Title: Persona Grata
Author: SecretRunawayDream
Pairing: SwanQueen
Rating: T
Disclaimer: All copyrighted material in this story belongs to their respectful owners.
Summery: SwanQueen AU. Emma Swan is a bike messenger in New York City, while on a delivery Regina Mills approaches her with an offer that is hard to refuse when she believes the blonde to be someone she is not.
Chapter 1
Outside its buzzing with people and cars as the black town car makes its way down the busy streets of New York City. Brown eyes gazes out of the tinted windows as the world passing by outside. Everyone is in their own little world just trying to survive another day. The car comes to a stop in front of a large glass building, she grabs her leather briefcase as the drivers opens the door for her. Stepping out onto the curb she slides her sunglasses down shielding her eyes from the morning sun.
The click-click of Louis Vuitton heels echoing through the large lobby announces her arrival making employees walk faster and ducking out of the way. Once inside the elevator she pulls of her sunglasses. As the doors closes she sees her reflection in the steel doors making a smile pull on red lips. A ding notifies her that she has arrived at the top floor, stepping out of the elevator she sees her perky assistant already sitting at her desk.
"Good morning Ms Mills." She says with a bright smile holding out a cup of coffee to her boss.
She takes the offered coffee as well as the notes with her messages. Taking a sip of the coffee she balls up the note from her mother asking her to call her.
"What does my schedule looks like for today?" The assistant quickly clicks the mouse a few times bringing up the schedule.
"You have a meeting at 08:30 with Mr Carson and then at 10:00 with Ms Nolan."
Without another word she turns to her office. A manicured hand pushes open the glass door, rounding her desk she drops her briefcase onto it along with her coffee. She takes a seat in her chair placing her reading glasses on her on her nose. She powers on her laptop while she pulls the top file on the corner of her desk in front of her. The big black letters on the front reading Mills Hotel.
Years of working into the morning hours and missing Thanksgivings and Christmas with family has all lead to this. Sitting on the thrown of her own hotel empire. The Mills hotels provides nothing but the best for their guests, a luxuries experience willing to revile the biggest name in the industry. Being a woman in a man's world leaves little room for kindness as it is seen as a weakness. That's how she got the nickname of the Evil Queen ripping out heats and crushing them, metaphorically of course.
The pile of files on the edge of her desk seems to be a bottomless pit of never ending problems. Hours later she was in meeting with her best friend and VP about purchasing an existing hotel on a prime spot in LA to level it and build a new and improved Mills hotel on the grounds. They have been waiting over a month for this meeting to make the owner their offer. If everything goes to plan, like it always does, she will soon be expanding her empire to Las Angeles. Power is a strange thing, everyone wants it craves it and once you have it never seems to be enough always needing more.
Regina is reading over the proposal she and Kathryn has just finished making sure its perfect and ready to be presented the next day.
"Looks good to me, Edward would be crazy not to accept it." She says closing the folder and handing it over to her friend.
"I wouldn't be so sure if I was you. The hotel has been in his family for generations you know how nostalgic some men can be." Annoyance clearly evident in her tone.
"Everyone has a price Kathryn we just need to find Edward's." Regina says with a smirk before opening the next file and starting to look it over.
"Don't you think that maybe we should forget about Barrowhill hotel and look at a different location?" That makes Regina's head shoot up looking at her VP like she has just grown an extra head.
"No absolutely not!"
"But is it really worth it Regina?" The blonde asks she knows that when Regina sets her mind on something its impossible to change it no matter how unreasonable it maybe. Because Regina Mills always gets what she wants.
"Yes Kathryn you and me have been over this for months now and we both agree." There is finality in her voice warning Kathryn that this discussion is over.
Kathryn knowing when its time to back off and not push her luck reluctantly agrees."Okay, I guess we will just to find a way to convince him to sell to us then."
"Whatever it takes." Regina confirms.
"Don't frown so much dear it makes you look older."
That voice Regina would recognise that evil smirk anywhere. Looking up her fears are confirmed because there at her door stands the one and only Cora Mills in all her motherly glory.
"Mother." Sitting up straighter in her chair, running her hands down her silk shirt to remove any wrinkles. A habit that has been engraved into her mind after years of living under Cora's roof.
Kathryn quickly stands from her chair offering it to the older Mills.
"Mrs Mills is so nice to see you again."
"Kathryn dear how are your parents?" She asks stepping past the blonde to take her offered seat.
"Very well thank you, the company keeps them busy." She says with a fake smile.
"Yes, I would believe so." Cora folds her hands in her lap looking her daughter straight in the eye.
"Mother, what are you doing here?" Regina asks wanting to get to the bottom of her mother's impromptu visit.
"I have made reservations at Per Se for your father's birthday. You do remember it's your father's birthday?"
"Of course." Regina says through gritted teeth, her mother has only been in her office for a minute and she is already pushing her buttons.
"Good, it's at 1pm I expect you not to be late. Can you imagine how bad it will look to have his own daughter be late for his birthday celebration?" Regina bits the side of her cheek before forcing a smile onto her face.
"No need to worry mother I'll be on time, wouldn't want to give your business associates the wrong impression." Cora just presses her lips in a thin line studying her daughter. Seemingly coming to some kind of conclusion she continues.
"I have invited Samantha Maxwell."
"Mother," Regina warns.
"Regina seriously I think it's time you put that silly little thing that happened behind you." Of course her mother would see her girlfriend cheating on her as a 'silly little thing'. "You're not as young as you use to be its time you start thinking about settling down. People might start to think your damage goods." Regina's blood started to boil her grip on the edge of her desk making her knuckles turn white. "Besides overlooking her one little mistake Samantha is a wonderful young lady, she has a good education and is well mannered."
"And her father is the owner of a fortune 500 company." She knows her mother's tricks all too well, she never does anything unless it's for her own personal gain.
"It only helps to be associated with a family with a good public image."
"Mother I am not going to date Samantha because you like her pedigree. I am a grown woman who can make my own decisions about my life."
"But since you are not making any decisions it becomes my responsibility as your mother to do so."
"Not about my love life you don't." Regina's voice starts to raise.
"Please some love life, last I heard Ben & Jerry's weren't the most talkative on a date."Cora says with a chuckle.
"I have a girlfriend okay." The words are out of her mouth before she can stop them. Cora looks at her surprised her eyebrows almost disappearing into her hairline, Kathryn's expression matching hers.
"Is that so and how come this is the first I am hearing about this?" Regina can hear her heart beating in her ears her mind racing, there is no way her mother is going to let this one go. Time to put that one improv class in 6th grade to good use.
"Because it's new and the last thing I need is my overbearing mother coming in and chasing her away."
"You say overbearing I say protective." Regina scuffs at that. "So who is it?" Regina looks up to her friend giving her a pleading look. Come on Kathryn time for that smartass mouth of yours to help me out of this hole I'm busy digging for myself.
"Oh she is… there is so much I have to tell you about her. She is just so-"
"Charming." Kathryn says trying to help.
"Yes, charming and she has such beautiful um…" She sees Kathryn pointing to her face. "…eyes."
"In that case I will make sure to look at that when I meet her later today."
"Meet her?" Both Regina and Kathryn say at the same time.
"Yes, since you have a 'girlfriend'," Cora says unconvinced. "I presume she will be accompanying you this afternoon?" Regina can feel her palms start to sweat.
"W-why would you presume that?"
"If you are not comfortable bringing her I can always just arrange with Samantha to escort you to…"
"Alright I will bring her." Regina says quickly the last think she needs is to spend the afternoon with Samantha.
"Excellent. I look forward to meeting this young woman who was able to plough her way through my daughter's defences." Cora says with a smirk before abruptly standing and turning to face the blonde. "Kathryn you're welcome to join us as well your basically part of the family." Without another word Cora walks out of the office leaving the two stunned women behind.
When she disappears around the corner Regina falls into her chair dropping her head onto her desk. O this is going to end badly she can feel it.
"Why did you just tell your mother you have a girlfriend?" Kathryn asks after a minute of watching her friend softly cursing herself.
"You saw what she is like, she has this crazy obsession with my love life and she keeps trying to marry me off to my cheating ex girlfriend! O what am I going to do?"
"Say your imaginary girlfriend is sick or out of town."
"Its Cora Mills we are talking about here."
"Hey what about that blind date you went on a few weeks ago?" Kathryn asks sitting back down across Regina
"The 30 year old woman with the braces? I don't think so." And it only got worse after she ordered the spinach salad.
"What about Pam in marketing?"
"No her eyes are way too close together, seriously Kathryn."
"Well I don't see you coming up with any bright ideas."
Just then Regina's office door swings open. She really needs to talk to her assistant about people just barging into her office like this.
"I thought I might find you in a foul mood after running into the terror Mills in the hall." Says the handsome man leaning against the doorway his dark purple satin shirt's sleeves rolled up to his elbows and looking at the two women with sexy smirk on his face.
"Hey Killian." Regina half hearted greets her friend. Regina, Kathryn and Killian grew up together, from diapers to heartbreaks. After university Regina and Kathryn decided to go into business together while Killian always being the ladies man decided to go into a different direction. Years later Killian Jones is now the owner of Jones modelling agency, now he has a stream of never ending beautiful women walking into his office every day. Manwhore.
"So what are you two lovely ladies up to?" He asks taking a seat next on the armrest of Kathryn's chair.
"Regina is freaking out because she told her mom she is dating and now Cora wants to meet her imaginary girlfriend." Kathryn says amused.
"I thought you were past the stage of imaginary friends Reg?" She glares at him. Of course her two so called friends would find this whole situation amusing. He puts up his hands in surrender. "Sorry, I know Mrs Mills is obsessed with your love life." He has firsthand knowledge after years of Cora trying to set the two of the up until Regina finally came out to her mother, that's when she moved on to Samantha.
"Killian will you be my fake date?" Regina asks with a big smile.
"You're forgetting something love." Killian says point down to his manhood.
"Hey I can fix that." She says with a mischievous smile waving a pair of scissors in front of him, his hands instantly shooting down to protect his valuables.
"Relax Regina we will figure something out." Kathryn says between giggles.
"I got it!" Killian claps his hands together as he stands up. "Regina your best friends with the owner of one of the best modelling agency in the state."
"Killian this isn't time to fluff your ego."
"You're not hearing me Regina, right now there is 20 hot girls in my office." He puts his hands on the edge of her desk slightly leaning closer to Regina smiling his sexy smirk at her making her raise an eyebrow at her. "How about I just send one of them up here to go with you on your little date?" They both look at each other in silence before Regina burst out laughing.
"You're not serious."
"Why not it's perfect! All kinds of shapes and sizes all ready and waiting. You can have whatever kind of girl you wicket little heart desires."
"You sound like a pimp." Kathryn says. Killian stands up straight looking between the two women.
"I prefer Cupid. Come on Regina trust me this is going to work."
"Killian I don't know."
"What other choice do you have?" He is right, its not like she can magic a girlfriend out of fine air. And if she shows up without a date she is pretty sure her mother will have her and Samantha U-Hauling by the end of lunch.
"Okay fine." Killian smiles victoriously. "But not one of those crazy skinny girls who can't get close to a candle or her face might melt, or with any facial piercings and tattoos, or criminal records, or…" He rounds her desk placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Relax love I got this! One smart model without the fur or wings to go." He leans down planting a kiss on her check. "I'm going to go and find your new girlfriend. I will send her up before I have to leave for the airport. I have to get on my private jet for a photo shoot in Miami."
"Yeah, whatever horn dog." He kisses Kathryn on her head.
"You know you love me." He says before leaving the office.
"You really think this is going to work?" Regina asks Kathryn concerned.
"She just needs to sit there and smile for like two hours. It will be fine."
The wind is whipping through a few strands of untamed blonde hair. Adrenalin is pumping making her push harder to go faster. Her eyes dart around tracking, calculating ten moves ahead of her. Cars, pedestrians all playing a role in her very own private obstacle course. The wheels under have become an extension of her own body, moving as one. Taking a fast left turn she narrowly misses a taxi making the driver honk and yell at her as she races down the street. This is what she lives for; the freedom, the thrill.
Standing up she pulls her breaks doing her best to keep herself from going flying over the handlebars. As she drops her right foot onto the ground she comes to a stop in front of the large building. She looks up breathing heavy at the giant building crowned with the large letters reading 'Mills'. The sound of tiers coming to a screeching stop next her grabs her attention. She smiles at the panting man.
"Not today Boothy."
"One of these days Swan."
She chains her bike to the post double checking to make sure it's secure. It's the only thing she has to her name, and she'd be damned if it gets stolen.
"Don't you have a delivery to get to?" She asks cheeky walking backwards to the building. "Or are they looking for a professional? In that case give me five minutes to drop this off."
He starts to peddle away from the blonde throwing her the bird over his shoulder. She just smiles before turning and walking through the large glass doors, she places her helmet in her messenger bag running a hand through her wild hair trying to tame it somewhat by pulling it into a messy ponytail. Walking over to the far end of the lobby to the steal cages she pusses the elevator button franticly like it will make it move any faster. When the elevator opens on the top floor she walks out looking at the fancy white and black office around her. Clearly no expense was spared in decorating. She walks over to the brunette sitting behind the desk.
"Hello can I help you?" She says in an over perky voice.
"Hi I have a delivery for Kathryn Nolan." She says tapping the black tube holding most likely something like building plans. The brunette starts typing away on the computer.
"Ah yes, she is currently in a meeting but should be done soon." Emma nods taking another look around the office.
"Calm down Regina, Killian will pull through." Kathryn says to her friend, ever since Killian left she has been pacing up and down freaking out about the date. "Hey is that her?" Kathryn asks Regina stops and looks out her glass walls of her office seeing a blonde talking to her assistant. "Well she is your type."
Regina quickly walks over to blonde needing to get this lunch over as soon as possible.
"Boy Killian moves fast." Emma jumps when she finds the CEO next her looking her up and down. She may not be all that clued up when it comes to the business world but she sure as hell knows who Regina Mills is.
"Excuse me?" Emma asks pulling on her messenger bag readjusting it over her shoulder.
"Ms Mills, she is here…"
"I know why she is here Melissa, I'll take it from here." She looks back at the shocked blonde. "Will you please follow me to my office?" Emma is a little confused but nods anyway and follows her back into the glass office.
When they enter the office Emma sees Kathryn looking at her. "So, totally your type." Regina gives Kathryn a death glare."I know you where over at Killian's for an audition and its nothing to be ashamed about most actors started off as models." Okay now Emma is more confused than ever.
"Listen I don't know what you get paid being a model I mean you are a dime a dozen but I am in need of your help and I am willing to pay you double your fee for a few hours work." Regina gets straight to the point.
"I'm sorry ma'am but..." Emma starts but gets interrupted by Regina
"Before you say no just hear me out, I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend for an hour or two. I just need you to sit there and smile and pretend we are in love and then your free to live your life and me mine."
"You want me to pretend to be your girlfriend?" Okay she is now 100% sure she is on one of those hidden camera prank shows, yes that's what this is.
"She's got the model IQ alright." Kathryn whispers in Regina's ear watching the blonde look around the office like she is searching for something.
"Yes, am I going to have to write this down for you?" Her patients is starting to run thin.
"So, when exactly does these two hours start?" Regina looks down at her watch.
"In precisely… 56 minutes."
"Listen ma'am..." Emma has heard enough of this craziness, she has a job she needs to get back to. She doesn't get paid to stand around talking to pretty, rich CEOs.
"It's just acting isn't it the next step for you as a model."
"So you want me to like hold your hand and stuff?"
"That is what couples tend to do is it not?" Regina was starting to get annoyed, so much for a smart model.
"Insulting me is not a good way to get me to do you a favour." Ugh these women are all the same. Emma thinks to herself, always thinking they are better then everyone else.
Regina takes out her purse and pulls a few bills out of it holding in front of the blonde. Emma's eyes widen at the bills, that is way more than triple she makes on a good day.
"This is a one time over take it or leave it?"
Emma looks at the cash imagining everything she can do with it like actually paying her rent on time and maybe even getting new breaks for her bike. How bad could it really be to pretend to be this gorgeous woman's girlfriend for a couple of hours? Emma stretches out her hand.
"Nice to meet you love of my life." Regina breathes a sigh of relieve. Emma reaches for the money but Regina pulls away.
"Work first then you get your money, O that outfit is not going to work for me." Emma looks down at her white tank top, cargo shorts and chucks.
"I have a few outfits in my office that is sure to fit her." Kathryn says.
"Thank you Kathryn. Be ready in 30 minutes." Regina firmly says moving back to her desk taking a seat behind clearly dismissing them.
Emma follows Kathryn out on their way to her office they stop at the brunette's desk.
"Melissa I am expecting a deliver will just sign for it?" Melissa looks confused between Emma and Kathryn.
"But…."
"Thanks Melissa." Kathryn walks away, Emma drops the black tube onto Melissa's desk giving a smile before running after Kathryn.
Kathryn's office is smaller than Regina's clearly it's a power move. Kathryn walks into her in suit bathroom pulling out the extra clothes and handing it over to Emma.
"You can change in there. I wouldn't keep Regina waiting if I was you."
Emma takes the offered clothes and slip into the bathroom. Looking at herself in the grey business suit and white button up shirt. She moves her shoulders trying to get use to the feeling of wearing a suit. This isn't her. She feels panic start to set into the pit of her stomach. No one will ever believe her to be this fake persona. After a few minutes she takes her phone out dialling the number quickly.
"I told you not to call me when you ride you need to focus on actually not dying."
"Ruby I need your help." Her voice is panicked as she pace the small floor in front of the mirror.
"What jail is it?" Her friend says with a dramatic sigh.
"No I'm not in jail! I'm at the Mills office."
"Um okay, what's the problem was the Evil Queen mean to you?"
"The exact opposite actually."
"I don't understand." She can hear Ruby frowning through the phone.
"Okay here is the thing, I was here for a delivery when Regina Mills started talking to me."
"Wait the Regina Mills?"
"No the other one." Emma deadpans "Yes her! She thinks I'm a model." There is chuckling on the other end of the line.
"I didn't know Regina Mills is blind?"
"Hey I could be a model!" Emma says stopping her pacing and looking at herself in the mirror.
"Sure you can be a sock model on the radio."
"Gee thanks."
"Em you know I'm just kidding, you are gorgeous my friend." Rolling her eyes she goes back to pacing.
"Anyway she said she needs me to pretend to be her girlfriend for a lunch. She offered to pay me a lot of money to do it."
"Wow. So are you going to do it?"
"I don't know this is all very weird. Besides no one is going to believe Regina would date someone like me." She finally gets to the really problem.
"O please, no you are just putting yourself down. If she asked you then it must mean she sees something she likes in you? Also she is rich like scary rich so maybe we will actually be able to eat something other than cereal tonight. And not to mention she is sexy as hell." Emma is running everything over in her mind.
"Okay I'm going to do it." She hears Ruby's excited cheer on the other end, maybe Regina should take her instead.
"You go get your sugar mama." Emma hangs up not even bothering to reply.
Emma looks at herself turning from side to side studying herself. She does her best to fix her hair and adding a little extra make up. She digs through Kathryn's stuff finding perfume she quickly sprits some on, she has been riding a bike all day. She accidently gets some in her mouth making her cough at least now she doesn't have to brush her teeth. Putting the expensive glass bottle back she examines herself one last time. Yeah she can do this. It's just two hours what's the worst that can happen?
Walking up to the large blue doors Emma can't believe where they are.
"We are eating at Per Se?"
"Yes dear." Regina says mater-of-factly straitening her blouse.
"Holy shit!" Regina gives her a displeasing look, great just what she needs a girlfriend with a sailor's mouth. "Sorry, I mean holy cow."
Walking into the restaurant Emma looks around in awe, it's beautiful and she knows she can't even afford to pee in a place like this. Per Se is one of the most expensive restaurants in New York and it's impossible to get a reservation.
"Remember all you have to do is sit there and smile." She says to Emma who pulls at the collar of her shirt, her job requires her to be able to move freely and these stiff clothes feels unnatural on her.
"Regina you have said that like 15 times." Kathryn adds.
"I know, but just because she looks the part doesn't mean she can act it and for goodness sake stop fighting with your clothes." Regina scolds her.
"I feel like a sick dogs in one of those head cones." Emma huffs letting her hands fall to her sides.
"If you don't start acting like you belong it's going to turn into a shock choler."
"O kinky." Regina has to fight the urge to roll her eyes. "Okay here goes." She takes the blonde's hand pulling her along behind her. They make their way over to where a group of business men and women are seated at a long table.
"Regina!" One of the older gentlemen in a suit that probably cost more than Emma's apartment stands. "My I have missed you!"
"Daddy." Yes Regina Mills is a daddy's girl. She hugs him, she hands over a neatly wrapped gift placing a kiss on his cheek. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you sweetheart but this was unnecessary just having you here is gift enough." She smiles at her father but it quickly falls when her mother steps up to them. She looks curiously at the three women.
"Regina dear where are you manners aren't you going to introduce us?" Cora asks eyeing the blonde up and down smiling.
"Of course." She says through gritted teeth pulling the blonde closer. "Daddy, mother this is my girlfriend…" Regina freezes how could she have been so stupid not to ask her girlfriend her name. Luckily the blonde sensing her inner turmoil steps forward.
"Emma Swan, nice to meet you Mr and Mrs Mills." She says giving them a smile and holding out her hand.
"Nice to meet you to Emma." Regina's father says shaking her hand, but she starts to feel uncomfortable at the way the older woman was looking at her clearly seizing her up. She just scuffs before putting on a fake smile.
"Yes delighted."
Sensing the tension Kathryn steps in congratulation Mr Mills as well with a hug.
"Come sit the food will be here any moment." Henry motions to the women to take the empty seats at the table.
Regina doesn't move to take her seat but instead pokes the blonde in her side. Emma jumps before spinning around to see what she has done wrong now, Regina motions to her chair with her eyes. When Emma just looks at her confused she mouths "Pull out my chair." Finally catching on Emma pulls out the chair for Regina before she fall a lot less graciously onto hers.
Everyone is seated at the large table talking away. Emma concluded that most of them were talking business. They spend few moments talking to Henry Mills before he took his seat at the other end at the head of the table. Emma, Regina and Kathryn are seated on the opposite end where Cora is sitting across from them. Regina and Kathryn were talking about budget reports and other stuff that really held no interest to Emma. Maybe Ruby was right because despite the little stiff meeting of the parents she really haven't been doing anything but relax with an amazing 9 course meal sitting next to her 'girlfriend'. It's a lot better than the dirty water hotdogs she was planning on having. But the atmosphere at the table quickly shifted when Cora turns her attention to them tilting her head a little to the side and looking intently at Emma.
"So Emma, what do you do?" Cora asks.
Shit. Emma takes her wine glass taking a sip from it hoping to buy her some time. Regina is a successful business woman what type of person would she date?
"O um… I'm a doctor." Emma says the first thing that comes to mind.
"A doctor?" Cora's brow creases.
"O dear no need to be so modest, Emma is one of the best gynaecologist in the country." Regina adds silently cursing herself for not think this crazy plan of her through. Of course her mother will feel the need to cross examine her girlfriend.
"Really?" Cora's interest peaks.
"Yes, thank you for that one love." She narrows her eyes at Regina before turning back to the older woman. "Being a doctor there is so many different fields to choice from like paediatrics, cardiology, but me I love the ladies." Cora looks at her with a raised eyebrow making Emma blush ducking her head down.
"Do you work at your own private practice?"
"No, I work over at the hospital." Regina places her hand over Emma's on the table. Emma looks down at the soft hand covering hers, it feels strange but not completely unwelcomed. She quickly looks back to Cora acting like it's something they do often.
"That's nice." Cora says with a fake smile but Emma doesn't buy it. Emma narrows her eyes at the woman, she has her own personal radar to detect bull-shit and it just pinged.
"Is there something wrong with working at a hospital?"
"No nothing I guess. A hospital is just so degrading. I always told my Regina whatever you do you just have to make sure you are nothing but the best."
Emma feels Regina's hand tightening her grip on her hand. Looks like Mrs Mills hit a nerve there. It's clear she is use to be obeyed and making everyone else feel inferior to her. Instantly making Emma dislike her, years spend in the foster system made her feel like less than everyone else. She is not going to let anyone else make her feel worthless like that again.
"What do you do Mrs Mills?" Emma asks with a forced smile.
"Have you ever heard the expression 'Behind every good man is a great woman'?" Cora says with a smile.
"Your job is to support your husband?" Emma concludes.
"Precisely." Cora says proudly.
"So, basically you're a cheerleader?"
Everyone at the table look to their side when Kathryn starts to choke on her drink. The water glasses on the table shake slightly and Emma bites down on her lip not to scream after a high heal connected with her shin.
"Don't." Regina warns under her breath.
"I am NOT some skanky cheerleader. I am the puppet master behind the scenes. I run the show without me everything will fall and crumble. I taught him everything he knows." She spits the words at the blonde, clearly she is starting to get under the great Cora Mills' skin. But the fun has just begun. Emma looks at her with a raised eyebrow.
"I presume you are familiar with the expression 'Those who can't do teach.'?" Emma is pretty sure Cora is going to climb over the table a strangle her.
"You little…" Cora raises from her seat her eyes burning holes straight through Emma.
"Cora." She stops when her husband calls her name. When she sees everyone looking at her, her need for keeping up appearances are more important so she places her diplomatic smile back in place as she retakes her seat. When everyone returns to their own conversations Cora looks back at the blonde.
"Trust me dear you do not want to make an enemy out of me." Emma is ready to fire back with another snarky comment when Regina grabs her hand so hard she think she might have cracked a few bones.
"Enough!" She says to not only Emma but her mother as well. "We are her to celebrate daddy's birthday and I will not have you two ruin it for him."
"Then maybe you should keep your dog on a leash." Cora says smirking behind her wine glass.
"Mother! I will not have you talk to my girlfriend like that." Cora just scuffs before standing up from her seat mumbling something about need to talk business with someone. She quickly stands and makes her way to the other side of room.
Once she is gone Emma slums back into her seat taking a deep breath trying to calm herself.
"What the hell was that?" Regina asks furious. "I am paying you to be my loving girlfriend not to attack my mother."
"Maybe you should have picked a different fake girlfriend then." She says flatly.
"Trust me I am thinking exactly the same thing."
"I like her." Kathryn says with a smile and Regina glares at her. "O come on Regina everyone hates Cora and they are all too scared to stand up to her. Your girlfriend has some steel balls."
"Ovaries." Emma corrects taking her wine glass from the table.
"Spoken like a true gynaecologist." Emma snaps her head to Regina.
"Yeah Regina, a gynaecologist really? You are running a multimillion dollar company and that's the best you can come up with?"
"I panicked and that's the first thing I could think of."
"Gynaecology? I am glad to see you mind has taken up permanent residency in the gutter." Kathryn says.
"Shut up Kathryn." They all go back to their food. Regina sneaks a glance at the blonde next to her. She has to admit seeing Emma stand up to her mother who has berated her her whole life was pretty nice.
They step out onto curb to wait for their town car to pick them up, Regina see a blonde woman making her way over to them. "I just can't catch a break today can I?" Regina curses under her breath. Both Emma and Kathryn look up to see what is going on.
"Who is that?"
"Samantha Maxwell, Regina's ex." Kathryn quickly explains before she reaches them.
"Kathryn it's nice to see you again." She says with a smile Kathryn just nods her head before Samantha turns her attention to Regina. "Hello Regina."
Regina looks at the woman coldly. "Samantha."
"You look good."
"Thank you." Regina says stiffly.
Clearly there are some unresolved issues between the two. Emma can sense Regina discomfort and if she is not mistaken anger. Emma eyes Samantha curiously before stepping up behind Regina slapping her on her ass and wrapping her arms around Regina's waist possessively. Regina lets out a surprised yelp when Emma's hand lands on her behind. Finally having Samantha's attention on her Emma leans closer to Regina her breath gliding over her skin.
"Damn babe you always look so hot in these tight skirts." Emma doesn't miss the flash of jealousy in Samantha's blue eyes.
"What are you doing?" Regina puts on a fake smile. She has no idea what game Emma is playing but she is two seconds from slapping that smirk of her face.
"I am being your girlfriend." She whispers back. "So Sammy," Emma sees the other woman stiffen at the use of clearly an unwanted nickname. "Don't you think Regina looks hot?" Samantha looks a little thrown off her game by the question, she clears her throat before answering.
"Yes, Regina always looks lovely."
"Yeah well other people can look but I'm the only one that can touch." She emphasises her point by placing a kiss to her neck. She feels Regina shiver but doesn't know if it's a good or bad thing.
"Lucky you." Samantha say barely loud enough to be heard. When she realises she said out loud she quickly tries to change the subject. "How long have you two been together?"
"Five months." "Seven months." They both answer at the same time.
"Regina?" She turns around surprised to see the man standing behind her.
"Edward, hello." She stands up a little straighter, sensing the shift Emma releases her grip on the woman stand next to her, but with Samantha's blue eyes tracing her every move she decides to keep her hand on Regina's lower back.
"Sorry to interrupt. I went by your office but your assistant told me I might find you're here."
"No its fine." She looks at the three people standing around her. Samantha has moved away slightly to give them some privacy but they way her head is slightly tilted to them not hiding the fact that she is clearly eavesdropping on their conversation. "Edward allow me to introduce you this is Kathryn Nolan Vice President of Mills hotels and my girlfriend…" Dammit she really needs to learn her name. She looks at the blonde who pretends to cough saying her name. "Emma Swan."
"Its is very nice to meet all of you." He says to them before turning back to Regina who motions for them to move a feet away for a little more privacy. "I am very sorry but I will not be able to attend our meeting tomorrow an emergency has come up and I need to go back to LA right away." Regina lets out a frustrate sigh, great another complication to deal with. Quickly putting on her professional mask she smiles at the balding man, she knows firsthand how hard it can be to run a successful hotel and sometimes things just go wrong that need you immediate attention.
"I understand these things happen maybe we can reschedule? I can make you the offer…"
"I am sorry but I don't know when I will be able schedule another meeting. Ms Mills I feel that I should tell you that I have received another offer from a different buyer."
"Edward if you will just give me a chance you will find that my offer is more than generous." She is not loosing this deal, she has worked to hard to have some other buy swoop in and take it from her.
"I have no doubt but Barrowhill has been in my family for generations. It has always been a place for families to come and enjoy times together and its my wish for this to continue even after I am no longer the owner. I can't sell it to someone who is more focused on work then their family. I need the buyer that represents my hotel to live out family values. Someone in a stable relationship not someone who lives for their work and only have time for their family on Christmas and Thanksgiving."
Regina can't believe this is happening. He is trying to control his hotel even after he sells it. Does he really think Barrowhill will be anything like it is today after he sells, that they are not going to roll in the bulldozers as soon as he signs the dotted line? But for now she has to play along.
"Edwards I absolutely agree with you. Family is what is most important and as you can see I am already in a loving relationship." She points over to the blonde who just smiles at them. He looks at the woman and then back at Regina clearly mulling something over in his mind.
"If you are truly serious about this deal then I would like to prose you come to LA and stay at my hotel."
"I think I could arrange that." She says hopeful at the little light at the end of the tunnel.
"You should all come." He says stepping back to the other two women.
"I cant I am very busy… patients and everything." Emma says whishing she could put her hands in her pockets a nervous habit of hers.
"I'm sure you can have someone cover your shift."
"I don't know if…" Regina starts.
"I insist. Bring them spend some time there learn about our values and beliefs and at the end of the weekend you and the other prospective buyer can both make me an offer and I will then decide." Regina contemplates her options here. If there is any hope of buying the hotel she needs go on a … family vacation with her fake girlfriend. Perfect.
Regina looks at Emma who is pleading with her not to drag her into this mess as well. She looks back at Edward the stress of running his small business clearly edged into his face.
"Very well we will accept your offer." She can see the blonde visibly tense.
"Excellent. I look forward to your stay but I must go can't miss my plane. Regina, ladies." He nods to them before leaving. The tension is thick between the three women. They are all so caught up in their own heads that no one sees Samantha creeping closer to them.
"You're all going to LA that sounds like it will be a fun time." Samantha says smiling at them.
"It's a business trip it's not suppose to be about fun." Regina says annoyed luckily the black town car has arrived and she slips inside without another word Kathryn following her, Emma gives the blonde one last look before climbing into the car as well.
Emma hasn't said a word since they left the restaurant. She was now in Regina's private bathroom in her office changing back into her own clothes. She can't believe she has been dragged into this mess, this is not what she signed up for. There is a reason she always stayed out of other people's business because it always leads to… a weekend in LA pretending to be some rich woman's girlfriend. She huffs to herself. Her job is to ride a bike up and down New York not play pretend in a fancy pent house. She had dipped her toes into their life and that has been more than enough for her she has no need for any further dwelling in it. No she just want to get back to her crappy apartment she and forget all about this day.
"Ms Swan," She hears Regina's voice through the closed door.
"So now you know my name?" She asks sarcastic pulling her shirt over her head.
"I don't want to do this just as much as you."
"Well I am not doing it."
"It's just a weekend."
"First it was just two hours, now it's a weekend what's next a three month tour of Europe?" Regina's grip tightens on the desk she is leaning on.
"So we just extent our agreement."
"Yes because the last two hours was so wonderful. By the way your mom is a real piece of work." Regina takes a deep breath, this woman is infuriating!
"The hotel is very nice, small but nice it has a swimming pool and is right on the beach and there is a spa with…"
"I don't give a damn about the stupid hotel Regina I'm not doing it."
The bathroom door swings open and she steps out. Emma drops Kathryn's borrowed clothes on the chair she is already on her way out of the office ready to bolt from the ridiculousness that is Regina Mills.
"$5 000." Emma freezes with her hand on the door, she turns back around to look at the other woman.
"What?"
"I'll pay you $5 000." Emma studies Regina closely, she really is beautiful. So why would she be willing to pay a complete stranger so much money when she can have any woman she wants. Does she not know that? Sure maybe she is a little bossy and acts like she has a stick up her butt, but Emma finds it kind of sexy how she can take complete control of a room just by walking into it.
"Why is this deal so important to you?" Emma asks the only question she can.
"It just is, besides I don't have to explain myself to you." Regina grabs a pen and piece of paper from her desk and writes down her number handing it over to the blonde along with payment for the day's work. "You have until tomorrow morning to think about it." Emma takes giving Regina one last look before she leaves.
Once the blonde is gone Regina walks over to little table holding her expensive drink selection for her more established business guest. Pouring herself a generous amount in her tumbler she sits back down behind her desk closing her eyes. This has been a crazy day that never seemed to end and now her business' future is all in the hands of in infuriating blonde.
Emma pushes open the door to her small little apartment she shares with her best friend. She places her bike against the wall and dropping her bag onto the floor next to it not even caring. Emma falls onto the couch next to her friend dropping the cash onto the table.
"Holy hell Emma!" Ruby shrieks. "Are you sure she doesn't think you're a hooker?" Emma slaps her hard on her arm making her yell out.
"I really hate you right now."
"Why?" Ruby asks fanning herself with the money.
"How hard could it be, it's only lunch." Emma says in a mocking voice.
"I'm guessing something happened?" She asks dropping the bills back on the table.
"She wants me to go with her to LA for some business meeting thing for a whole weekend." Ruby bursts out laughing. "It's not funny." Emma grabs a bag of chips on her friend's lap but Ruby takes it from her. "Hey!"
"You're a model now remember you have to watch what you eat."
"Shut up." She says grabbing back the bag of chips. "I spend my entire day on a bicycle, gaining weight is the least of my problems. I need to figure out if I want to sell my soul to the devil for $5 000." Ruby decides to give Emma some space she clearly has a lot to think about. Half an hour later Ruby steps out of her room dressed in her waitress uniform seeing Emma still in the exact same position as she left her in.
"So… are you going to do it?"
"I don't know."
"Emma its $5 000 do you know what you can do with it, what we can do with it?" Emma just pops another chip in her mouth focusing on the wall in front of her. "Was lunch really that bad?"
"The food was pretty good." She says shrugging. "O and I called her stuck up mother a cheerleader." Ruby just shakes her head at the blonde.
"Why to impress the in-laws Em." Emma just rolls her eyes. "So?"
"I guess I'm going to LA." Ruby throws her arms in the air in victory. "You know it's my money not yours?"
"O shut up and call your girlfriend." Ruby says making her way out of the apartment in time for her shift down at the little diner down the street.
Emma stares at Regina's neatly scribbled number on the tiny piece of paper. Taking a deep breath she picks up her phone dialling the number before she can lose her nerve.
"Regina Mills." She answers after the third ring.
"Hi its Emma."
"Ms Swan have you come to a decision?" Emma closes her eyes pinching the bridge of her nose.
"I have, I'll do it. I'll be your girlfriend."
