AN: Merry Christmas/Happy New Years, ya'll! Hope you have had a good holiday and continue to have a good one this week (I know I will! Party in Cali for New years!). So I've been getting requests that hopefully Brittana shows up again. As I said earlier, this is guna try to be as real-life as possible. When someone rips your heart apart, you don't go running back into their arms at the bat of eye lashes. But their relationship starts to get rolling here so be happy! And let me know if you have any other suggestions! All comments are welcome and appreciated. Thanks
Xox
B
Chpt 12
Dr. Lopez flung open her locker and sat heavily on the bench behind her, rubbing at her throbbing temples. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind of activity. With summer right around the corner, kids were outside more often (which she was more than happy with) but that meant more injuries (not so happy with) and she had gained a few new infants who had been spring babies. On top of her crazy work schedule, Santana had finally found an apartment she liked and was trying to make the establishment feel like home. She pulled off the white lab coat and hung it neatly in her locker, hanging her stethoscope next to it, and reached into the pockets of the coat to retrieve her things. With keys and phone in hand, Santana pushed her way back into the hallway and walked through the automatic doors of the hospital. She scrolled through her rather small amount of contacts, quickly coming to a name that still made her smile.
They hadn't seen each other since that night at Finn's bar over three weeks ago. A few texts were exchanged occasionally, but they had both been busy and hadn't had time to try to catch up some. Santana sighed. Well, it's now or never I guess.
"Great job today, Gabby!" Brittany said, hugging a small girl who beamed at her praise. Blue eyes watched as Gabby ran to tell her mom all about her day in dance, a smile etched across her face.
It had certainly been a crazy few weeks. The dancer had decided to open up two new classes for the end of spring to help move the waiting list along some but that meant she was putting in a lot more hours at the studio. She loved her work, but the extra effort was taking its toll.
Mike bumped their shoulders playfully, "You look like shit, B. We need to hire someone else to help take the load off of you and me. I mean, we're great, don't get me wrong, but there's only so much we can do alone and at the rate this place is growing, we're going to need to hire five people by August, I'd bet!"
"Yeah, you're right, I know. It's just finding the time to hold interviews. Maybe this weekend I'll spread the word and set something up. You think you could talk to Tina and see if she could help us find possibles?"
"For sure, girl, I got you!"
Brittany took a long pull from her water bottle and wiped the beads of sweat at her brow line. She smiled and thanked her friend, slung her bag over her shoulder, and turned to lock up after all the parents and kids had left. A red light on her phone blinked annoyingly, letting Britt know she had missed something during the day so she unlocked her phone and was surprised at what she found. Waving goodbye to Mike, Brittany started her short walk home, smiling at her phone.
Diva-licious:
B, you've fallen off the face of the earth, we need some proof of life soon or I'm calling in the dogs… Love ya, girl! Xx Cedes
T-T-Tina:
Seriously, Britt, Cedes and I are starting to worry. The only way I know you're alive and well is thanks to Mike, and I next to never see him either! This better not be a trend… let's change this soon plz! Xox T
But most surprising:
Santana:
Hey, Brittany. I know it's been a little while but I wanted to thank you formally for you're help with the spilt drink a while back… I was wondering if, maybe you'd like to go get dinner or something sometime this week. Okay, well anyway, just let me know what you think. Thanks- S
Brittany closed the door to her flat behind her and leaned her back against the cool wood, closing her eyes and letting her bag slip to the floor with a thud. She was conflicted. The excitement that the dark-haired Latina always caused was coursing through her veins, but her heart had that dull ache still from the pain that the same woman had caused years ago. If she were honest, the dancer hadn't every fully healed from that hurt. Brittany wanted to try again with her, to try and make some sort of a friendship with Santana that the two didn't really have the luxury of having the first time around. But, like Finn, she was also slightly reserved in putting out effort to just possibly be hurt again. The light from her phone light up her face as she re-read Santana's text. Dinner wouldn't hurt I guess… We might as well try and be friends.
Her fork froze half way to her mouth when she felt her phone vibrate against her leg. Santana set down the uneaten pasta and checked to see who had texted her.
Brittany:
Um, yeah sure we can do dinner, Santana. But just know, we have a long way to go to fix this friendship. I'm pretty busy the next two days but I am done with classes early Thursday if that works for you. –B
Santana couldn't help the smile that tugged at her mouth. She hadn't had high hopes in Brittany responding, all the communication they had thus far was very superficial, so she was elated that the blonde had accepted her offer of dinner. Wiggling in her seat to her own happy dance, she tapped out a quick response.
Santana:
Great, Thursday works great! And yes, I understand completely. We can just meet there. Villagio's on 20th at 8pm, work ok? –S
Brittany:
I know the place. I'll see you then. Have a good night. –B
Brittany stared at her phone, rereading the text she had just sent to Santana. She wasn't sure what made her agree to this dinner when everything seemed to tell her that getting involved with the Latina again was bad news, but the fact that fate or the universe or something kept making their paths cross made her wonder if there was a reason behind it. Her slender figure hunched over warmed up leftovers until she was too fed up to eat. Throwing the food away and putting the dishes in the washer, Brittany flicked on her iPod and set it in the dock before pushing the coffee table to the side so there was a small, make-shift dance floor in her living room. If you'd asked her what was playing, the dancer couldn't tell you, but she didn't really care either. The music washed over her like a calm wave breaking on the sand, the push and pull of the grains waving back and forth to the natural rhythm. Her tone torso moved like water as she spun around and let her arms follow the path her body made. Dancing like this, just for the sake of dancing, was the only thing that seemed to keep Brittany grounded anymore. When things got to be too much or matters weighed heavily on her mind, she let the music wash away the stress and wipe her mind clean and clear again.
After showering and crawling into bed, Britt checked her phone once more and noticed that Mercedes and Tina had texted her again after getting her response that afternoon. They decided to meet up the next night for a much-needed night out and go dancing at one of the local clubs. It took some persuading, but Brittany finally caved with a quiet chuckle at her friends' antics. She loved those women; if it wasn't for them she wasn't sure she would have survived the move to the big city. Brittany certainly thanked her lucky stars each night for great friends. With the time and place decided, she finally silenced her phone and let the darkness of the night consume her tired body and mind.
Shit! Fuck, God dammit, why do I always do this? Ugh fuckkkkk! The blonde was never one for cursing much but after living in NYC for a few weeks, she quickly picked it up, even if mostly just in her mind. With extreme haste, clothes, water bottles, and shoes were shoved into a light blue bag and slung over a shoulder. Brittany had stayed after her classes had ended and did some extra work on Naya's choreography for her upcoming tour in a few months. And, like always, time had gotten away from her. Glancing at her phone and cringing, the blonde now had just about an hour to get home, shower, dress, and get her ass to the club before her friends called the cops claiming she was rapped and kidnapped or something ridiculous. It took a record four minutes for her long legs to cover the few blocks to her apartment.
Rubbing her hair with a towel, Brittany surveyed her wardrobe for the perfect outfit for tonight. Her mission: to break some hearts. It had been too long since she felt extra sexy and wanted to feel the almost forgotten sensation of being wanted and longed for. She let the towel drop as she fingered through short dresses before she decided on a tiny thing that was still classy. Brittany pulled the dress off the hanger and stepped into the clingy material, watching in the mirror how it molded to the contours of her body. It was an electric blue, strappy dress with large holes cute out on the sides that showed off her ripped torso and back just enough to be teasing. When her arms were at her sides, the dress ended a little before her fingertips and highlighted her long legs. The color brought out her eyes and contrasted well with her skin tone. Satisfied with her dress choice, the blonde glanced at the clock and hurried to do a little light make up and straighten her hair. Twenty minutes later, she was out the door again with her clutch in hand, waving down a taxi.
Like nearly every other time she walked into a bar or club, heads turned. Brittany stepped through the doors after winking to the bouncer and was hit with the unmistakable "club smell": something like the mixture of alcohol, sweat, too much body spray, cigarettes, and a hint of sex. She smiled on instinct; this was her scene. Cyan orbs scanned the room from where she was until she spotted her friends and made her way over to them.
"Well, look at these fine ladies, do you ladies know what you're doing later?" Brittany asked with a coy smile playing at her lips as she walked up behind her friends and placed her hands on the small of their backs.
Mercedes was the first to realize the lame attempt at a pick up line but played along. "Oh, well, actually, we don't. Do you?"
Brittany's smile grew and she leaned in to the women seductively, "I think I have a few ideas…" She raised her eyebrows at them suggestively before all three of them burst into fits of laughter.
"God, B, you just think you can turn anyone, don't you?" Tina teased through a laugh.
The tall blonde sat on the open barstool next to her Asian friend. "Actually, considering I have turned out like, what, eight women now, I'd say, yeah, I think I probably could turn out just about anyone at this point."
"Always so confident and sure of yourself, Britt," Mercedes nudged her friend but was impressed by the high number of "straight" women Brittany had been with. When it came to the blonde bombshell, fellas, keep an eye on your women 'cuz it's not other men you need to be worried about.
Brittany only let herself indulge in two drinks being that she had work in the morning but that's not an issue. She didn't need any encouragement to heat up the club. Within a half hour of arriving, the blonde had every man in the club wanting to get with her, and every girl wishing they were her. It's no surprise that the retired touring dance instructor still new how to shake up the dance scene. And she loved the attention.
A light-skinned Hispanic woman with long dark hair and a clearly fit body slid up behind the dancing blonde and whispered into her ear. "Great choice on the dress, it draws attention and you wear it incredibly well."
Brittany spun around to face the sexy voice that had just complimented her, a slight pink tint to her cheeks that wasn't from the dancing. She hadn't been prepared to be met with such a gorgeous woman but was quick to catch herself staring. The Hispanic woman smiled at her slightly, waiting for a response.
"Thank you, I'm glad it's doing its job."
The woman took a step closer to the blonde, causing Brittany to stop swaying momentarily when she leaned closer and her lips brushed against the shell of the blonde's ear. "A dress can only do so much, but I honestly believe you could make just about anything look drop dead gorgeous." She leaned back looking into blue eyes, "but you knew that already, and me telling you that doesn't do a whole lot since I'm likely the 20th person to tell you how amazing you look."
Slightly taken aback, Brittany stumbled over her words, searching for the right response to that. She had been complimented a number of times that night but this woman was different. The blonde wasn't sure what it was, but there was something mysterious about her that was intriguing.
Picking up the beat again, Brittany smiled at the slightly shorter woman and shrugged slightly. "True, but I don't tire of hearing it."
The woman flashed a dazzling smile. "Well, beautiful, it was nice talking to you. I hope you break a few hearts looking like that tonight." With that, the woman squeezed Brittany's hand and disappeared just as quickly as she had appeared.
When the song changed, Brittany made her way back to the bar. "Hey, B, who was that sexy brunette you were talking to?"
It took a few moments for her to respond, she was still a little dazed at the interesting encounter she just had. "Oh, um, I'm actually not sure. She just complimented me and said I looked beautiful and wished me luck on breaking hearts and then left. It was bizarre."
Just then, the bartender set a Lemon Drop martini in front of Brittany. She went to object, saying she hadn't ordered it, when the bartender stopped her. "Compliments of the woman from the dance floor."
Brittany blushed and picked up the drink to take a sip. It was then that she noticed the writing on the napkin her drink had been served on. Carmen… hmm she definitely fits her name. Witnessing the exchange, Tina and Mercedes teased Brittany about her admirer the rest of the night until the women parted ways to go home.
On the taxi ride home, Brittany slid her phone out of her clutch along with the napkin. She wasn't sure why, but for some reason she was compelled to contact this mysterious woman who had caught her attention at the club. So she dialed the number written next to the name and sent a quick text message.
You are quite cleaver to get the bartender to do your dirty work. :) I'm glad you did, though. Thank you for the drink tonight, and the compliments. –Brittany
She didn't have to wait long before her phone vibrated in her lap.
Carmen:
Well, Brittany, you are very welcome. It was the least I could do, I had to do something to get your attention. -C
Brittany:
Oh? And why would you want my attention? -B
Carmen:
Women like you have them lined up at the door, so everyone blends together. Had to do something memorable so hopefully you'd be a little more interested. -C
Brittany:
Haha. I wouldn't say lined at the door but you certainly caught my interest, so well done there. –B
Carmen:
Glad to hear that, Britt. Well, have a great evening. -C
Brittany:
You, too, Carmen. Good night. -B
Brittany smiled at her phone as she set it down on the nightstand and pulled off her heels. She had been surprised that Carmen hadn't tried to ask her out or anything like that but it was a refreshing change. The woman was a complete mystery to her but the blonde was never one to turn down a challenge. With a light heart and a smile playing on her lips, Brittany fell into a peaceful sleep that night.
Brittany sighed as she looked around the empty studio and shut off the lights. As she locked the door, her phone vibrated in her jacket pocket. For an April night, it was a little chilly in New York as a brisk breeze blew a few strands of hair across the dancer's face. She pulled the strands behind her ear and checked her phone. When she saw the message from Carmen, she smiled. They had been texting most of the day and had been getting to know each other somewhat. Carmen was quite the charmer, always knowing how to get Brittany to blush by just a few typed words on a screen. She was polite, confident, kind, understanding, active (she played on a club volleyball team four days a week), smart (had graduated from NYU, double majoring in technical theater and music with honors), and of course had a love for music. She worked as the Assistant Stage Director and Light and Sound manager at one of the local theaters, and was a DJ for private clubs and parties when she had the time. Honestly, Brittany was kind of shocked by everything Carmen seemed to be. When her alarm went off reminding her of her dinner with Santana, a pang of guilt flooded her body. God, this is dumb. I'm not seeing anyone, so I shouldn't feel bad about flirting and getting to know Carmen. Not like I'm dating her either… though, I think I'd like to… Stop it, you're going to dinner with Santana, and you know she wants to make things like they were, don't be a bitch. Brittany sighed again and let her shoulders slump slightly at the thought of having to shower and change for dinner when all she wanted to do was draw a bath and relax at home tonight. She was persuaded to not cancel when she got an excited text from said Latina. Brittany wasn't one to disappoint so she put on a good face and got ready for her night out, bracing herself for another awkward night.
An hour later, the blonde climbed out of a taxi and stood outside of Villagio's, trying to compose herself. With a deep breath, she pushed through the heavy mahogany doors and took in the warm, authentic Italian atmosphere. It was a rather small place, family owned and operated, but was known for it's amazing food so it was almost always packed and you needed to reservation to get in most nights. The dining room was lit with soft lamps hanging next to the tables with reddish-colored shades and the golden/cream walls gave off a warm, homey feeling. Quiet chattering filled the room with comfort.
Santana spotted the blonde when she stepped into the restaurant and was shocked into stillness for a few moments as she took in the view before her. Brittany had on a simple black pantsuit with a cream blouse and black heels. She looked stunning. The Latina smiled and stood to greet her date. Friend date, not date-date. Friends, that's what she said, keep it together, Lopez, don't blow this.
"You look amazing."
Brittany blushed and looked at her feet momentarily before meeting brown eyes smiling at her, "Thanks, you don't look so bad yourself."
The smaller woman turned to the hostess, "Table for two under Lopez."
"Right this way, Ms. Lopez."
They were seated in a small booth closer to the back of the dining room. A slightly uncomfortable silence fell over them as they busied themselves with looking over the menu.
"Good evening. My name is Kat and I will be your waitress for the evening. Can I get you some drinks to start with or suggest any entrees?" The waitress was fair-skinned with auburn hair that fell in lightly curled locks around her kind face. Brittany didn't catch the wink thrown her way, but Santana did and she shot the waitress her signature scowl. After ordering (a Blue Moon for the Latina and a 7&7 for the blonde), Kat said she'd get their drinks and bring out some waters and a basket of bread, as well.
"Well, Santana. Must say I was a little surprised to hear from you but thank you for the offer of dinner," Brittany said before breaking off a piece of bread and dipping it in the oil and vinegar mix on the table.
"Yeah, of course. I meant to ask you sooner to thank you for your kindness a few weeks ago but things got a little crazy at the hospital and moving into my new place so time just got away from me."
They chatted for a while before their food was brought out. They conversation died down some as they ate, just enjoying the atmosphere of the little bistro. Several minutes into dinner, Brittany's phone vibrated on the tabletop.
"Oh, god, sorry. I forgot to turn it off before I came out." She quickly snatched the device and went to silence it but smiled when she looked at the screen.
Santana watched as the blue eyes got a familiar look in them. They looked excited, and there was a hint of a blush on those pale cheeks. It took everything she had not to ask what made her dinner date blush like a high school girl.
"Not a problem, looks like it was a good message to get."
"What? Oh, yeah. Just a woman I met at a club a few nights ago, she's quite the charmer." Brittany typed out a quick reply before silencing her phone and putting it in her clutch.
"Yeah? So are you seeing anyone these days?"
"Na, not really. When I moved out here I dated a few people initially. Finn tried hooking me up with a few of his friends but I didn't do well dating men. Tina and Mercedes set up a few meetings with women they knew and I dated one or two for a few weeks or months but nothing really stuck. And of course there's always the people at clubs or bars who hit on me or try to get me into bed," she laughed lightly at the lame attempts people had tried in the past.
Santana had to smile at the warm laugh coming from the blonde. "Sounds like you've had it rough," she quipped sarcastically, her eyes showing she was joking. "I have to say, I am amazed no one's snatched you up yet."
Brittany just smiled. "Not yet, though this Carmen seems like the best candidate in a couple years. But I just met her so who knows, she doesn't know about my career yet so I probably won't tell her 'til it seems she's not interested in me for my money, ya know? What about you? I know you haven't been in the city long and have likely been pretty distracted."
"Yeah, haven't had much time to get out and date. One of the doctors I work with has mentioned a few people she wants me to meet at some point. It's just finding the time to make that happen. Plus, I'm still trying to settle in here, I don't really need a relationship to make things more complicated at the moment."
When the check came, Santana quickly pulled out a credit card before Brittany could even fathom paying for the meal. The women gathered their things and made their way outside.
Brittany went to hail a cab when Santana stopped her. "I have my car here, I can drive you home if you'd like."
"Sure, that'd be great, thanks. When did you get a car?"
"Not long after we had our little run-in. I was looking for apartments farther on the outskirts of the city and figured I might want a little something to help with commute when the weather gets nasty and messes with traffic."
The blonde nodded, "Makes sense. I sold mine when I got here, everything I need is within walking distance and if it isn't, I just use the subway or taxis."
The Latina stopped in front of a red, new model Corvette with black rims and matching racing stripes that were obviously not manufactured into the car. Brittany had to laugh; it was such a 'Santana' kind of car. It practically screamed 'sassy, confident, kick-ass, serious, independent, don't-fuck-with-me' and of course 'has money, bitch!'.
"Yeah, definitely a "little something" there huh?"
The brunette blushed slightly and unlocked the doors, opening the passenger side for her guest. Brittany slid into the leather bucket seat and noticed the inside of the car was just as flashy as the outside. The sound system and been tripped out with additional subs in the back, a touch screen to adjust just about everything in the car, and silver trim to outline the black leather.
"So I take it you're doing pretty well for yourself after the divorce?"
"What makes you say that?" Santana raised an eyebrow at the blonde as she started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot.
"This had to have been a couple hundred thousand, not including the excessive detailing, pin striping outside, and upgrades in here."
Santana stayed silent for a moment, surprised at the blonde's keen observations and obvious knowledge of cars. "Um, yeah, it was a pretty penny but I got a lot of money from the house and leaving Andy. Plus the hospital sent me a check before I moved out here as a 'thank you' for joining the team. So yeah, I had money to spend."
It was a wonder the two women had caught on to each other so well in college, they were complete opposites in so many ways. Santana liked to show off her money and indulge in luxuries when she could. Brittany had money, a lot of it, but rarely spent more than she needed, just putting most of her pay checks into savings for the future. The most money she'd spent on anything since moving was on fixing up the studio and buying her flat (it's modestly furnished but the location made it more expensive). Brittany was reminded of their very different driving styles, too, as the fiery Latina weaved through traffic, cursing at anyone who cut her off or came to close to her baby.
Fifteen minutes later, the Mercedes rolled up in front of Brittany's building. Santana cut the engine and got out to say a proper goodbye. They stood awkwardly for a few moments, not really sure what the protocol was for ending a night with an ex-lover who you kept running into.
"So, um, thanks again for tonight. It was nice," Brittany said, looking down at her hands that were fiddling with the clasp on her clutch.
Santana rubbed the back of her neck before nervously pushing hair behind her ear. Brittany smiled as she recognized the habit. "Yeah, it was fun. We should do it again sometime."
"Sure, just text or call. You have the number." With that, Brittany turned to head into her building, feeling like nothing else really needed to be said.
"Hey, Britt?" Santana called out timidly. Brittany turned at the sound of her name, waiting for the other woman to continue. "Thanks for letting me do this." The blonde just smiled softly and gave a small wave before entering the building.
Santana sighed and walked back around the car to the driver's side. She sat and collected her thoughts for a few seconds before starting up the car and driving home.
Once inside, Brittany pulled her phone out of her purse and turned it back on and set it on the nightstand next to her bed while she went to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. It beeped once. Changed into a tank top and some shorts, Britt checked to see what she'd missed and reread her conversation with Carmen.
Carmen:
Hey there, gorgeous. I just was thinking about you and how you owe me a drink ;) I'd like to take you up on that soon. -C
Brittany:
Hey, beautiful. Yeah, it seems like I do owe you, though I think you conned me into this :P -B
Carmen:
All part of the plan, babe. Needed an excuse to see you again. To get to know the beautiful woman from the club who peaked my interest. -C
Brittany:
Ah, well that makes sense. And you don't need an excuse to see me, just ask and you shall receive :). Hey I'm at dinner with a friend, I'll text you when I'm home. -B
Carmen:
Well, Ms. Brittany, can I have the honor of taking you out sometime? (Sorry for interrupting dinner!) - C
Brittany beamed at the last text message she'd missed that night. She hadn't been doted on or treated like such a lady in a long while. It was refreshing and a nice change from the usual assholes that either just wanted in her pants or to get at her money. Being a well-known celebrity dancer had it down sides. She typed back a quick response before sliding between the sheet and waiting for a response. It didn't take long.
Brittany:
I would love to go out with you. I am flattered at the offer. :) I'm headed to bed, got an early morning tomorrow. Hopefully I'll talk to you then? Good night, hun. Xx -B
Carmen:
Outstanding, I'll figure out the details soon and let you know. And of course you'll hear from me tomorrow. Sleep sweet, Britt. X - C