In the following weeks, Santana found herself eagerly anticipating each new message from Brett, their conversations becoming a highlight of her day. From witty banter to heartfelt confessions, their exchanges flowed effortlessly, forging a connection that seemed to deepen with each passing moment.
As they continued to get to know each other, Santana couldn't shake the warmth that enveloped her whenever she thought of Brett. His easygoing charm and genuine kindness had quickly endeared him to her, and she found herself looking forward to their meetings with an excitement she hadn't felt in a long time.
Their coffee dates became a regular twice-weekly occurrence, the cozy atmosphere of the café providing the perfect backdrop for their budding friendship. With each meeting, Santana felt herself opening up more and more to Brett, sharing her hopes, dreams, and fears without reservation.
Brett, in turn, proved to be an attentive listener, his eyes never leaving hers as she spoke. He seemed genuinely interested in getting to know her, asking thoughtful questions and offering words of encouragement whenever she needed them most.
"For you" she said, her smile widening as she set down a cookie and an iced Matcha Latte in front of him. Brett's eyes lit up with gratitude as he accepted the drink, his fingers wrapping around the cold cup. "Thanks, Santana" he said, his voice filled with appreciation.
Santana took a seat opposite him, letting out a weary sigh as she sank into the chair. Brett raised an eyebrow in concern, his gaze softening as he took in her tired expression. "Long day?" he asked gently, his voice laced with sympathy. Santana nodded, a weary smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Long week, actually" she admitted, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "Work has been crazy lately."
Brett's expression mirrored her own, a knowing smile playing at his lips. "Tell me about it" he said with a chuckle. "I've been swamped too. Seems like we're both in need of a break."
Santana couldn't help but laugh at his words, "Well, here's to surviving another week" she said, raising her drink in a mock toast. Brett grinned, lifting his drink in response. "Cheers to that" he replied, clinking his cup against hers.
Santana watched as Brett took a deep breath, a nervous tension in the air as he spoke. She could see the uncertainty flickering in his eyes, his words stumbling over each other as he tried to find the right thing to say. "I, uh, I have a free weekend" Brett began, his voice wavering slightly. "And I was wondering if, um, if maybe you'd want to go out for dinner tomorrow?"
Santana felt her heart skip a beat at his words, a rush of warmth flooding her chest as she processed what he was asking. Despite the nerves evident in his voice, there was a sincerity in his gaze that made her stomach flutter with anticipation.
As Brett continued to speak, his words tumbling out in a rush, Santana couldn't help but smile at his nervousness. She reached out and gently placed her hand on his, the warmth of his skin sending a jolt of electricity through her veins.
"Hey, hey" she said softly, her voice warm with reassurance. "It's okay. You don't have to worry so much." Brett's eyes met hers, a flicker of relief passing over his features as he took a deep breath. "Sorry" he muttered, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I just, uh, I wanted to ask you, but I didn't know how to bring it up." Santana squeezed his hand gently, a silent gesture of understanding. "Well, you did just fine" she said with a smile. "And to answer your question, I would love to go out to dinner with you tomorrow."
A wave of relief washed over Brett's face, his smile widening into a grin as he let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Really?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief. Santana nodded, her smile growing as she met his gaze. "Really" she confirmed, her heart fluttering with excitement at the prospect of spending more time with him.
Brett's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with joy as he leaned in closer. "Great," he said, his voice tinged with excitement. "So, uh, any ideas on where you'd like to go?" Santana chuckled, the nervous tension of the moment melting away as she relaxed into his presence. "Hmm, well, surprise me" she said with a playful glint in her eye. Brett's smile widened at her words, a warmth spreading through his chest at the prospect of spending an evening with Santana.
"I'll pick you up at 7 pm tomorrow," he said, his voice tinged with excitement as he met her gaze. "Does that sound good?" Santana nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "That sounds perfect," she replied, her voice filled with warmth.
With a spring in her step, Santana made her way home, a smile plastered on her face the entire journey. Bursting through the door of her apartment, she found Quinn in the living room, a curious expression on her face.
"What's got you all excited?" Quinn asked, her eyebrows raised in curiosity. Santana couldn't contain her excitement any longer. "Guess what?" she exclaimed, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Brett asked me out to dinner tomorrow night!"
Quinn's eyes widened in surprise before she let out a squeal of excitement, jumping up from her seat and enveloping Santana in a tight hug. "Oh my gosh, finally!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine excitement. "I'm so happy for you!"
Santana couldn't help but laugh at Quinn's enthusiastic reaction, feeling a surge of happiness wash over her. It felt good to share her excitement with her best friend, knowing that Quinn would be there to support her every step of the way.
As they pulled apart, Santana couldn't wipe the smile from her face. "I know, right?" she said, her voice filled with joy. "I'm looking forward to it."
Quinn grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You're going to have the best time" she said, her voice filled with conviction. "And who knows? Maybe this could be the start of something really special."
Santana felt a flutter of anticipation in her chest at Quinn's words, a rush of hope surging through her veins. Maybe, just maybe, this dinner date with Brett could be the beginning of something beautiful – a new chapter in her life filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.
Santana tossed and turned throughout the night, her mind buzzing with anticipation for the date she had been eagerly awaiting. With each passing hour, excitement coursed through her veins, making sleep elusive and leaving her restless in bed.
As dawn broke, Santana finally gave up on the idea of getting any more sleep. With a sigh, she rolled out of bed and made her way to the bathroom, determined to make the most of the day ahead.
With meticulous care, Santana applied every beauty product she owned, taking her time to ensure that her skin was flawless and her makeup was perfectly applied. She styled her hair with precision, ensuring that every strand fell just so, framing her face in a way that accentuated her natural beauty.
After hours of primping and preening, Santana emerged from the bathroom feeling confident and ready to face the day. She made her way to her closet, where an array of dresses awaited her, each one more stunning than the last.
With Quinn's help, Santana painstakingly tried on dress after dress, searching for the perfect outfit for her date with Brett. They laughed and joked as they debated the merits of each dress, Quinn offering her honest opinion and Santana soaking up every word.
Finally, after what felt like hours of deliberation, Santana found the dress – a simple yet elegant number that hugged her curves in all the right places. With a satisfied smile, she slipped into the dress and admired her reflection in the mirror, feeling a surge of confidence wash over her.
As the minutes ticked by, Santana's excitement continued to grow, her anticipation mounting with each passing minute. She checked her phone obsessively, willing the time to pass more quickly so that she could finally see Brett again.
When the moment finally arrived, Santana felt a rush of nerves as she waited for Brett to arrive. Her heart skipped a beat as she received Brett's message informing her that he had arrived outside her apartment complex. With a rush of excitement, she hastily gathered her belongings and made her way downstairs to meet him.
As she stepped outside, her eyes immediately sought out Brett's figure. She couldn't help but admire the way he looked – his black pants and open denim shirt giving him a casual yet effortlessly stylish appearance. "You look nice" she complimented him, a smile playing on her lips.
Brett's nervous demeanor was evident as he greeted her, his words laced with a hint of uncertainty. "You look beautiful, Santana" he replied earnestly, his gaze softening as he met her eyes. With a gentle gesture, he opened the door for her, his actions speaking volumes about his thoughtfulness and consideration. With a grateful smile, Santana slipped into the passenger seat beside Brett, feeling a surge of warmth at his gesture. As he settled into the driver's seat and started the engine, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within her.
As they made their way to the restaurant, Santana found herself lost in thought, her mind buzzing with anticipation for the evening ahead. She stole glances at Brett now and then, unable to shake the feeling of butterflies in her stomach.
When they finally arrived at La Tavola, Santana's excitement reached new heights. She had always loved Italian food, and the prospect of indulging in a delicious meal with Brett by her side filled her with joy. Brett's voice broke through her reverie, his question drawing her attention back to the present. "Hope you like Italian," he said, a hint of uncertainty in his tone. Santana nodded eagerly, her enthusiasm shining through. "I love Italian," she replied with a smile. "And I'm a sucker for breadsticks."
Santana's gaze drifted over the menu, scanning the array of delectable dishes before her. When Brett inquired about her choice, she couldn't help but smile. "I think I'll go for the Chicken Parmigiano" she replied, her mouth watering at the thought of the tender chicken smothered in savory marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Brett nodded in approval, his own eyes twinkling with anticipation. "Sounds delicious" he remarked, before revealing his own choice. "I think I'll opt for the Pasta Bolognese. It's a classic." Santana chuckled at his selection, nodding in agreement. "Can't go wrong with that" she replied, picturing the hearty pasta dish topped with rich meat sauce.
As they discussed their meal choices, Brett's playful side emerged once again, eliciting a laugh from Santana. "It's a shame there's no meatballs" he remarked with a grin. "I was hoping we could do a live-action replay of Lady and the Tramp." Santana couldn't help but laugh at the image that popped into her mind – the two of them sharing a single strand of spaghetti, just like the iconic scene from the movie. "That would've been quite the sight" she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Their banter was interrupted as the waiter approached their table, ready to take their order. After a brief discussion, they decided to start with an Antipasti Board to share, a selection of savory meats, cheeses, and olives that promised to tantalize their taste buds.
"And for drinks?" the waiter inquired, pen poised over his notepad. Santana glanced at Brett, a smile playing on her lips. "How about a bottle of Verdicchio?" she suggested, knowing that the crisp white wine would pair perfectly with their meal.
Brett nodded in agreement, signaling their decision to the waiter. As the waiter departed to fetch their drinks, Santana felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She was grateful for the opportunity to share this meal with Brett, and she couldn't wait to see where the rest of the evening would take them.
As they waited for their food to arrive, Santana and Brett engaged in lively conversation, their laughter filling the air. As they talked and laughed, Santana couldn't help but feel a deepening connection between them. There was a sense of mutual understanding and acceptance that seemed to bridge the gap between them, drawing them closer with each passing moment.
When their Antipasti Board arrived, Santana's mouth watered at the sight of the assortment of meats, cheeses, and olives laid out before them. She eagerly reached for a slice of prosciutto, savoring the salty flavor as she nibbled on it.
Brett watched her with a smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Enjoying yourself?" he asked, his voice warm with affection. Santana nodded enthusiastically, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "Definitely" she replied, popping an olive into her mouth. "This is delicious."
As they enjoyed their appetizer, Santana couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with Brett. There was something special about being able to connect with someone on such a deep level, and she cherished every moment they spent together.
When their main courses arrived, Santana's Chicken Parmigiano was everything she had hoped for and more. The tender chicken was cooked to perfection, smothered in rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. She savored each bite, her taste buds tingling with delight.
Brett's Pasta Bolognese was equally satisfying, the hearty meat sauce clinging to the strands of pasta in a deliciously comforting embrace. He ate with gusto, his enjoyment evident with every mouthful.
As they ate, Santana and Brett continued to talk and laugh, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they shared stories and exchanged playful banter. Santana glanced up from her plate as Brett's phone buzzed for what felt like the umpteenth time since they had sat down for dinner. With an apologetic smile, he retrieved the device from his pocket, glancing briefly at the screen before setting it face down on the table.
"Sorry about that" Brett said, his expression sheepish. "It's just the boys." As Brett continued to talk, Santana's confusion grew. "It's nice to have a break away from them, if I'm honest" he said, his eyes meeting hers across the table. Santana furrowed her brow, trying to decipher his words, "I bet" she replied, offering a small smile.
When Brett suggested ordering dessert, Santana smiled and nodded, eager to prolong their time together. But as they waited for their sweet treats to arrive, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Brett than met the eye – and that she was about to discover a side of him that she hadn't bargained for as Brett took her hand across the table, his eyes filled with warmth and sincerity. "Thank you for coming out with me tonight" he said softly, his smile tinged with gratitude.
Her heart fluttered at his touch, but as he spoke, her smile faltered. "This past year has been the worst year of my life" he confessed, his voice heavy with emotion. "And that's why, whatever happens between us, I need to take things slow. Super slow."
Santana's heart ached at the raw honesty in his words. She could see the pain etched in his features, the weight of his past bearing down on him like a heavy burden as she squeezed his hand gently in a silent gesture of support.
Brett took a deep breath, "I went from being a husband to being a single dad of two in the blink of an eye" he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "And I've been trying to navigate this new reality ever since."
Her breath caught in her throat as the weight of Brett's words sank in. She sat there in stunned silence, her mind reeling with the enormity of what he had just shared.
Santana stormed into the apartment, her heart pounding with a mixture of anger and betrayal. "What the fuck, Puck?" she shouted, her voice echoing off the walls of the small apartment. Puck sat there, his eyes wide with shock, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly as he struggled to find the right words.
Santana glared at him, her fists clenched at her sides. "Brett has kids. And he was married" she spat out, the words tasting bitter on her tongue. Puck's eyes widened in realization, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Oh yeah, did I forget to tell you?" he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.
Santana's jaw dropped in disbelief. How could he have forgotten to mention something so important? She had trusted Puck, trusted him to set her up with someone honest and sincere and now she felt like a fool. She felt a surge of anger rising within her, hot and fierce. "How could you not tell me?" she demanded, her voice rising with each word. "How could you set me up with someone who was hiding such a huge part of his life?"
Puck shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, his eyes darting away from hers. "I didn't think it was a big deal," he muttered, his voice tinged with guilt. "I mean, he's a good guy, Santana. I just... didn't want to scare you away."
Santana scoffed, her anger flaring even brighter. "Scare me away?" she repeated incredulously. "You think I would have run for the hills if I had known the truth? I deserved to know, Puck. I deserved to know what I was getting myself into."
Puck sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I messed up, okay?" he admitted, his voice heavy with regret "I'm sorry, Santana. I really am."
As Santana made her way to her bedroom, she felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She had allowed herself to hope, to believe that she had finally found someone who could make her happy. But now she wasn't so sure.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and she looked up to see Quinn entering the room, her expression sympathetic. "Hey" Quinn said softly, making her way over to Santana's side. "I had no idea about Brett either."
Santana sighed, feeling a mixture of frustration and resignation wash over her. "Of course," she muttered bitterly. "It was all too good to be true." Quinn placed a comforting hand on Santana's shoulder, her eyes filled with understanding. "What does this change, though?" she asked gently. "Brett is still a nice guy, just with some baggage."
Santana shook her head, her heart heavy with uncertainty. "I don't want children, Quinn" she admitted quietly. Quinn nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, but they're not yours. They're his" she pointed out gently. "If you have a connection with him, this shouldn't change that."
Santana felt a surge of conflicted emotions coursing through her veins. On one hand, she couldn't deny the chemistry she shared with Brett, the way he made her laugh and feel alive in ways she hadn't in a long time. But on the other hand, the thought of being involved with someone who had children felt overwhelming and daunting.
"I just don't know if I can handle it" Santana admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know if I'm ready to take on that kind of responsibility."
Quinn squeezed her shoulder reassuringly, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "You don't have to figure it all out right now," she said softly. "Just take it one step at a time, Santana. Follow your heart, and everything else will fall into place."
Santana nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope flicker within her chest. Maybe Quinn was right. Maybe she didn't have to have all the answers right away. Maybe she just needed to trust herself and the connection she shared with Brett, and let the rest unfold naturally. As Quinn wrapped her in a comforting embrace, Santana felt a sense of peace wash over her.