Blame it on the Mistletoe

Chapter 3

It's Market Day once again and Santana couldn't be more thrilled. Market Days are her favorite because twice a week, she gets to go out and see what the vendors are pushing rather than just filling out an order. This Market Day is special though because once a month, the vendors put up stalls and it becomes more like a fair than an actual farmers' market.

Unlike the city, these people want to do more than just make a sale and Santana's not just looking for the best quality for the lowest price. Most of the vendors are family owned and operated businesses so she's face to face with the people who actually harvest the produce she uses and that really makes a difference.

And maybe once upon a time, she would've loved to share this with Brittany. She knows she would fit in perfectly with this tight-knit community that treats everyone like family, but not anymore.

This is just for her.

Santana always makes a point to visit her favorite vendor first; Miss Maggie, the Pumpkin Queen. The name apparently comes from the title she won a few years back, biggest pumpkin grown on the East Coast, and although she hasn't won again since – the name stuck. She grows more than pumpkins though, she offers a variety of squash, but her secret weapon is that she used to be a pastry chef. Once a month, she always surprises Santana with her own creation featuring her prized pumpkins. Miss Maggie says it's just to keep Santana on her toes in case she decides to come out of retirement and go for her job.

"I'm no pastry chef so the job is as good as yours!" Santana would joke in return.

This day is special for another reason though. In the past few days, Santana finally completed the new menu and the last dish that rounds it all out happens to draw inspiration from a galette Miss Maggie once made for her. Today, she gets to tell Miss Maggie that she named that dish after her.

It's meant to be a joyous occasion, filled with appreciation she often has a hard time giving, but she skids to a stop when she finds Miss Maggie swept up in conversation with someone else. That someone else happens to be pouring over what is undoubtedly a delectable dessert Miss Maggie has cooked up – a dessert that was meant to be for Santana and Santana alone!

Technically, Miss Maggie is big on sharing but still. The last person Santana wants to share her goodies with right now is Brittany!

"Santana! You've made it," Miss Maggie beams as she welcomes Santana to her stall. They exchange pleasantries, but Santana glares at Brittany from over the old woman's head. "I was just telling Brittany about our little tradition. She's new to the area. Brittany, this is Santana. She's the Executive Chef over at the – "

"We've met," Santana interrupts. She keeps the smile plastered on her face in front of Miss Maggie. She doesn't know what it is about the woman, but she reminds her of her abuela. The last thing she wants to do is get on her bad side by seeming rude. "We go way back."

Brittany grins. "It's true. Santana and I used to – "

"Work together," Santana says. Brittany gives her a confused look, but Santana ignores it. "Back when I used to live in the city."

"Really now? What a small world!" Miss Maggie replies. "Who knew you'd both end up out here?"

"I sure didn't," Santana quips.

"Well, it was always part of the plan for me."

Santana scoffs. "What would you know about sticking to a plan?"

"Well if you'd return a phone call or text, maybe I could tell you?"

Miss Maggie then interrupts the bickering with a plate of pie she had set aside for Santana. "Enough of whatever that is, try this. What did you think, Brittany? Five stars?"