First: I want to apologize for the long wait. Life is a little cray cray right now. Also a big Thanks to everyone who has added me to their alerts and favorites, and I can't forget about the reviews, Thank You!
Second: Thanks to my Beta, and note that all mistakes are mine if they are any.
Last: This is sort of a filler chapter; you get a little more insight on Britts life. I hope you all enjoy and PLEASE REVIEW!
I don't own glee at all. If I did it would be called BRITTANA!
/
I can't stop the moan that escapes my lips as Santiago continues to thrust in and out of me. I can feel the pressure building with every roll of his hips against my pelvis. "That's right baby, cum for me." he whispers breathlessly in my ear then moving down to nip my neck. That's all it takes for me to come undone and scream his name "SANTIAGO!"
My eyes shoot open as I awake with a jolt. Okay, what the hell was that? I think I just had one of those, what are they called, water dreams? Because I feel totally wet right now, I hope I didn't pee the bed again.
I sigh as I wipe the sweat off my forehead. What the hell was that? It felt so real. I could feel the way he ran his hands all over my body, the way he felt inside of me, and the pleasure I felt… my whole body was buzzing.
When my breathing finally evens out I take a look at my alarm clock, Its only 4:30. Seriously? I was hoping to sleep until at least 5:30, and there is no way that I could possibly go back to sleep. Especially since i'm sitting here drenched in sweat, and my panties feel soaked.
I take a deep breath before flopping back down on my pillow. I can't believe I just had a freaking sex dream, an extremely graphic and intense sex dream at that. That's never happened to me, I've always heard stories about people having them, it's just never happened to me. I was starting to believe that people who've never actually had sex couldn't have them…now I know that that's so not true.
I wonder what bought this on? Well maybe I already know what bought this on…I'm just not sure why it was so vivid. I know it took me a while to fall asleep last night, because he was the only thing I could think about.
I thought about the day we spent together, the way his hands felt against mine, the way his lips felt when they touched my cheek, but what stood out the most is what he said to me when he dropped me off. 'I can't just fuck you into submission, now can I?' I must have played those words in my head over and over until eventually falling asleep.
This is crazy! I mean why would he even say that? Especially when he wouldn't even give me a proper kiss goodnight; maybe he's just not into me like that. I shake my head at the thought as I remember his other words; 'If I kiss you tonight, I want be able to stop myself…so it's best if we don't'.
Maybe he does like me, but just doesn't know how to go about it because like he said, he doesn't date…I don't know, this is all so confusing. I've never been this taken, or so drawn to a person in my life. This is so new to me. I just think I need to clear my head, maybe I should go for a run; yeah that sounds like a good idea.
I crawl out of bed and change my clothes and my underwear, before heading to the bathroom to brush my teeth.
/
After I come back from my run, I do my morning routine before going to the kitchen to make myself some breakfast. When I get there Rachel is sitting at our small kitchen table sipping her morning tea and reading over what looks to be a script for a play. "Morning Rach."
"Morning Brittany, I'm actually glad you're up…I was thinking maybe we could talk since we'll both be pretty busy this week."
I nod my head and begin to make myself a bowl of cereal. "Sure" I say.
"Okay, I'll let you finish making your breakfast, although I will say you should really be having something a lot more filling then cereal."
I shake my head and giggle, because she tells me this just about every morning. I never listen because I love cereal, it tasty. Besides the only other thing I know how to make are eggs, and eggs don't taste as good a cereal. I shrug as begin to pour myself some Cocoa Puffs.
All of sudden there's a knock on the door causing Rachel to look up at me questioningly from her spot at the kitchen table. "Who could that be at this hour?" she questions as she gets up to open the door.
I shrug because it's probably not for me, only Rachel would know someone that'll knock on someone's door at 6 in the morning.
"Brittany! It's for you!" Rachel calls out a moment later.
Okay what? Who the hell could that possibly be? When I walk to the door I see Rachel standing there with an Asian girl. "Hey what's going on?" I ask Rachel, before I turn to look at the Asian girl standing at our door holding a medium size gift bag.
"Hi, Miss Pierce." The Asian girl greets me, extending her hand. I'm so confused, but I don't want to be rude so I just shake her hand.
"Hi?" I say in the form of question, as I turn back to Rachel to see if she has any idea who this girl is.
"This is Tina Cohen- Chang. She's here to see you." Rachel says as she looks to me for an explanation, which I don't have. I shrug and turn back to Tina.
"Miss Pierce. I'm here on the behalf of Mr. Lopez," Tina finally says. My eyes go wide with shock.
"Okay…" I'm very confused now. Why would Santiago send me an Asian girl?
"Mr. Lopez…as in Santiago Lopez?" Rachel questions beside me. Crap! Why does she have to be here right now? I so didn't tell her what happened yesterday, but I can't feel that bad because technically we didn't see each other yesterday; when I came home she was in bed.
Tina nods in response to Rachel's question. "May I come in?" she asks.
"Yes, of course." Rachel replies all too quickly.
I turn and walk toward the living room as Tina and Rachel follow behind me. I flop down on the couch, "So what's this all about?" I ask Tina casually. She holds up the gift bag and hands it to me.
"Mr. Lopez wanted me to deliver this to you before you started your day," she explains. I look at her confused as I take the offered bag. What could this possibly be? I feel Rachel plop down next to me trying to get a peek at what's inside.
"What is it?" Rachel asks, being just as impatient as ever. I shake my head as I slowly pull out a rectangular box. Rachel gasps, as I begin to examine it. When I see the writing on the box, I gasp as well. He got me a phone? Not just any phone, he got me the latest iPhone. I can't believe him, but for some reason I should've known. Especially when he saw my phone yesterday, he looked at it like it was an alien or something.
This is completely and utterly insane, I don't need a new phone, and if I did I didn't need him buying it for me. "God what is wrong with him," I say out of frustration.
I turn to Rachel and she's staring at me like I have two heads or something? "What do mean, what's wrong with him? Is there something you're not telling me Brittany? Why would Santiago Lopez buy you and iPhone that hasn't even come out yet?" she takes the box out of my hand and examines it. "This one doesn't come out for another 4 months," she says in disbelief.
I take a deep breath, it way too early in the morning for this. "Can we talk about this later, I promise it's nothing," I tell Rachel.
She huffs, "This is not nothing Brittany, why didn't you tell me something was going on between you two?"
It's my turn to huff, "There is nothing, I repeat, nothing going on between Santiago and I. He saw my phone, and made a comment about how ancient it was. End of story, and plus I can't accept this, so yes, it's nothing." I tell her. I know I'm lying, but if I tell her everything right now, it's going to be impossible for her not bombard me with question after question, and I don't have time for it.
I put the phone back into the bag, and I turn back to Tina, who is still standing by the coffee table. "I can't accept this, I'm sorry that he made you come here at 6 in the morning. I say as I get up to give her back the gift bag.
She shakes her head and takes a step back, like she's afraid to touch the bag. "I'm sorry ma'am, but I am under direct orders to see that you take the phone, I'm also supposed to help you set it up." She tells me apologetically.
I look to Rachel and I see that for once she's at a loss for words, so I turn back to Tina. "Okay, but I don't want it," I tell her; not understanding why she can't just take the phone back.
Tina shakes her head in slight protest; she looks a little uncomfortable before she takes a deep breath. "Look, I completely understand, but Mr. Lopez is my boss, I mean yes he's like the most handsome man on the face of the planet but, he's also really, really, really intimidating. I've been working as his assistant's assistant for over a year now, and this is the first assignment that he's ever directly assigned to me. He was very clear on what he wanted and he said that you might object to it at first, but he told me to convince you to take it. So please, please, I beg you to take the phone…I'm not sure I can go back to work if you don't." she says in one breath…Wow, and I thought Rachel was the only one who could talk that fast, and that long without taking a breath.
"Wait, so he's forcing you?" I ask a little baffled by her explanation.
"No this is my job, a very good job that I had to work hard to get. I know it's not glamorous, but it pays really well and it has excellent benefits that I can't lose."
I sigh because now I feel bad, I can't believe he's doing this; what is wrong with him? "Can I call him, what's his number?" I ask.
"I can't give you the number until the phone is set up, I'm sorry." she says apologetically.
I huff, "this is ridiculous, he can't just bully you in to making me take a phone that I don't need…who does that."
"You do kind of need it Brittany; I was really close to buying you a new phone myself. No offense but your phone is a piece of crap, it shuts off in the middle of a call, you can't really text on it, and it's barely being held together by tape." Rachel vividly points out.
"Rachel, stop bullying my phone, that's mean."
Rachel huffs. "I think you should take the phone Britt. Although it is extremely weird that he would send you a phone after only meeting you once…it's still a nice gesture, don't be prideful." I roll my eyes at her statement, if she only knew.
I guess if I just take the phone Tina can leave, and I can go on about day…and call Santiago and give him a piece of mind. He needs to stop throwing his money around because I'm not impressed by it. I take a deep breath and exhale. "Fine" I say as I pulled the phone back out of the bag and hand it to Tina.
She looks relieved, poor girl. Santiago is just ridiculous. I slump back down onto this couch and reach back into the gift bag. I pull out a variety of fancy but colorful cases, an expensive pair of headphones, and some $100 iTunes cards, and one that says Apps. I also notice that there is a red envelope inside as well, but I don't take it out because Rachel is sitting right beside me. although I'm really curious as to what might be inside. I hope it's a note, I love notes.
"Umm ma'am." I hear Tina say.
"Can you not call me ma'am? I think I'm younger than you." I tell her, hearing people say that to me makes me feel really old and the last time I checked 21 isn't old.
"I'm sorry Ms. Pierce." She says quietly.
"It's Brittany, or Britt, whatever floats your boat." I say casually.
"Okay Brittany" she says with a light smile. "So just point me to your computer and we'll get this started."
I look at Rachel, "she can use mine" she tells Tina. I'm really surprised that she hasn't been as vocal as she usually would be. It might have something to do with our little talk Saturday morning. I mean we haven't really had a chance to talk since, and we were interrupted this morning. Whatever it is, I'm kind of thankful for it.
"No need" Tina says as pulls her phone out, and begins typing on it. "Brittany do you not have a computer?" Tina questions.
"Uh no, is that an issue?" I reply.
She shakes her head "No, of course not." She says dismissively. Suddenly there is a knock at the door. Okay, now who in the hell could that be. I turn to Rachel, and she gets up quickly to answer the door.
I use that as an opportunity to slip the envelope out of the bag, and run to my bedroom. "I'll be right back, feel free to have a seat" I yell to Tina.
I lock the door and sit down against it while examining the envelope for a second. It has my name written on it in perfect cursive. I wonder if it's Santiago handwriting? If it is, he has better penmanship than I do. I wonder what it says and what it means that he bought me a phone. Does this mean he wants to date me, or does he pity me because I'm super poor? I hope it's the latter.
"Brittany, you may want to come out here," Rachel yells from the living room.
"I'll be out in a minute," I yell back.
Consumed by what could possibly be in this envelope, I finally get to open it. I pull out a white card with three gold letters embroidered in cursive on the front. SJL
I open the card and it reveals a nice little note. I can't help but smile as I begin to read it.
Dear Brittany,
I would like to thank you again for such a wonderful day yesterday. I would like to return the favor by having you join me for dinner Wednesday evening at 7pm.
Santiago J. Lopez
P.S.
Please accept the phone and the laptop. You can call me after Ms. Cohen-Chang leaves to lecture me about my spending habits. Have wonderful day, and I look forward to your call.
Dinner… Wednesday night? Wait…Laptop? What laptop?
With that thought I put the card on the floor, and bolt out of my room. When I make it into the living room sure enough there is a big laptop box sitting on the coffee table. What is wrong with him? He got me a freaking laptop! He can't be serious.
"I don't need a laptop" I tell Tina desperately.
"But I thought you just said you didn't have one?" is her only response. I look at Rachel, and she looks just as stunned as I do. I can't believe this, now I'm super frustrated, the phone is one thing, the laptop is another. It's completely over the freaking top; I can't believe this is happening.
"This one isn't even on the market yet. I went to apple website and it's nowhere to be found" Rachel finally chimes in. "Does he have some kind of partnership with apple?" She directs her question to Tina because I clearly have no clue.
I shake my head because I know that there's no point in even trying to protest. "I don't mean to sound rude or anything but can you just set this up, I need to get to class." I huff, ready for Tina to leave before she can present me with anymore gifts from Santiago "I'm Filthy Fucking Rich" J. (whatever that stands for.) Lopez. With that being said I walk back into the kitchen to finish my breakfast.
"I'm going to need her information," I hear Tina tell Rachel, as I step into the kitchen.
"Oh don't worry, I know all her information," she replies casually. I shake my head and sigh; at least her noisiness is good for something, because honestly I can't deal with this right now.
/
Thankfully it doesn't take Tina and Rachel long to set things up. Rachel has written down all the information that I need to log into my computer and my phone. She seems a lot more excited about it then I do. I'm still quite livid about it actually, which is why I'm still sitting at the kitchen table.
"Bye Tina it was nice meeting you," Rachel tells Tina at the door.
"You too Rachel, Brittany I hope you enjoy your new gadgets," I hear her say from the door. I roll my eyes before I yell out a "Thank You" because let's be honest, this is not her fault. She was only doing her job, and I feel bad that I had taken my frustrations out on her, because it's Santiago I'm mad at.
"Wait!" I yell as I get up from the kitchen table, and head to the front door.
"Look, I'm sorry for my behavior, I'm just really frustrated and stunned by all of this, it's not your fault that your boss is Looney Tunes…did you put his number in my phone?" I question.
"It's okay, I understand, really I do, and yes I put all of his contact information in your phone. I'm sure he's expecting your call."
"Okay, thank you" I say.
"You're welcome, have a good day ladies," she says as she turns to walk down the stairs. I walk back to the kitchen to clean up my mess with Rachel following closely behind me.
"Okay what was that?" She asks, clearly in disbelief.
I shrug, "I have no idea."
"Brittany, he bought you a laptop…and a phone. There is something you're not telling me. Throughout my history as a hard-hitting journalist I've never heard of something like this. Brittany these gifts are expensive, granted he is a billionaire, but this is really weird…and that's coming from me.
"I know, this is really crazy, did you not hear me say that earlier?" I say as I put my bowl in the sink.
"Well… are you gonna call him?"
"Yeah, but right not now… I'm gonna head to class" I say. I need to get out of here quick before she begins her special line of questioning, which involves her badgering me until I give up and tell her everything, which only leads to even more questions. I don't have the time or the patience, and I don't like getting upset with her.
"Brittany, are you seriously not going to call him right now. I don't think I can wait all evening to hear what he has to say about this, it'll drive me insane, and I need to focus on my final showcase, do you want me to be distraught over this? What if I can't perform because of the stress?" I roll my eyes because of course she makes this about herself.
"I don't have time for this" I say as I walk out of the kitchen. As I walk into the living room I pick up the laptop and the phone and take them to my room; Rachel still following behind me. I stop before I walk in because I notice the card still sitting on the floor where I left it. I turn around and make sure that I'm standing in her way so she can't enter.
She stands there and examines me for a second. "What?" I asked out of frustration.
"What aren't you telling me Brittany? Look I get that our relationship is a little rocky at the moment, and trust me I am really, really trying to be a better best friend and roommate, but I know something is going on. I have a sixth sense about these things"
I just stare at her, I don't want to tell her anything until I've figured it out first, and I don't want her driving me insane with all her questioning. I mean she makes me feel like I'm a criminal on one of those Law & Order shows.
"Can we please just not do this right now?" I plead.
She huffs, "fine, for once I'm not going to bagger you, even though this is slowly killing me. I mean the amount of stress from this alone can cause me to have stroke at the tender age of 21."
"Rachel you're not gonna have a stroke, so relax and go get ready for school" I tell her calmly.
"Fine, but in all seriousness…you know you can talk to me about anything right? And I'll do my best to listen" she says sincerely.
I smile and nod, because I know it to be true. Yes, she's a lot to deal with most of the time, but she's always been there for me when I've needed her the most, that's why it's always so hard for me to ever stay mad her. "Thanks." I say.
Rachel smiles as she turns around and walks to her room. I turnaround and walk into mine closing and locking the door behind me. That was really close, I know for a fact that she would've noticed the card lying on the floor. Then I really wouldn't have been able to get rid of her.
/
On my way to school I decide to get off the train at 50th street so I can call Santiago. I go through the contacts that Tina programed into my phone, find his name and press call. It rings twice before I hear his deep voice on the other end.
"Good Morning Miss Pierce." I can tell by the sound of his voice that he's smiling. Which makes me smile a little, but then I realize that I'm actually mad at him.
"I'm mad at you," I say sternly.
"Yes, well that seems to be the recurring theme between you and I Miss Pierce." I know he's smirking now. God, he can be so annoying sometimes.
"You didn't need to get me a phone Santiago…or a freaking laptop! What's wrong with you?" letting him know that I'm seriously frustrated by his actions.
I hear him sigh before he responds, and I already know he's going to say something ridiculous about him having money.
"I know I didn't have to, I wanted to. I can't have you walking around the city with unreliable means of communication Brittany…you needed a new phone."
Okay I wasn't expecting that. I was expecting him to be harsh and tell me how filthy fucking rich he is, again. I can't get over the fact that he actually said that to me in the first place. And what does he mean 'he can't have me?' He's not my owner, and I'm not his charity case, nor his responsibility. So my means of communications shouldn't be any of his concern. He wouldn't even kiss me last night!
"Well that's really none of your concern Santiago. I can take care of myself." I huff still a little frustrated with the situation.
"I'm sure you can." He says dryly.
Okay what the hell does he mean by that? "Don't do that," I say, my voice laced with anger.
I hear him sigh again. "Do what Brittany?"
"Don't talk to me like that."
"How am I talking to you Brittany?"
"You're being all condensing and I don't like it. Just because you have more money than I do, doesn't mean I can't take care of myself. I was doing just fine until you came along, and I don't need you buying me stuff."
He huffs, "I wasn't trying to be condescending Brittany. I know you can take care of yourself …look the phone is more for my peace of mind than anything else, because let's be honest, that thing you called a phone was barely hanging on by a thread."
"It was tape… and why does it even matter it's not like I'm your girlfriend or anything. You don't date…or kiss people for that matter…" I quickly cover my mouth because I didn't mean to bring that up. Crap! Now he's gonna think that that's the reason I'm upset, other than the fact that he's forcing me to take a phone that I didn't ask for, and we've only known each other for like 4 days.
"So that's what this is about, the fact that I wouldn't kiss you last night… listen Brit-"
I sigh and roll my eyes at his statement; I knew he would think that. I decide to interrupt him before he goes any further with his ridiculousness.
"No…what I mean is that I don't know you. We met like 4 days ago, and now you're buying me stuff. I don't know how to react to that…you have to admit this is really weird…"
"Why, because we met each other 4 days ago? What? Would it have been better if I waited a month? I didn't realize that I'd have to know a person for a certain amount of time before I could give them a gift. Especially when the gift is much needed."
God! he just doesn't get it. "What do I have to say to make you understand? I feel like I'm talking to my cat, because neither of you listen."
"Did you seriously just compare me to your cat?"
I roll my eyes again, probably for like the 50th time this morning. "Yes, because that's how you're behaving," I say out of frustration.
"Okay, stop this…I'm not about to keep going back and forth with you on this, you needed a phone, I bought you a phone, your using said phone, end of story. Do you want me to apologize for giving you something you needed?"
"I didn't need a new phone! And definitely not a freaking computer! What is your problem?" I say frustrated that he doesn't get the fact that all of this is way too much, too soon.
"Right now, you're my problem." he says sternly.
What me? No he's the problem, who forces someone to take a phone?
"Look…it's just a phone, if you don't want it, don't use it. Throw it away, or give it away, I don't really care…but you need to stop doing this.
"Doing what, defending myself? Santiago you cannot send your assistant to my apartment at 6 o'clock in the morning, forcing me to accept a phone and a computer that I did not ask for. How do you not see a problem with that?"
After I'm done with my rant, there's silence on the line. I stop walking to look at my phone to make sure he's still on the other end.
"Are you always going to be this difficult Miss Peirce?" he asks coolly, like I wasn't just telling him off.
"Why am I difficult, because I'm standing up for my rights? Well than I guess I will be, Mr. Lopez…Are you always going to be this difficult?" I huff.
He chuckles before he says "Most likely…"
I shake my head because I know he's telling the truth, but that doesn't make it okay. "Look, if were gonna be friends you can't do stuff like this."
He doesn't respond. He better not have hung up on me. "Are you there?"
"Brittany, you need to stop this," he says through gritted teeth.
"Stop what?" I asked appalled and a confused. Why is he mad, I'm the one with the issue here…and he's my freakin issue!
"Stop going all independent woman on me. I know that you work hard; I know that you can fend for yourself. You've survived living in NY for nearly four years without my assistance, but if I want to buy you a phone and computer or whatever else I see fit, I'll do just that." He pauses for a moment, I guess for dramatic effect, because it works "I have the Right to do so."
I can't believe how he's turning this around, it's so not fair. If he wants to be like that, then I'll give him a reason to. "Well fine then, I'll just give it away. just like you said, I don't have to keep it; I'll just give it to some random person on the street." I respond challengingly
"Yeah well in that case, I guess Ms. Cohen-Chang will be at your door again tomorrow morning," he says coolly, clearly unaffected by my threat.
"Leave poor Tina alone, she afraid of you," I tell him seriously, "and are you threatening me?"
He begins laughing like I just told him a joke or something. "That's funny…But Miss Pierce I don't make threats, I pride myself on being a man of my word. As far as Ms. Cohen-Chang goes, well, simply put I'm her boss, and if she likes being employed she'll do her job."
"Stop being mean, she's a nice girl, don't bully her."
"Brittany, I'm not a very nice person…but I'm no bully either. I just call the shots, and if things don't go the way I desire, people get fired. It's the job they signed up for…plain and simple."
"So you fire people if they don't do what you want them to?"
"No, I fire people if they don't do the job that I hired them to do."
That makes sense but it's still kind of mean. That's why I could never work in corporate America, it's more cut throat than the entertainment industry. "The economy is bad you shouldn't fire people."
"Well you'll be pleased to know that it happens very rarely."
"You should still be nicer to Tina."
"I don't do nice…did she say that I was mean?"
"No, but she just seemed to be intimidated by you," thinking back on how Tina was afraid she'd lose her job if I didn't accept the phone. "And I don't believe that you're not nice. Despite the way you show it, you're nice to me."
"Miss Pierce you seem to be the only exception."
I smile at that, but I'm not the only person he's nice to, and I know he doesn't believe that. "Well I don't believe that's true, you are an amazing person Santiago, except when you're reminding me how filthy fucking rich you are," I tell him jokingly.
The line goes silent again, and I wait for him to speak. "well, I hate disappointing you, but it's true.
I frown a little. Maybe he does believe it. I'm not sure what to say to that. "I don't think so."
"You're setting impossible standards for me Brittany."
"Nothing is impossible Mr. Lopez," I tell him through a smile.
The line goes silent again. I look up to see what street I'm on, and I notice that I have a few more blocks to go before I reach my destination. I'm glad, because that means I get to stay on the phone with him a little longer, I'm not ready to hang up yet.
"So what are you doing today?" I ask, breaking the pause in our conversation. It's a simple question, one that hopefully won't bring up any form of disagreement.
"Well, its Monday so I'll most likely be in meetings all day, except when I get on a plane to Boston this afternoon. I'm not sure what else, Nadia isn't in yet."
When he says Boston I get a little sad. I hope he's not staying long, I know this sounds crazy but I'm going to miss him. I missed him after he dropped me off last night, and I missed when I woke up this morning…for obvious reasons. That crazy dream! I don't know what it is but I just feel this crazyconnection with him.
"How long will you be gone?" I ask him, trying to keep the hint of sadness out of my voice.
"Not long, will you miss me Miss Pierce?"I can tell he's smirking.
I smile, "I will actually, so what does 'not long' mean Mr. Lopez?"
"It means that I plan on being back in New York before the sun goes down."
I'm happy to hear that, because maybe I'll get a chance to see him at some point this evening. I doubt it though, because I'm almost certain that my rehearsals are going to run late tonight.
"So what about you; rehearsing for your showcase?"
"Yeah, we'll probably be in rehearsals until late this evening, hopefully everyone makes it."
"I hope so too, did you eat breakfast?"
"Yes, I had a bowl of cereal and an apple."
"Just cereal and an apple?" he questions, I can tell he's a little upset by this. I'm not sure why though; does he have some sort of vendetta against cereal and fruit?
"Do you not like cocoa puffs or something? If you don't I'm not sure we can be friends," I tell him teasingly.
"The cereal isn't the problem Britt, you should be eating enough to sustain you until lunch."
"It will and plus I have goldfish in my backpack."
"No it won't, it's barely even 8. I guarantee you, that you'll be hungry again before 10."
I sigh, because I don't want to have another disagreement with him, especially when we didn't even resolve anything from the previous one.
"Well if I am, I'm sure you'll have your assistant pop up with some food for me." I say half-jokingly because I know that there is, in fact, a possibly of that happening.
"Possibly," he sounds amused.
"Well in that case, I would love french toast with fruit and a side of bacon." I might as well tell him what I want.
"I think that can be arranged." I know he's wearing that sexy, but ridiculous smirk, and it causes me to smile. "So, will you be joining me for dinner on Wednesday night?" he questions.
Wow, I was so focused on the phone that I completed forgot all about his invitation. "Of course I'll have dinner with you, but it has to be a late dinner. Can we make it 8:30 instead of 7?
"Of course, and I'll have a car pick you up."
"Awesome, I can't wait," I say as I walking to the building where my first class is being held.
"Me either, I look forward to seeing you." I can't help the giant smile graces my face when he says that. See he can be very sweet, I don't know why he acts like he's not a nice guy.
I get a little sad when I reach my class, because I don't want to hang up yet. I would love it if we could just talk all day, that'd be so awesome, but I know we can't. He has people to boss around and I have to deal with an overly dramatic teacher, and a few jealous classmates. "Well I have to go now; I'm in front of my class. Can I talk to you later?" I ask hopefully.
"Of course, you can call me anytime you want. Have a good day Brittany."
My stomach does flip flops, and I feel all tingly inside. Now I really don't want to hang up. I can't believe that we went from being angry at one another, to talking sweetly in a matter of minutes. I mean we didn't even solve anything. What is he doing to me?
"You too Santiago, and have a safe trip to Boston. Can you call and let me know you got there safely?" I ask hopefully.
"I will," He says softly.
"Okay, we'll talk later then," I reply.
"Okay, I'll let you get to class, later Brittany."
"Later Santiago," I say, and end the call with the cheesiest smile on my face.
/
I walk into my acting for dancers class a little earlier than usual. I see that the teacher hasn't shown up yet, so I place my things on the floor in the corner of the room and begin my warm ups.
"Hi Brittany," my classmate Jessica says as she enters the room.
"Hey what's up?" I reply as I continue going through my warm ups.
"I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for missing rehearsals on Friday. I know the show is getting close, but I had to pick up a few extra hours at work. One of my roommates moved out, so I have to pay extra rent until we find a replacement."
I nod my head in understanding, because I get it. I'm no stranger to having low funds or no funds at all: it's a big issue for me as well. I haven't had anyone support me financially since I left for college. In fact I had to work throughout my junior and senior year in high school just to afford to buy a plane ticket to New York, I'm only here because I was lucky enough to get a scholarship, along with financial aid.
If it wasn't for that I'd probably still be in Lima working on my uncles farm. The only reason I'm living with Rachel is because she's (her fathers) shouldering the majority of the rent, because she and her dads didn't want her living alone in the big city.
But at the end of the day our grades rely on the showcase. It's not only to show our professors that we've grown as dancers, but it's also a great opportunity to showcase our talents to agents and dance troupes across the world. So she really shouldn't be apologizing to me, I'm not the one she sabotaging.
"Look I get it, trust me I do, but our showcase is a little less than 2 weeks away."
"I know that Brittany. Why do think I'm here?" she says with a little bit of an edge to her voice.
"But you're not really… We can't have people just showing up to rehearse whenever they feel like it. You've missed quite a few practices Jess, it's sort of like you don't care all that much anymore." I pause, I shouldn't be lecturing her, I should be motivating her because she is a really great dancer, I just think she's lost some of her confidence.
"This isn't the time to start giving up on something we've all worked so hard for. This is Juilliard. We're not just in some performing arts program. This is the best performing arts school on the planet. Yeah some of the people who go here are super arrogant with bad attitudes, who think that they're better than everyone else and they are, when it comes to their craft. They kind of have to be because they got accepted to the best school ever… You got in, so you need to act like you want this, because people who want it, not only rehearse, but they strive to be the best they can be every second of every day."
"That's easy for you to say, you're better than everyone else. You are constantly being praise by our professors. Everyone knows you're the best, even if most of them hate you because of it. You have a list of troupes and agencies that are all waiting for you to graduate, and join them. You could've left Juilliard after sophomore year. Brittany, no one else has had that option."
I sigh, she's right, I could have left sophomore year to join a dance troupe in LA. But graduating from Juilliard is really important to me. It's been my dream since my aunt Holly told me about it freshman year of high school.
I've also been offered a couple of teaching positions. And I would be teaching part time right now instead of working at a coffee shop, but none of the schedules we're as flexible as the coffee shops. I can work whenever I want, and call out when I can't. It's been the best option for me, and plus I get all the free coffee I want and one sweet pastry every shift I work. I think that a pretty sweet deal.
"You're a great dancer Jess, you just need to believe in yourself more. look we've known each other since freshman year, so I think that I can say this to you without you being offended. I think you're scared. I think you're afraid of what happens next, but you shouldn't let that fear make you hide under your bed. You should face it like the fearless dancer you are, and two step your way to the top, because you're amazing."
She has a tearful smile on her face. "Thanks Britt."
"Look if you can't really afford your rent, I have a couch you can sleep on. I mean Rachel is a bit much to take. Especially in the mornings, but you're still welcomed. She owes me anyways so that could be how she pays me back." I tell her.
She laughs lightly. "I don't know Britt. I can't just leave Tori hanging like that. We put an ad out hopefully well find someone before next month's rent is due. If not well both need to find somewhere else to live."
"Well at least you know you have an option."
We're interrupted by the thunderous voice of out teacher." The smell of mediocrity is oozing from each of your pores!" he says as he storms into the room. He's looking as fierce as ever with his black leather pants, purple fussy scarf and his sunglasses, or as he likes to call them 'Hater Blockers' on. He's a really interesting character, and my favorite teacher.
"Mc. Hammer!" he points to my friend Jared in the back. "You're leading the warms ups today…And BEGIN!" he yells as we all get into formation.
/
"Brittany Darling, I need a moment," Mr. Thompson yells across the room, as everyone packs their bags to leave. Class just ended, and I'm sitting down on the hard dance floor. I have a little time to kill before my production choreography class that starts in about forty minutes., so I get up and grab my belonging and walk over to Mr. Thompson.
"What's up?" I ask brightly. Even though I kind of have an idea as to what it is.
"What's up, is the fact that last week I asked you for an answer, and I have yet to receive it Miss Brittany. Have you at least thought about it?"
Crap, I haven't thought about it since Friday, before I met Santiago. Who's been consuming every single one of my thoughts since then, even my dreams aren't safe.
Last week, I got an offer to join one of the most elite dance companies in the world. The only problem with that is, it's in Russia. It's a great opportunity but I would have to move there for two years. They would set me up in an apartment, and the money is good, but I'm not sure if I want to go all the way to Russia to dance. I can do that anywhere. It really doesn't matter how much money I make or if I become rich and famous. As long as I get to do what I love, I'd be happy. And I'm also not sure if I want to be tied down for two years.
"Brittany this is an amazing opportunity. You are the top dance student here. You're the best I've seen in a very long time, and I've been in this business for over 30 years honey. I have dance all over the world, on every continent except Antarctica, because it too damn cold, and no one has ever seen a black Eskimo for a reason, so I know what I'm talking about. I'm going to give you a few more days, but I'll need an answer by Thursday."
"Thank you; and you're right this is an amazing opportunity." I say with as much sincerity as possible. Because I do know how amazing this opportunity is, and I also know that every other dancer would kill to for an offer like this. In fact I think some people are plotting my murder as we speak.
"But I'm not sure if being in Russia for two years is really for me. This is something I really need to think about, and I promise to give you answer by thursday."
"Very well honey, but a little word of advice. A good dancer gets to audition. A phenomenal dancer gets an offer, and honey, this is an offer of a lifetime." He tells me pointedly before walking out of the room in dramatic fashion.
I shake my head and follow him out the door. He's right, it is an offer of a lifetime, but I'm not sure if it's the right offer for me. I feel bad for thinking that way, but I'm just not sure it'll be right for me. I'm gonna have to make some really important decisions in the next few weeks. I sigh as I turn to walk out of the room.
Since I have a little time before my next class, I think I might just head to the cafeteria, because my stomach feels empty. As much as I hate to admit it, Santiago was right. I didn't have a very filling breakfast, and after a little over two hours of dancing and acting, I'm starving.
/
As soon as I exit the building I see a tall dark figure walking towards me.
How in the world did he know where to find me? I mean of course he knows I go to Juilliard, but how did he know what building I would be in? At this moment there's no doubt in my mind that he's totally psychic.
"What are you doing here?" I ask as he stops and stands in front of me. He's wearing a gray suit with a navy blue tie. He looks so handsome. As I'm checking him out I notice that he's carrying a plastic bag that looks to be food.
"Hello to you too, here," he smirks and hands me the plastic bag.
"What's this?" I ask skeptically.
He rolls his eyes before saying, "it's food, I'm sure you're hungry, and you need to eat before your next class. I don't want you passing out, due to the lack of nutrients in your body… And don't even try to fight me on this, because I know you're starving. I heard your stomach growling before you even walked out of the building." he tells me pointedly.
Yep definitely psychic, "How did you get to be so magical? Do you know like a wizard or something? " I tease.
He smirks, "I am a wizard," he says through a grin. God he's so handsome, I feel like he has me under some sort of spell or something, It's possible.
"Well can you grant me some magical powers of my own?" I look around to make sure no one's listening. "I promise not tell anybody."
He chuckles softly. "You Miss Peirce are as magical as they come."
I like him like he this, it's much better than how he was last night when he dropped me off, I'm glad we're not being awkward around each other. I still want to kiss him though, especially after that dream I had. I feel my cheeks grow hot at the thought. I duck my head and try to regain my composer.
"Really?" I ask in a small voice as I look back up at him.
"Without a doubt," he says still wearing that charming smile.
He has me blushing again, so I direct my attention to the plastic bag that I'm holding. "So what's this?" I ask him.
"French Toast with fruit, and a side of bacon. I'm sure you have an unhealthy obsession with sugar Miss Pierce… I also got you, some apple juice and a bottle of water."
I can't help but smile, this is like the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. I don't know why he says that he's not a nice guy. If that were true he wouldn't be standing here right now.
"Thank You," I say shyly.
"Now that's the proper response, when someone gives you something," He says with that smirk of his firmly in place.
I shake my head because I knew his prince charming act wouldn't last very long. "Well, excuse me if I'm not use to someone buying me ridiculously expensive gifts after only knowing them for 3 days Mr. Lopez."
"You still shouldn't make me feel bad about it…" he counters.
I made him feel bad? Those weren't my intentions at all. I just don't want him to feel like he needs to buy me things, period. I'm not superficial, like a most of the girls, and guys who go to this school. The majority of people who go here come from families with money, and therefore want to date within their class or higher. I don't get why, but I guess it's one of those things that I'll never understand.
Not everyone is like that though; like me, some people just don't care. I like Santiago for who he is, I didn't even know who he was when I first saw him, but I felt something for him. I'm still trying to figure out what that something is, but whatever it, I know that it's not because of his money.
"I wasn't trying to make you feel bad…and I'm sorry that I did. But Santiago, I'm not into material things, this is the kind of stuff I like. It's simple and it shows you care." I say holding up the bag of food to emphasize my point. "So I'm not going to argue with you about bringing me food, because you're right, I am hungry," I tell him honestly. No point in lying because I'm so going to demolish this food.
He smiles and nods, "good, I hope you enjoy it."
"I'm sure I will, and thank you for bringing it, instead of sending your assistant or something."
He chuckles lightly, "I heard you loud and clear Miss Pierce."
"Good," I say smiling brightly at him.
For a moment we just stand there smiling at each other, until Santiago eyes begin to roam down my body. Usually when guys do that I feel self-conscious and annoyed, but with him I don't feel that way. I don't feel like he's judging me, it feels more like he's appreciates what he sees. I smile at the thought.
Suddenly I feel him move in closer to me as he bends down to whisper in my ear. "I must say that you and spandex get a long quite nicely." I close my eyes and shudder, as his hot breath hit my ear. God I want him so bad.
Before he pulls away he plants the softest kiss on my cheek. This kiss feels a little different than the one last night. It feels better, maybe because it caught me of guard a little. When he kissed me last night I felt cheated, and a little rejected because I wanted it so badly. I still want it, so much, but I appreciate this a lot more than last night.
He straightens back up and looks me in the eyes, his dark eyes are blazing and I feel like my body is on fire. I take a step backwards, because if I don't I'm not sure what might happen.
He smirks and I feel like he can read my mind or something. "Well I have plane to catch, so I will talk to you later. Enjoy your real breakfast."
I swallow and nod, still trying to gain my composer. "I will, and thank you again. This was really sweet Santiago."
"Nice and sweet, you may want to choose different adjectives when referring to me Miss Peirce." Before I have a chance to respond, he turns around and walks towards the SUV that waiting for him on the corner.
I smile, and shake my head. This man is something else. He acts like he's this big meanie or something, and yes he can be a little rude and cold among other things, but he's also the sweetest most charming man that I've ever met.
If he were mean he wouldn't have just bought me this awesome smelling breakfast. Mean people don't do stuff like that, unless he spit in it or something, and I'm sure he didn't do that because he won't even kiss me on the mouth.
I'm broken out of my musing by Santiago yelling to me, "You should eat your breakfast before it gets cold."
I smile as I turnaround and begin walking towards the Lincoln center fountain. Since it's so beautiful out, I want to have my breakfast there before all the tourist show up and it gets crowded.
When I get there I drop my bags on the ground and sit down, deciding to send a quick text to Santiago before I start eating.
To Santiago Lopez: Thx again & have a safe flight… Mr. Nice & Sweet ;)
I smile as I press send. Before I can put my phone away I hear it ding indicating that I have a new text.
From Santiago Lopez: Thank you, and I don't like to be teased Miss Pierce. Enjoy your breakfast.
I shake my head at his response. Even his text messages are up tight. He really needs to loosen up a bit, so I decide to tell him that.
To Santiago Lopez: Y R U sooooooooo uptight? Even n ur txt…L
I get a response as soon as I take the first bite of my delicious French toast; I wonder where he got it from? There was no name on the bag or the fancy container it came in, it must be from some expensive restaurant. I wouldn't be surprised if it were. After all he is filthy fucking rich. I still can't believe he said that to me...
I pick up the phone to read the text he just sent.
From Santiago Lopez: Brittany, *YOU are a very intelligent women, so *WHY do *YOU *TEXT like and adolescent?
When I read it I have to laugh, is this guy serious? Of course he is; that's the funny part. He really needs to go to a fun boot camp or something, because this is insane. Now I'm gonna have mess with him.
To Santiago Lopez: R U da txt'n po po or sumthin?
I smile at my response, because the whole point of texting is that you get to abbreviate words so you won't spend all day typing them out. Only Mr. Uptight & Insanely Hot doesn't understand proper text etiquette.
From Santiago Lopez: *You're Cute, but your texting…is not, and if I was in fact the texting police, I would have you handcuffed…;)
Handcuffed with a winky face…is that his attempt at flirting? If so it's kind of cute and hot. I'm a little surprised by it, because I thought I would get like a paragraph on how I should type full word responses or something, but handcuffed…
To Santiago Lopez: Wanky… ;)
He responds immediately and I smile.
From Santiago Lopez: Indeed…;)
This man is really something else. It's crazy how one minute he can be so domineering and then the next he can be playful and flirty. I honestly can't keep up with his mood swings, they make dizzy, like that time I went to a tennis match with Rachel and her dad…I almost fainted. With that memory I decide to leave our text exchange on a good note, and continue eating my second breakfast.
/
It's now 11:30 at night and I'm just getting out of rehearsals for the day. Surprisingly they weren't terrible. Everyone showed up, and worked hard. I'd say overall it was a really great day, I mean beside the way my morning started, which I guess wasn't all that bad. I did get a new phone, even if I really didn't need one, no matter what everyone else says.
Even I have to admit that it's a super awesome phone, I can't stop playing with it. I've been taking pictures of everything, recording videos, and playing all types of fun games. All things I couldn't do on my old flip phone, but what makes this phone super awesome is that fact that I can now communicate with the one and only Mr. Santiago J. Lopez.
We've been texting pretty much all day. He made sure to let me know when he landed safely in Boston, and when he got back a few hours ago. If I would've know that him getting me a new phone would result in me being able to be in constant contact with him, I wouldn't have protested as much. It feels really nice to know that when I want to be in touch with him (which is all the time) I can.
/
As I finally make it out of the building I begin walking towards the train station. When I get to the cross walk a familiar black SUV stops right in front of me, and I see Beiste hop out of the passenger side.
"Miss Pierce." She greets as she opens the back the door gesturing for me to get in. I'm a bit confused because Santiago didn't tell me he was picking me up, but then again it's Santiago he kind of just pops up everywhere.
"Umm what's going on?" I question.
"I was ordered by Mr. Lopez to drive you home madam," she replies still gesturing for me to get in the back seat.
Why am I not surprised? I've known him for a total of four days and he's already bought me a laptop, a cell phone, and now he has his personal driver/ security guard stalking me outside of my school telling me that he's ordered them to take me home.
I sigh, because I realize that there is no arguing with him, especially when I'm this tired. So I nod, and walk towards the opened door.
"May I take your bags? I can put them in the back for you."
I smile and hand her my gym bag and my book bag before climbing into the backseat. After I settle in I look up to see who's driving. I notice that my ninja friend isn't here, and I'm kind of disappointed at that because I really wanted to ask him a few questions about his training methods. I decide to introduce myself to driver anyways.
"Hi. I'm Brittany."
"Good Evening Miss Pierce, I'm Blue."
"You don't look Blue to me?" I say teasingly.
"Oh no ma'am that's just my last name," he says as Shannon slides into the passenger seat.
Well duh, I shake my head, because he doesn't get my humor. As we begin our journey to Brooklyn I decide that now is the perfect time to text Santiago. I wonder why he sent his car instead of coming himself. I'm really bummed that he's not sitting next to me right now.
I pull my phone out of the pocket of my hoodie, and notice that there is already a text from Santiago.
From Santiago Lopez: Britt, please accept the ride home tonight. I don't like the idea of you riding the subway so late at night. My apologies for not being there to accompany you, but I needed to tend to an emergency situation. I hope you understand. I will call you a little later.
I'm grinning like a fool over his message. That was so thoughtful and sweet; I don't know how he can argue that he isn't. He's amazing in every sense of the word.
I mean he worries about me taking the subway at night, even though I've never had any real trouble, other than being pick-pocketed once, or being so tired that I fell asleep and missed my stop. Like that one night I ended up in Queens, It took me almost two hours to get home.
To Santiago Lopez: Okay, and Thank You for the ride… ;)
I smile as I press send, because I'm sure he will be pleased that I've decided to take the time to actually type out the full words this time. He's been lecturing me all day about how ridiculous and juvenile my text etiquette is, when in fact it's the other way around.
From Santiago Lopez: Well, Well not so stubborn after all…
I smirk.
To Santiago Lopez: Don't get use to it Mr. Lopez…
From Santiago Lopez: I wouldn't dare Miss Pierce…
I smile brightly at the screen. I can't wait until he calls me later, no matter how late it is, I would wait a lifetime to just to hear his voice. I know that sounds crazy, and admittedly a little bit cheesy, but it's the truth.
Instead of responding to his last text, I decide to go through our entire text history, and I can't seem to stop smiling.
At some point I fell asleep because when I opened my eyes we're outside of my apartment building. I hop out of the backseat, say good night to both Shannon and Blue, and make my way upstairs. When I get inside the apartment, it's dark and quiet. I'm because that means that Rachel is either still in rehearsals or fast asleep.
I quickly go about my nightly routine so that I'm situated before Santiago calls, making sure to plug my phone into the charger by my bed before I head into the bathroom.
When I come out I check my phone to see if he's called yet, he hasn't. I look at the time and its 12:30 when I lie down. As soon as my head hits the pillow my phone begins to ring, finally.
"Hello." I say through a tired smile. I hear him let out a breath before he answers.
"Hi." He says, sounding tired also.
"Are you okay?" I ask a little concerned.
He doesn't answer straight away and I can tell he struggling with something. I hope he's okay. "I'm better…" he breathes. Better? What does that mean?
"Did you have a bad today?" I ask him softly.
"No…it's just been very exhausting."
"How so?"
"Do you really want to know?" he questions, I can hear in his voice that he's tired, but why wouldn't I want to know.
"If I didn't, I wouldn't have asked…remember when you told that if I needed to talk I could talk to you?"
After a beat he answers "yes"
I smile, "Well that works both ways, we're friends now so if you need anything I'm here for you too." I really want him to know that.
"I don't usually need people Brittany…"
"Yes you do, you just don't know you do… or you know, and you just don't want to admit it, but please talk to me." I plead, because even though he's tired, I can tell that something else is wrong.
He takes a deep breath and says, "I'm not sure where to begin."
"You can always start from the beginning." I say to give him a starting point.
"Well let's see, I received an angry phone call this morning from a stubborn woman airing her grievances about some gifts she'd received." I hear the playfulness in his voice.
I laugh, "Stop being silly, tell me what happened… like why'd you have to go to Boston?"
"I purchased a company there a few weeks ago, and we needed to finalize a few things, check out the employees, and also look some land for the expansion that's in the works."
"Sounds cool, you're like an expert at real life monopoly." I joke.
I chuckles lightly before he says, "That's one way of putting it."
I smile "So are you in bed right now?" I ask.
He sighs a little "No, I'm actually still at my office."
"Why are you still at your office? Its past midnight," ask him, confused because what's a good a reason for him to still be in his office.
"The same reason why I couldn't accompany you on your ride home," he answers wearily. By his response I know this is why he sounds so tired, and slightly stressed. This must be a big problem, so I stay quiet in hopes he'll explain further, and he does.
"A situation happened with two of our workers at a construction site in New Jersey."
I gasp, "Oh…I'm sorry…ar- are they okay? What happened?"
"They're both in critical condition. A beam wasn't stable enough and they both got injured pretty badly." He says lowly, he seems really trouble by this.
That's how I know that he's a great person, because he cares about people. "I hope they end up okay," I tell him sincerely.
"Yeah me too…I should get going, and let you sleep. I know you have a long day tomorrow. What time do you think you'll be home?" he questions.
"I'm not sure, maybe 8 or 9" I tell him.
"Okay, good. So, I'll talk to you tomorrow. Sweet dreams Britt."
I smile "Sweet dreams Santiago, and please go home and get some rest, okay."
"Okay, you should hang up now," he says.
"You said good night first so you should hang up first," I challenge.
"I'm not going to hang up on you Britt, now you hang first."
I laugh he's being silly again. "Okay how about we hang up at the same time…"
"Okay, on the count of 3. He pauses and begins to count. "1…2…3"
I stay on the line to make sure he hangs up. It quiet for a moment, so he might've actually hung up the phone. "Hello" I say to make sure.
"Hang up the phone Brittany" he says through a light chuckle.
I giggle, "Why didn't you hang up?"
"The same reason you didn't, now hang up." He laughs
"Don't tell me what to do." I pout.
"Does it matter? Because you're just going to do what you want do anyway…maybe I should tell you not to hang up" he teases.
"Fine…since you don't want to talk to me, good night Mr. Lopez." I say jokingly.
"I'd never not want to talk to you Miss Pierce…but I do have to go, so sweet dreams."
I can't stop the smile that covers my face after he says it again. "You know you just keeping proving me right don't you?"
"In what might I ask?"
"That you really are nice and sweet…" and with that I quickly end the call before he can object. I sigh as I place the phone on the nightstand next to my bed, roll over and fall in to a peaceful slumber.
/
Thanks again and please review.