For Lovers Only

Chapter 5: To make you feel my love

Beca didn't know how long she stood there, outside the Brasserie Mollard, but it had to have been more than 10 minutes. She stared through the frosted glass window; it didn't do her much good, though. Couldn't see a damn thing.

A quick glance down at her phone told her she still had five minutes. Focusing her gaze back up, Beca settled for staring at the window for a bit longer, as if she could see what was happening behind the glass. All that was visible were silhouettes of other people as they passed by, none of them distinguishable by any means.

Every time she felt the presence of someone walking by, she'd turn to see who it was, hoping - and not hoping - for it to be Chloe.

She wasn't sure how to feel about this lunch. She was both excited yet scared, overjoyed yet timid. She was a contradiction in and of itself, and she didn't know what or how to feel about it. But before she could become too absorbed in her thoughts, someone cleared their throat behind her.

It was Chloe.

"Uh, hi," Beca greeted, giving an awkward little wave before putting her hand down.

"Hey. Right on time," Chloe noticed, a hint of a grin ghosting over her lips.

"Did you expect anything less from me?"

"Oh, I don't know, Beca. You were never this prompt or punctual back at Barden. In fact, I can recall several occasions when you showed up to practice hours late..."

A sly grin tugged at the corners of Beca's mouth, but before it could fully enwrap her features, it vanished as quickly as it appeared. "I'm a changed woman, Chloe."

Chloe regarded her for a moment, noting the underlying seriousness in her tone. She looked hurt, broken, lost. She was right. She was a changed woman.

Beca opened the door for her, "Shall we?"

Silently nodding, Chloe entered first as she followed behind.

——————

The interior of the Brasserie Mollard was incredible. It held a certain early twentieth century air to it, with all of the colorful mosaics, handcrafted ceramics, and decorative ceilings. The restaurant was in a word, breathtaking. Luckily, it wasn't very crowded in the dining area, only a few other patrons were scattered about and all of them minded their own business, not caring or paying a lick of attention to Beca or Chloe as they were escorted to their table.

They were given a table toward the back, a large floor-to-ceiling mirror stood directly behind them, the reflection slightly altered and not displaying things for what they were. Beca motioned for Chloe to sit down first, pulling out her chair for her before taking a seat. The waiter handed them each a menu before leaving the table, giving them the privacy they needed but didn't really want.

As the newly reunited duo sat in silence while looking over the menu, both took the chance to sneak a peek at one another every now and then. Nerves were at an all time high. It was as if they were on a first–

No. This wasn't a date. It was just two old friends, who happened to run into one another in Paris, having lunch together. That's all it was, a reunion lunch of sorts. That's what they kept on telling themselves at least, but both knew better.

Silence dragged on, the only time anyone talked was when the waiter returned for their drink orders.

"So," Chloe began, hands clasped together as she rested them under her chin, as soon as their waiter left once more. Her eyes were solely focused on the brunette beside her. "How long are you in Paris?"

Setting down her glass of wine, Beca wiped her mouth with a napkin, biding herself some time. Although, she really didn't need it. It was a basic question. "Uh, about a week left now. You?"