Santana POV

"Oh my fucking god, did I put in the wrong address?" I whine and question myself out loud, because there's no way on God's good green Earth I should be sitting outside of Quinn's restaurant for the third time in the past two weeks. As much as I've enjoyed seeing her each time I've been back, I really need to meet my client today without any distractions. I check the address I entered into my maps against the one Jade sent me, and well… the address is "Purple Haze," Quinn's restaurant. How did I not notice this last night when she sent it? I come here so often you'd think I'd have it memorized. As annoying and frustrating as this is, I still have to go inside and be the badass divorce attorney everyone knows me to be.

"Breathe, San. We need to go in there and show this Jade girl why she chose me out of all the attorneys out there." I check my makeup in the sun visor and fix my hair before grabbing my purse and briefcase and getting out of my car. "Breathe, San." I mutter to myself one more time before adjusting my sunglasses and walking to the front door. I try pulling the door handle… and it's locked? I glance at the business hours, realizing the place doesn't even open until 12 p.m. It's 8 a.m. ". Fuck. My. Life. This has gotta be the worst Monday morning ever," I groan.

I start walking back to my car and that's when I notice there are no other cars in the parking lot. "Santana!" I turn and spot Quinn holding the once-locked door open. "Looking for me?" she teases.

"Ummm, no?" I laugh, feeling my cheeks heat up in confusion. "It's been a long morning, so I think I rushed and typed in the wrong address. I'm supposed to be meeting a client—"

"Jade?" Quinn interrupts me, her mischievous grin widening.

"Yeah. Wait, how'd you know?"

Quinn couldn't hold it any longer and started laughing. "Your face is so cute when you're confused. Jade's my baby sister." Her laughter fills the quiet morning air, sounding like music to my ears. "I didn't peg you as the lawyer type though. I was betting on you being some corporate executive." She eyes me up and down with a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "But yeah, you're meeting us. Jade thought it'd be easier to have the meeting here since it's private, and we've heard the food is amazing. Plus, the chef is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous," she adds with a wink. "We figured maybe we could use my good looks and the food to score a discount?"

I chuckle, finally letting myself relax. "Oh, so that's your plan?"

"Pretty much. Come in though; we're just waiting on Jade," she says, holding the door open for me.

Inside, the restaurant feels strangely intimate without its usual bustle of patrons and waitstaff. The smell of coffee and freshly baked bagels lingers in the air, a welcome change from its usual scents of waffles and barbecue. Quinn leads me to a cozy corner booth, tucked away from the large windows.

"You can set up here if you'd like. Jade's always late, but I promise the coffee and bagels I made will make up for it," she says with a grin, sliding into the booth opposite me. Her eyes dart to my briefcase, and she smirks. "So, what's in the mystery bag? Comic books? The Krabby Patty formula? Or maybe just snacks?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Sorry to disappoint—no comics, snacks, or formula, just the usual lawyer stuff." I glance down and pull out a stack of legal documents, a notepad filled with scribbled notes, and a few colorful highlighters. "Just the essentials: case files, notes, and enough highlighters to make me look organized," I quip with a smile before tucking my notes back in. "Mainly documents I need for your sister."

As if on cue, the door swings open, and a woman unmistakably related to Quinn breezes in—she shares the same striking features but has a wilder, more animated presence. Juggling her phone, a stack of colorful folders threatening to spill, and a large iced coffee precariously cradled in the crook of her arm, she navigates the room with a mix of chaos and grace. Her hair is pulled back in a messy ponytail that somehow still manages to look effortlessly stylish.

"Sorry, sorry! Traffic was a total nightmare!" Jade exclaims, her voice light and upbeat despite her rushed entrance. She plops down into the seat next to Quinn, nearly knocking over a chair but managing to set her things down in a surprisingly graceful tumble. Flashing me an apologetic yet confident smile, she beams, "You must be Santana! Oh my god, thank you so much for meeting me here. I've heard so many great things about you—you're basically a miracle worker with divorce cases, right?"

I raise an eyebrow, biting back a smile at her flurry of energy. Before I can respond, Quinn interjects with a soft chuckle, shooting me a knowing look. "You stopped to get coffee? I made us breakfast—coffee included," she teases, clearly enjoying the moment.

Jade grins sheepishly, holding up her cup like a peace offering. "I know, but yours doesn't come with a cool straw and the ability to stop me from losing my mind."

Quinn rolls her eyes but laughs. "One day, you'll learn not to overcomplicate everything."

Jade shrugs with a grin. "And what fun would that be?"

I can't help but laugh along with them. "Let's get into what you're looking for in this process," I say, opening my notepad. "I'll do my best to live up to the hype."

Jade's eyes widen with excitement as she fidgets with one of the colorful folders, her energy radiating in a charmingly chaotic way. "I have no doubt you will! I mean, everyone's been raving about you. I swear, half of my friends couldn't stop talking about how you practically saved their lives—divorce-wise, I mean."

Quinn stifles a laugh, clearly accustomed to Jade's rambling by now. I can't help but feel a little amused myself; Jade's wild, carefree energy is refreshing, and her confidence in me is a nice boost.

"All right," I say, letting out a lighthearted sigh. "No pressure or anything." I shift into professional mode but keep the mood light. "Let's dive into this. I'll need to know some details to figure out how I can best help."

Jade, still buzzing with energy, leans forward eagerly. "Oh, I've got details—so many details. But, like, also, I'm really trusting your instincts on this because, well, you're the expert, right?" She glances at Quinn, who just shakes her head with a fond smile, clearly amused by her sister's antics.

"Don't worry; we'll get it all sorted," I assure her, smiling as I prepare to take notes.

NO POV

The meeting kicked off, and while Santana maintained her professionalism, the lively energy between her and Quinn lingered in the air like an unspoken promise. Quinn leaned in, her eyes sparkling with interest as she asked thoughtful questions about the process, her engagement palpable. Jade noticed how Santana's demeanor shifted slightly—there was a subtle softness in her voice when she answered Quinn, as if the warmth of Quinn's curiosity encouraged her to open up. The way Quinn hung on every word made Santana feel valued in a way she hadn't anticipated, igniting a spark that didn't go unnoticed.

As the meeting wrapped up, Jade sensed the chemistry buzzing between them. She leaned back in her chair, a smirk playing on her lips as she took in how Santana's cheeks flushed whenever Quinn flashed her a smile. "So, any more questions?" Santana asked, scanning their faces but her gaze lingering on Quinn.

"Yeah, actually," Jade interjected, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. "Would you consider going out on a date with Quinnie here? I mean, I practically felt like the third wheel."

Quinn immediately lightly punched Jade's arm, a mix of embarrassment and delight coloring her cheeks. "Jade, really?" she laughed.

Santana blinked, feeling the heat rush to her cheeks. She wasn't upset—far from it—but the suddenness of the proposal left her shy and flustered. "Uh… wow," she stammered, glancing at Quinn, who was equally taken aback but intrigued.

"Hey, I'm just saying what everyone's thinking!" Jade laughed, clearly enjoying the moment.

Quinn chuckled softly, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Well, since Jade put it out there…" She paused, her gaze locking with Santana's, a playful yet sincere glimmer in her eyes. "What do you say we grab dinner tonight? Just the two of us?"

Santana blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Quinn's boldness. Her heartbeat quickened as she considered the offer. "Dinner, huh?" she replied with a teasing smile, though the excitement bubbling beneath her calm exterior was hard to hide. "Yeah, I'd love to," she said to her.

Jade, watching the exchange with an amused smile, leaned back in her chair. "Finally! You both have fun tonight," she teased, clearly enjoying herself as Quinn playfully nudged her arm.

As Santana gathered her things, she caught Quinn stealing glances at her, a quiet excitement buzzing between them. Once outside, they parted ways, promising to meet up later that evening at Quinn's restaurant.

After they said their goodbyes, Santana drove home, her mind racing with thoughts of their evening together. The usual worries of the day faded into the background as she imagined what it would be like to share dinner with Quinn. Would they find more common ground? Would there be more of those playful exchanges?

When she parked in her parking garage, Santana took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness swirling within her. She couldn't wait to see Quinn again.

Santana POV
My morning was spent going over my notes from the meeting with Jade. I plopped down at my kitchen table, a mug of steaming coffee in hand, and reviewed the case files, jotting down a few more thoughts. I also shot a quick text to my co-worker, Emma, asking if she could meet up later in the week to discuss some upcoming cases. Between sips of coffee, I went through my emails, responding to a couple of clients while keeping my mind focused on the day ahead.

I lost track of time as I switched back and forth between work and scrolling through my social media feeds, finally realizing I had just under an hour to prepare.

Before I slipped into the bathroom to get ready, I took a moment to breathe in the aroma of my favorite vanilla-scented candles that flickered softly on the vanity. Their warm glow cast a comforting light in the otherwise dim space. I stepped into the shower, letting the steam envelop me, washing away the remnants of the day. As the hot water cascaded over me, I closed my eyes and let my thoughts drift to Quinn, her gorgeous smile, and the way she made me feel.

After my shower, I toweled off and wandered back into my bedroom, the soft music I'd had playing earlier still echoing in the background. I rummaged through my closet, pulling out the olive green cropped oversized sweater and cargo pants. I couldn't shake the feeling that I wanted to impress her, but I also wanted to feel comfortable in my skin. After all, confidence was key, right?

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my olive green cropped oversized sweater for what felt like the hundredth time. It hung just right, slightly off one shoulder, revealing just enough skin to feel confident and flirty without overdoing it. The wide sleeves draped perfectly, striking that balance between cozy and sharp. I tugged at the waistband of my matching olive green cargo pants, ensuring they sat perfectly on my hips. The mustard yellow stiletto heels I slipped on added a pop of color, creating a bold contrast that made the whole look feel more alive.

I couldn't help but smile at my reflection. At least I looked put together on the outside. Inside, though? I was a whirlwind of nerves. I was pretty sure I'd end up tripping over my own feet tonight. I really should've broken these heels in when I bought them months ago and practiced walking in them. But hey, who needs grace when you've got style, right?

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to calm the nerves building up in my stomach. Tonight felt different. Exciting. Quinn had this way about her that made me feel a little off-balance, but in the best way. Like I was stepping into something completely unpredictable, and I couldn't wait to see where it would lead.

Just as I reached for my lipstick, my phone buzzed on the dresser, pulling me from my thoughts. I glanced down and saw a text from Quinn.

Quinn: Hey..I've had a slight change of plans. Can I pick you up instead? I've got a surprise in mind for you. I need your address :)

I stared at the screen for a second, my heart doing this weird little flutter in my chest. Pick me up? Okay. I quickly typed out my address and hit send, my mind racing with possibilities. What could she be planning?

A moment later, my phone buzzed again.

Quinn: I'll be there in less than 10 minutes! Can't wait to see you!

I spritzed on my favorite perfume, Khamrah Lattafa, and grabbed my purse, feeling a small wave of relief wash over me. The fact I didn't have to drive in New York traffic tonight was a win in itself. Quinn picking me up was already making this date unforgettable.Because let's face it, who the fuck wants to drive in New York traffic?

As I headed to the living room, I glanced at my phone, wondering how soon she'd arrive because a 10-minute drive in New York can easily turn into 30 minutes. I wasn't exactly sure what she had planned, but something about the mystery excited me. After about 10 minutes, a knock at the door broke my thoughts. I grabbed my keys and walked over, letting out a breath before pulling the door open. And there she was—Quinn, looking so effortlessly beautiful.

She had on an oversized tweed flannel, its beige and brown tones matching perfectly with the cream mini dress peeking out from underneath. But what really caught my eye were her boots—knee-high, dark chocolate brown leather with a slightly slouched fit, giving her this effortlessly put-together look that always seemed to come so naturally to her.

Her eyes swept over me, and I noticed her lips twitch into a smile. "Hey," she said, that warmth in her voice catching me a little off guard. "You look amazing."

I let the compliment roll over me, smirking at her. "Not too bad yourself," and I heard her chuckle at that. I locked my apartment door and turned back to her. "Ready?"

"Definitely." She took a step back, making room for me as we headed down the hallway toward the elevator. I could feel her eyes on me as I walked, but she didn't say anything else, which was fine. Her presence was enough.

We stood in comfortable silence in the elevator, the soft hum of the machinery filling the space between us. I snuck a glance at her; she was leaning casually against the wall, her arms folded loosely across her chest, like she had all the time in the world. I had to admit, she had a way of making me feel a little off balance but in a good way, like the ground might shift at any moment, and I'd just have to roll with it.

"Didn't expect you to pick me up," I said, breaking the silence as we descended. "I was bracing myself for that drive."

Quinn laughed lightly, her eyes flicking towards me. "I thought I'd save you the trouble. Plus, I had a change of plans."

That piqued my interest. "Oh yeah? What's the new plan?"

She kept her gaze straight ahead, but the corner of her mouth twitched like she was holding back something. "You'll see. Just trust me."

The elevator doors slid open, and we stepped into the lobby. Outside, the air was cooler than I expected, a nice contrast to the warmth of my sweater. Quinn led me to the curb where a sleek blacked outAudi S8 was parked, its polished exterior catching the streetlights. I raised an eyebrow, unable to resist a smirk as I glanced over at her.

Quinn stepped ahead of me as we walked toward her car and opened the passenger door for me. That was unexpected but kind of nice. I slid into the seat, feeling the plush leather beneath me, the unmistakable luxury surrounding me.

Quinn walked around to the driver's side and got in, starting the car with a soft rumble that made me glance at the dashboard. "An S8?" I asked, my voice casual but curious. "Are you secretly part of the mafia?"

She laughed as she buckled in, shaking her head. "No mafia connections, I swear."

"You sure? This car's giving off serious Godfather vibes," I teased.

Quinn just shot me a playful look. "Well, I guess you'll just have to stick around and find out." As we pulled into the street, the city lights blurred past, casting shadows on the windshield. I tried to relax, but curiosity had me glancing over at her.

"So," I started, trying to keep the question casual. "You gonna tell me where we're going, or is this part of the mystery?"

Quinn shot me a sideways glance, that familiar smile tugging at her lips. "Let's just say I owe my sister big time."

"Jade?" I frowned for a second, my curiosity piqued. "What does she have to do with your surprise?"

Quinn's smile widened as she glanced at me. "She shut down her restaurant just for us tonight, and she's going to run mine."

"Wait, what? Jade owns a restaurant?" I felt my eyebrows shoot up in disbelief.

Quinn nodded. "Yeah. It's kind of a big deal."

"How big of a deal are we talking here?" I asked, leaning forward slightly, sensing there was more to the story.

Quinn glanced at me with a spark of amusement in her eyes. "Two Michelin stars, Manhattan hotspot."

I let out a low breath—okay, now this was getting interesting. "And she shut it down for us?"

"She owed me," Quinn said, her voice playful but clearly proud of her sister. "Plus, I may have had to sweeten the deal a bit. I promise everything will be incredible."

I raised an eyebrow, curious but not pressing for details. "Impressive.

"Guess I should've dressed a little fancier then," I quipped, glancing down at my outfit. Though I felt good in my sweater and cargo pants, I suddenly questioned if it was enough for such a high-profile dinner.

Quinn laughed, shaking her head. "You look amazing, Santana. Trust me, it's not about the clothes."

I couldn't help but smile back, feeling a little lighter. "Okay, if you say so. But if this food isn't as good as you're hyping it up to be, I'll be holding you responsible."

Quinn's laughter filled the car, making my heart race. "Fair enough. Just keep an open mind, alright?"

The streets blurred past as Quinn navigated through the city, and I tried to relax, soaking in the thrill of the night ahead. Whatever was in store for us, I could feel the anticipation building. This wasn't just another dinner—it was a night that felt special, and I couldn't shake the sense that something wonderful was about to unfold.

As we pulled onto a quieter street, the car's headlights illuminated a chic, modern building that contrasted sharply with the classic architecture around it. My breath caught in my throat. "This is it?"

Quinn nodded, a hint of pride in her voice. "Welcome to Jade's place."

I stepped out of the car, taking in the ambiance of the entrance. The soft glow of the lights and the gentle hum of conversation inside created an inviting atmosphere. Quinn came around to join me, her smile wide as she gestured for me to lead the way.

"You sure about this?" I asked, looking back at her. "I don't want to disrupt anything."

"Not at all. Jade made sure everything was perfect for us tonight." She took my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, and I felt a rush of warmth spread through me.

We walked in together, and immediately I was enveloped in the rich scents of gourmet cuisine. A host greeted us with a welcoming smile, guiding us through the elegantly designed space, and I could see the tables were beautifully set, waiting for guests that would not arrive tonight.

"Just for us," Quinn said, glancing around as if taking it all in for the first time. "I can't believe she went all out like this."

As we reached our table, I glanced at the menu, trying to suppress my excitement. "I've never been to a place like this. I'm a little nervous."

Quinn leaned closer, her voice low and playful. "Don't be. Just think of it as a culinary adventure. And remember, I'm here to enjoy it with you."

"Alright, you've convinced me. Let's see what all the fuss is about," I replied, feeling a sense of calm wash over me.

As we settled in and the first course arrived, I couldn't help but marvel at the beautiful presentation. Each dish was a work of art, and the flavors exploded in my mouth, confirming that Quinn's hype was more than justified.

"This is incredible," I exclaimed, glancing up at her. "You really know how to treat a girl."

Quinn smirked, her eyes sparkling. "What can I say? I have high standards when it comes to food—and company."

The evening unfolded beautifully, with laughter and shared stories weaving between us like a delicate thread, binding our hearts closer together. Whatever happened tonight, I knew I wouldn't forget it—or the girl who had brought me here.

As we finished the last course, Quinn leaned back in her chair, her gaze steady on me. "So, what do you think? Does it live up to the hype?"

I wiped my mouth with a napkin, nodding with a playful grin. "I gotta admit, it's hard to find fault. You might be safe from a bad Yelp review."

Quinn laughed, the sound warm and familiar now. "I'd hope so."

After a pause, Quinn's eyes flickered with that playful glint again. "How about we grab dessert somewhere?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Dessert? After all that? I'm not sure I can move."

Quinn chuckled and stood holding her hand out for me, "Come on, you're not tapping out already are you? I promise it'll be worth it."

Intrigued, I grabbed her hand and followed her out of the restaurant. As we made our way to the door, I hesitated for a second. "Do I need to, like, pay or help clean up or something? You pulled out all the stops tonight."

Quinn turned to me, shaking her head with a smirk, "Nope. Tonight you're just here to enjoy yourself. Leave the rest to me."

I smirked, feeling a little playful, "alright, just checking. I didn't want to get hit with a bill after all this royal treatment."

"Trust me you won't," Quinn grinned.

We stepped out into the cool night air, the soft buzz of the city wrapping around us as we headed back to Quinn's car. The drive was short, and before long, we pulled up in front of a charming little bakery, the warm glow from inside spilling onto the street. It felt cozy and inviting, like a hidden gem.

"This place," Quinn said as she parked, "has the best pastries in the city."

I quirk an eyebrow, impressed, "How do you know all the secret spots?"

"I have my ways," Quinn's expression remained mysterious. "Come on, let's see what they've got for us."

We stepped inside, the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked bread and sugary confections wrapping around us like a cozy blanket. The bakery was small but charming, with soft lighting and rows of pastries displayed behind a glass counter that sparkled under the dim glow. A few late-night customers lingered at the counter, their quiet chatter blending with the soft hum of the overhead lights. It felt like a hidden gem, tucked away from the bustle of the city.

Quinn approached the counter with a confidence that made me think she'd been here more times than she was letting on. She ordered for both of us without hesitation, and I couldn't help but notice the way the staff greeted her with easy familiarity. They exchanged a few words, the kind you'd only share with a regular customer or close family friend. I brushed the thought aside and focused on the moment.

"Here, try this," Quinn said, placing a flaky pastry in front of me as we settled into a small table by the window. The night outside seemed distant, the glow of city lights muted by the coziness of our little spot.

I took a bite, and the explosion of flavors caught me off guard. "Okay, this is seriously good," I admitted, my eyes widening as I glanced at her. "You've got some impressive taste."

Quinn leaned back in her chair, looking more than a little pleased with herself. "Told you. I know my desserts."

I raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Is this another family thing? You guys secretly own every good restaurant in Manhattan?"

She laughed, shaking her head. "Not exactly. We just... know where to go."

"Right." I eyed her, wondering how much of that was the truth. "Either way, you've got me sold. This place is amazing."

Quinn smiled, her eyes softening as she looked at me. "I'm glad you like it. I wanted tonight to be special."

"It is," I said, my voice a little quieter, more sincere. "You didn't have to go all out like this."

Quinn's expression shifted, something tender passing between us. "Maybe I did."

For a moment, the air felt charged, like there was more to say, but neither of us wanted to break the spell. Instead, I took another bite of my pastry, letting the sweetness linger.

"So," I said, trying to keep things light, "do we have to pay or help clean up after this? Feels like the least I could do after tonight."

Quinn chuckled, leaning forward with a playful gleam in her eyes. "Nah, I think we're covered. I told you, I've got connections."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Of course you do."

The conversation flowed easily from there, with jokes and stories that made the time slip away. The bakery, quiet and intimate, felt like it belonged to just the two of us. Every glance, every laugh, seemed to weave us closer together, and I couldn't help but feel like something had shifted between us tonight.

When we finally stood to leave, I caught Quinn's gaze one last time before we headed to the door. Whatever was building between us, it felt real, and I wasn't ready to let go of it just yet.

As we left the bakery, the cool night air hit me, refreshing and grounding after everything that had unfolded tonight. I followed Quinn to the car, sliding into the passenger seat and buckling up as she started the engine. The quiet hum of her Audi filled the air, a comforting rhythm in the stillness between us.

For a moment, neither of us spoke, the silence thick but not uncomfortable. I couldn't help but glance over at her, admiring how composed she seemed, her eyes focused on the road. She made it all look so effortless.

"So," I said, finally breaking the silence and turning slightly in my seat to face her, "what's the deal with this bakery? You seemed to know exactly what to get."

Quinn shot me a quick grin, her eyes never leaving the road. "I guess I have a thing for good food."

I smirked, teasingly. "And here I thought it was just a coincidence."

"Nope. I'm a bit of a food snob," she admitted, glancing over at me with a playful expression. "Guilty as charged."

"Well, I guess you've got good taste," I conceded, looking out the window as the city lights blurred past us. The night had been more than I expected, more than I even knew I needed. "This was... really nice, Quinn. It's been a while since I've had a night like this."

Her smile softened at that, the teasing fading for a moment as something more sincere passed between us. "Yeah, same here."

The rest of the ride was quiet, but it wasn't awkward. It was the kind of silence that felt comfortable, where words weren't necessary. I let the warmth of the night wash over me, the soft hum of the car engine lulling me into a peaceful state. When Quinn finally pulled up in front of my apartment, I felt a slight twinge of reluctance. I wasn't quite ready for the evening to end.

She parked the car and turned off the engine, the sudden quiet filling the space between us. For a beat, neither of us moved. It felt like the night had been leading up to this moment, and I wasn't sure what to do with it.

I glanced out the window, gathering my thoughts before turning back to her. "You're full of surprises, Fabray."

Quinn chuckled softly, her lips curving into that signature smirk. "I told you it'd be worth it."

"Yeah, you were right," I admitted, smiling as I reached for the door handle. "Guess you'll have to let me return the favor next time."

Her brow arched, clearly intrigued. "Next time, huh? Sounds like a plan."

We walked into my building, the warmth of the night slipping away as the cool, quiet atmosphere of the lobby surrounded us. The elevator dinged open, and we stepped inside. I pressed the button for my floor, glancing at Quinn as the doors slid shut.

"You really didn't have to walk me all the way to my door, you know," I teased lightly, trying to mask the flutter in my chest. "But I'm not complaining."

She shrugged, flashing a smile that made my stomach flip. "Well, I figured if I was gonna do this date right, I might as well go the extra mile."

The elevator began its smooth ascent, but the air inside felt charged, thick with all the things we hadn't said. I leaned back against the wall, watching her from the corner of my eye.

"You've been full of surprises tonight," I said, breaking the silence. My voice was steady, but my heart was anything but.

Quinn turned her head slightly, her gaze meeting mine, steady and warm. "I like to keep things interesting." Her arms crossed casually in front of her, but there was nothing casual about the way she was looking at me. She had this way of making me feel like the only person in the room.

The elevator dinged again, signaling our arrival at my floor, but the tension still buzzed between us as we stepped out and walked to my apartment door. My hands fumbled with the keys for a second as we reached my door, and I laughed under my breath, trying to play it off. "I swear I'm not nervous," I muttered to myself.

Quinn chuckled softly, leaning against the wall beside me. "If it makes you feel better, I am. A little."

Her admission caught me off guard. I looked up, my heart skipping a beat as I turned to face her fully. "You? Nervous? Never thought I'd see the day."

She smirked, pushing off the wall and stepping closer. "I have my moments."

For a second, I felt the pull between us, like gravity drawing me closer to her. The way her gaze softened, the way she stood just a little too close—I could've leaned in, closed the gap. But instead, I smiled and finally unlocked the door.

Before stepping inside, I turned back to her. "Do I need to pay or help clean up? Because this was way too much for me to just walk away from."

Quinn's laugh was warm, genuine, the kind that sent a shiver down my spine. "Don't worry, the bill's taken care of. As for cleanup—" she paused, her eyes lingering on mine in a way that made my heart race, "—you can help next time."

"How about next time I plan the date?" I flirted, feeling that familiar flutter again.

She nodded, her eyes sparkling in that way they had all night. "Yeah. I'd like that."

We stood there for a beat longer, the air between us thick with unspoken tension. I thought for a split second she might kiss me, but instead, she leaned in for a hug. Her arms wrapped around me, strong but gentle, and I let myself sink into the embrace, savoring the warmth of it.

When we pulled apart, her fingers brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, the lightest touch grazing my skin. "I'll text you when I get home," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of the night.

"I'll be waiting," I replied, my voice barely a whisper as I stood there, still caught up in the moment.

I watched her walk back toward the elevator, my heart thudding in my chest as the doors closed behind her. Finally stepping into my apartment, I leaned back against the door, exhaling the breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

Tonight was just the beginning.

I slipped out of my heels the second I closed the door behind me, my feet grateful for the relief. Dropping my keys on the small table by the entrance, I leaned against the door for a moment, letting out a soft breath. The apartment was quiet, but my mind was still buzzing from the night, the energy from the evening lingering in the air.

Shaking my head with a small smile, I wandered into my bedroom and peeled off the olive-green cropped sweater, tossing it onto the bed before stepping into my closet. I grabbed a loose t-shirt and quickly swapped it for the cargo pants I'd been wearing, slipping into something softer and more comfortable.

I sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, absentmindedly reaching for my phone, which I'd left on the nightstand. Swiping it open, I checked the notifications—nothing from Quinn yet. I couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped my lips. She'll text. She said she would.

Restless, I got up and made my way back to the living room. I dropped onto the couch, phone still in hand, and began scrolling mindlessly through social media. The posts blurred past me—random updates from people I hadn't spoken to in years, photos of vacations, a few memes. I was looking at it, but not really seeing it.

Every few seconds, my gaze flicked to the top of the screen, checking for that one notification. Still nothing.

I leaned back against the cushions, shaking my head at myself. Calm down, Lopez. She's probably just driving.

But I couldn't help it. My mind kept drifting back to her—how close we'd been at the door, the feel of her arms around me in that hug, and the way she'd looked at me before she left. It was like every moment of the night replayed itself on a loop in my head.

My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts. I glanced down at the screen and, finally, there it was:

Quinn: Made it home :) I had a great time with you tonight.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding, a smile tugging at my lips as I quickly typed a message.

Me: Yeah I had a great time too. Please thank your sister for letting us use her restaurant and let her know her fees are definitely covered lol. I'm glad you made it home safely.

She quickly responded.

Quinn: She'll definitely love to hear that haha. Sweet dreams S :)

Santana: Night Q

I dropped the phone onto the couch beside me, sinking deeper into the cushions, feeling a sense of calm settle over me. The night might be over, but something told me it was just the beginning.

Hey. I'm sorry about not updating my stories. Had some personal issues I had to work on. Hopeful nothing else gets in the way but here's a chapter and I hope you guys like it. Please leave reviews or comments or ideas you want to see and I'll try to incorporate all xx