swallows hard at this because of course this is about the money.

This is also a business deal after all and these famous labels have their demands for their artists. In their defense, it's not easy creating music to attract a global audience and find not only a person with talents but the charisma to stand up there.

But then again, labels as famous as Barden Records also take importance with their top singers decisions. Paris is one of Barden's hottest stars and one word from her is all it takes for them to agree.

So, in the end, it all comes down to one person yet again.

"I know that it's a bit below from what you're usually offered but this stage is enough to create social media noise and therefore, boost album sales. It's an event that draws audiences from all over the world," she explains with pride, suddenly feeling like she's back in college trying to sell their a capella group to potential talents which they are in need of.

But when Paris holds up a hand to stop her, Chloe doesn't feel good about this.

Failure is looming but Chloe refuses to even give it a glance.

It's not over till it's over.

"I know it is but my rate remains the same. I'll tell you this personally and not through my managers because I can see the effort you've given and I do like you a lot. It's rare finding genuine people in this business," she slowly says before finally leaning back against the sofa's back rest, legs crossed as she sighs.

"If you can do something about it then expect me ready to perform but until then I'm sorry, Chloe,"

Maybe there's still a way.

She just has to figure it out, put more effort into convincing but for now she brings forward the file she is holding.

"This is everything about the music festival. The contract and more details. If you could just take one more look and maybe if you change your mind... you know how to contact me,"

She leaves the folder by the coffee table in front of the singer before finally taking her leave.

Tessa finds her sitting by the venue's more secluded staircase, head in her hands.

"Hey Chlo cakes, what happened?" her friend softly asks, sitting next to her.

Chloe lifts her head up, sighing heavily before turning to her friend.

"I'll probably have to convince Beca to stretch the budget to meet Paris' rate but at this point I just..." she trails off, not wanting to continue the negative sentence.

She fears uttering it might just make it true.

"I only have a few days left to hopefully turn things around, Tess," she confesses as her friend soothingly rubs her back.

"You still have a few days. That's good. A lot can happen in a few days. You can do this!" Tessa encourages her but words are just words it's the doing it that makes things complicated.

"What if I can't?" she asks, desperation thick in her voice.

Tessa eyes her worriedly, "Then do better next time! Maybe the timing is not just right. It's not the end of the world, Chlo Chlo Chanel. There's always tomorrow. We just simply get back up again,"

"Yes I know but this is something I can't afford to fail at right now!" she cries out, more frustrated in herself than the situation.

"Maybe I didn't say the right words or I wasn't convincing enough or I'm just not cut out—"

Tessa stops her at this point.

"You're not. Don't ever say that because you're the most passionate, dedicated and driven person I've ever met. You made it to the Lincoln Center for god sake! So don't ever tell me that you aren't good enough," Tessa says with conviction before pulling her in a tight hug and Chloe really doesn't know what she'd do if her friend hadn't been here with her.

Her eyes start to sting and really, crying in an event hall staircase is already something she's never going to forget.

"Miss Beale?" someone cuts in and that immediately break their moment.

Parting immediately, Chloe wipes away tears before turning to the source.

Surprisingly, it's Brian, Paris Blake's manager.

"I'm sorry. I tried calling your phone but you were out of reach. Anyways, Paris wants to see you," he informs her and Chloe remembers her phone dying the moment she steps out the waiting room.

Looking back at Tessa in confusion, Chloe quickly gets up to follow Brian, taking a few glances at her friend who urges her on supportively.

Chloe finds herself back towards the fancy waiting room where she sees Paris sitting in front of the huge vanity mirror, back towards Chloe.

In front of her, the folder lays open as the singer sits there deep in thought.

Her manager catches her attention and that's only when she realizes Chloe's standing behind them.

Paris gets up on her feet, turning around to face her fully as she leans against her vanity table.

The room suddenly goes empty and they are now alone.

Chloe doesn't really know what it is but something's different.

Something's definitely changed.

"Tomorrow, 9pm at the Ricardi Bellagio," Paris starts to tell her and for a moment Chloe doesn't know what she means until the singer makes it clear.

"I'd like to review the contract over dinner. I hope the time is good for you? I have prior engagements so I can only make time after 9,"

Chloe is stunned at the sudden turn of events that she doesn't answer immediately.

"O-Of course, any time is a good time! I'm available all the time in any day!" she sputters, cringing at herself but it doesn't wipe off the huge smile on her face.

"I'll be seeing you on Friday then," Paris says before looking back at the folder and pulling it towards her.

Chloe continues with her word vomit and gratitude that really, she is certainly going to regret later. But then before she leaves, the singer speaks again, eyes still on the papers.

"Beca Mitchell," she utters slowly, making Chloe pause at the name.

That's when she sees the singer tracing the name with a finger against one of the papers. The memo for the music festival which Beca reviewed and signed months ago.

"I want to meet Amplify's new overall producer," she says and it's the most serious tone she's heard from the usually casual singer.

"Bring her with you or else I'm not signing the contract,"

Oddly, it feels like a very serious demand, one that seems to hold so much meaning.

Paris meets her eyes and Chloe sees it. There's a melancholic look behind those green irises and yet she doesn't understand why it's there. Or maybe it's what she failed to see through all that glamour until now, that tinge of sadness.

"We'll absolutely be there,"