CHAPTER 6
Santana races back to the Understudy in record time while every worst-case scenario runs on repeat in her head. She clings onto the tiniest bit of peace Brittany gave her moments ago, but it seems as though the further she drives away the less strength it has. By the time she pulls into the parking lot at the Understudy, it has all but disappeared.
Santana barely makes it through the lobby when she hears the first sign of trouble: Rachel and Quinn arguing.
Generally, Quinn doesn't get loud – not like Santana does. Her anger is a quiet storm, low grumbles of annoyance or frustration but unfortunately Santana's never seen the lightning since it always fizzles out. She doesn't take anything too personally, at least she doesn't show it which makes for a good balance in the kitchen since Santana is very…passionate.
And generally, Rachel and Quinn have a good working relationship. In fact, they're friends outside of work. Santana doesn't get how anyone could put themselves through that kind of torture especially off the clock but whatever. It has it's perks; like when Santana pushes their boundaries a little too much she just sends Quinn in to smooth things over.
So to see the two having a standoff in the hallways near the office is pretty concerning.
"I don't get why you're so upset, Quinn. This is great for our bottom line," Rachel says as calmly as she can but there's still a familiar snippiness.
"The bottom line won't mean anything if we don't have the product!" Quinn argues, "Or the space? Where do you even plan on putting these people?"
"What's going on?" Santana asks before Quinn pops a blood vessel. "What people?"
"Thank God you're here," Quinn sighs. "Go ahead, Rachel. Tell her what you told me."
"Hello Santana, how was your visit? I'm sure Brittany and her pig friend's reunion was very – "
"Cut the shit, Rachel. What did you do?"
"I didn't do anything, I'm merely the messenger which is what I was trying to tell Quinn," Rachel explains.
"What the hell is she talking about?" Santana asks Quinn.
"She's talking about our bookings for today. They've doubled."
"What?" Santana whirls on Rachel. "Why have they doubled? We capped numbers for a reason. Did you forget you're throwing a party here tonight?"
"I haven't forgotten and it's still capped! There's just…an extra seating time."
"So it's not capped," Quinn quips.
Santana starts pacing, muttering beneath her breath. The product orders have already been placed in anticipation for the holiday rush, those orders didn't account for an extra seating time! She doubts she can scrounge up extra stock, no matter how sweet she is with the suppliers. It's too late, orders are either here already or on their way!
"I'm sorry, Santana. There was a huge demand for an additional seating time."
"Okay? It's not our fault they were too slow to book. Try again next year!"
"I agree, however we started getting complains since we sold out on the release date. We're also booked out for our Christmas event so this is it. We can't bare any bad press so my dads thought – "
Santana lifts a finger to silence Rachel. "Where am I going to get the food to feed these people? They were coming here for a specific menu but now I'm going to have to revisit the entire offering just to stretch what we have. Not to mention how this puts a ton of pressure on the staff!"
Rachel forces an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry?"
"Whatever." Santana only rolls her eyes before turning to Quinn. "How far along are we in prep?"
"Pretty far."
"Fuckin fantastic."
"What if we did a degustation menu," Quinn offers.
"Smaller portions, that's smart."
"Just a thought. I don't know how else we can accommodate."
"No, that's good. I'll see what else we have on hand. We need something to bulk it up if we're going that route," Santana replies before looking at Rachel. "You need to reprint the menus and buy some booze. Lots and lots of booze."
"Of course. Anything for the guests."
"It's not for them. It's for us," Santana grumbles. "We need some kind of incentive. Don't be cheap either, get the good stuff."
"I suppose that's fine," Rachel relents. "But not a drop until after service."
"No promises. Also, you and Kurt will have to stay on the floor for service too in case there are any complaints," Santana instructs. "This menu has been available online; guests might get snippy if they arrive and it's completely changed. I don't want front of house getting bitched at for your mistakes."
Rachel looks a little hesitant but she has no other option than to agree. "Anything else?"
"I'm sure I'll think of something," Santana replies. "This better be one hell of a staff party tonight. We're gonna need it if we end up pulling this off."
Rachel perks up. "Does that mean you're coming?"
"I might as well. We'll probably finish up with the last guest by the time it starts anyway."
"Wonderful news! See, this is exactly why we hired you."
"This is exactly why so many people have probably quit too," Santana quips.
"Perhaps but your ability to adapt even in the face of adversity is inspiring. That sets you apart from the others. I can't begin to tell you how grateful we are that you're here."
"Great, because I don't have the time to listen," Santana waves her off. "Let's go, Fabray. We've got four hours to fix this mess. Rachel, we'll discuss my raise later."
\\
Miraculously, service runs without any mental breakdowns or getting caught crying in the walk-in. It's the longest lunch Santana has worked in a while. It was a little reminiscent of her days working the line in the city – except there's no Brittany by her side coaxing her through with her infectious positive energy, quietly reminding her that there's a comfy bed and sweet lady kisses waiting at home when they finish up.
There's none of that now.
However, there is a staff party that Rachel and Kurt swear will make up for the shit they put everyone through. Santana will just have to see if they live up to the hype.
"Is it even worth going home to get ready?" Quinn asks Santana as she passes her the pack of smokes and her lighter. They're sitting on the stoop at the kitchen's back exit, watching as the rest of the kitchen team head to their respective cars.
"The catering crew might think you're with them if you're hanging around in your chef coat."
"True. I need to shower."
"It's about time," Santana jokes.
"Whatever. Are you really coming to this thing? I thought you were avoiding it at all costs."
"Yeah, maybe I had a change of heart."
Quinn lifts a brow as lets out a slow stream of smoke.
"I might've invited Brittany."
"Oh, your friendly competitor?"
Santana chuckles at the jab but corrects her. "My girlfriend who I'm trying to stop being pissed at because there's a bigger picture here and I like my life better when she's in it."
"God, you're such a sap!" Quinn pretends to gag and it only makes Santana laugh harder. "You've come a long way from blasting Alanis."
"Blame Brittany," Santana jokes.
"For revealing you have a soft spot?" Quinn teases. "It's good you guys are working it out. You have to when it's love like this."
"Now who's the softie?"
"Never said I wasn't. I just do a better job of hiding it," Quinn smirks. "So she made everything make sense for you now? All your questions answered?"
"Sort of. Maybe I'll get more tonight. If she shows," Santana shrugs. "She's working tonight too so who knows – she might not even come. It'd be just my luck."
"Maybe you'll get a Christmas miracle then. Have a little faith," Quinn suggests before stubbing out her cigarette. "I'm gonna head off, get ready for this party. You should too."
Santana nods but lingers on the stoop a little longer. She thinks about her and Brittany's conversation from this morning, how there's loose ends and more questions than there are answers. She remembers her mentioning a contract and Santana attempts to piece together how it fits into all of this. She wonders why it's there in the first place. She thinks about it all until Rachel shoos her away so the caterers can get to work on setting up.
\\
A glance at the digits displayed on her microwave lets Santana know she's already running late. She spent way too long in the shower and even longer trying to figure out what to wear. Should she go with a classic little black dress or her usual crimson red? Low plunging neckline to show off the girls or keep it conservative? Knee-high boots or strappy heels? Should she straighten her hair or leave it wavy?
It's just a party with her co-workers, not an award ceremony so why is she overthinking this? Because there's the tiniest sliver of a chance that Brittany might show and considering the way they left things, seeing her again is nerve wracking.
Maybe a little less so if she's dressed to kill.
\\
Santana arrives fashionably late. No one seems to notice her quietly sneaking in through the back door, conveniently missing Rachel and Kurt serenading the team against their will. By now, everyone's used to it though.
Santana wades through the crowd and heads for the pop-up bar where poor staff Rachel hired are dressed as elves. She spots Quinn there too, chatting with one of the female bartenders a little too enthusiastically. At first glance, one could say she was flirting with her. Santana waits to make her presence known until after Quinn scores her number.
"You know the drinks are free, right?" Santana teases after the other bartender pours her a drink. "You don't actually have to flirt for it."
"She started it," Quinn smirks before clinking her glass with Santana's. "Glad you finally made it, Chef."
"What'd I miss? I see the Wonder Twins are already making it about them with this concert no one asked for."
"Yeah but you can't deny they're talented," Quinn reasons. "Even if all they seem to sing are showtunes."
Santana just shrugs. "How's the food?"
"Pretty good, but it's Pop-Up's so what do you expect."
"Pop-Up's is catering? I didn't know that," Santana looks around, wondering if Holly's working or if it's just her team.
"Chef Holliday was here earlier," Quinn says as if she knew Santana was looking for her. "She said she had another party to get to."
Santana nods, but still looks around.
"I haven't seen Brittany yet either."
Santana pauses, trying hard to ignore that sinking feeling. "It's still earlier. Maybe she hasn't left work yet."
"Maybe," Quinn replies. "We'll see."
\\
Santana loses track of the time when caterers start wandering around with trays of Christmas-themed shooters. They're all over the top and theatrical, Santana just has to sample each one. She's relieved when the canapes start roaming next, she needs to pace herself if she wants to withstand waiting for Brittany to maybe show up.
The later it gets, the messier the staff becomes. For hospitality, wild staff parties are a given which makes them all the more fun. Santana always seems to forget that part, but when the buzz finally kicks in, she remembers how to let loose. She dances with some of the wait staff and eggs Rachel to take more shots only for her to take every single one like a pro. Kurt looks after her wearily, interjecting himself when she gets a little too flirty with the caterers that looks oddly similar to her ex.
Santana revels in the chaos of it all, looking on with a pleased smile as everyone enjoys themselves. It's not until she catches Quinn cozied up in a dark hall with the bartender she was flirting with earlier that Santana starts to come down from the high.
It's not jealousy, because gross that's Quinn. She's not sure what it is. All she knows is that she starts watching the entrance again, hoping for a familiar face.
\\
Santana's not sure when it happens, but she finds herself sitting next to Rachel at the grand piano with a mic in her hand. Rachel's not the one with the mic, she is and she's singing.
Lights on the trees under fallen snow
You get a bit closer when the winter's cold
Now I can't wait 'til you're by my side
All of the best gifts, you just can't buy
A crowd has gathered around them as Rachel plays the piano alongside her. Santana didn't even know she knew how to play, she's never paid much attention when she puts on a show. As Santana sings, she gets why Rachel and Kurt do it so often – knowing she's captivating an audience feels awesome despite feeling so vulnerable.
At least she can say it's just another sad Christmas song getting overplayed on the radio. It's not like it holds any meaning for her. It's not like it reminders her of Brittany.
Wherever you go, you light up the room
I hope that you'll make it back home soon
'Cause it won't feel like Christmas without you
Okay, maybe she lied. This song is definitely about Brittany.
The crowd applauds and Rachel commends Santana for revealing an incredible hidden talent but all Santana wants to do is drown her sorrows in a glass of spiked eggnog. Too bad Quinn's off distracting the bartender though!
"We should sing something together!" Rachel entices. Santana can't think of anything worse.
"I need a cigarette," Santana says instead before quickly excusing herself.
\\
The fresh air is intoxicating, cold fills her lungs and shocks her from the alcohol driven buzz. It's refreshing at first, but halfway through her smoke break – the chill sets in and she starts regretting forgetting her coat.
Still, she stares up at the clear sky, always amazed by how many stars she can see out here compared to night skies in the city.
"I thought you quit smoking."
Santana nearly gives herself whiplash when she turns to the voice. Brittany's voice. Suddenly she's overcome with relief.
"I cut down," She tells her as Brittany makes her way closer to the stoop. "You made it."
"Sorry I'm late," Brittany adds. "I wanted to get cleaned up."
"That's okay. You could've showed up in your chef whites and you'd still look good," Santana compliments before stubbing out her cigarette. She doesn't know where the boldness came from, but she owns it anyway. "I'm glad you didn't though."
Brittany grins sheepishly and Santana smirks.
"Do you want to come inside for a drink?"
Brittany nods and Santana holds her hand out as she makes her way up the stairs to meet her. The touch chases off any night chill that once was there, Santana doesn't let go just in case it tries to come back. It might be the alcohol talking too or the way Brittany's perfume seems to fog up her senses, but all Santana wants to do now is kiss her.
It's been so long since the last time and she knows it might be a little too early for it.
\\
Inside, the regular music is back on and everyone's dancing. Santana and Brittany easily make their way around the mob to the bar where the guy who served her earlier awaits. It's all reminiscent of the night at the awards ceremony; she and Brittany hiding at the bar, content in each other's company as the party goes on around them.
Santana would love to live in that for as long as possible but they're not so lucky.
"You can sing and I missed it?" Quinn pops up out of nowhere asking. She tosses Santa hats at the pair, she's wearing one now too.
"You sang?" Brittany asks, equally surprised as she puts on the hat.
Santana stares dumbfoundedly at both of them. "It was a one-time thing."
"No way, you have to do it again!" Quinn urges. "Everyone's saying you're good too. I need proof!"
"She is good," Brittany assures Quinn. "The best, actually."
Quinn smirks as she looks at Santana. "I see your girlfriend made it."
Brittany's brows rise. "Have I gotten my title back?"
Again, Santana's at a loss for words. She only talked about things with Quinn, her and Brittany still have some things they need to sort out. She doesn't need Quinn jumping the gun for her!
"You know what? I don't like this double-teaming thing you two are doing. So not cool."
"I'm not doing anything," Brittany frowns while Quinn only laughs.
"Let me know when you're putting on another show!" She calls out as she heads towards the dance floor.
"She's gonna be waiting a long time," Santana quips as she finally puts on the Santa hat.
"Really? We used to put on little shows together all the time at Pop-Up's," Brittany says.
"Yeah, but they don't know that. Besides, that was a different time."
"Maybe so but sounds like you still got it."
"As if I'd ever lose it."
"True," Brittany grins. "So girlfriend, huh?"
Santana narrows her eyes, but it comes across more playful than anything else. "We have a few things to talk about before that title's officially yours again."
"Okay," Brittany swivels to face Santana. "What do you want to know?"
"Right here?" Santana looks around. "It's not very private."
"We can go back to my place if you want?"
Santana narrows her eyes again.
"Not like that," Brittany giggles. "I mean, if you want to go somewhere to talk then we can but I don't have anything to hide from you or anyone else. I just want us to be okay again."
"Okay," Santana leads the way to the lobby. It's less crowded and the music isn't so loud. They sit side by side on a bench by the entry and it finally hits her that this is what she's been waiting for – closure.
"Where should I start?" Brittany asks.
"Tell me more about this contract."
"Well, I signed a contract when I left. I was so excited because the offer was incredible," Brittany says. "I'm talking big role, prestigious Executive Chef, a ridiculously good salary. I rushed through reading and missed a few things. Particularly the strict privacy clause that kept me from saying anything to you or anyone else about the job."
"Hang on," Santana stops her. "Go back – what kind of job did you take on that had a contract like that? Did you work for the President or something?"
"Close. Sue Sylvester requested me."
"What?" Santana must be mishearing her. "As in the sixth most awarded Michelin-stared Chef? The one who beat all four Iron Chefs in one battle? That Sue Sylvester?"
"That's her," Brittany says. "She sent a headhunter to find me, offered me a deal with a huge signing bonus. I know we had a plan but this was too good to refuse. San, I'm talking enough money that could – "
"Open a restaurant."
"And then some!" Brittany replies. "The only problem was that Sue was extremely paranoid and required like a military level of secrecy which I had no idea about until I signed my life away. The first thing I wanted to do was tell you, but I was already bound to by contract. I couldn't talk about the role, her, the restaurant, the location – nothing or it would all be void. We couldn't have our phones or use social media without supervision. Even the letters I sent to you were screened. It was miserable there."
"I had no idea," is all Santana can say.
"I thought I was going to be stuck in that contract for a year, that was what the signing deal said. I kept thinking about the money, trying to let that be my motivation but being so isolated was horrible. I knew you'd be pissed about me leaving so I wanted it to be worth it. I figured after it was over, we could open our own place – the one we always talked about."
"Stix."
"Yeah. Thinking about that and you, how I only had to do this for a short time in the grand scheme of things and I'd never have to do it again. I tried so hard to stick it out." Brittany shakes her head remorsefully. "I wanted to quit after the first two weeks. I just couldn't do it."
"You're no quitter."
"I know. That's what I thought about too when I was there, but I was stuck. I wanted out, didn't know how to do it though."
"But you did, right?" Santana asks. "How?"
"I got in contact with Holly. Or rather, she got in contact with me somehow. She's kind of a jack of all trades. She suggested I lawyer up because none of what Sue was doing seemed right. So I did…" Brittany explains. "I ended up suing Sue."
"What?!"
"I know. A very long, boring story short – the night I saw you at the ceremony was the night I was finally free," Brittany says through a smile. "I was supposed to stay hidden as a part of a deal Sue and I made but it was your big night and I didn't want to miss it. I risked getting spotted so I could see you. I just couldn't wait any longer. Ten months and fifteen days was enough."
The sudden urge to kiss her is strong and Santana barely puts up a fight as she gives in to it. They've deprived themselves of this for what seems like months and god – it feels like coming home now. Santana never wants another drought like this again.
"Woah," Brittany's in a daze as Santana pulls back. There's a tiny, dopy little smile on her face as she asks, "What was that for?"
"Had to," Santana says simply although it's not much of a reason. "Just blame it on the mistletoe."
Brittany looks up. "But there's no – "
"I'm sorry for not listening sooner," Santana interrupts before she kisses her silly again. "I'm sorry for holding this stupid grudge against you. I'm sorry you went through this alone and I only made it worse."
"You were pissed. I get it, I'd be pissed at me too," Brittany replies as she gently cups her cheek. "But honey, I wouldn't do something like this if it didn't benefit us in the long run. When you and I made those plans, I took them seriously so I fought for this. I fought to turn a shitty experience into a future for us because you're it for me, Santana."
Santana pauses to let her words sink in. It sounds an awful lot like a proposal; she wouldn't be mad if it was, even if there isn't a ring…yet. Although, she always pictured herself doing the asking. There were so many times before where she nearly popped the questions.
Even now, she can feel the words bubbling up which is crazy – right?
Or is that what happens when you're this in love?
"Now you have a restaurant," Santana says.
"We have a restaurant."
"Right," Santana smiles. It'll take some getting used to that. "Why rush into buying it if we hadn't worked things out yet?"
"I kind of had to. There were some concerns about Sue fleeing and taking her money with her. I started to panic but Holly mentioned that old barn. It was her great-grandfather's land, technically hers but she didn't want to look after it. So I bought it," Brittany explains. "I paid for the remodel and got as many projects started so I can pay in full. I was hoping no one screwed up because if Sue really did try to run then I'd be broke. I followed all our plans though."
"Holly," Santana shakes her head and laughs. "She really gets around, doesn't she?"
"That's her business," Brittany jokes. "But yeah, she covers a lot of ground. I can't believe what she did to PB."
Santana frowns. "What'd she do? You guys were just reunited!"
"Well if it wasn't for her, we wouldn't have to be," Brittany says. "She's the one that let him loose on your property."
"What the hell? Why'd she do that?"
"It's Holly, why do you think?" Brittany says. "She's been trying to get us back together. Haven't you noticed?"
Santana just soaks it all in, trying to process. She can't believe Holly let a pig loose in her garden. She can't believe the hoops Brittany's been jumping through all this time! Thinking back to how much of a menace she's been to her too, how embarrassing!
"I know it's a lot," Brittany sighs upon the silence. "I wanted to talk about this properly for so long now, maybe over dinner or something. I didn't want to drag this out for as long as we have – I've missed you long before I came back. It sucks being in this limbo."
"Maybe we don't have to be stuck anymore," Santana says – even surprising herself by the reply. "This is a lot, like a lot a lot. I'm still processing but I don't think I can keep pretending to be angry anymore. I'm tired and I miss you."
"No more taking on secret jobs," Brittany promises as she holds out her pinky.
"No more breezing through the fine print either," Santana half-jokes as she joins their pinkies. "At least let me help you with it."
"Deal." Brittany lifts Santana's hand to place a soft kiss there. "So does this mean we're officially back together?"
Santana couldn't be happier as she says, "I'd say that was accurate."
"Christmas wishes really do come true!" Brittany cheers before littering Santana's face with kisses. Suddenly she pauses, "Wait. so does that also mean you'll come work with me soon too?"
"You always pick the worst places to ask me that," Santana laughs. "We're literally at my staff party."
"I know where we are," Brittany giggles. "I can still dream, can't I?"
"Of course you can."
"Speaking of dreams," Brittany says as she nods to the party which seems to be winding down again as the sound of piano-playing carries through the restaurant. "You owe me a song."
"I owe you a song?"
"That's right. For pain and suffering," Brittany says. She stands and holds out her hand to Santana to take. "Also deprivation of sweet lady kisses, silent treatment, whatever the girl version of blue balls is – "
"Hey, it goes both ways!" Santana laughs. "I was just as much deprived as you were."
"Well then, how about I call it even if you sing me a song?"
"Britt…"
"Come on, please?" Brittany coaxes while batting her lashes. She already knows she has won, even Santana knows it but that doesn't keep Santana from making Brittany sit alongside her as she kicks Rachel off the mic.
The staff erupt in applause, Santana swears she can hear Quinn cheering over top of it all. She can't tell if they're all excited about her stealing the mic from Rachel probably singing another ballad or if they genuinely want her to sing.
Either way, it doesn't really matter when Brittany's eyes are lit up like the brightest Christmas tree on the block.
In fact, no one else in the room seems to matter when Brittany's looking at her the way she does. She wonders if everyone can see it too, the look of pure love. She thinks about how she almost lost her; she thinks about how lucky she is that she didn't.
She thinks about preparing Quinn to take over her Executive Chef position, she's earned it after all the time. She thinks about joining Brittany at the Stix, at their restaurant. She thinks about doing things differently, doing things their way. She thinks about winning awards together again, a power couple.
She thinks about their future together.
She thinks about the rest of their lives together.
As Santana sings to the love of her life, she thinks about those four little words again and how she can't wait to say them.
A/N - Happy New Year, everyone! It was a BIG push to finish this but we have officially reached the end of this quick lil holiday story. Sorry it isn't longer, I'm weird about holiday stores post-holidays. Sorry no sequel either lol. Song used: Christmas Without You - Ava Max
Thanks for the love, the reviews, the follows, the favs and even the coffees on Ko-Fi! Yall are the best, I appreciate each of you! I will return to my cave now, maybe ya girl will finally publish this year. Speaking of, I might be on the hunt for betas so keep your eyes peeled. See you next time! (hopefully on a bookshelf or something, that'd be cool)