Sheriff Graham Humbert collapsed down onto the shared mattress, now both of them were satisfied with their rendezvous.
"It seems I needed that little pick me up" Regina clutched the white cotton bed sheet around her chest, turning and facing her lover.
"Glad to be of service" Graham panted, trying to regain his breathing.
As per usual, Regina didn't take long to recover and quickly found her clothing and began to dress again.
"As fun as this was I haven't got long until Henry finishes school"
"Works for me I told Emma I'd swing by and catch a drink with her tonight." At this Regina paused and slowly turned to him. He noticed the sudden change of behaviour.
"Emma?"
"Something wrong?" He asked still sprawled out on the bed.
"The two of you are certainly spending a lot of time together lately" Regina observed.
"Yeah well Sheriff and Deputies generally do tend to spend time together."
"I can appreciate professionalism, but late night drinks at The Rabbit Hole?"
"We hang out after work too so what?" He shrugged.
"So, do I need to be concerned?" She asked tucking a loose strand of hair behind her hair.
"What are you implying?" He sighed.
"I'm not implying anything I'm merely wondering whether there's anything more going on between the two of you." Regina wasn't jealous. That wasn't it. She merely didn't like others claiming what was hers.
At this Graham shook his head and chuckled.
"Emma? Really?"
"She's the new mysterious pretty blonde in town, why not?" She checked the mirror, finally fully dressed in her iconic black dress and killer heels combo and turned waiting for a response.
"You're right she is very pretty and funny and also a little bit gay" He suppressed a smile, waiting for her reaction to this new bit of juicy gossip.
"Oh" Regina genuinely surprised didn't know how to respond.
"So I don't think you need to be getting jealous"
"I wasn't getting jealous. I just wondered whether she had plans of stealing something else from me"
"Are you growing fond of me Madame Mayor?"
"Don't flatter yourself." She grabbed her coat and with one final glance in the mirror, satisfied, she turned and made her way to the exit.
"Same time Friday?" She called over her shoulder, not waiting for an answer, as it wasn't really a question. She called the shots in the relationship. If that's what you wanted to call it.
Graham opened his mouth to respond and before he could answer the door snapped shut behind her, leaving him with just a sheet wrapped around him.
She was running late. Work had overran later than expected and now all she wanted was to unwind with an ice cold beer. The noise from the conversations from the intoxicated customers and clink of glasses filled the room. Leroy, the town drunk, at his usual spot at the bar. For a newcomer to the town, even Emma knew this. She did a quick scan and was waved over by Graham sat at the bar. She waved back and made her way to sit beside him on the bar stool.
"Hey sorry I'm late"
"No problem. You could have called me if you needed a hand"
"No need, just finishing up some paperwork and such" She wiggled out of her trademark red leather jacket and ordered herself a beer.
"Well if you ever need a hand. I'm used to the workload. Remember I had to do it all before you came along to help out."
"I'm happy to. Anyway cheers" She held out her bottle and he clinked his own with hers and took a swig.
"Cheers"
"So how was your day?" Emma asked, interested.
"Um nothing much. I had to go do that thing after my lunch break"
"I wasn't sure whether to expect you back is all."
"Nope, I had it all under control"
"Right" She nodded. There was a few beats of silence and Graham judged whether he could tell her the truth. A couple of drinks in him and apparently he could.
"I suppose you're beginning to suspect why I'm disappearing every couple of weeks with terrible excuses." Graham nudged her.
"I'm not going to pry, but I have wondered"
"I can tell you because that's what Sheriff and his deputy do right? Tell each other things"
"Sure. I'm good at keeping secrets if it is one" At this she made herself comfy in her seat as she waited for him to continue.
"You'll probably find out sooner rather than later to be honest, being good at your job and all." He paused and then suddenly became a bit nervous to tell her.
"Spit it out" She laughed.
"I've been seeing a woman"
"Knew it!" Emma shrieked. He shushed her little outburst and checked to see if anyone else was listening in.
"I've been seeing her for - well a while I guess. But lately I -I don't know how I feel, I just know I'm not 'feeling' all too much"
"You having trouble?" She glanced down at his crotch, presuming this was what he meant.
"No it's nothing like that. It's just sex, meaningless sex. We meet up, barely talk and hook up and then one of us takes off as soon as it's over. There's just no intimacy"
"And you're complaining why? Some guys would kill for an arrangement like that."
"I don't know. Maybe it's just me. I just I'm not feeling any connection there at all."
"Does she feel the same way?"
"I've not asked her. We don't really talk." He muttered and earned a cheeky wink from Emma.
"Well end it then if you're not feeling it. She'll understand. And who may I ask is the lucky girl? Do I know her?" She asked necking the last of her first bottle of beer.
"Regina." He whispered. Emma choked on her drink and coughed a couple of times.
"Are you shitting me? The mayor?" Emma exclaimed. She had pictured a young petite twenty something ditzy blonde not the terrifying, domineering yet strangely alluring Madame Mayor Mills!
"Keep your voice down. She'd kill me if word got out."
"Sorry. I was expecting anyone but her" Emma struggled for words.
"She's just so -"
"Scary?" He helped her out. They both laughed at this and relaxed a bit more now it was at least out in the open.
"You could say that. I mean I've had the worst of it since coming here, with Henry and everything. Just be careful. She's bad enough to me and I'm not even sleeping with her."
"I'll sleep with one eye open." He joked.
After a few beats, taking time for her to adjust to the notion, she had to ask.
"Does Henry know about this?" She screwed up her face, anticipating the answer.
"God no. No Henry knows nothing about it, she makes sure of that."
"Has she had many ... suitors?"
Graham scoffed at the choice of words.
"I think it's just always been me, as long as I can remember."
"So no father figure for Henry?"
"Nope. Just always been him and Regina."
Emma suddenly became quiet at this and fiddled with the now empty glass bottle in her hands.
"Is she a good mother?" She asked quietly.
Graham reached out and patted her shoulder.
"Hey, if there's one thing other than running this town Regina can do, it's raising that boy." Emma smiled faintly.
"And she makes a mean lasagna" He smacked his lips together.
"Well I don't think I'm getting an invite for dinner anytime soon. I have truly pissed that woman off."
"I speak highly of you."
"Don't add fuel to the fire"
"I can't resist it makes her squirm hearing good things about you."
"You're terrible."
They spoke like this for a couple more drinks until the bar began to slowly clear out. Graham did the gentlemanly thing and escorted Emma home, seeing as though she'd had too many to drive home. When really it was probably Graham who needed to be escorted home.
"See you at work tomorrow." He chimed. Emma yawned and made her way up the path to Mary Margaret's apartment.
"Bright and early Sheriff. Whatever you do, no late night speed dial to you know who" She warned, but with a smirk.
"Got it" He smirked back and waved her goodnight before heading back home himself.