Author's Note: Thanks again for all of the nice reviews! Hope you like this chapter.
Chapter 4
"Ugh, Mercedes will you just pick something. We've been in here for hours." Rachel complains, as she and Kurt stand by another dressing room, waiting for Mercedes to try on another dress.
"Kurt, you're a fashion designer, help her." Kurt just laughs,
"Stop complaining Berry, it's my birthday!" Mercedes says from inside the dressing room. Rachel playfully rolls her eyes at her friend. Mercedes finally steps out from the dressing room in a stunning black dress.
"You look gorgeous, you should go with that one." Rachel suggests.
"You're just saying that because you want me to hurry up." Mercedes says, jokingly.
"I agree with Rach." Kurt comments,
"Alright, I'll go with this one." Rachel and Kurt wait for her to pay for her dress and then decide to go out for lunch. After they order their food, conversation begins to flow between them.
"So, tell me about your new boo." Mercedes says to Rachel with a smirk, Rachel's eyes widen. Rachel and Brooke had been seeing each other for three weeks now and they only made it official a few days ago. She hadn't told anyone but Kurt. Kurt. Of course. She shakes her head.
"Did Kurt tell you that?"
"No." Mercedes says unconvincingly,
"Yes." Kurt says at the same time as Mercedes, Rachel just shakes her head again.
"Some things never change, you're both still gossips." Rachel said teasingly. Kurt and Mercedes just laugh.
"You're bringing her to my party tonight, right?"
"You know what, I didn't think to ask." Rachel says.
"You should bring her, I don't mind." Mercedes says with a wink. Rachel just laughs.
"Rach, you do know that Santana is coming tonight, right?" Mercedes asks carefully.
"Yeah, I figured she'd be there. And I can't avoid her forever, you know?"
"What did happen with you guys?"
"Yeah you never told us much. Just that you guys broke up." Kurt said. It's true, after she and Santana broke up she busied herself with work and anytime someone brought up the breakup she gave them vague answers.
Rachel bit her lip,
"The distance really broke us.."
*Flashback*
Rachel sighed as she tried to call Santana, only to be met with her voicemail, again. For the past few weeks they've been playing phone tag. Whenever she tried calling Santana, she'd get her voicemail, whenever Santana tried calling back, Rachel wasn't able to pick up. They'd been long distance for the last six months because Santana had to finish recording her album in LA and Rachel was playing Fanny in Funny Girl in New York. When Rachel entered her room, she heard the Skype ringtone go off from her lap top. She saw Santana's name flash across the screen and picked up.
"Finally." Santana said with a laugh, Rachel smiled sadly.
"I'm sorry I didn't pick up earlier, I had to finish up a few songs."
"I know, it's okay." Rachel said with a sigh, Santana frowned.
"Rach, what's wrong?"
"I feel like we're growing apart. When's the last time we had an actual conversation? I just miss you. This is harder than I thought it was going to be." Rachel said. Santana didn't like the look on Rachel's face,
"Babe.." Rachel just shook her head, tears running down her face.
"San, you know I love you, so much. And I'm so proud of you. I'm happy you're getting to do what you love, but you know things haven't been the same between us." Santana shook her head in denial.
"Rachel, don't do this. We can make it work… can't we?" Santana asks desperately, tears streaming down her face.
"You know I want to. But what happens when you go on tour? It's going to be even worse. You know I'd go to LA if I could, but I can't. I love you, but you know I'm right San."
"So, that's just it?" Santana asked, her voice breaking off at the end. As much as it pained Rachel, she nodded and closed her eyes tight. Santana just nodded slowly.
"I love you Rachel.." Before Rachel could respond, Santana hung up the call.
"I love you too." She whispered.
*End of flashback*
"Wow." Kurt said, Mercedes just nodded her head in agreement. It still stung, a lot, so Rachel just nodded her head, not saying anything.
Mercedes just squeezed her hand in comfort.
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After they ate, they all went to their separate cars. Rachel pulled out her phone.
Rachel: Hey, are you doing anything tonight?
Brooke: No, why?
Rachel: Because I was thinking we could go to Mercedes' birthday party tonight. If you want?
Brooke: Sounds fun, I'd love to! Pick me up at 7 ;)
Rachel smiled, and pulled out of the parking lot.
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"Babe, are you done getting ready yet?" Santana heard Dani ask with an annoyed tone. Santana just rolled her eyes and continued to curl her hair.
"Yes, I'm done. Ready?" Santana asks, Dani extends her hand for Santana to take and they get in her car. Ten minutes later, they finally arrive at Mercedes' party, and it's packed. She spots Quinn standing with Puck and quickly walks over. As soon as Puck sees her, he grins, but looks at Dani warily. Santana sighs.
"Hey Lopez." Puck says, opening up his arms for a hug, which she accepts. He doesn't miss the way Dani eyes on jealously, which makes him roll his eyes.
"How are you Puckerman?" Santana asks,
"Pretty good. Especially with this beautiful lady by my side." He said, motioning to Quinn with a wink. Quinn blushes and Santana smirks, despite how cute the comment was.
"Aw is Quinnie blushing?" Santana asks, teasingly.
"Shut up Santana!" Quinn says, still blushing. Santana just chuckles. She hears someone shout Dani's name.
"Hey babe, I'll be right back okay?" Santana just nods. Dani gives her a peck on the cheek and runs off. Quinn just rolls her eyes.
"I'm gonna go re touch up my make up." Santana says and makes her way to the bathroom. Before she can make it there, she bumps into someone, causing them to spill their drink.
"Oh my god, I'm sorry." Santana apologizes just as soon as those beautiful brown eyes she couldn't get off of her mind for the past few weeks looks up at her. Her breath catches.
"Rachel?"