Happy Sunday! Here's the next chapter. Don't forget to review :P
Chapter 12: Forever Friends
October 2023
We made it! The final day of our shoot in Greece. To say that I'm excited is an understatement. I'm fucking ecstatic! Vacation, time-off, I don't think I remember what these words mean, and I get to have it starting in about 12 hours. That's it, 12 hours! Keeping that in mind, my body wakes up even before my alarm has a chance to blare through my apartment. I know I'm walking around with more of a pep in my step. This shoot has been long, longer than most. Our schedule even got pushed back a couple of weeks. We had some issues with weather and Sofia getting sick, all things that are bound to happen but when they happen all at once? It can be stressful. Nonetheless, we made it. I jump in the shower, brush my teeth, toast some bread and I'm out the door.
"Morning guys! Morning Sof! Last day. Who's excited?" I greet everyone as I pour myself a large cup of hot coffee.
"Very excited!" Sofia says filling a cup for herself as well. "Josh wanted me to tell you that he changed our wrap dinner to tomorrow night. He stopped by for a second but had to leave."
"Cool. Let's grab drinks tonight," I tell her, and she nods in approval. The fact that we can go out and not worry about an early shoot or an 18-hour day is weird, but I love it.
Oddly enough, the day goes flawlessly, and I give each crew member a hug before bidding them farewell to go home and get ready for a nice and relaxing night out. My doorbell rings while doing my makeup so I put the mascara down and run over to open it.
"Come in, Sof. I'm almost ready! Want to pour us a drink? I have a bottle of vodka chilling in the freezer," I tell her before running back to my bathroom to finish up my makeup.
She comes in couple minutes after setting a shot glass down on the bathroom counter. "Cheers!" She says raising her glass to me.
"Cheers. To another great shoot!" I toast, and we knock back the shot. She hops on the counter and watches me.
"I'm excited to go out. Feels like we haven't been out in forever! Where were you thinking about going?" She asks as her legs swing, and her eyes examine my movements closely.
"I was thinking we can grab dinner at that restaurant on the beach that you like, then go to the club next door. They always have good music. What do you think?"
"Sounds good to me! I want to dance."
We take one more shot before heading out. I've been to this restaurant probably 15 times since being in Greece and it gets better each time. Sofia loves it too, so it's a win-win! After enjoying a delicious meal, we head over to the club. This place is so cool, so different than anything you would find in the states. It's set right on the beach with white couches everywhere. Sofia pulls my hand toward the bar the second we walk in, ordering us a round of shots and then dragging us to the music. The music scene is different in Greece as well. They are always flying in internationally famous DJ's and I've really grown to love the music. It feels so good to let loose, dance and not have any worries for the next day's responsibilities or the craziness of life and work. I can see Sofia's face resembling mine, carefree as she moves her body perfectly to the rhythm of the beat playing behind us.
A couple of hours later, both exhausted and danced-out, we head back to my place for a nightcap. Tonight is about celebrating and that's exactly what I plan to do. We stumble into my apartment, both feeling the alcohol but not drunk, our bodies finding each other's like two magnets. It's not like this hasn't happened before, in fact, it's happened a shit ton over the last year, I can't even count how many times. In between us kissing and moving toward my room, Sofia pulls away leaving only enough room to speak. "I had a great time tonight, Britt."
I hum against her lips to let her know, that I did too. "We're about to have even more fun now," I tell her flirtatiously as I pull her bottom lip between my teeth, eliciting a delicious moan which stirs me on further.
"Yes, we are," she says with that hungry glint in her eye I've grown so accustomed to seeing. Clothes are flying in every direction, our bodies finding the bed quickly as we roll back and forth both fighting for dominance that neither one of us are willing to relinquish. I back off just a little as her body finds comfort on top of me, receiving a victorious smirk but when she least expects it I wrap my legs around her waist flipping us so that my body slips between her legs.
"I win," I whisper seductively against her ear and I hear a sigh come from under me.
"For now," she says a devilish smirk returning to her face as her hand snakes between our bodies, her fingers slipping through my heated center. My body bucks into her. No way. I'm supposed to be in control right now but the way she is moving against me, I can feel myself slipping more and more. Before I completely get lost in her touch, I take her nipple into my mouth biting it playfully the way I know she likes it. Aggressive but sweet. It falters her movements against me for only a second, but she must have more willpower tonight because she continues her assault and is driving her fingers into my center, hitting my spot deep within with each thrust.
"Fuck," I moan against her chest.
"Feel good?" She husks. I feel her hips thrusting up against me trying to release any tension she is feeling as she pleasures me. "And you thought, oh god, you were gonna top, mm, me."
No way. I move my hand quickly down her body, appreciating the way her toned abs feel against my palm before I slip a finger into her more than ready center.
"Unghhh," she moans her thrusts becoming sloppy for a second. "Yes!" I feel the sweat mixing between our bodies as we continue to thrust into each other, our pace increasing as we bring each other higher and higher. I feel the heat building and I know I'm going to come any second. I know she's close too if the way her muscles are squeezing against my fingers is any indication. Two more well-placed drive of our fingers and we are both tumbling off the edge in pure ecstasy.
"Yeah, I think we get better every time," she says her breaths still uneven as we both lie on our back basking in our post-orgasmic state.
"Hell yeah, we do."
/
We are now both dressed and sitting on the couch, drinking tea. Sofia sits with her legs tucked under her and faces me.
"So, what's next, Britt?" She asks me as she takes a sip.
I shrug. "I don't know," I chuckle. "It's weird, you know? What do people do when they have time off? Our jobs are far from normal."
She laughs, "You're right. It isn't."
"Actually," I start. "My best friend from high school is getting married in December. I'm thinking about going to that."
"Really? That'll be fun!" She says genuinely.
"Yeah. I'm excited. Plus, I haven't met the guy yet. Need to make sure he's good enough for her," I tell her through a chuckle. "What about you?"
"I'm going to visit family. Which is just in time to be with them for the holidays. Can't remember the last time I was home for Thanksgiving, or Christmas or anything." She says. "Where's the wedding?"
"It's in New York."
"Shut up!" She screams.
"What?" I ask curiously.
"I'll be in New York, too! That's where my family lives. We should meet up while you're in town," she suggests. I nod and take a sip of my tea happy that I'll have a friend nearby. Even though I'm going to be there for Sugar's wedding and I'm sure Puck will be there as well, it has been so long since I've seen any of them and sometimes I feel like it's a whole new world, a foreign world.
"Definitely."
"What about after the wedding? Are you going to visit family, too? Actually, now that I think about it, I've never heard you talk about them. Where are you from?"
I shrug. She's right. I don't talk about my family, ever. "I'm from Lima, a small town in Ohio," I answer vaguely, not really interested in discussing this more.
"Okay… and are you going to Lima?" She pushes.
"Haven't thought about it. Maybe." My dad reaches out to me often, either through email or calls, and I answer and talk to him, but I haven't gone home since I left for London. Not even for his wedding. I was working on a strict schedule in Switzerland and couldn't have time off, plus, it wasn't something I was dying to go to. "Want more tea?" I ask her, hoping to change the subject. Come to think about it, the last time I opened up about anything related to my family was with Santana. I don't know what it was about her, but she just always made it feel like a safe place to talk, without being judged.
"No, I'm good. I should head home. It's getting late. Thanks for tonight, Britt," she says as she stands up to set her mug in my sink. I walk her to the door, tell her I'll see her tomorrow at the crew dinner, and lock up, switching off all the lights and tucking myself into bed. Sleep doesn't come easy, thoughts about my dad and my mom swirling around in my head. I miss my mom so much. Sometimes I wonder if she were still alive if things would be different. I know she would want me to follow my dreams, whatever they may be. I remember her always saying, "Always follow your dreams, sweetheart and do what makes you happy in life." All the thoughts that I have worked so hard to push down the last few years are all starting to surface, and I can't help but wonder if this wedding is bringing up so much of my family. Maybe it's also the fact that I have so much time off and have no choice but to slow down. And slowing down means more thinking since I guess I tend to use work as a distraction. It keeps my mind busy. I roll around for I don't even know how long before sleep finally takes over.
/
"I just want to give a huge congratulation to everyone on an incredible season! I know you all have worked very hard, and we've had some rough days, but we made it. I think this will be one of our best seasons yet. And to Brittany and the crew, amazing work, guys. Cheers!" Josh toasts. We have everyone together celebrating our season wrap. I'm sitting between Sofia and Josh at the table and everyone is chatting away as we eat this delicious meal the chef specially prepared for us.
"Have you given any thought to what we talked about?" Josh leans over and asks.
I give him a pointed look, "You said I had until the New Year."
He laughs, "I know, but I also know you. I'm sure you've been thinking about it, at least a little."
"What if I told you that I'm leaning more towards accepting," I tease him. I know it sounds crazy, but I really do think this could be a great opportunity and experience for me. Plus, the fact that I get to continue working with Josh and be a creative partner with him is a bonus.
"I would say that you would be making the correct decision," he says. "I'm going to take that as a yes but I'll wait for an official answer. I already have the contracts written up, just missing your signature."
We enjoy the rest of the night, sharing stories, laughs, drinks and good food before we all head home.
The next month flies by and some of the crew, at least the ones who are still here, are able to get together to celebrate Thanksgiving at my place. Thanks to Sofia's kitchen skills, the food we eat that night is delicious and a huge success. The bond that we've all created is a magical thing. Everyone understands what it's like to be away from family and loved ones, especially around the holidays, so it's always extra nice to have times like this. After Thanksgiving, everything starts moving quickly. I spend my days packing up my apartment, putting the things I don't need into boxes to ship back to Lima and the rest into a suitcase since I'll be in New York for at least a week.
Sofia is over helping me pack, returning the favor since I helped her as well.
"Box or trash?" She asks showing me a can opener from the kitchen drawer.
"Trash. I think it's broken anyway."
"When is your flight again?" She asks as she follows me to my bedroom to finish up everything in there. Luckily, the apartments that the network provides us with are furnished with the essentials: bed, dressers, couch, tv's, so I need to worry about any furniture being shipped or moved.
"Tomorrow afternoon. Remind me again why we aren't on the same flight?" I ask her as I grab the drawer from the nightstand and empty it on the bed.
"I'm meeting a friend in Paris for a couple of days then flying home."
"Oh, that's right," I say as I rummage through the crap that built up in the drawer over the last few months. "Think this is all trash." Sofia brings over the bag and starts to toss everything inside when I see the note again. "Wait!" I quickly say and grab the note. I fold it up and put it in my wallet.
"What's so special about that note?" Sofia asks as she moves around my room to continue packing.
How do I answer that question? I don't really know what is so special about it. The fact that it's from Santana, is one thing. The fact that it was left on my side table after an extra special night spent together, is another. If you asked me seven years ago what was going on, I would've told you that we were friends, just friends, who happened to enjoy having sex. We were traveling all around Europe as young 22-year old's, the key word here being, young. What did we know about feelings anything bigger than what we experienced? Was there something more going on than what I thought? Maybe. But I don't like to dwell. Plus, Santana is a smart and beautiful girl, I'm sure wherever she is today that she is probably a successful doctor and who knows, maybe even married. "It was a special time of my life. And this is a reminder of that time," I say simply. She doesn't question it further and we continue packing up the rest of my apartment.
We are both exhausted, all my boxes lined up and ready to be picked up and shipped out, my luggage is packed and waiting by the door. I pour us a glass of wine to relax after a tiring day and to just spend some time with the girl who has become my best friend.
"I'm really glad I took this job and met you, Britt," she says raising her glass to me.
"Me too, Sof. You saved me," I say through a laugh. "Do you know how hard it was to be around a bunch of guys who could be my dad?" I joke. "We're going to see each other in New York, right?"
"Duh, I need to make sure you get the best pizza in town."
"Of course," I turn to her, so she can see the seriousness in my face. "Thank you for being my friend, Sof."
/
I'm at the airport, waiting for my flight, which luckily is on time. I have my iPad fully charged and loaded with all the essential Disney movies for the long flight. They call us to board and I feel the nerves start to grow. Weird. I know. I travel for a living and have been on so many flights I can't even count, but this trip is different. This isn't a trip to an unknown location for work. I'm going back to the states to see my friend. I don't even know if these are anxious nerves or excited nerves. Maybe a combination of the two.
The flight is long and as we get closer I feel the excitement start to take over. I sent a text to Sugar letting her know when I would be landing and not to worry about picking me up from the airport, that I would just take a cab and come straight to her place in Manhattan, which she insisted on. After landing, I go to baggage claim to grab my luggage and head outside to hail a cab. Holy shit, it's cold here! I almost forgot what the cold was like. Back home in Lima, we would get cold winters, but it's been so long since I was in an environment like this that the second I walk outside it kind of just slaps me in the face. Welcome to New York, Britt. I'm happy she chose to do a wedding in December because of all the Christmas decorations that are up around the city and in Time Square. I can't wait to explore around the city. Also, another bonus about New York? The number of cabs, so tracking one down, especially at the airport, is easy. The cab driver hops out and helps me with my bags. So friendly! I give him the address and we are off. I watch as we drive through the city and see the snowfall they must have recently received. It's a good thing it wasn't snowing now or else I would have for sure been delayed and could've even missed the bachelorette.
Forty-five minutes later and I've arrived. I step out of the cab and look up to this building that looks straight out of a movie. I knew Sugar had done well for herself, opening an art gallery, but this place looked like a palace. I walk inside and see a doorman waiting to greet me.
"Hello, Miss. How can I help you?" He greets me kindly.
"I'm here to see Sugar Motta," I tell him still in awe of this place. The lobby is even more beautiful than the outside. To the corner, there is a tall Christmas tree fully decorated. The floor is all marble with a small seating area.
"Yes. She told me she was expecting a guest today. Your name?"
"Brittany. Pierce," I tell him.
"Of course. Let me get the elevator for you. You are going to take it up to the top. Miss Motta is in the penthouse," he directs me as I enter the elevator and give him a smile, still trying to wrap my head around this.
As the elevator doors open, I step out my luggage rolling behind me and see a hallway with a single door at the end. Does Sugar have the whole damn floor?
I look between the doorbell and the door, not sure which one to use, before deciding on the bell. I stand there waiting patiently before I hear a voice yell, "Coming!"
"Ahhhhh! Brittany!" Sugar screams as she yanks me into a hug so tight I barely can breathe. I wrap my arms around her once I regain my balance and squeeze her just as tight. "Oh my god! I'm so happy you're here!"
"Me too!"
"Come in," she says grabbing the handle of my luggage from my hand and dragging me inside.
I look around her place and get lost in amazement as I take in the entryway. "Holy shit, Sugar. You live here?"
I hear her laugh, "Yup! Can you believe it? This is my home! Sometimes I wake up and look around and I can't even believe it."
"It's fucking absolutely gorgeous, and massive. How big is this place?"
"It's two stories. And we have the roof which is just ours. Wait until you see it! Austin has a whole setup up there with couches and firepit. It looks even better in the winter with the snow coating the ground."
"Can't wait."
"How was your flight? Can I get you anything? Hungry? Thirsty? Do you want to see your room? Need a shower?"
"Slow down, Sugar. Actually, a shower sounds nice. After that long ass flight, I can use it. And then it's you and me, we need to catch up," I tell her before pulling her into a hug again. I can feel her body buzzing with excitement. "I really missed you."
"I missed you too. Follow me!" I walk behind her as we walk further inside. "This is the formal living room and the kitchen, help yourself to anything, and down this hallway is the room you'll be staying in. You have your own bathroom in there too and fresh towels. Get situated and freshened up," she tells me. The more of the house I see, the more my eyes pop out of my head. And damn, this view from my room is out of this world. I take a quick shower and organize some of my clothes before heading back down the hallway to the kitchen where I can hear movement, assuming Sugar is there.
"How was your shower? Have everything you need?" She asks as she reaches up to grab two wine glasses.
"Yup. Thanks, Sug," I tell her. "And I am so ready for that glass of wine."
/
"I can't believe you're here! When I sent you the invitation, I wasn't sure you were going to make it," she says as I take a sip. Damn, that's good wine.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," I tell her truthfully. If I didn't have the time off, I was going to try anything I could to be here but I'm so happy how everything worked out. "So, tell me everything! I don't think you ever told me how you guys met. And how the hell did you score a place like this?"
"Before I get into all that, tell me about you! How's the show? You know I watch every week. It's like our favorite show."
"You're the best. Um, we just finished our last episode for the new season in Greece. And now we have a few months off. The show has a hiatus while we wait to get picked up for another season, which I'm so excited for," I start to tell her.
"Wow. You actually have time off? What the hell are you gonna do with all that time?" She laughs because she knows better than anyone, that I don't like downtime.
"I'm here, for starters, so that's a plus. Other than that, I'm not sure."
"Are you seeing anyone?" There it is. Leave it to Sugar to dive right in.
"No, I'm not. You know I don't have time for stuff like that," I tell her honestly. The times we do get to talk, she always asks about my relationship status, and every time I give her the same answer.
"I know," she sighs. "But don't you want that, Britt?"
I shrug, "I don't know what I want. I like what I'm doing right now and I'm young. This is the time to do it."
"We're not that young," she adds.
I wave her off, "What about you? Tell me about Austin. When do I get to meet this guy? He needs to pass the friend test first."
"Shut up. He has passed the friend test, by the way, but you're right he needs to pass the best friend test now," she says with a wink. "But if he fails, I'm still marrying him. I actually met him through a friend. She took me to her company holiday party and introduced me to Austin. He and his family own a bunch of buildings in New York. And we hit it off and have pretty much been dating ever since."
"I'm really happy for you," I tell her. "Are all your friends rich now? Your fiancé owns buildings, your friend has holiday parties with fancy people attending, who are you?" I joke.
"Funny thing," she starts, and I listen closely curiosity spiking, "she's also my maid of honor."
"Oh, nice! So, I'll be meeting her tomorrow?" I ask.
"You'll definitely be meeting her tomorrow," she gives me an odd look and I can't understand why. "But you've met her before."
"Okay? Who is it?" Why is she being so mysterious about this? We grew up together, who can this person be that I can't even think of them?
"It's Santana." And my eyes go wide.
