Santana sat on the plush couch, her attention divided between the flickering images on the TV screen and the anxious anticipation of Quinn and Puck's return from their night out. The minutes seemed to drag on endlessly, each passing moment punctuated by the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall.
Finally, she heard the telltale sound of the front door opening, and she sprang to her feet, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for her friends to enter the room. When Quinn and Puck stepped inside, their expressions filled with the afterglow of their evening together, Santana's pent-up frustration and anger bubbled.
"You are some twisted asshole" she spat out, her words laced with venom as she fixed Puck with an accusing glare. Puck's confusion was obvious as he exchanged a bewildered glance with Quinn, clearly taken aback by Santana's sudden outburst. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Santana's jaw clenched as she struggled to contain her emotions, her frustration boiling over as she struggled to find the right words to express her anger. "Brett wasn't just married" she finally managed to choke out, her voice trembling with rage. "His wife died. She died."
A heavy silence descended over the room as Quinn and Puck processed Santana's revelation, their expressions morphing from confusion to shock as the gravity of her words sank in. Puck's eyes widened in realization, his features contorted with guilt as he finally understood the source of Santana's anger.
"You should have told me" Santana continued, her voice trembling with emotion as she turned her accusing gaze on Puck. "I had a right to know." Puck's shoulders slumped in defeat as leaned against the kitchen counter, his gaze fixed on Santana as he tried to explain Brett's perspective. He knew it was a delicate situation that required a careful balance of honesty and empathy. Santana's expression was guarded, her arms folded tightly across her chest as she listened to his words.
"Brett's been through a lot, Santana" Puck began, his voice soft but earnest. "Losing his wife was like losing a part of himself. And ever since then, he's been struggling to find his footing again."
Santana's expression softened slightly at the mention of Brett's loss, her features betraying a hint of sympathy. Despite her frustration, she couldn't help but feel a pang of compassion for the pain Brett must have endured. "I can't imagine what he's been through," she admitted quietly, her voice tinged with empathy. "But that still doesn't excuse the fact that you lied to me."
"Santana" he began, his voice hesitant, "I know I messed up by not telling you about Brett's past. But I truly believed that if you knew from the start about all his baggage, you might have turned him away before giving him a chance."
He paused, searching her face for any sign of understanding or forgiveness. But Santana's expression remained guarded, her eyes reflecting a mix of hurt and frustration. "I just wanted Brett to have a fair shot" Puck continued, his words coming out in a rush. "He's been through so much and he deserves a chance to be happy, you both do."
Santana sighed, running a hand through her hair as she processed his words, "Grief and kids are not just baggage, Puck" her voice softer now. "They're a part of who Brett is, and I deserve to know all of him." her voice tinged with frustration, "I understand that you were trying to protect Brett, but keeping something like this from me was wrong. I deserved to know the truth from the start."
Puck shifted uncomfortably beside her, his gaze falling to the floor as he struggled to find the right words. "I know, Santana. I messed up, and I'm sorry. I just thought…" "You thought what?" Santana interrupted, her tone sharp. "That I wouldn't be able to handle it? That I'd run the moment I found out about Brett's past?"
Puck's silence spoke volumes, confirming Santana's suspicions. She let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair as she tried to collect her thoughts.
As the week unfolded, Santana found herself immersed in a whirlwind of emotions as she exchanged messages with Brett throughout the week. Despite the revelation about his past, she couldn't deny the connection they shared. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, just like before, each message revealing more about themselves and drawing them closer together.
When Brett asked if she was free for dinner on Friday evening, Santana's heart skipped a beat. She hesitated for a moment, her mind flooded with thoughts and uncertainties. But deep down, she knew she wanted to see him again, to unravel the layers of his past and explore the potential of their budding relationship.
"Yes, Friday evening works for me" she replied, her fingers tapping out the words on her phone screen. "Same time as last time sounds perfect."
As she hit send, Santana felt a surge of excitement and anticipation wash over her. She couldn't help but smile as she imagined their upcoming dinner date, wondering what adventures and conversations awaited them.
Throughout the rest of the week, Santana found herself counting down the days, eagerly looking forward to their reunion. She couldn't shake the feeling of warmth and comfort that enveloped her whenever she thought about Brett, his easygoing charm and genuine personality drawing her in like a magnet.
Finally, Friday evening arrived, and Santana prepared for her dinner date with Brett. She spent extra time getting ready, carefully choosing her outfit and applying her makeup, wanting to look her best for their evening together.
As she stepped out of her apartment and made her way to the restaurant, Santana felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. She couldn't help but wonder what the evening had in store for them, eager to see Brett and continue their journey of getting to know each other.
Santana emerged from the entrance, her radiant smile instantly lifting Brett's spirits. He hurriedly stepped out of the car, a grin spreading across his face as he greeted her. He quickly killed the engine and bounded out of the car, eager to greet her.
"Hey there," he said, flashing her a grin as he jogged around to open the passenger door for her. "Thanks," Santana said, sliding into the seat with a playful twinkle in her eyes. Brett followed suit, settling into the driver's seat with a contented sigh. As he fastened his seatbelt, he gestured towards the back of the car "How did you not notice them?" he teased, nodding towards the two child seats nestled in the back, remnants of his sons. "And the stench of stale cheese puffs?" Santana's shoulders shook with laughter, and she shrugged in mock innocence. "Guess I was too distracted by your charming presence" she quipped, a playful grin tugging at her lips.
Brett chuckled as he started the car and pulled away from the curb navigating the streets with ease, the familiar route to the restaurant feeling almost comforting as he drove. Beside him, Santana's laughter and chatter filled the car, a welcome soundtrack to their evening together.
"We're here" he announced with a smile, pulling up outside Erawan Thai. He glanced at Santana, hoping she'd enjoy their dinner choice. "Hope you like Thai" he said, turning to her as they parked. Her eager nod and bright eyes reassured him, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Opening the car door, Brett stepped out onto the sidewalk and hurried around to Santana's side, eager to escort her inside.
He held the restaurant door open for her, a small gesture that felt oddly significant as they entered together. The warm scent of spices and cooking wafted towards them, and Brett felt a sense of satisfaction at having chosen the perfect spot for their evening.
They settled into a cozy corner table, the soft glow of candlelight casting a warm glow over their surroundings. Brett skimmed the menu with Santana, discussing their options with enthusiasm. After some deliberation, they settled on sharing a Panang Curry and Drunken Noodles, a combination that promised to be both delicious and satisfying.
As they waited for their food to arrive, Brett found himself caught up in conversation with Santana, their words flowing effortlessly between them. He laughed at her jokes, marveled at her stories, and felt a growing sense of connection with each passing moment.
The arrival of their meal signaled the start of a delightful culinary adventure, as they dug into the fragrant curry and noodles with. "Who's looking after the boys tonight?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on Brett as he took a twirled fork in the noodles.
Brett glanced up from his plate, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "My family flew in yesterday, so they're being smothered with love" he replied, a playful gleam in his eyes. Santana chuckled softly at the image conjured by Brett's words. "I bet they're having a blast with their grandparents," she remarked, picturing the scene of familial affection.
Brett nodded, his expression reflecting fondness for his sons and gratitude for his family's presence. "Definitely" he agreed, his voice tinged with warmth. "They're getting spoiled rotten, that's for sure."
Curiosity piqued, Santana leaned in slightly, her interest evident in her demeanor. "Do you have any special plans while they're in town?" she asked, eager to learn more about Brett's family dynamic. Brett's eyes lit up with excitement as he considered Santana's question. "Actually, yeah" he replied, his voice filled with pride. "We've got a big celebration planned for Sunday."
Intrigued, Santana raised an eyebrow, prompting Brett to elaborate. "Oh? What's the occasion?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued. A proud smile graced Brett's lips as he spoke. "It's Oliver's first birthday" he revealed, his voice tinged with paternal pride. "We're throwing a little party for him at home."
Santana's heart swelled with warmth at the thought of the upcoming celebration. "That sounds wonderful" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with genuine delight. "I'm sure it'll be a special day for all of you."
Brett nodded in agreement, his gaze softening as he spoke. "Yeah, we're looking forward to it" he admitted, his tone filled with anticipation. "It's hard to believe he's already turning one."
As they ate and talked, Brett found himself lost in the moment, he took a deep breath, steeling himself to break the tension. He knew he couldn't avoid the topic any longer—it was time to share with Santana the truth that had been weighing on his heart. With a heavy heart, he cleared his throat, drawing Santana's attention away from her plate.
"It's also one year since my wife died" Brett finally confessed, his voice soft and heavy with sorrow. As the words hung in the air, Santana felt her heart ache for him, the weight of his grief visible in the space between them. She paused from eating, her fork frozen midway to her mouth as she met Brett's gaze, searching his eyes for any sign of the pain he must be feeling.
For a moment, Santana struggled to find the right words to say, her mind racing as she grappled with the depth of Brett's loss. She reached out and gently took his hand in hers, the warmth of her touch grounding him in the present moment. "Tuesday" he added softly, his voice barely above a whisper as he met Santana's gaze with a mixture of sadness and longing.
As their eyes met, Santana felt a wave of compassion wash over her, a deep understanding of the pain that Brett carried with him each day. She gently intertwined her fingers with his. In that simple gesture, her thumb stroking his hand in a soothing rhythm, Santana sought to convey her empathy and compassion, a silent promise to stand by his side through the darkest of times. At that moment, amidst the flickering candlelight and the murmur of the restaurant, Brett felt a profound sense of gratitude for Santana's presence, a flicker of hope amidst the shadows of his grief.
As they sat together, hand in hand, Brett felt a weight lift from his shoulders, a sense of relief washing over him as he shared his pain and feelings with someone else. "Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked softly, her voice gentle yet filled with genuine concern. Brett shook his head slightly, his gaze downcast as he took another bite of his food. Their hands remained intertwined on the table, a silent connection that spoke volumes amid their shared sorrow.
Santana could sense the depth of Brett's pain, the ache that lingered in his heart despite his efforts to soldier on. Yet, she refused to let him bear the burden alone. With a reassuring smile, she leaned forward, her eyes meeting his with unwavering sincerity.
"Just know that if you ever need to talk or anything, at any time, I'll be here," she told him, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. In that moment, Santana wanted nothing more than to offer Brett the support and comfort he so desperately needed, to be a source of strength for him in his time of need.
Brett looked up at her, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. He could feel the genuine kindness in Santana's offer, the sincerity of her words washing over him like a soothing balm for his wounded soul. "Thank you" Brett murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he squeezed her hand gently.
Santana leaned forward slightly, "What's on the agenda for the week with your family?" she asked, her voice soft with genuine interest. She watched as Brett's expression shifted, his eyes lighting up with a mixture of excitement and pride as he began to share his plans.
"Well, tomorrow we're taking the boys to AHA!" Brett started with a hint of enthusiasm "It's going to be a fun day" he continued, his voice laced with anticipation. "The boys will love exploring all the exhibits and trying out the hands-on activities."
"Sunday is Oliver's birthday, as I said" Brett shared, a proud smile gracing his lips as he pulled out his phone to show Santana a photo of the elaborate cake they had ordered for the occasion. "We're having a big celebration with both mine and Emily's families."
Santana's heart swelled at the sight of the cake, adorned with colorful decorations and topped with a miniature toy car. It was clear that Brett had put a lot of thought and effort into making Oliver's first birthday a memorable one.
"And what about the rest of the week?" Santana asked, Brett paused for a moment, before responding. "We haven't decided yet" he admitted. "But I'm sure we'll find something fun to do. Maybe a trip to the park or a picnic by the lake."
"Tuesday is going to be a bit more somber," Brett continued, his expression growing serious as he spoke. "We'll be visiting Emily at the cemetery. It will always be a tough day" Brett admitted, his voice tinged with sadness. "But it's important for us to honor her memory and remember the love we all shared."
Santana nodded in understanding, her own eyes misting with sympathy. She couldn't begin to imagine the pain of losing a loved one, but she admired Brett's strength and resilience in the face of such loss. "And after that?" Santana asked gently, wanting to steer the conversation toward something lighter. "What do you have planned for the rest of the week?"
Brett's expression brightened at her question, grateful for the opportunity to focus on happier things. "Well, I'll be back to work on Wednesday," he replied, a hint of resignation in his voice. "But my family will be staying for a few more days, so they'll be taking the boys out to do fun things while I'm working."
"I'm glad you have a busy week to keep your mind occupied," she said softly, reaching across the table to place her hand on his. "But please remember that I'm here for you, too. If you ever need to talk or get away from it all, just let me know." Brett's eyes met hers, gratitude shining in their depths as he nodded in response. "Thank you, Santana," he said sincerely. "I appreciate that more than you know."
A small smile tugged at Santana's lips as she squeezed his hand gently, reassured by the connection they shared. "And hey" Brett added with a chuckle, breaking the somber mood that had settled between them, "I've even booked two therapy sessions this week. So I'll have plenty of opportunities to work through all my issues." Santana couldn't help but laugh at his self-deprecating humor, her heart warming at the sight of Brett's resilient spirit. "That's the spirit," she said, her tone light and encouraging.
As they finished up their meal, left the restaurant, and made their way back to the car, Santana couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism about the future as they made their way back to her apartment.
"I'm sorry if I made the evening a little somber," he began, his voice tinged with sincerity. "I didn't mean to do that." Santana's smile widened as she shook her head, dismissing his concerns with a gentle wave of her hand. "You didn't at all" she assured him, her words warm and reassuring. "I had a lovely evening, Brett. I enjoy getting to know you better."
Brett felt a surge of gratitude wash over him at her words, a sense of warmth and connection blossoming within him. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice soft with emotion. "I'm glad to hear that."
He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before speaking again. "Hopefully I can see you some time next week?" he ventured, a note of hopefulness in his voice as he met her gaze.
Santana nodded in agreement, a smile dancing in her eyes as she returned his gaze. "I'd like that" she replied, her voice filled with sincerity. "Let's plan something."
With a sense of anticipation building between them, Brett stepped out of the car and made his way around to open the door for Santana. As she gracefully exited the vehicle, he couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for her.
Together, they walked towards the entrance of Santana's apartment building, the cool night air swirling around them as they exchanged light-hearted banter and shared laughter. As they reached the entrance, Brett felt a sense of reluctance to say goodbye, his heart yearning to prolong their time together just a little longer. With a final smile and a lingering glance, Brett bid Santana goodnight watching her enter the main apartment building door before turning to make his way back to his car.
Brett pulled into the driveway of his house, the familiar sight of his cozy abode providing a sense of comfort after the emotionally charged evening with Santana. Quietly, he made his way up the pathway to the front door.
"What time do you call this?" his sister Sophie teased, her playful tone causing Brett to let out a startled laugh. Rolling his eyes good-naturedly, he shot her a mock glare before playfully flipping her the middle finger before turning his attention to his mother, who sat on the couch nearby, a warm smile gracing her features. "Hey, Mom" he greeted her warmly, crossing the room to join her.
His mother, Whitney looked up at him with a gentle expression, her eyes filled with warmth and affection. "Did you have a nice evening, sweetheart?" she inquired, her voice soft and caring.
Brett nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he sank into the seat beside her. "Yeah, it was good," he replied, his voice tinged with genuine fondness. "It's okay for you to move on, sweetheart," his mother said softly, her voice laced with understanding. She reached out and gently squeezed his hand, offering him a reassuring smile.
Brett nodded slowly, his gaze drifting to the floor as he processed her words. It was a sentiment he had heard many times before, yet somehow, it still felt like a weight pressing down on his chest.
"Emily wouldn't want you to be stuck in the house with the boys" his mother continued, her tone gentle yet firm. "She'd want you to enjoy your life, to find happiness again."
Brett swallowed hard, the lump in his throat threatening to choke him. He knew his mother was right—Emily had always been the one to encourage him to embrace life's joys but the thought of moving on, of letting go of the past, felt like an impossible feat.
"It's just hard" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He could feel the tears stinging at the corners of his eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment. His mother leaned in closer, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace. "I know, sweetheart," she said softly, her voice filled with compassion. "But you don't have to do it alone. We're here for you, always."
Brett closed his eyes, allowing himself to lean into his mother's embrace, drawing strength from her unwavering support. "Tell me about her," Whitney said, her voice gentle yet filled with curiosity as she leaned forward slightly, her eyes fixed on Brett.
Brett's smile widened, a soft warmth spreading through his features as he thought of her. "Her name is Santana," he began, his voice filled with fondness. "She's from Ohio."
As he spoke, Brett's words painted a vivid picture of Santana—a woman of strength, compassion, and grace. He spoke of her vibrant personality, her infectious laughter, and the way she lit up a room with her presence. Whitney listened intently, her heart swelling with pride as she heard her son speak about the woman who had captured his heart.
"She's unlike anyone I've ever met," Brett continued, his voice tinged with admiration. "She's fiercely independent, yet incredibly caring and compassionate."
Whitney listened intently, her heart swelling with pride as she heard Brett speak about Santana's strength and resilience. She could sense the depth of his feelings, the way Santana had become an integral part of his life in such a short amount of time.
"I'm so glad you've found someone like her," Whitney said, her voice filled with warmth and affection. "She sounds like a lovely woman, Brett."
Brett smiled, a sense of gratitude shining in his eyes as Sophia's curiosity was piqued."Do you have any photos of her?" Sophia asked, her eyes bright with excitement. Whitney also seemed intrigued by the idea "That's a great idea," she chimed in, nodding in agreement.
Brett glanced at them laughing "Sorry, I don't have any photos of her." Undeterred, Sophia reached for her phone, a determined look on her face. "What's her last name?" she asked, fingers poised over the screen. "Lopez" Brett answered, a hint of anticipation in his voice.
Sophia quickly keyed in the name, her thumbs flying across the screen as she scrolled through the search results. After a moment, she paused, her eyes widening in surprise as she came across a photo that caught her attention.
"Is this her?" Sophia asked, turning the phone towards Brett. Brett leaned in to get a better look, and a smile spread across his face as he recognized Santana's familiar features. "That's her" he confirmed, a hint of pride in his voice.
Sophia couldn't hide her astonishment. "No way" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief. "She's way too pretty for you, Brett. She looks like a model."
Brett laughed at his sister's teasing, though he couldn't help but feel a swell of affection for Santana as he gazed at her photo. Whitney, intrigued by the conversation, reached for the phone to take a closer look. As she studied Santana's photo, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "She's stunning," she remarked, her tone filled with admiration.
Brett nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of pride swell within him. "She is" he agreed as he watched as his mother swiped through Santana's profile on Sophia's phone.
Whitney caught up in the excitement of the moment, couldn't help but voice her curiosity. "So, when are we going to meet her?" she asked eagerly, her eyes shining with anticipation.
Brett chuckled at her enthusiasm, though he couldn't deny the slight flutter of nerves in his stomach. "Let's calm down a bit" he replied, his tone lighthearted. "We've only been talking for, like, just over a month. It's still very early days."
Sophia nodded in understanding, though her curiosity was still evident. "But you seem into her" she pointed out, her brows furrowing slightly in thought.
Brett smiled at his sister's observation, grateful for her support and understanding. "I am" he admitted, his voice soft with affection. "But I want to take things slow and make sure we're both comfortable before I introduce her to everyone, especially the boys." Whitney nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "That makes sense" she conceded, her tone gentle.