Emma Swan was good at her job and she knew it. Her quirky charm and her personified confidence balanced well with her genuine ability to care for her clients. Growing up on the streets provided Emma with a tough persona when she required it but had left her as caring a Snow White when the empath inside her could relate to others battles and struggles.
She could see her clients as more than a job. She cared enough to understand and listen to them. Growing up on the streets however is where Emma had no choice but to start from the bottom and work her way up. With no money for rent or food Emma degraded herself and sold her body to keep herself alive. If the streets thought her anything it was not to be afraid to demand respect even when she felt like she had none.
Emma was now 28 years old. She had an apartment and had just been accepted into the advanced writer's class over the summer months and she would need to save a hell of a lot of cash to afford her goals. Emma's dream was to be a real writer. In her darkest, lowest moments she would scribble down poetry on old bits of newspaper or whatever she had access to.
Emma had taken her past and developed her abilities into becoming a professional escort, to be requested by appointment only. When she was 23 Mama Mary took her into her escort agency when she saw her popularity on the building's corner. She got her cleaned up, got all her hospital checks and vaccinations and made her feel like she was worth something. Emma was like a delicate flower who began to bloom. She soon got her regular clients and build her dependable reputation. Mama Mary knew she was one of her best girls and she prided herself on sending Emma to who she knew she could provide a good time for. Emma had never been in love before her job was her job and she was able to distance herself from getting attached. She was a good actress and she was able to pretend to be there in the moment when she had to. She never let herself give into the pleasure because like the hopeless romantic she was she knew that she wasn't going to experience the real thing doing this with complete strangers. She longed to find the right person and when I say person Emma Swan had come to realize that she found that she was drawn more to her women clients. Her body was itself when she was with women. It just felt right to her.
Emma awoke to the sound of her alarm in her ear just as her phone rang in her other ear.
"Morning doll face"
Mama Mary drawled down the earpiece.
"Umm Hi Mama... Everything okay? I thought I wasn't scheduled in till tomorrow. Did I oversleep again?
Emma's blonde curly hair stuck to the side of her cheek as she lifted her head from the pillow.
"No darling pie, You're all good. I just got a call from Chester Alberto. He requested you specifically to join him in the Plaza tonight to be his date."
Emma sat up.
"Thee Chester Alberto? I've never met him before how on earth does he know me?
Mama giggled.
"My dear I provide my top clients with the best don't I?
Emma sighed.
"You know flattery will get you nowhere Mama."
Emma smirked.
"Don't I know it doll... especially with my little squishy face."
Emma rolled her eyes.
"The Plaza, what time? and any specific requirements?
Mama smiled.
"That's my girl. 8pm sharp. He just requested some arm candy I told him you'd mention any extra costs.. mwah love ya."
Emma hung up the phone and headed to the shower. It was midday already. Emma had been up late writing on her day off and passed out around 4am. She was quite the night owl and found that her writing was best at night. She proceeded to prune herself for her evening shaving with one hand and brushing her teeth with the other. Emma's apartment was quite compact so she was used to tight spaces.
Emma was in the Plaza lobby at 8pm. The elevator pinged as the familiar gentleman entered the area. Emma walked over with confidence as he immediately kissed her hand.
"Mr. Alberto... A pleasure to meet you."
The older man smirked.
"Oh my dear. The pleasure is all mine."
He quickly linked her arm in his and proceeded to walk into the restaurant. They were immediately seated at a table set for four people.
"I must say Madame your picture does not do you justice."
Emma fake blushed.
"You are too kind, are we expecting company?
The man noted the extra seating arrangements.
"Yes I hope that is alright. I'm some friends of mine. A married couple, I recently got out of a relationship so I couldn't bare for them to feel sorry for me so this is where I need your help. I haven't seen them in a long time so if you could pretend that you are actually with me that would be ever so kind."
The older man looked almost embarrassed at his shyness. Emma gently took his hand in hers.
"The second you chose me we had an arrangement and whatever terms you wish tonight I am happy to oblige, but I need to tell you that any "desserts" cost extra. I am a professional in the services I provide darling. I won't let you down."
Emma winked at the blushing man.
"You should come with a warning label Miss?
Emma straightened the man's tie.
"My name's Emma but you can call me anything you wish as long as it's not some corny disney character or something."
The man erupted in laughter.
"People actually call you that?
Emma placed her napkin on her lap and gave the man a half a smile.
"You'd be surprised what people call me... It's not always nice."
The man scoffed.
"I find that hard to believe, a sweet woman like you should be respected."
Emma held the man's shaking hand.
"Just breathe you are doing fine, I appreciate your compliments... I do. Don't be nervous I'm here for you."
The man squeezed her hand back as he rapidly stood up pulling Emma up with him.
"Ah here they are now."
A tall handsome man just over 6ft entered the restaurant. He waited for a moment as his wife caught up to him. A brunette sporting a bob haircut and wearing a black velvet dress placed her hand in his and walked towards Emma's table. The man shook Mr Alberto's hand as he stepped aside letting his wife kiss him on both cheeks. He wasted no time in introducing Emma who came face to face with the woman before they all sat down.
"Emma these are my dear friends Robin and his stunningly gorgeous wife Regina."
Regina waved her hand in the air.
"Oh stop it dear you'll make me blush."
Robin clicked for the waiter.
"Can I get a scotch. Neat."
Regina coughed.
"Maybe you should wait till we get some appetizers darling."
Regina rubbed her husband's hand.
Emma sensed the tension and quickly changed the subject.
"So Regina what do you do?"
Regina smiled at her. Emma couldn't help but agree with her client's remarks about the woman. She was indeed beautiful and Emma actually found it a little hard to concentrate on the conversation. Regina Mills sat opposite the blonde with the brownest eyes she had ever seen. She was captivated in her presence and almost got lost in her stare.
"Me dear... well I used to be a town Mayor but when I met my darling man I gave it all up to live the dream."
Regina smiled and caressed Robin's bicep. Robin tapped her hand.
"Wow a Mayor that sounds amazing. I bet it was such a thrill to be in charge and have so much responsibility."
Regina's eyes lit up.
"Why yes dear it was just that."
Emma smiled.
"So what do you do Miss?
Mr Alberto gave Emma alarm bell eyes and she took his hand in hers and exhaled.
"Swan... But you can call me Emma..."
The man exhaled.
"How charming. Miss Swan."
Robin glared at Regina and Regina changed the subject.
"So how did you meet dear old Albee?
Robin sighed.
"Well that's a interesting story actually."
Emma proceeded to bullshit her way through the whole dinner not flinching once and having exactly the perfect information to spin into a believable story. Regina was very impressed. Even if she didn't believe this was a serious relationship between the too she certainly respected Emma's confidence and politeness towards the situation.
"May I be excused Albee. I need to use the ladies room."
Regina chuckled.
"Of course my dear, shall I order you another drink?
Emma smiled.
"Yes baby that would be lovely."
The man blushed.
"Well I must say you've done very well."
Robin finally piped up.
Regina gulped her cider.
"Actually I have to go to the lady's too."
Regina pushed back her chair and walked into the bathroom. She walked over to the mirror and touched up her not quite red wine shade of lipstick. The white bathroom lights only highlighted all her features more as Emma stepped out of the cubicle. Emma was taken aback a little as the older woman looked radiant against the shining light. She couldn't help but notice a small scar on Regina's upper lip. She wanted to ask but figured there would be a better time. Regina smiled at the approaching blonde.
"Having fun?
Chirped Regina.
"Actually I am, I have to say you are a very intriguing woman Regina."
Regina smirked.
"As are you Miss Swan."
Emma giggled.
"You do know you can call me Emma."
Regina popped her lips together.
"I know."
And with that Regina walked out of the bathroom. Emma actually held onto the sink from the impact Regina's presence had left behind.
"What did we miss?
Emma sat down looking up and the calm and collected brunette.
"Robin was just saying that they need a new maid."
Before Emma could stop herself the words fell out of her mouth.
"I'd like to apply for the job, I mean I am looking for a new job and I'd appreciate the opportunity."
Robin laughed and Regina looked like a deer caught in the headlights.
"My dear you must be joking, a lady of your caliber shouldn't be a maid."
Emma gave a weak smile.
"I never laugh at any work Regina and I'd honestly be grateful for an interview?
Robin looked at Regina in puzzlement.
"Certainly Emma, you can't be serious?
Robin awaited her reply.
"Actually I am."
Emma looked up at Robin with confidence.
"What do you make of all this Albee?
Regina starred at the man.
"Well if my darling Emma wants to do this then I don't see why not?
The man gave the blonde a kiss on the cheek and whispered in her ear.
"This is the least I can do to repay you for a lovely evening Emma they could pay you very well indeed... Make your life the way you want it."
Emma smiled as the man caressed her cheek.
"Then so be it, can you start Monday?
Regina smiled at the blonde.
"Yes Madame Mayor I'll be there."