"Move over" Brittany quietly and somewhat annoyingly whispers as she pushes Santiago. He groans in response, feeling the edge of the queen bed in his mother's basement.
"There's nowhere for me to go" Santiago protests, his eyes half-closed from exhaustion. The idea of spending the evening before Christmas Eve at his mother's house initially seemed beautiful—bringing the whole family together under one roof. However, the reality of everyone squeezing into his mother's comparatively normal-sized home becomes apparent, and Brittany is now grappling with regret.
Feeling the constraints of the bed, contemplates the logistical challenge ahead. The air mattress they had brought for extra sleeping space has proven to be less comfortable than anticipated. She casts a wistful glance towards the door, contemplating the possibility of seeking refuge in a less crowded corner of the house.
As Brittany glances at her phone, the stark glow of 3 am. illuminates her face. She had been looking forward to a full night's sleep, especially since Gloria had eagerly volunteered to take care of Mia through the night, using the expressed milk Brittany had prepared. However, a hint of worry clouds Brittany's thoughts, recalling the one challenging bottle-feeding experience Mia had with Santiago days earlier.
Santiago, attuned to Brittany's concerns, looks at her with a reassuring smile. "She's okay" he confirms, his voice filled with confidence and a touch of amusement at Brittany's sleep-deprived state. Encouraged by his assurance, Brittany takes a deep breath and slowly nods her head.
Turning onto her side, she attempts to settle back into the embrace of sleep. The room is quiet, the soft hum of the air conditioner providing a gentle background noise. As Brittany closes her eyes, Santiago shifts closer to her, his warm presence offering a sense of comfort. She feels the gentle press of his arm wrapping around her waist, creating a protective cocoon that dispels the worries lingering in the corners of her mind.
The soft melody of "Feliz Navidad" sung by Gloria fills the room, "It's Christmas, mami and papa!" Gloria sings, turning on the twinkling lights that adorn the room, gently waking Brittany and Santiago from their peaceful embrace. The soft glow of the Christmas lights casts a warm ambience, creating a festive atmosphere that permeates the room. With a contented sigh, Santiago and Brittany untangle themselves from each other, their eyes adjusting to the soft illumination.
Gloria enters the room, cradling Mia, who is adorned in a beautiful red Christmassy dress. The sight of their little one dressed for the occasion brings smiles to the faces of Santiago and Brittany, their hearts swelling with holiday cheer. Gloria, with her characteristic joy, announces, "Niña is ready to open her gifts."
The promise of Christmas breakfast adds to the anticipation as Gloria informs them that Abuela is preparing tamales, a cherished holiday tradition. The scent of warm, festive delights wafts through the air, further heightening the holiday spirit in the room. Santiago and Brittany exchange a glance filled with shared excitement, looking forward to celebrating their first Christmas as a family.
As they make their way to the living room, the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree greet them, adorned with an array of ornaments and glistening baubles. The carefully wrapped presents underneath promising moments of joy and laughter. Mia, in Gloria's arms, seems to sense the festive energy, her bright eyes capturing the magic of the season.
Gloria carefully places Mia in a new bouncer, surrounded by an array of beautifully wrapped gifts. Santiago and Brittany join her, their hearts brimming with gratitude. With each present unwrapped, the room fills with exclamations of delight and shared laughter, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Amid the festive chaos, the aroma of Abuela's tamales beckons them to the breakfast table. The family gathers around, savoring not just the delicious food but the warmth and love that permeates every moment.
As the day unfolded in a symphony of love and laughter, the family reveled in the joy of being together during this festive season. Luca, the youngest member, received a delightful surprise – a complete Raiders kit and a shiny new ball courtesy of Santiago. The gift sparked an energetic session of play, with Lucas and Santiago running around outside, their laughter echoing in the crisp Christmas air.
However, as the day concluded, it was time for Santiago, Brittany, and Mia to bid farewell to the warmth of familial celebrations and embark on their journey to Missouri. The short flight awaited them, a mere three hours that would transport them to a different landscape and continue their holiday adventures.
Navigating through the bustling airport, Santiago and Brittany were met with the inviting sight of a beautifully decorated suite, specially arranged for the occasion. The air was infused with the scent of festive cheer, and the room exuded a warm ambiance that mirrored the love and togetherness they had experienced earlier in the day.
The suite served as a cozy retreat, offering a temporary haven where they could unwind, reflect on the day's festivities, and prepare for the game the next day. The Christmas decorations provided a comforting backdrop, continuing to weave the magic of the season into their travels.
The morning unfolded in a cozy suite, bathed in the soft glow of Christmas lights. Santiago, savoring the luxury of a leisurely morning before the upcoming game, took it upon himself to orchestrate a delightful breakfast surprise. He placed an order for an array of delectable treats – pancakes, pastries, and a hearty bowl of oatmeal for himself, ensuring there was something for everyone's taste.
Quietly navigating through the suite, Santiago approached the bedroom, his hands carefully cradling the assortment of breakfast delights. With a gentle touch, he roused Brittany from her slumber, presenting her with a tray laden with the morning feast. "Merry Christmas," he whispered, mindful not to disturb the still-sleeping Mia.
Brittany, still nestled under the warmth of the blankets, greeted the festive morning with a tired yet appreciative smile. She inquired about Santiago's night, and he admitted to the challenges of the not-so-comfortable pull-out bed, emphasizing that a restful night's sleep had eluded him.
Joining Brittany on the bed, Santiago settled in with his own bowl of oatmeal, creating a shared space where they could enjoy a quiet and intimate Christmas breakfast together.
As they indulged in their morning meal, the air was infused with the comforting aromas of freshly baked pastries and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup. The suite, adorned in festive colors, became a haven for shared laughter, whispered conversations, and the joyous anticipation of the day ahead. With the promise of a memorable Christmas game looming on the horizon, Santiago, Brittany, and Mia found solace in these quiet morning moments, embracing the holiday spirit that surrounded them.
As they wrapped up their breakfast, Mia, announced her readiness to join the morning festivities. After a quick feed, Santiago led them into the living room, where a small pile of carefully wrapped presents awaited them. Santiago, with a twinkle in his eye, declared, "Santa's been, Mia" drawing the little one's attention to the festive scene.
Among the array of gifts was a particularly eye-catching one – a pink baby walker shaped like a Lamborghini. Santiago, enthusiastically pointed out, "Look, Mia, you have the same car as Papa" adding a touch of humor to the joyous occasion. The room soon resonated with the sounds of tearing wrapping paper and delighted squeals as they delved into the gifts for Mia.
Amid the festive revelry, Santiago announced a special surprise – one more gift for Brittany. Excitement filled the air as he retrieved a small box from his bag and handed it to her. Brittany, visibly surprised, questioned the unexpected addition, noting they had exchanged presents the day before. Undeterred, Santiago encouraged her to open the box, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Santiago, with a satisfied smile, explained, "Open it" nudging her to explore the beauty of the gift. As Brittany unveiled the contents, she discovered a breathtaking 18k gold necklace, featuring the exquisite script of Mia's name rendered in gold. A gasp of astonishment escaped her lips as she traced the delicate curves of the elegant piece.
Clinking their wine glasses in a toast, Brittany couldn't help but comment on the upscale atmosphere of Wakuda. "This is fancy" she observed, her eyes scanning the elegant menu. Santiago, always up for sharing, suggested, "Shall we share a few plates?" The idea resonated with Brittany, and they decided to order an array of sushi rolls, tempura, and noodles to enjoy together.
As they waited for their food to arrive, Brittany confessed, "It feels so weird being out without Mia. I feel a little lost." Santiago, sensing the weight of her words, acknowledged the unique challenges of stepping away from their roles as parents, even for a short while. Reflecting on the inevitable tug of parental responsibility, he empathetically replied, "Tell me about it." a sentiment he could relate to more than he let on.
Their shared plates arrived, a delightful assortment of flavors and textures. As they sampled each dish, the conversation flowed effortlessly between bites. Santiago, occasionally catching Brittany's eye, could sense the underlying connection they shared, both as parents and as individuals navigating the complexities of life.
Finishing their meal, savoring the last sips of wine, Santiago suggested they order dessert, extending the pleasure of the evening. The dessert menu offered a tempting array of options, and they decided to indulge in a sweet finale to their night out.
Strolling along the bustling strip, the vibrant nightlife creating a lively backdrop, Santiago proposed a spontaneous idea. "My mom has Mia tonight, how about we head up to my favorite bar for a quick drink?" he suggested, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. Intrigued, Brittany agreed, eager to experience a slice of Santiago's world.
Making their way to the rooftop bar, Brittany couldn't help but appreciate the breathtaking view of the cityscape. Santiago, familiar with the place, confidently led the way. Once at the bar, he skillfully ordered a couple of drinks, selecting a few specialties to add a touch of flair to the evening.
Santiago returned to Brittany, handing her a beautifully crafted cocktail. The atmosphere on the rooftop was enchanting, with the city lights shimmering below. They found a cozy spot to sit, the ambient music adding to the allure of the moment. Sipping their drinks, Santiago and Brittany engaged in easy conversation, the night unfolding with a sense of spontaneity and shared enjoyment.
The bar, with its chic ambiance and panoramic views, provided the perfect setting for them to unwind and connect. Santiago, ever the gracious host, ensured that Brittany felt at ease, making the impromptu outing a delightful escape from the routine of parenthood. The clinking of glasses and the hum of the city below became the soundtrack to a night that held the promise of relaxation, connection, and the simple joy of being in each other's company.
Santiago couldn't help but reflect on the journey that brought them to this moment as they sat in the upscale bar, surrounded by the glimmering lights of the city. With a playful glint in his eyes, he teasingly asked Brittany, "Did you ever imagine you'd be here after swiping right on me?" The question harked back to the early days of their relationship, filled with uncertainty and the thrill of the unknown.
Brittany, sipping her drink, chuckled nervously before responding, "Well, I wasn't expecting a one-night stand." The admission hung in the air, a reminder of the unexpected turns that life can take. Santiago, on his third drink and feeling more confident, decided to address a lingering question that had been on his mind.
"Why didn't you call me?" he inquired, looking at Brittany with a mix of curiosity and sincerity. Her expression shifted to one of mild confusion. "Why didn't you call me?" she countered. The exchange brought a momentary pause, creating a space for unspoken thoughts to linger. Santiago, taking a drag of his cigarette, pondered the question before responding, "How could I? I didn't have your number."
Brittany, in a playful yet pointed retort, replied with a simple "touché." The air between them filled with a sense of unspoken acknowledgment, and a subtle tension lingered Santiago felt compelled to fill the void with a revelation. "I left my number on your chalk wall" he confessed, recounting the hurried moments before he had to rush to practice. He went on to explain that, in his haste, he had also sent several Tinder messages in an attempt to reach her, reaching for his phone to scroll through the digital evidence.
The revelation about the messages and the wall number left Brittany momentarily speechless, her mind undoubtedly rewinding to the early days of their connection. "You left your number on my kitchen wall?" she repeated as if seeking confirmation. Santiago nodded.
"And why there?" Brittany pressed, her genuine curiosity evident in her expression. "The wall was a chaotic collage of randomness. How did you even think I'd notice your number in that chaos?"
Santiago, sensing the weight of the moment, opted to break the silence by lighting up another cigarette. As a new round of drinks arrived, he chuckled, "I didn't go into our date for sex, trust me." The candidness of his admission intrigued Brittany, who leaned in, silently encouraging him to share more.
"What did you go into it for?" she inquired, her curiosity evident. Santiago, exhaling a plume of smoke, considered the question. "I don't know" he admitted, a genuine and reflective tone in his voice. "You looked happy, kind, someone who has layers. I guess I was looking for something more than what I usually get around here" he confessed, his words carrying a hint of vulnerability.
Brittany, absorbing his sincerity, felt a mix of emotions. Santiago's openness about his motives revealed a side of him she hadn't fully grasped. The layers he mentioned seemed to extend beyond their initial encounters, inviting her to explore the complexities that made up Santiago Lopez.
As they continued their conversation, the atmosphere between them shifted. The rooftop bar became a space where honesty and revelations coexisted with the city's effervescent energy below. Santiago, in his admission, had unknowingly unveiled a desire for connection that transcended the superficial encounters common in their surroundings.
Navigating their way back to Santiago's apartment, the effects of the drinks became apparent as he felt his head spinning. Grasping Brittany's arm for support, he attempted to maintain his balance, their laughter echoing through the night. The playful and slightly inebriated journey highlighted the easy camaraderie between them, as they navigated the twists and turns of the city streets on their way to the penthouse.
Santiago stood on his balcony, absorbing the fresh evening air, when Brittany joined him with a glass of water. "Here," she said, handing him the glass. "You drank way too much," she giggled, standing beside him and leaning on the barrier, both looking out at the vibrant lights of Vegas. Santiago, heightened by emotions, gazed at Brittany, his eyes filled with an intense fire. "Hey" Brittany said, breaking him out of his trance.
In an instant, Santiago moved forward, his hands on her back as their lips met. The kiss was passionate, with Santiago's left hand bringing her closer. His tongue sought entrance, and Brittany allowed it, sending sparks coursing through him. As his hands moved down her back to squeeze her ass, Santiago couldn't help but moan. However, in a split second, he felt a force—Brittany's hands on his chest, pulling away.
"Let's not complicate things; we're in a good place" Brittany told him, a serene smile on her face. Santiago stood there, shocked and still ablaze from their kiss, uncertain of what to say. Brittany gently informed him that it was time for both of them to go to bed, and he watched her disappear into her room, closing the door behind her. The balcony now felt emptier, and Santiago couldn't shake the mix of confusion and longing that lingered in the cool night air.
Santiago walked into the apartment, his gaze fixed on Brittany's door. As he reached for the handle, ready to open it, he paused, taking a deep breath. In that moment of contemplation, with a sigh, he walked away from her door heading to his own bedroom. Looking down at his left hand, he chuckled softly, saying, "Guess it's just you and I tonight."