A/N - Guess who's back! I've been working on this project for awhile now bc combining enemies to lovers and a fake dating au just seemed waaaay too good to pass up. I will try to post a new chapter on Fridays like usual. Probably won't be every Friday bc life so turn your notifications on. See ya around!
Chapter 1
As soon as Santana hears the familiar ringtone obliterating the peaceful serenity of her bedroom, she instantly regrets not switching on her phone's Do Not Disturb feature. She knows for a fact that it's too damn early for a phone call judging by the lack of sunlight poking through her curtains, but she knows only one person in the world has the nerve to call her at this hour.
Still, it doesn't make her move any faster.
"Are you going to get that?" The woman lying next to her grumbles with a nudge.
"Sorry. Yeah," Santana replies as she untangles their bare legs and reaches for the nightstand.
She struggles to keep covered up by the sheets, not wanting to be a victim of the cool air, but apparently her guest is a bit of a blanket hog. Santana gives the sheet a tug, but to her surprise the woman tugs back. Santana scoffs at the audacity – in her own bed too – before giving up the fight all together so that she can decline the call.
When the screen illuminates, she can see there are a couple new texts but the time is what really catches her eye. It confirms that it is indeed too damn early for a phone call, so Santana sets her phone to Do Not Disturb and does her best to get comfortable again.
Whatever her mom has to say can wait until her alarm goes off.
\\
An hour or so later, Santana awakes again – this time to the feel of someone playing with…her bellybutton? Fighting slight annoyance because her slumber has been interrupted for a second time, Santana blinks tiredly to find the woman she brought home last night staring back with this seductive look in her eye. Santana can't remember her name for the life of her, but it's hard to focus on figuring it out when the woman's eyeing her like she's about to pounce.
Suddenly, Santana's not so tired or annoyed.
"Hey," Santana rasps behind a smirk.
"Sorry for waking you," The woman says as she flattens her hand and runs it up Santana's toned stomach. Her eyes darken with desire as she bites her lip, "You just have such a great body. I couldn't help myself."
"Speak for yourself," Santana flirts as she finds the woman's thigh and pulls it so that the woman straddles her, "Especially from this angle."
"Oh really?" She asks as she drags her finger down Santana's chest.
Santana's smirk grows as she can feel the woman's arousal against her abs, "How long have you been awake?"
"Not long."
Santana hums as she lifts her hips slightly. It's a deliberate move and soon the woman above her is letting out the hottest moan. That's all it takes for Santana to keep up the steady rocking. If she's going to be awake at an ungodly hour, she might as well make it worth their while.
"Fuck Santana," The woman sighs, already breathless from the way she grinds against Santana, "Why does that feel so good?"
Santana bites back a chuckle; it's a common question she hears while hooking up with her university's wide range of experimenting college girls.
She knows it's not the most reliable way to date other women, but she's never really been into long term commitments. They never worked out in her favor before and she doubts college is the place where her luck will start to change.
Instead she's either someone's gay awakening or at the very least a hot college experience. Either way, she knows what she signed up for when it comes to these flings and she's not mad about it.
After a third orgasm, Santana and the – still unnamed – woman lie breathless next to each other once again tangled in bed sheets. There are these pleased grins on their faces as they come down from their highs, but it's abruptly cut short when the woman mentions something about turning off Santana's alarm.
Santana jolts up right so fast that she nearly headbutts the woman, "You did what?"
The woman doesn't understand the issue, "It's the last week before Thanksgiving break. No one's going to class."
Santana grabs her phone and checks the time. When she sees that there's still forty minutes before class starts – along with another missed call from her mom – relief washes over her.
"Cool," Santana says, "I can still make it."
"You're leaving?" The woman frowns as Santana scrambles out of bed.
"Obviously," Santana scoffs as she grabs her towel and looks back at her guest, "And so are you."
"Wait. You're kicking me out?" The woman's eyes go wide, "But what about – "
"Look," Santana puts on her signature smirk and closes the distance between them. Her hand caresses the woman's cheek as she says in a sultry voice, "Last night was fun. This morning was fun, but people with a GPA as high as mine can't miss class."
The woman looks back at her seemingly conflicted, "So you're choosing class over me?"
It's an easy answer for Santana, an obvious one, but she just smiles in reply. She's not that big of a bitch.
"I'll make it up to you?" Santana offers with a wink.
The woman starts to smile, "I – okay sure. Yeah."
Satisfied with her reply, Santana leans in and kisses her deeply.
She wipes her bottom lip with the pad of her thumb as she pulls back and smirks. When she finds that dazed look in the woman's eye, completely sated and subdued, Santana knows she's done a good job with the damage control.
"I'm going to shower," Santana mentions, "I'd offer you to join but I'm kind of late. Feel free to see yourself out though."
Surprisingly, the woman just nods.
"Okay," She says as she licks her lips, "Call me?"
"You got it," Santana winks before heading off to get the water going.
Leave it to Santana to let down a girl easy while also stringing her along for later. She wouldn't call herself a pro or say that she has a gift, but if the stiletto fits then call it what you want to.
\\
Santana ends up getting showered and dressed in record time. When she finally exits her room, Santana finds that her roommate has already gone for the day judging by the half-eaten bowl of cereal still on the counter and the pantry door left wide open.
She rolls her eyes at his mess, but she's kind of used to it by now. After being best friends since high school, she hates to say she knew what she was signing up for when they agreed to live together. She reminds herself to give him shit about cleaning up after himself later as she does a quick tidy before heading out herself.
She barely has her key out of the door when her phone is going off yet again.
It's that familiar ringtone, but Santana's too busy juggling her bag and books and getting her stupid key out of the lock that she misses the call again. It really makes her wonder what's up with the constant calls, but it's hardly out of the norm for her mom. Being that Santana is the only daughter of Maribel Lopez and goes to college out of state, it was a recipe for disaster.
Again though, she's just going to have to wait.
Outside, it's an overcast November day and Santana pulls at the zipper of her leather jacket to keep in some of that warmth. She regrets not grabbing a scarf as well, but keeps her hands buried in her jacket pockets and quickens her pace. It's only a seven minute walk but sometimes she can make it in five if she hurries.
It's not until she gets halfway to her building though that Santana realizes she hasn't grabbed anything for breakfast. She's never been too big on eating this early, but Mondays are usually her longest days without a break between classes. She sort of learned the hard way that if she doesn't grab something to snack on first thing, her stomach rumbles are going to be super embarrassing.
Thankfully, there's a small café in the direction of where she's headed. A quick pit stop shouldn't derail her too bad.
What will though is a long line.
"Damn," Santana grumbles under her breath as she approaches end of the line. There's no other options on this side of campus unless she wants food poisoning, so she just has to stick it out and hope that it's a fast moving line instead.
However, Santana's never been one for patience.
Eight minutes later, she's starting to get antsy.
"Why is there only one person working?" Santana says to no one in particular but a couple other students look her way. She frowns at them, "What? It's the busiest time of day and there's one barista. That's ridiculous!"
"They're doing their best," Someone says from behind her.
Santana whips around to tell them off, but finds her day just got even more worse because standing there is probably the most annoying person in the entire world.
"Brittany," Santana says gruffly in greeting.
"Santana," Brittany replies just as short.
"Shouldn't you be in class already?" Santana checks her phone, "Your perfect record might be in jeopardy if you aren't there twenty minutes early."
Brittany fights a grin as she rolls her eyes, "I forgot my breakfast."
Santana snorts, "And of all the coffee shops on campus, you just had to be at this one?"
"If I knew you were going to be here, I would've obviously gone somewhere else," Brittany bristles.
"Well, there's still time to fuck off. One less person in this stupid line."
Brittany narrows her eyes, "You know this is the only café on this side of campus that makes half-decent coffee so you might as well be a little nicer about the wait. Although, I know that's a difficult concept for you to grasp."
Santana grits her teeth, readying herself to dish out some vicious words of her own but then her phone begins to ring once again. This might be a blessing in disguise though, if she's talking to her mom she won't have to suffer speaking with Brittany for any longer than she has already.
So she gives her archnemesis one last glare before turning away to finally answer the phone.
"Hello?" Santana answers pleasantly.
"Ah, I'm surprised I didn't get your voicemail for the hundredth time today," Maribel says forgoing an actual greeting.
"You know I have class today, right?" Santana asks behind a chuckle, "And I need to sleep at some point?"
"I know that, but there's always time to speak to your mother."
Santana laments through her smile, "Of course."
"Oh! By the way, you need to re-record that greeting of yours. I don't think potential employers would appreciate having to repeat themselves because you think saying 'Hello' several times is funny."
Santana fights the eye roll, "You are my potential employer."
"Not with a voicemail like that," Maribel replies.
Santana sighs as she takes a step forward, getting closer to the front of the line. When it comes to her mom, she knows when to back off in order to avoid an argument. With everything going on this morning, she'd rather not add that to the list.
"Sorry for missing your many calls," Santana says sweetly instead.
The tone makes Brittany snort from behind her. Santana's quick to glare at her again before turning around to focus on the call.
"What's up? Is everything alright?"
"Everything's fine. I was just wanting to confirm when you're arriving this week. You never said and everyone wants to make sure they get a chance to see you."
"Everyone? Who is everyone?"
"You know, family. It's Thanksgiving, everyone will be over."
Santana's face screws up at the prospect of a giant family gathering and even more so the inevitable judgement she'll be served for her certain…choices.
"Santana?"
"Move up," Brittany says too and goes to poke Santana's back when she doesn't move at first.
"I heard you," Santana snaps at Brittany but fear quickly flashes in her eyes as she spins back around, "Not you, Mami. I was talking to someone else."
"In that tone? I taught you better than that," Maribel chastises.
"I know. This person is just insufferable," Santana exaggerates the insult in hopes that Brittany hears her loud and clear. She takes a step up in line, only two people in front of her now.
"Well, still. You treat people with kindness, Santana," Maribel reminds her, "Now. When will you be coming home and most importantly, who are you bringing with you?"
Santana reels off the details of her flight out from the top of her head easily. It's the second question that she has a little difficulty answering.
Going home alone is like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. If she goes alone, her family will question why she hasn't found some yet. If she brings someone, her family will question why the girls she brings home are always changing.
For Santana, it's about quantity not quality because she would rather deal with having many someone's than having no one at all because that's just sad. She's always been a sociable person, even in high school, so there's no way she's going to look like a loner by flying solo.
This time though, setting up a someone to take home must've slipped her mind because the only person that comes to mind is –
"Denise!" Santana blurts, suddenly remembering the name of the woman from this morning.
"Why are you shouting?"
"Sorry," Santana lowers her voice, "I'll be bringing Denise."
"Ah, the one I met at your Homecoming?"
"No, that was Desiree."
"Oh then, the one you brought home in August for the family reunion?"
"No, that was Rochelle," Santana sighs, knowing exactly what her mom is trying to do, "Denise is new."
"Of course she is."
Santana rolls her eyes at the sarcasm, thankful that her mom can't see her through the phone.
"Well, I can't wait to meet her."
"Yeah," Santana replies as she gets to the front of the line, "Anyway, I've got to go. Just text me if you need me, okay? I'm in class all day."
"Sure. I love you, mija."
"Love you too, Mami," Santana replies and instantly hears Brittany chuckling from behind her. So much for the phone call helping to keep the peace. "Something funny?"
"Just didn't peg you as a Mommy's Girl. It doesn't suit you at all," Brittany quips.
Santana scowls, "Yeah well…neither does that sweater. Who wears reindeers?"
Brittany looks down at her chest like she forgot what she was wearing then looks back at Santana with a scowl of her own. Santana only smirks, feeling like she won that round, before she turns to finally place her order with the cashier.
\\
A short walk later, Santana arrives to class right on time. To her surprise though, Brittany's already in her usual place at the front of the lecture hall chatting with their professor.
"What a kiss-ass," Santana scoffs as she takes her place next to her best friend.
Puck looks up from his phone and glances around, "Who?"
Just then, Brittany lets out a laugh before turning to head to her seat just in front of the pair.
"Nevermind," Puck smirks while Santana gets settled next to him.
"How the hell did she get here so fast?" Santana mumbles, "I got out of there way before her."
"You can thank your short little legs for that," Brittany quips before looking to Santana's side, "Hey Puck."
"Hey Britt," Puck responds while Santana scoffs at him. He ignores her though and instead asks, "How is it that I'm here before you? That never happens and I had practice this morning."
"I was too busy cleaning up after you at home that I forgot my breakfast," Santana explains, "Had to stop by Rise & Grind."
"And you didn't get me anything?" Puck frowns as he peeks into Santana's paper bag.
"Clearly I've had a long morning," Santana says as she snatches it away from him.
"So I heard," Puck wags his brow and smirks, "No wonder you look so tired."
Santana brushes him off as she breaks out her mirror to check for bags, "I wish that was the reason why. I ran into your best friend at the café and it just made my entire day."
Puck senses the sarcasm, "Britt's my tutor and she's cool."
"She's a pain in my ass," Santana replies.
"Likewise," Brittany adds without turning around.
Santana scoffs and looks to her best friend for some support, but he just looks to his phone and chuckles. It makes Santana even more annoyed.
"I still don't know why you asked her to tutor you instead of me," She huffs.
Brittany's all too quick to answer, "Probably wanted someone who wouldn't beat him over the head with a book if he happened to get an answer wrong."
"Can you mind your business?" Santana snaps suddenly, "No one's even talking to you."
"You're talking about me so…"
Puck watches their usual back and forth with an amused grin before replying, "You know how the program works, Lopez. I don't get to choose, because if I did get to you know I'd go with the hot brunette from your squad. She can school me any time."
"Yeah. In your dreams," Santana teases, "Still though, you're supporting a program that kicked my ass to the curb because they couldn't handle the kind of tough love I was dishing out."
"Is that what you call it?" Brittany asks and Santana can practically hear the smug grin.
"I got results," Santana retorts, "Sorry that I was trying to keep it real instead of handing out stickers for work that was barely passing like someone..."
"It's important to acknowledge progress with rewar – "
"Ladies!" Professor Martinez calls out in their direction, "Care to share your argument with the rest of us? It has to be more important than what I'm going over for this upcoming assignment."
"Sorry Professor Martinez," Brittany replies apologetically, "It's definitely not as important."
Santana wants to roll her eyes at Brittany's sickeningly sweet tone, but she hangs her head and agrees. Despite his usual pleasant demeanor, Santana knows Professor Martinez isn't one to argue with.
"No?" He asks with a glimmer of mischief in his eye, "Knowing how you two constantly go head to head about everything, I'm sure we'd love to hear it."
Santana and Brittany shake their heads as they shrink further in their seats, refraining from saying another word, while Puck struggles to keep his laughter inside. Their professor gives the feuding pair a knowing look before turning back to the projector screen to continue his lecture.
\\
Once class finishes up, Santana heads down to line up by Professor Martinez's desk to pick up an assignment sheet. She sticks by Puck's side while Brittany is quick to get in line first. Santana grimaces at the blonde's eagerness before turning to Puck.
"So this assignment's going to be interesting," Santana mentions, "There's actually a little money in it this time."
"Hell yeah. I wouldn't mind scoring that grant," Puck smirks, "Less I'll have to pay back."
"You're on a scholarship."
"But not a full ride," Puck clarifies, "You want to work together for this thing? Bet you could use the money too."
Santana quirks her brow, "Depends. Are you actually going to work?"
"Yes," Puck frowns, "You of all people know I have to keep my GPA up or Coach won't let me play. He's so strict when it comes to grades, not like Coach Tanaka back in high school."
"Yeah I know. Tanaka didn't give a fuck," Santana answers, "We can work together though."
"Okay, sweet!"
As they reach the front of the line, Professor Martinez looks between the two with an analytical eye.
"Let me guess," He says as he looks between Santana and Puck, "You two are working together again."
"You know us so well," Santana jokes.
"You heard what I said about the grant, right?" He asks with a chuckle, "Only one group from all of my classes combined will be awarded."
"We heard," Santana nods.
"That's 200 students."
"What's that have to do with us?" Puck squints, trying to find Professor Martinez's point.
Santana looks to her best friend and sighs, "Seriously? He thinks we won't be able to do it."
"No, that is not what I'm saying," Professor Martinez shakes his head, "I just want to make sure you've considered your options. Are you each other's best chance in completing this assignment? Do you bring out the best in each other?"
"God, we're not agreeing to be life partners," Santana quips.
Professor Martinez laughs, "You're right but if you want to take this assignment seriously then I suggest you take some time to make sure you've chosen your partner correctly. This is a big assignment."
Santana starts to reconsider her decision, but she's not convinced just yet.
Intellectually, she and Puck aren't on the same level. She knows it, he knows it, everyone knows it but he's her friend and she rather partner up with him than get stuck with a random. At least with him, she can keep some control over the assignment. Still, she can't help but wonder what Professor Martinez might have up the sleeve of his perfectly fitted shirt.
Professor Martinez notes the silence and adds, "But if you're confident that you're the pair that will make it out on top then go for it. Noah, you've been stepping up lately so this might be the perfect break out project for you. I know Santana won't hesitate in keeping you in line."
Puck nods confidently, nudging Santana with his elbow but she doesn't buy it.
"Alright. I'm interested," Santana finally breaks, "Who do you think I should work with instead? Is it Janice? She seems like she knows what's going on."
Puck gasps, "Dude. What? Not Janice."
"What?" Santana replies, "We haven't officially signed up together. Maybe one of these dorks in here are a hidden gem. Right, Prof?"
"Not exactly," Professor Martinez pauses, "But I do think you should expand your horizons and pair up with someone who matches your…wit. No offense, Noah."
Puck shrugs, "None taken."
"So?" Santana prompts, "Who?"
Professor Martinez rest back in his chair, "Well, I think you would work really well with Brittany."
Upon hearing her name, the blonde looks over at them.
"I'm sorry, what?" She says.
Santana glances her way then back to Professor Martinez, "Yeah. What?"
Professor Martinez gives them both an amused look, "You're both so passionate about this class and although your styles are different I think you'd work well together. You may not always see eye to eye – "
"We never see eye to eye," Brittany interjects, "Figuratively and literally."
Santana cuts her with a glare, but Professor Martinez just smirks.
"You will have a common goal," He says, "The grant, right?"
Santana quirks a brow, "I think we'd kill each other before we ever hand anything in."
"You'd challenge each other," Professor Martinez assures them, "Plus when it comes to this grant, I know individually you both will do well but think of what you could accomplish if you put aside your differences and put your heads together? It might be something to consider."
There's a long pause where it seems like the two consider his suggestion, but that silence is broken by Santana's laughter.
"Sorry but there's no way in hell I'd ever work with her," Santana says.
"That might be the one thing we agree on," Brittany adds, "Besides I've already chosen a partner."
"Same. Nice try though," Santana smirks as she takes the assignment sheet, "Go ahead and put Puck and I down as a team".
Professor Martinez only lets out a tired sigh as he writes their names down on the list.
\\
A while later, Santana's attempting to grab a quick bite to eat between classes when her phone goes off with a new text. At a quick glance, she can see it's from her mom. Judging by their short conversation this morning, Santana's sure the message will contain several questions about her date's allergies, likes and dislikes, choice of drink, family history, etc.
"I can't with her," Santana grumbles before picking at her salad.
Puck lifts a brow and asks, "Mama Lopez?"
Santana nods while she chews. Puck doesn't bother swallowing after taking a big bite of his burger before he speaks.
"You going home solo?"
"Hell no," Santana replies, "But I may have invited Denise without actually inviting Denise."
"Who's Denise?"
"Last night."
"Oh," Puck smirks as he wags a fry at her, "It's getting serious, huh?"
Santana glares at him, "I was thinking it was going to be a one time – maybe two – time thing but I'm out of options and bringing her is better than the alternate."
Puck laughs and reaches for his drink, "How's your mom taking you coming home with someone new again?"
"How do you think?" Santana sighs, "She's going to give me an earful."
"I could go with you instead?" Puck offers jokingly.
"No. Never again," Santana says while she stares back judgmentally, "Your table manners are atrocious. I think my family is still trying to recover from the last time."
"Sorry I didn't grow up sucking on a silver spoon or whatever the saying is," Puck replies as he finishes off the rest of his burger in one bite. "You think Denise will go home with you?"
Santana begins to smirk, "Well…she's already done it once before? I'm sure I could persuade her somehow this time."
Puck shakes his head despite the proud smile on his face. He's just about to comment on her lady killer ways when he spots someone from across the courtyard. Santana looks at him confusedly as he waves to someone behind her.
"Who are – " Santana stops when she turns and answers her own question.
"Yo Britt!" Puck greets as the blonde walks up to the pair holding her lunch.
"Hey," She smiles. There's a brief glance in Santana's direction but their eyes never meet because Santana busies herself with finishing the salad before her.
"Pizza," Puck notes the box in Brittany's hands, "Nice."
"Yeah," Brittany looks back to Puck, "I'm glad you're here actually. I forgot to ask you earlier about your study schedule this week. I know you have a game at some point, right?"
"Yeah, Wednesday. You coming?"
"Probably not."
"Really? Everyone's going!" Puck replies, "It's going to be a good match up. Two super physical teams, someone's gonna get hurt. I can't wait!"
Without looking up, Santana says, "Aren't all teams physical? Isn't that the point of the game?"
Puck flicks at the lid of her salad container and Santana swats at his hand in return.
"Football isn't really my thing," Brittany replies, "Maybe in another life?"
"Shocker," Santana mutters sarcastically earning her a pointed look from Puck, "What?"
"It's cool. What are you up to instead?" Puck wonders before nudging Santana, "I heard Britt gets pretty wild."
Santana quirks her brow but pastes on a fake smile, "Why do I find that extremely hard to believe?"
Brittany ignores her comment, "I'm actually just studying. I want to get a jump on some research and game days are the perfect day to hit up the library. It's always empty."
Finally, Santana looks up at her, "You're spending the last night before break at the library? That's just tragic."
Brittany mirrors her disdain, "Well some people can't afford to go home every single weekend."
"I don't go home every single weekend."
Brittany barely registers Santana's reply, "Some people actually have to stay here and work hard to get the grades they want."
Santana cocks her head, "And what would you know about working hard?"
"Probably more than you."
"Please. Aren't you every teacher's pet? They probably just sign off on your papers without even reading them, too distracted by the rainbows you always shoot out of your ass."
Brittany lets out a laugh, "Why are you always on my case? You ever think that maybe there are other people at this school who deserve to be here just as much as you do?"
Santana doesn't say anything, just scoffs.
"Honestly, I'm surprised you keep such a close eye on me," Brittany continues, "It's pretty observant for someone who's always so self-absorbed."
"What the hell does that mean?"
"Means you're self-centered and I didn't think you noticed anyone else other than people you want to sleep with."
Santana's jaw drops upon hearing the accusation and for once, a witty comeback isn't as quick to form. Brittany takes that as her cue to twist the knife.
"Your reputations proceeds you, Santana," Brittany adds, "And for the life of me I can't understand why anyone would be attracted to someone who so clearly is only in it for one thing."
Puck swivels back and forth between the two with wide eyes. As much as he loves watching their banter, it can get nasty when they get personal.
"So how about we catch up tomorrow?" Puck asks Brittany, but the girl continues glaring at Santana who glares right back. He clears his throat to get the blonde's attention, "I've got some time before practice. Is that cool?"
Brittany finally tears her eyes away from Santana to answer Puck, "Yeah. That's cool."
"Awesome. I'll text you the time," Puck replies before standing. He sees Santana continuing to simmer and drags her to her feet as well, "We're going to go. Gotta…meet some people. Catch you later, Britt!"
Brittany only waves as Puck leaves with Santana trailing behind.
"Okay, what's your issue?" Puck asks.
"What's my issue?" Santana's baffled, "She started it!"
Puck laughs, "You're more irritable than usual. I thought getting laid was supposed to help with that?"
"She's such a fucking smart ass and it provoked me. Who does she think she is calling me self-absorbed? She doesn't even know me," Santana mutters as they reach the trash bin. She throws the container a little too aggressively at the opening – probably picturing Brittany's perfect face.
"You don't really know her either," Puck notes.
"Because I don't want to!"
Puck watches her with a smirk on his face, "It's a good thing I've known you for years because if I was anyone else I'd think you were into her."
Santana swivels around so quick, "Why would you say something so insulting?"
Puck shrugs as he throws away his trash, "I just haven't seen anyone get you this worked up in awhile."
"I'm not worked up," Santana replies, "She doesn't get me worked up."
"But you'd want her to…" Puck smirks.
Santana's quick to punch him in the arm. She won't admit that it actually kind of hurt though.
"Shut up," She tells him, "This is not the day to annoy me."
"Fine," Puck chuckles as he rubs his arm, "I don't know why you hate her so much. She's actually really – "
"Don't," Santana stops him, "I really don't care. You know why I can't stand her. Ever since she transferred to this school she has been a pain in my ass."
"Here we go…"
"I was at the top of our class. You know I was on track to be valedictorian? Now it's suddenly a toss-up. Why? Ask her."
Santana just her thumb over in Brittany's direction and Puck gives her a tired look.
"Yes, I know. Not her fault she's a genius or something," Puck defends and Santana scoffs. "Anyway, it's whatever. When's your flight out again and can you bring Thanksgiving leftovers on the plane ride back?"
Although Santana's still pissed, a laugh manages to escape her.
\\
Later that night, Santana's eyeing her suitcase hoping that it'll somehow pack itself in time for her flight out Wednesday night. She's catching a red eye and with cheer practice and class and the big game, she doubts she'll have the time from now until then to do it – but after the day she's had, she just wants to lie on her bed and never get up.
For the next hour, she does just that.
While she lies there, she checks her phone in hopes of finally seeing a reply from Denise. When there's nothing new, Santana starts to worry. It's pretty rare for her to wait this long for a reply, but she's hoping that it'll be worth it in the end because she's out of time by now in finding someone else to bring home.
She considers Puck's offer, but she knows her mom will probably make him sit in another room while everyone has dinner. He really did a number on them last time; never give that man a turkey leg.
When Santana's phone goes off a couple minutes later, she nearly gives herself whiplash as she reaches for it. Her eyes widen when she sees it's a new message from Denise.
Of course! Sounds like so much fun xx
"Thank God," Santana cheers, suddenly feeling revitalized as she leaps to her feet. She rushes out to the living room where Puck is deeply engrossed in some video game, "Look!"
"Yo! What are you doing?" Puck groans as Santana stands in front of the tv screen showing him her phone.
"Denise is in!"
Puck laughs as he continues to play, "I can't believe you really asked her. You've known her for like…a day. How much are you dropping for this plane ticket?"
Santana shrugs him off as she texts Denise the flight details, "A few hundred, it's whatever. Daddy dearest has loads of frequent flyer miles. I'll just use his."
Puck shakes his head, "This is such a bad idea."
"Stop, it'll be fine."
\\
Despite how much Santana hates to admit it, Puck ends up being right.
It's an absolute shit show from the very beginning – so much so that on the last day of her short trip, Maribel organizes a brunch with it being just the two of them. In fact, Maribel makes it a point to make sure that Santana knows that Denise isn't invited to this outing.
In fact, Denise has already been sent back to campus on the first flight out.
Santana knows instantly that she's in deep shit this time.
It's all pleasantries at the restaurant until their mimosas arrive. Santana's barely had her first sip when Maribel's demeanor shifts.
"So how long have you known her?" Maribel asks, "And give me the real answer this time. Not that story you told everyone else."
Santana considers lying again but she's already been caught once. She might as well bite the bullet and take whatever's coming her way. It's not like she's a stranger to anything Maribel's about to say anyway.
"Maybe a week?" Santana finally answers but even she's unsure if it's been that long.
Maribel sighs, "Why do you always do this?"
"Do what?"
Maribel shakes her head, "Why are you so adamant in being so carefree like this?"
Santana eyes her mimosa, wondering if downing the rest of it will help her deal with the rest of this conversation. She doubts it; she'll need a lot more alcohol than that.
"I know you're in college and this is all part of the experience, but surely you're getting bored of this?" Maribel adds, "Surely you're thinking about how this lengthy dating history of yours is going to effect your image. Partners will notice your revolving door and it won't help your reputation, especially if you're serious about your future."
Santana bites back the sigh, "Why do you always give me so much flak? If I was a man, it wouldn't matter. In fact, I'd be praised."
"Is that what you want?" Maribel raises her brow, "You want to be treated like one of the boys?"
Santana's shoulders drop, "Not really."
Maribel nods, "This is the way it is. Women, we're held at different standards. We're meant to have this perfect family and loving relationship while busting our butts to be seen as half as great as our male counterparts."
"It's ridiculous."
"It's life, mija," Maribel says, "You either play the game or you don't play at all."
Santana tenses her jaw. She knows all of this already, she really does but she can't get past the unfairness of it all. Her mother didn't raise her to be a womanizer and every girl she hooks up with is treated with respect, she just likes to keep her options open.
Maribel doesn't see it that way though. All she sees is the big picture of it all, something Santana struggles with.
"But it's your firm," Santana reasons, "Isn't it different?"
"Reputations are important no matter whose firm it is," Maribel counters, "Which you need to keep in mind because I still haven't decided if you'll be joining me."
Santana's jaw nearly drops at the insinuations, but she keeps her cool – even if it's the first time she's hearing her say something like that. No way Maribel's being serious, no way she'd pass up on hiring her own daughter.
Or would she?
"That's funny," Santana chuckles as she swirls her mimosa, "Still haven't decided, sure."
Maribel isn't nearly as amused though, "I'm serious. I can't have your reputation tarnishing mine or the firm's. I don't joke when it comes to my work. I thought you knew that too."
Santana's smile falters, "So what? Do you want me to get married and start popping out kids?"
Maribel quirks her brow, "I want you to get serious about your dating life. Every time you come home it's a new girl. When is this phase going to end? That's what I want to know."
Santana wavers, "Phase? Me being gay isn't a – "
"Ay, not like that!" Maribel waves her off, "You know I've never had an issue with you being gay so don't even. Your father and I have always been supportive the entire time. That's probably the one thing we agree on in addition to loving you."
Santana softens at that.
"You've just…you've never brought home the same girl twice," Maribel adds, "I don't even bother remembering names anymore there's been that many."
"That's a little rude," Santana tries to joke, "They remember your name."
Maribel gives her a look, "There's only one of me. There's been ten of them."
Santana sits back in her seat and downs the rest of her mimosa, "I think you're exaggerating."
Maribel chuckles, "Maybe I am, but you know what I'm talking about."
"I've inherited your good looks," Santana reasons with a tussle of her long dark hair, "In a way it's kind of your fault."
Maribel raises her brow and Santana laughs as she quickly adds.
"Look, I'm young and this is just what young people do now," Santana explains, "We explore our options. We hang out, we date. If it turns into something serious, great. If not, oh well. Unfortunately for me it never pans out to something serious."
"And why is that?"
Santana begins to feel a little self-conscious, "Because it just doesn't. I don't know?"
"I think it's because you always have one foot out the door," Maribel claims, "Just like your father."
Santana lets out a deep groan, "I thought you guys were over the whole post-divorce angst?"
"We are, but I'm still allowed to point out the obvious," Maribel replies.
"Well that's not what I'm doing," Santana says in a huff, "I just…I haven't found the right person. What's so bad about that? At least I'm getting out there. At least I'm trying to figure it out?"
"Which is all good and well if you're planning on settling down one day," Maribel reasons, "You know, get engaged like your cousin?"
"So you are wanting to marry me off," Santana mutters, "I'm pretty sure Sugar is only in it for the money."
"Santana!"
"What? It's true," Santana jokes before getting serious again, "What if that kind of commitment isn't for me?"
"I'd say don't let Abuela hear you say that," Maribel replies, "She really does want you to get married off. She wants all her kids and grandkids married off, she's old school like that."
"But you're divorced?"
Maribel gives her an unamused look, "Yes, but I'm remarried now so I'm back in her good graces."
Santana shakes her head as she laughs.
"You on the other hand…"
"Mami, please," Santana sighs, "You've already scared Denise off. I hear you loud and clear."
Maribel reaches across the table and pats Santana's hand, "I'm glad we're finally seeing eye to eye on this because there's someone I'd like you to meet."
"Wait, what?"
Maribel goes to stand as a young woman approaches the table. She looks to be Santana's age, maybe slightly taller than her with short wavy hair. She's attractive, sure, but why is she here?
Maribel turns to the woman and greets her cheerfully, but Santana's too confused to actually hear what's going on. Suddenly they both turn to her expectantly and Santana's eyes widen.
"I'm sorry?" Santana looks between them.
"I said this is Francesca," Maribel says with a wave to the woman beside her, "You remember her, right?"
Santana blinks as confusion washes over her, "Uh no. No I do not."
Maribel's smile strains, "I spoke to you about her on the phone? She's Maria's daughter?"
"Who the hell is Maria?" Santana's starting to sweat now as she looks back and forth between them. The woman's smile is faltering now too, but Maribel's quick to gives Santana that look.
"Don't be rude," She chastises in a hushed voice before announcing in a brighter voice, "You're both around the same age, both single, both smart and ambitious. Maria and I thought you two might…hit it off."
"Oh dear God," Santana groans as she finally realizes what this is. She looks to Francesca and smiles apologetically, "Sorry."
Maribel quickly steps aside and gestures for Francesca to take her seat before giving the two a smile like she's the best matchmaker in the whole world.
Santana bites her cheek, surprised she didn't see this set up coming.
"Anyway," Maribel brings her hands together, "You both have fun!"
Santana just watches in awe as Maribel turns and exits the restaurant.