CHAPTER 15
A/N: Thanks to May1217, Olivia, DarkSouls3777 and the Guest for your reviews and encouraging words! I hope you enjoy this chapter.
AT HOME
"Well… What did Lee say?!" Brittany asks me as soon as I hang up the phone, dying with curiosity.
I throw myself into her arms and scream in excitement: "The show was picked up!"
"Oh my God, San!" She replies, hugging me tighter. "That's amazing, baby! You're amazing!" She adds before pressing her lips hard on mine.
"I can't believe it…" I add, shaking my head.
"Well believe it, honey, because you officially created a… freaking TV show!" She replies with enthusiasm.
I sigh in relief upon hearing her words. As if all the stress I carried for months was finally out.
"But tell me everything, what else did Lee tell you?" She asks.
"He said that we had… 9.6 million viewers, Britt! 9.6! That must be the Beyoncé effect, that's not possible! It has completely exceeded my expectations! And… he said that for a pilot episode, critics are pretty good! Of course, we need to have a look at the bad ones too, to see what to improve... But it's promising! Then he confirmed that we have 12 more episodes for sure. After that, the network will reevaluate the show, based on ratings, to see if we continue or not…"
"That's… I mean do you even realise what you have achieved, San? I'm so SO proud of you!" She says, giving me another kiss. "You should call Quinn and Artie! And tell everyone, they will be so happy!"
"I will… tomorrow." I reply.
"Why tomorrow?"
"Because as soon as I tell the others, the news is going to spread and I'm probably going to get hundreds of calls. They might even show up here! Today I just want to celebrate this with you…" I reply, taking her hands in mine. "Because Britt, without you… I would have never made it! You were there to support me every step of the way… Calming me down when I had anxiety, taking care of Sofia when I had to go to Paramount, creating awesome choreographies when I needed you to… You're even the one who found Naya!"
"Any time, baby…" She whispers, before caressing my cheek. "How you want to celebrate this then?"
"Well… First I have to find a babysitter for the little one, because I'm definitely taking you out tonight." I reply.
She smiles wide in response as I grab my phone.
TO "WHEEZY": Hey 'Cedes, I know it's short notice but would you be available to take your goddaughter for a sleepover at your place tonight? I want to take the wife out on a date.
"I'm going to make some tea." Britt adds, walking towards the kitchen.
A few minutes later I receive a text.
FROM "WHEEZY": You're in luck, Satan! Sam is out of town and I don't have anything planned, so I'm up for a girls night with Sofia! Bring her cute little butt over here.
"Britt!" I shout. "Mercedes can take Sofia for the night."
"Great!" She shouts back from the kitchen. "I'll get ready then."
"About that, honey…" I say, joining her in the kitchen. "Could you wear… your recital dress…?" I whisper timidly, locking eyes with her.
"You really like that dress!" She says with a chuckle.
"Actually… I like the girl in that dress. I just can't wait to see you in it again, even though it's going to drive me crazy all night…" I add, making her laugh.
"Ok… If you like to suffer…" She says, with a wink.
LATER – AT THE RESTAURANT
"You're staring again, San…" Britt says with a smile, taking a sip from her glass of champagne.
"I know and I'm NOT sorry." I reply. "You're smoking hot in that damn dress and definitely the prettiest sight here, so…"
She holds my hand across the table. "Not from where I'm sitting…" She replies, in a flirty way. "Besides, my date is not only beautiful but she's an awesome screenwriter…"
"Oh really? She sounds like a catch!" I comment.
"She definitely is…"
"I missed this." I say. "Date night with you…"
"Me too…" She whispers. "It feels great to have you to myself."
"And the night is still young!" I comment. "What do you want to do after dinner?"
"Well… I feel like going dancing! It's been so long since we last did that."
"Your wish is my command, Mrs Lopez-Pierce!" I reply.
LATER – AT THE DANCING BAR
We have just arrived at this new dancing bar that Brittany heard about from one of her colleagues. There are quite a lot of people inside and as I look around, I must say that it's a cool place. We decide to sit at the bar for a drink first but after a while, I feel Brittany taking my hand. I follow her as she leads me to the dance floor.
We shake our bodies in rhythm to the music, sometimes going freestyle, other times going back to some of our old dance routines that we have perfected over the years. I'm having so much fun with her, it feels so good just to enjoy the moment without worrying about anything! It feels like I haven't danced in forever! It's probably the case though… I have basically spent the past year either working or taking care of my mini human. Song after song, Brittany is moving closer to me until she's sensually swaying her body against mine… I'm glad I'm wearing my high heels because for once I'm basically the same height as her.
I slip my hands around her waist as she wraps her arms around my neck to pull me even closer. I'm starting to feel on fire because of the way she looks at me and the feeling of her body. At some point I can't resist anymore and I capture her lips in a sultry kiss. It quickly grows into a hot wet kiss and I feel her fingers running through my hair at the back of my head.
I pull away at some point because I'm getting out of breath. Our eyes meet and I can't help but think that she really is the hottest and yet sweetest lady in the world… and for some mysterious reasons, she's mine...
"Britt…" I whisper.
"Yeah?" She replies with a smile.
"I'm this close to taking you to the bathroom and getting you out of that dress... But you deserve much better than a... public bathroom quickie, so… let's go home, honey?"
I see her biting her bottom lip, looking straight into my eyes. God… she really knows how to drive me crazy.
Without a word, she pulls me towards the exit.
ON THE NEXT MORNING – AT HOME
For once, I wake up on my own terms, comfortably laying in my wife's arms. I kiss her neck softly to wake her up.
"Hi you…" She whispers, in a sleepy way.
"Hi…" I whisper back, giving her a kiss.
"So last night was… epic…" She says with a wink.
"Definitely one of the best..." I reply with a smile.
"Definitely!" She confirms.
"I wish we could stay here forever…" I say, hugging her close.
"Me too honey but… we have to get ready…. Mercedes is expecting us soon…"
"I know…"
"And I suppose that you will tell her about the pilot so you should probably call Quinn and Artie first…" She adds.
"Yeah… you're right. Back to reality… I'm going to call those idiots now then…" I say as I get out of bed.
As I grab my phone, I notice that I have a text.
FROM "TOMMY": "Hi Santana, I wanted to confirm that your album was officially released this morning. We'll start the promo with Songbird, as agreed.
A FEW DAYS LATER – AT HOME
I'm reworking scripts based on Quinn's notes but her handwriting is really the worst, there are stuff I can't even fucking read! My frustration is growing by the minute so I decide to take my phone.
TO "QUINN": If you want to keep your job on the show, you better sign up for a calligraphy course. Are you trying to pretend that you're a Doctor or what? I can't read your damn notes!
FROM "QUINN": Aren't you a delight, San! I have a question: are you actually paying Brittany to put up with you?
TO "QUINN": Don't need to bribe her, I'm just THAT good in bed, honey! Just learn how to write properly, will you?
FROM "QUINN": Sure, and learn how not to be a bitch!
"San! Come here, hurry!" I suddenly hear Brittany shout from the kitchen.
I rush to her: "What's going on, is someone hurt?" I ask, worried.
"You're on the radio, honey! Listen!" She says with excitement.
As I pay close attention, I catch the end of my interview followed by the first notes of Songbird.
ONE WEEK LATER – AT HOME – EVENING TIME
"San?" I hear Brittany's voice from afar.
"In the garden, Britt!"
"What are you doing here?" She asks.
"Watering our plants before Puck says again that I don't know how to take care of them… I'm raising a baby but somehow that ass thinks that I'm incapable of keeping some stupid flowers alive… Anyway… what's up, babe?"
"I have some news! D'Shon just called me… One of his artists is about to shoot a couple of videoclips and they need a choreographer. He thinks that I would be the best person for the job so he asked me to do it…"
"That's great, Britt!" I reply enthusiastically.
"Yeah, it is... but… the video clips will actually be shot in New York, so that would mean going over there… for at least a week… maybe a little more, he said 10 days maximum."
"Ok… But... you want to do it, don't you?" I ask.
"Well, it would be great to create choreographies for a singer again... It's a band actually. I haven't done that in a very long time… But being away from you and Sofia for one week, I don't know… We are never apart…" She whispers.
"I know... But it's just one week, Britt… We will survive… When is it?"
"I would have to leave in a few days…" She sighs.
"It's actually perfect timing! I don't have to go to Paramount before July so I could take care of Sofia. And the academic year is over at your dance school, so I assume you're free from any obligation…?"
"That's true… But you're sure that it wouldn't be too much trouble to look after Sofia by yourself for that long?
"We'll be fine, Britt! And if I need help, I will ask our friends. You know that they have a soft spot for her. Go tell D'Shon that you accept." I add with an encouraging smile.
A FEW DAYS LATER – AT HOME
"Britt, if you don't want to miss your flight, we need to go now…" I say, taking Sofia in my arms.
"Yeah, OK…" She sighs, grabbing her luggage. "So… as you know, I will stay at Rachel's the whole time and I will call you every day… whenever I can. And if there is anything urgent…"
"… If there is anything urgent, I call you. And if I can't reach you, I call Berry." I say, cutting her off before she can repeat it one more time. "We went over this, honey… You don't have to worry! You did a lot for this family lately, not only you were the main provider but you took care of Sofia AND me for so long... Now it's time to think of yourself. I've got Sofia, go be the amazing choreographer that you are and have fun! You deserve this!"
A LITTLE WHILE LATER - AT THE AIRPORT
"Have a safe trip and call me when you land, OK?" I say, kissing Britt's lips for a little longer than I should.
"I will…" She replies, pampering Sofia's cheek with kisses before putting her back in my arms.
I take Sofia's hand to wave goodbye as we watch Brittany slowly walking away. "Bye bye, mommy!" I say.
Brittany blows us one last kiss and as soon as she's out of sight, Sofia starts to cry.
I give my baby a kiss while rocking her gently in my arms.
"Shh, shh… I know, kiddo… I already miss your mommy too…"
A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER – AT HOME
My phone beeps and I see that Britt sent me a picture of her sitting in a pub, together with Berry, Jesse, Porcelain and Blaine.
TO "WIFEY": Aaww isn't that the pub where we had our first gig? I hope you're having fun, babe!
FROM "WIFEY": Yes it is, the one where you sang Songbird the first time! We're having a lot of fun, it's karaoke night! Even though Jesse had to confiscate the microphone from Rachel because she was monopolising it, you know her! I hope you are having fun too!
I decide to take a picture of what Sofia and I are doing even though it's less glamourous… I have my glasses on and I'm already wearing my PJs, playing with my daughter, her teddy bear and her dolls... "Come on mija, smile so mommy sees that I'm keeping you alive and well." I say as I snap the picture.
I have barely pressed on "send" that Britt has already replied.
FROM "WIFEY": I love you both so much.
ON THE NEXT DAY – AT HOME
"It's impressive how someone as little as you generates so much laundry… I mean, I feel like I did it for 10 people at least, but no… it's all you!" I say to Sofia, as my phone beeps.
FROM "NAYA RIVERA": Hi Boss! I just heard Songbird on the radio when I was in the car with my mom, she loves it! Congrats on your album!
Right at that moment, my phone rings and I see Brittany's picture on the screen.
"Hi honey! How's New York treating you? Are you progressing with the choreography?" I say as I answer the call.
"Hi baby! All good here! We had a whole rehearsal day but now the guys from the band basically know the moves. We just have to practice tomorrow again so that they feel a bit more at ease with it and on the next day we'll go rehearse on location."
"That's great, Britt! I see that you're doing wonders as usual! Did you see any more friendly faces?"
"As a matter of fact I did, I ran into Alice earlier, she sends you her love. But enough about me! How are you? And how is my baby girl?"
"Well, this morning I had an unexpected call from Tommy from my label, you know? He asked me if I could come in for an extra interview, something quick, one hour tops. Tina was free to watch Sofia so I was about to drive our baby girl to her house, but the little munchkin threw up on me out of nowhere and... she ruined my best outfit by the way! So I went changing then I picked her up again and she threw up on me AGAIN! So... don't freak out but…"
"Why? Oh my God, is she sick, how serious is this? Maybe I should come back home."
"OK, so much for not freaking out, Britt… There is no reason for you to come home, honey! She's OK! But she did throw up 4 times in a row so I cancelled the meeting with the label and took her to the pediatrician. It turns out that she has a stomach bug, but nothing serious."
"Why didn't you call me? You said you would if there was an emergency! And you make me go on and on about what's happening in New York when my daughter is sick!"
"I hardly think that vomit is an emergency, Britt! I had things under control, and I wanted to know what the Doctor had to say before worrying you. Anyway she's fine, the Doctor said that she should feel better very soon. It's a one or two days thing."
ON THE NEXT EVENING – AT HOME
"Hi San!" Britt says as she picks up my face time call.
"Hi babe!" I reply, but my voice is basically covered by Sofia's neverending "mommy-mommy-mommy-mommy-mommy".
"Mija, you don't have to keep saying "mommy", she's talking to us right now. Look!" I say, pointing to the screen. But even though Sofia smiles at the sight of Britt, she still doesn't stop talking.
"What's up with our little peanut? Is she still sick by the way?"
"I think she's fine, she's eating normally now. It's just that she's been saying "mommy-mommy-mommy" on repeat for the last 20 minutes, she's driving me crazy, Britt! I think she misses you… I already suspected it when she kept pointing to the book with the panda, you know the one you read with her? So I tried to read it to her and do the voices just like you do but clearly I'm not as good as you because she was NOT satisfied! And boy does she have a temper when she's not happy! So I was wondering if you could tell her the story yourself otherwise I'm afraid that she won't sleep. You know it by heart, don't you?"
"Aaww of course, honey. And yes I know it by heart, she made me read it like 200 times by now! But wait... why is she in our bedroom, is she sleeping there?"
"Huh… yeah." I say. "She's been there ever since you left, it's kind of… hum... lonely for me here without you so I prefer when she's with me…" I add timidly.
"Aaww so it seems that both of my babies have abandonment issues…" She adds with a wink as I roll my eyes.
ON THE NEXT DAY – AT HOME
I call Brittany's phone and hear "Hello?" on the other end of the line.
"How come you answer Britt's phone, Berry?" I reply, recognizing the annoying voice immediately. I just went from the hope of hearing my wife's voice to this… That's how people must feel like when they go from a 4 stars hotel to a shithole.
"Hello to you too, Santana! Brittany is in the shower, she actually asked me to pick up if you called. Do you want me to take a message?"
"No... Just tell her to call me back when she's free? But I would like to speak to her before she goes to that stupid play of yours tonight!"
"That's not a stupid play, Santana! I happen to have the lead role in it, and did you know that it was written by…"
"Ok Berry, please don't tell me the whole history behind the play! I believe you. Look, I can't stay long anyway but I do need to speak to Britt, so please have her call me back."
"OK I will do that."
"And Rachel… huh… thank you."
"What for?"
"For letting her stay with you, I feel much better knowing that she's with friends rather than alone in some stinky hotel room."
"It's my pleasure, Santana. Brittany is such a sweetheart and so easy-going, we are having a lot of fun! I was even telling her that it's a shame that she's not staying longer actually because…"
"I'm glad you're enjoying your time with Britt, Berry" I cut her off. "And yes, she's very easy going, I should know, I live with her! But don't you dare trying to make her stay longer than she needs to, OK? She has a wife and a baby at home! I have to go now, I need to feed Sofia. Good luck for your play tonight."
"Thanks, I'll tell Britt to call you."
A FEW DAYS LATER – AT HOME
I open the front door after hearing the bell ringing.
"Oh… it's you." I say with disappointment.
Quinn is looking at me, offended. "Ok, one: why are you so surprised to see me when you're the one who asked me to come over today? And two: what's that for a welcome, Lopez?"
"I am just not in the mood today, Fabray."
"I forgot how cranky you can get when you are sexually frustrated."
"I'm not sexually frustrated!" I say in an irritated tone.
"Really? Because it's been…what… one week since Britt left for New York?"
"8 days." I say.
"Yeah... So as I was saying: one week."
"It's not one week, it's 8 days AND 8 nights! Would it kill you to be factually exact?" I reply.
"Whatever! You actually stayed longer apart when she was studying at MIT."
"Yeah that was light years ago, Fabray! And what's your point, exactly? I'm not allowed to miss my wife?"
"Sure, you're allowed. Even I miss her, you're a lot less bitchy when she's around! And sometimes I am not in the mood to deal with your temper. Like today."
"Why…? Trouble in paradise with Puckerman?" I ask. "Maybe you're the sexually frustrated one. I mean, I would also be if I had to sleep with him."
"Oh I'm definitely not sexually frustrated." She replies.
"O-kay..." I say with disgust. "Too much information, Fabray!"
"Right, well… How about we work then? That will keep your mind busy. And besides that's why you made me come over here!" She says, sitting at the table.
A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER – AT THE AIRPORT
I'm waiting with Sofia in my arms, looking for Brittany, when all of a sudden... I see her waving at us enthusiastically.
"Look baby, there's mommy over there, you see her?" I say, pointing to Britt.
"Hi my loves", Brittany says with a smile. She kisses Sofia's forehead before cupping my cheeks and kissing me hard.
"Woow, looks like someone missed us." I comment.
"I definitely did, it was great to be in New York but I hate being away from my girls." She says.
"We really really missed you too, Britt! And look at her..." I say, nodding towards Sofia. "Look how her little face lights up when she sees you."
I put Sofia in her arms as I take her bag. "Alright, let's go home now!"
A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER – AT HOME
"Britt?" I ask while she is reading yet another dance magazine.
"Mmh?" She replies.
"We should talk about Sofia's birthday." I say.
"What about it? We still have a few weeks." She replies.
"Yes I know, but there is something I really would like to do. I wrote a song for her... a while back actually."
"Oh you did?" She says, suddenly interested in what I have to say. "I want to hear it!"
"I will play it for you in a minute. But I would like to record it at the studio, to mark her first birthday. So she would have it as a souvenir, like I did for you, with Songbird. I have already booked some slots at the recording studio but I was thinking that maybe... you could sing it with me, as a duet?" I ask.
A/N: Comments on this chapter? May1217, I tried to accommodate your wishes ;-) Anyway, I was planning on having them celebrating the success of the Glee pilot. And I thought it was time for Brittany to get some of her own projects. Please share your thoughts, it helps a lot to hear back from the readers :-)
