Chapter 9 – Mytilene (Saturday)
Saturday progressed much the same as Friday had; they took a bag with snacks and water and went to explore the Mytilene Castle. Brittany was entranced and took a ton of video and even more still shots. She had Santana pose on top of walls and in front of sarcophagi. Brittany was fascinated with the crypts. After several hours, they headed back to the hotel, changed and lazed on the beach for a few hours before returning to the room to shower and get ready for Santana's final "show".
They got the the Aegean Overlook Taverna a little after six and Santana was shocked to see there was a line outside the door. They headed to the door and got yelled at to go to the back of the line. Brittany laughed and shot back (in Greek) that if they were there to see Santana Lopez they should probably let her in the building. A murmur ran through the crowd and the person who had yelled at them apologized profusely. Santana just shook her head and chuckled. She was sure, had she understood the person who'd yelled, she'd have been less polite than Brittany but she was honestly overwhelmed by the attention and Snixx simply lay dormant within.
"Ladies!" Spyro greeted them cheerfully as they finally made it inside; the Taverna was packed beyond capacity. It was standing room only; people were actually standing and eating and drinking. "So good to see you! So sad that tonight is your last night, Santana. The people, they love you!" He swept his arm in an encompassing manner to prove his point. "They're all here for you!"
Santana shook her head. "Wow. I mean, wow." She really was at a loss for words. It wasn't that she didn't think she was talented; she knew she was. It was more … she'd never been singled out like this. She'd always been with a group; New Directions, The Troubletones, even at the diner there were always three or four people singing and dancing. This was just her. Singing to a karaoke machine. And people loved her. She looked at Brittany who was beaming with pride.
"Britt …" she couldn't form a coherent thought. "How … I mean …" She stumbled over her words as Brittany led them to their table.
"I told you, you're insanely talented. Just because Mr. Schue thought Rachel," Brittany rolled her eyes "was the 'star' doesn't mean you aren't every bit as talented. Maybe even more because you've got sex appeal. Which, let's face it, Rachel does not. Maybe I'm biased because I love you but Rachel's talent is kind of …" Brittany paused to think, "generic?" She shook her head. "I know that's not quite right but, I mean, Barbra, Adele, Celine they all have those big voices and Rachel can hit those notes but she doesn't bring songs alive for people. She doesn't make people FEEL it. She's all about technique and breath control. She's technically brilliant.
"But your voice has that sultry, raspy quality and you can cover things other than Broadway show tunes or big diva numbers. You sang Adele the other night and it was amazing. Then you switched to some 70's pop tune that had them dancing in the aisles. You're more … versatile! That's the word. You can do a little of everything, you're not in a box. And you … you make people FEEL what you're singing. You tell a story with every song and people recognize it. Your voice ... it can break your heart in one line and then build it back up in the next. Watching you ... it's unicorn. You don't just sing a song ... you bring it to life."
Santana smiled at Brittany as they reached the table. Irini was already there and took their order.
"I just … I know I said I wanted to be rich and famous but … I didn't know how and now I don't know if I actually do. After Shannon … but, this has been amazing. I like the smaller space. I mean auditoriums are awesome but this, I really like this type of atmosphere. Almost intimate. I love singing, Britt, I just … I want to make a difference. Rich and famous isn't the goal anymore. I mean, rich would be nice, don't get me wrong but … I have everything I want," she took Brittany's hand and brought it to her lips, "right here."
"Santana," Brittany smiled softly and cupped Santana's cheek. They sat looking in each other's eyes for a few moments until Irini came with their meals.
Santana sifted through the songbook that had been left on her table. She needed ten more songs. She tried to figure out what she was feeling tonight. She found an older song by Whitney and Enrique Iglesias that would make a great final duet for her and Brittany. She decided on kd lang's "Constant Craving", Pat Benetar's "I Don't Want To Be Your Friend", Roberta Flack's "The First Time", and Elvis' "Suspicious Minds".
Xoxoxoxoxo
"So, like I've done every night, I'd like to bring Brittany up here to sing a duet with me. Britt?"
The crowd clapped and cheered as Brittany joined Santana on the stage and Santana gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
"Ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
The crowd laughed then settled as the music began.
Dame un beso para siempre
Over and over I look in your eyes
You are all I desire, you have captured me
I want to hold you, I want to be close to you
I never want to let go
I wish that this night would never end
I need to know
Could I hold you for a lifetime?
Could I look into your eyes?
Could I have this night to share this night together?
Could I hold you close beside me?
Could I hold you for all time?
Could I, could I, could I have this kiss forever?
Could I, could I, could I have this kiss forever? (Forever)
Forever (forever)
Over and over, I've dreamed of this night
Now you're here by my side, you are next to me (you are next to me)
I want to hold you and touch you and taste you
And make you want no one but me
I wish that this kiss could never end, no, no
Oh, baby, please
Could I hold you for a lifetime? (Could I?)
Could I look into your eyes?
Could I have this night to share this night together? (Un beso para siempre)
(Para siempre)
Could I hold you close beside me?
Could I hold you for all time?
Could I, could I, could I have this kiss forever?
Could I, could I, could I have this kiss forever? (Forever)
And ever? (Forever)
I don't want any night to go by
Without you by my side
I just want all my days
Spent being next to you
Lived for just loving you
And baby, oh, by the way (could I?)
Could I hold you for a lifetime?
Could I look into your eyes?
Could I have this night to share this night together? (Could I?)
Could I hold you close beside me?
Could I hold you for all time?
Could I, could I, could I have this kiss forever?
Could I, could I, could I have this kiss forever? (Forever)
And ever?
Forever (could I have this kiss forever?)
(Could I have this kiss forever?)
Solo, solo un beso, un beso para siempre
Para siempre (could I have this kiss forever?)
Dame un beso para siempre (could I have this kiss forever?)
Para siempre
Could I have this kiss forever?
Could I, could I have this kiss forever?
Santana and Brittany joined in a sweet kiss at the end of the song, much to the delight of the crowd.
"Brittany, ladies and gentlemen!" The crowd cheered again and Santana smiled a full dimpled smile before finishing out the set.
Xoxoxoxoxo
Santana actually flopped into the chair at the end of the set. Brittany handed her a towel and a bottle of water; both of which she accepted gratefully. She smiled at Brittany.
"I really love doing duets with you. Did I ever apologize for what …"
"Santana, that was so long ago. We are so past that, sweetheart." Brittany smiled softly at Santana. "I love you. Time and distance has a way of muting what seemed so important. In the scheme of things, I think we did okay."
Santana leaned over and kissed Brittany deeply, trying to pour all the love she had for Britt into the kiss. Brittany kissed her back just as fervently; letting Santana know that she feels the exact same way.
"So," Brittany said when they broke apart, "you have your final set ready?"
"I think so. Melissa Etheridge's Come To My Window", she grinned at Brittany who snorted a laugh at her, "Drive by the Cars, The Promise by Tracy Chapman, and Kyrie Eleison by Mr. Mister." Santana grinned at her.
"And the fifth one?"
"You know better," Santana laughed, "that's a surprise."
Brittany pouted but Santana refused to give in, choosing to simply kiss the pout away before heading back to the stage.
Xoxoxoxoxo
"You've all been really amazing tonight," Santana said as she finished The Promise, "I've had a great couple of days and I'm sure some of you have been here at least one other night." There was a burst of cheers and applause. "Thank you, seriously, I had no idea I was going to be doing this but I've had a great time so thank you all for being so generous and kind. As always, last song of the evening is for the love of my life; Brittany, this one's for you. I love you."
Just smile for me and let the day begin
You are the sunshine that lights my heart within
And I'm sure that you're an angel in disguise
Come take my hand and together we will rise
On the wings of love up and above the clouds
The only way to fly is on the wings of love
On the wings of love, only the two of us
Together flying high
Flying high up on the wings of love
You look at me and I begin to melt
Just like the snow when a ray of sun is felt
And I'm crazy 'bout you, baby, can't you see?
I'd be so delighted if you would come with me
On the wings of love up and above the clouds
The only way to fly is on the wings of love
On the wings of love, only the two of us
Together flying high
Flying high up on the wings of love
Yes, you belong to me, I'm yours exclusively
Right now we live and breathe each other
Inseparable it seems, we're flowing like a stream
Running free traveling on the wings of love
On the wings of love up and above the clouds
The only way to fly is on the wings of love
On the wings of love, only the two of us
Together flying high
Together flying high
On the wings of love up and above the clouds
The only way to fly is on the wings of love
On the wings of love, only the two of us
Together flying high
Flying high up on the wings of love
The crowd was on their feet when she finished, clapping and cheering for her. She smiled; a crinkly-eye, deep dimpled, full face smile.
"Thank you all so much!" She said, waving as she stepped off the stage and moved through the crowd of well-wishers to the table where Brittany waited.
She'd only been sitting about ten minutes when it started; first one person, then another, then three more, until there was a deluge of people wanting her autograph. She smiled even as the blush crept up her cheeks and signed autographs for what seemed like hours; quite a few asked for Brittany's autograph as well. When the crowd had finally been satisfied Santana just looked at Brittany.
Brittany's mega-watt smile was on full display. "I tried to tell you, honey, they love you."
"That was just surreal."
Spyro came over and sat down, smiling widely. "I wish you were here longer," he said, "you bring the people in. I think maybe I need to do more open mic nights to find another you." He laughed his deep-throated belly laugh.
"You'll never find another one like her, Spyro. Believe me, I looked." She smiled at Santana who blushed again.
"Here," Spyro slipped an envelope into Santana's hand. "Bonus for you and the lovely Brittany. You bring in so much business, you earned it."
"Oh, but, Spyro …" Santana started to protest; she had made the deal and she was fine with it.
"No, no. I insist. You bring many people who maybe wouldn't have come. They come to see you but they like the food so they come back. It's … how did Brittany say … win-win?"
Santana laughed and nodded. "Yeah. Okay, thank you, Spyro."
"Don't forget to talk to Georgio in Molyvos. He's expecting you." Spyro smiled and stood up. He leaned over and kissed each woman on both cheeks. "I have enjoyed meeting you both. If you come back to Mytilene, come see me. Maybe I can engage you again, eh?" With that, he walked off to take care of a problem at the bar.
Santana just shook her head. "I'm ready to go back to the hotel, maybe take a soak in the tub?"
Brittany smiled at her. "Sounds perfect. It's kind of been a long week."
Santana stood up and took Brittany's hand, handing Brittany the envelope to put in her bag. They left the Taverna and had to wait a few minutes for a taxi. Once they got to the hotel, Brittany guided Santana to their room.
They were getting undressed when Brittany pulled the envelopes out of her bag. One had the normal payment of one thousand Euros. The "bonus" envelope had an additional two thousand Euros.
Santana balked. Five thousand Euros for three nights, thirty songs, maybe a total of five hours "work". "Holy shit."
Brittany looked at her. "Yeah, we need to figure out what to do with all this cash."
Santana looked around the room and spotted the box of souvenirs. They'd decided to keep a medium sized box for souvenirs in their room and, when it was full, they'd ship it to Brittany's parents' house in Lima so they didn't have to worry about carrying it all.
"Let's go back to the Olive Wood House tomorrow. See if they have some sort of bank. Then it will just look like another souvenir."
Brittany nodded. "That seems like the easiest thing to do. Especially if you get paid in Molyvos as well."
Santana shook her head in disbelief before finally getting undressed. She looked at Brittany as she walked to the bathroom, putting a little extra sway in her hips. "You coming?"
"Not yet," Britt muttered as she quickly divested herself of her clothing and hurried to follow Santana into the bathroom.
Xoxoxoxoxo
Song Credits:
Could I Have This Kiss Forever – Whitney Houston & Enrique Iglesias
On The Wings Of Love – Jeffrey Osborne