It was like talking to a different person, and she’s realized maybe that’s just who her friend has become now, because the Rachel she knew refused to leave the apartment for half a week because of all the puddles on the road, and she was afraid of being splashed on her way to college. In truth, it had crossed Santana’s mind too, but she was too stubborn to copy Rachel and only proceeded to prove the fucking point. Her Christian Louboutin boots were ruined that day and she’ll never forgive Kurt for the way he laughed. “Do you ever think maybe it’s just a little risky to be walking through New York alone, especially working such a high profile job,” is that what you call it? Santana didn’t really know the correct vocab but her point was there. Rachel literally sat on the laps of probably ever pervert in the city, one was bound to want more eventually. Santana certainly did.
They were in a pretty rough area and Santana liked these parts, mostly because she liked feeling invincible, and because her favorite dealer lived just a block over from where Rachel was directing her. Santana was a good girl, she only played with weed, but she lived on top of the bar and they often got spot checks from the cops to make sure everything was legit, and she’d never risk putting her business in danger for a stupid habit she picked up when she was fifteen. As soon as the car stopped, she noticed a light flash on across the street and she’s pretty sure one of Rachel’s nosy neighbours were watching. “I’m—” Married. “I’m around, if you need a ride, so don’t throw away my card, or I’ll just start sitting outside the club and stalk you.” Santana shrugged, and she doesn’t know why but her hand fell on Rachel’s thigh, and she didn’t bother to move it, “I— don’t want you to die, okay?”
Was it risky to walk alone in the middle of the night in New York? What kind of a stupid question was that? Of course it was risky, but, as Rachel told Santana with a shrug, “Well, you gotta do what you gotta do, you know?” She’d love a day job, working a 9-5 where she can both go to work and come home when the sun was still up, but she was either ineligible due to the lack of a college degree or it was a minimum wage job that paid far less than what she made at the club. It was better this way.
She was thankful that Santana didn’t mention how shitty of an area she lived in. It was kind of embarrassing, and the inside of her apartment was even more so, but she could only do so much with diapers and wipes, doctor’s visits, toys, and a nanny. Something had to slack, so that was the apartment. “Thank you,” she chuckled, smirking as Santana said she’d stalk her. “Like you did tonight?” she teased. When her former friend said she didn’t want her to die, she leaned over the center console to hug her. It was sideways, the gear shift was in the way, and it was pretty awkward because of that, but she didn’t care. It was nice that after all this time, Santana still cared about her. “Thank you,” she mumbled into her neck, repeating herself. “I’ll call you, okay?” she said as she pulled back, grabbing her purse. “I really appreciated the ride.”