Summary

Rachel Greene who is a fashion/costume designer and stylist gets a new job to design a clothing line for a male movie star. As she finds inspiration for her designs at the library one day, she meets a professor who happened to be her best friend's brother. As time goes by, she develops great relationship with the two men but little does she know they both have developed feelings for her. Question is, who does her heart yearn and desire for?

A/N: Taking the characters from Friends, I want to write a different story like a whole new story. Although Joey is still but a famous movie star, Ross still a professor whereas Rachel a fashion designer and stylist. Phoebe, Monica and Chandler will be in the story but all their friendship shall be different. I'll most likely keep their behaviour and characteristics the same, well I'll do my best. Don't get disappointed yet, I will make sure to try and satisfy you! I will not say who she shall choose but some may already know who. But then again, read and follow with me on this roller coaster till the end. I do apologize for Ross & Rachel's shipper in advance (spoiler alert).

My last story I completely lost interest and haven't quite finished it so hopefully with this one I will be motivated and determined to end it.

Disclaimer: Please note I don't own the characters from Friends but using them to write this fiction. Characters/names that don't appear on the show well yeah they're mine but that's not the point. Just enjoy the story.

Prologue

She turned on her laptop and patiently waited for the login in box to appear. She glanced hazily at the clock on the wall. Still an early morning start she said to herself. She gazed back down onto her laptop screen. Oh, there it is. Pressing the enter button as she finished typing, she falls back onto her seat and again, waited for the screen to load. Impatiently, she tapped her fingers on the desk to keep herself entertained. She just needed to check her emails about a new production which she has enthusiastically agreed to do.

As she opens the email message which appears as the first one on her screen, she takes out her notebook and her favourite pen she keeps in her handbag all ready to scribble down.

"Okay, let's see now…" she mumbles under her breath.

"Dear Rachel Greene, we are so honestly delighted that you and your team have agreed to work with us" she smiles as she continues to read.

"We have sent you the following requirements and other important details for this movie. We are looking for great and fresh new designs to bring out Mr Tribbiani and Ms Buffay's character. We also have sent you a summary of each of the character and movie plot. If you have any questions, please do not hesitant and call or email me. Details are below. The deadline is still being finalised and production is ongoing. Do take your time as we hope to achieve the best clothing line as possible for the movie. I have also arranged an appointment with Mr Tribbiani and Ms Buffay today at 11am at the address below you've requested. Once again thank you for your cooperation… I shall see you fairly soon, please wait for further details. Kind regards, Derek"

She quickly notes down the address. She glanced quickly down at her watch. It was only 15 minutes till 10. She packed her handbag, grabbed her measurement kit then picked up the phone on her desk. She dialled the first number and pushed the speaker on.

"Yes Ms Greene?" a lady said over the speaker.

"Sophie, cancel all my appointments today. I got an important meeting I have to attend" she said firmly.

"Of course, should I reschedule them?"

"Yes, the time slots I am available. If any of them say no, note down which are not important and cancel them as I have an important production we will be needing to work on in the next couple of months"

"Got it, anything else?"

"No… wait, get Alex"

"Right away"

Rachel closed her laptop and picks up her pace towards the door. As she made her way out of the building, Alex, her chauffeur was already waiting for her. She gives Alex the address and fasten her seat belt. Where was she heading to meet the stars? A restaurant? A café? The studio? The answer was either.

As the Alex made one last turn, Rachel gazed out the window and her mouth hung slightly opened at the sight in front of her. There it was, a huge gate surrounding the massive house not house that would be wrong, mansion. Rachel did not blinked once but kept her eyes locked at the magnificent mansion.

"Miss Greene we have arrived at your destination" the Alex called out.

"Miss Greene"

Rachel jumped and looked back to the driver seat.

"Sorry… thank you. I won't be too long, hopefully"

"I'll be here"

"Thank you" she replied politely.

Shutting the door and making her way to the front she couldn't help but gaze heavily at the beautiful sight of the house in front of her. She wandered to the left and then the right. Oh there's the intercom. She pushed the button and waited for a response.

"Tribbiani's residence" an unfamiliar voice of a female said.

"Hi… I'm Rachel Greene, I have an appointment with him… I mean Mr Tribbiani about the clothing design for his new movie" she said nervously.

"Oh yes, please come in Ms Greene"

The intercom made a sound, more like a buzz and then within a heartbeat, the gate opened magically.

"Thank you" Rachel said shortly but there was no reply so she walked slowly towards the front door of Mr Tribbiani's house.

Immediately the front door swung opened and then shortly, a relatively short lady who looked like in her late 40s, appeared wearing an apron and greeted her warmingly.

"Ms Greene, Mr Tribbiani is waiting for you in his study. Ms Buffay could not make it today and send her apologises. She has left a message which I shall give to you on your way out"

"Oh… thank you uhm" she stuttered and thought what to call her.

"Please call me Grace" she said in her thick Italian accent.

"Thank you Grace" she said with a smile.

"I shall take you to Mr Tribbiani's study. Just this way"

When Rachel takes the first step into the house, once again it knocked her off her feet. Everything about this house is incredible. The setting, the stairs… she was impressed.

"Uhm Ms Greene, this way"

Apologizing for wandering and taking too slow, Rachel kept up her pace and was lead down the hallway by Grace. Grace then knocked politely at the door and opened it.

"Mr Tribbiani, Ms Greene is here"

"Oh, bring her in" the man said from the other side of the room.

Grace nodded her head for approval and Rachel smiles. Rachel blushes as her heels made a rather loud noise in comparison to the quietness of the room. As she enters the study room, the man stood in front of her took her by surprise. He is as beautiful as he is on screen she said to herself.

Joey was dressed in his black pants, long white sleeve top and was already wearing a smile. He was flashing out his gorgeous sparkling teeth, a very charming truly. Rachel snap out of it!

Joey approached Rachel swiftly and reached out his hand to shake with hers.

Joey could feel his heart beating a little faster than usual. The moment this woman stepped into his studies, he was blown away. She had long blonde hair with dark and light shades of highlight that glowed beautifully. She wore black long pants, a simple white shirt and with a black blazer that fitted her body nicely, almost to perfection. It was just outlining her body figure just slightly which Joey admired secretively. Her smile as she approached him made his knees weak. This woman seems different than any other women he had met before. She was elegant, beautiful and classy and if he had to admit, she was totally way out of his league. He noted to himself that he should not even try to hit on her. This woman was his costume designer after all, it wouldn't end so well…

"Ms Greene, very lovely to meet you" he said charmingly.

"Please call me Rachel, likewise Mr Tribbiani"

"Joey, please. Would you like anything to drink? Grace will get it for you" he asked politely.

"Decaf coffee would be great"

"Right away, and you, sir?" Grace said from behind.

"The usual"

"So Rachel, please take a sit" he said as he rubs his hand.

Rachel smiles nervously as she took the empty seat. Joey took the empty seat next to her and looks at her closely. Rachel knew he had his eyes on her so to keep herself distracted and busy, she looks into her handbag pulling out her notebook and pen.

"Phoebe sends her apologises that she couldn't make it today. But so where would you like to get started?"

"Oh that's okay. I'll ask to rearrange a measurement session with her. My assistant, Sophie, has other things to deal with so cannot help me today, but it shouldn't be too long"

"That's no problem at all"

"Alright, if you don't mind I'll need you to stand up straight but just relax. I'll do the rest" she smiles nervously.

"Ok – don't worry I've done these numerous of times" he laughs, trying to put her mind at ease.

She grabbed her measurement kit from her handbag as Joey stood up from his seat. He took off his shoes and waited for her.

"So, are you excited for the movie?" she asked politely.

"Oh yes, I just read the script briefly I'm not too concerned because Andrew does amazing work"

"Andrew?"

"The director…"

"Oh of course, yes, he directed Love Line. My absolutely favourite" she exclaimed cheerfully.

"Really?" he looked at Rachel rather intrigued and surprised at her response.

"The ending, wow, I was not expecting that plot twist between you and Melanie"

As Joey smiles, Rachel laughed nervously as she realised she was acting too much of a fan.

"Anyway" Rachel quickly said as she writes down the measurements in her notebook.

"With all my clients I would like to know them a little more. It helps me coordinate the best style and allow me to design the right outfits. I like to make sure my clients are comfortable with my vision and that they establish a comfortable relationship with me"

"Right, you must be a hard, dedicated stylist and designer then?"

"You can say that" she smiles.

A sudden polite knock at the door caught Rachel's attention and interrupted her thoughts. The door opens slowly and quietly Grace enters with the drinks and place them down on the table in front of her master and his guest.

"Thank you Grace" Rachel said politely and nervously touched her hair.

She glances around the room as she takes a sip from her cup of coffee.

"You've… you've got quite a lovely home"

"Thank you, you know sometimes it gets quiet lonely though as I only live by myself, Phoebe, Ms Buffay…" he corrects himself as Rachel nodded in acknowledgement.

"She comes to visit from time to time" he took a sip from his mug.

"You must be great friends with Ms Buffay?"

"Oh, we go way back. We did a pilot together for a TV show. The show didn't work out for us but we kept in contact ever since. So it's so great to be able to work with her on this movie"

"Speaking of TV shows, I love your work on Days of Our Lives. I mean Dr Drake Ramoray" Rachel giggles.

"You must be a huge fan of the show?"

"Sadly yes I am. It's a guilty pleasure" she smiles. "Oh and you're playing Ms Buffay's love interest in this movie?"

"Yeah, that should be fun… So why have you chosen to be a designer? If you don't mind me asking"

"Well, I love fashion. I've grew up in love with fashion. I wasn't a bright student but fashion, fashion I knew from brand to brand, style to style"

"So where did you live before, or you're from the city?" Joey asked politely.

"No no, I'm from Long Island"

"Ah, I grew up in Queens. Sorry for all the questions, I don't mean to pry" he laughs anxiously.

"No that's okay, it helps us to get to know each other and be comfortable with who you're working with" Rachel smiles as quickly take a long sip from her cup of coffee.

"Okay, I just need to get a few more measurement and we've done. I need to head out as I will like to start my research early" she said as she placed her mug down.

"Awesome" he said happily, however pauses as he reflects on her last comment.

"Oh, you don't want to stay for lunch or have a bite to eat before you leave?"

"That's okay, I don't want to trouble you"

"I wouldn't mind"

"Thank you, I honestly don't want to trouble you" she said politely as she packs up her kit and placed them into her handbag.

Rachel reached her hand out and Joey grabbed it firmly for a handshake.

"Thank you for today. It was lovely to meet you. Looking forward to working with you on this production" she proclaimed happily.

"Likewise, I'll show you the way out"

"Oh you don't have-"

"No no, this way, I insist" he smiles.

Rachel didn't hesitate and turn her heel towards the door. As they reach the front door of the house, she turns around to bid her goodbye.

"Well, this is it. Alex my chauffeur is waiting"

"It was so lovely to meet you Rachel, I…" he stopped.

Rachel raised an enquiring eyebrow.

"I can't wait to see- I mean, work with you" he smiles nervously.

"Neither can I, have a great day Joey. Oh and thanks for the coffee"

"Anytime. Call or page me if you have any questions, have a good day"

Rachel leaned in and lightly placed a kiss on his cheek and waved goodbye.

As Rachel entered the car, Joey watched her get into the car obviously making sure she will be ok. Without noticing, Grace approached behind Joey quietly.

"Jesus, Grace! What did I tell you about sneaking up behind me? You scared me!" he proclaimed loudly.

Grace didn't react to his complaint but quietly raised her voice.

"That one, she's beautiful." she declared in the Italian accent.

Joey looked at her confused.

"Ms Greene" Grace lifted her head forward in the car's direction and closed the door for Joey.

"And?"

"Mr Tribbiani, I've been taking care of this house for you and you for many years. When will you find a suitable woman to settle down with?"

Joey looked at her amused.

"I don't mean to pry Sir. After all I am just your housemaid"

"Now Grace, what did I tell you about the word housemaid? You're like family. But soon Grace, soon…" he winked at her.

"You say that all the time and then… nothing. This one, she could be something. You know, I feel it in my bones"

"Let's not get over ourselves Grace" he laughs.

"Beside" he laughs.

"I have you" he teased and then winked at her.

Grace rolled her eyes and smiled.

"I'm going to do the washing" as soon as she turned the corner Joey shakes his head in dismay and thought at what Grace had just said.

Could she? Could Rachel be someone he is looking for? He never thought so. Surely no. They only just met but one thing he was certain. He could not wait to see her again.

The second her chauffeur parked carefully in front of the library, Rachel hurried out of the car and bid her goodbyes to Alex.

"Don't wait, I'll walk back to the office, thanks Alex."

He nods and she shuts the door. She exhaled for relief and continued making her way to the library. It was just pass 12 and she wanted to get an early start and pass the research information to her team. They had a meeting tomorrow anyway, so it would be good to have a head start on things.

Rachel made her way to the information desk, kindly ask for direction to the fashion area and books on fabric and materials. She is, of course, responsible for the designing and developing the costume, while her team well as she states it, the complex and boring tasks.

"I've written down the specific area for you to browse, is just to your right and nearby the palaeontology section"

"Oh, okay, many thanks"

"You're welcome" the librarian said as Rachel turned her heels all ready to head towards through the hallway.

Rachel hurriedly made her way to the section. She kept making hints to herself to look for signs of palaeontology and specifically to remember to make a right turn from there.

"Oh great it's here!" she said quietly yet excitedly.

She skimmed through the titles on the shelves while trying to look out for the ones that would grab her attention. Fabric history, material, colours, designing, costume for film – there were just so many! She grabbed those that where highly of interest and most valuable to her for the production. Taking about 6 books, she suddenly felt a rumble coming from her stomach. It's lunchtime she said to herself. Taking a turn, again passing the palaeontology department she hurriedly made her way down the hall. However, without any notice, a sudden figure walks out from the aisle and bumps into her, causing Rachel to drop a few of her books she had been carrying.

"Oh, I am so sorry" the man said.

"No that's okay" she said as she quickly reached down to pick up the books that had fallen out from her arms.

"Here you go" he said while handing her the book he picked up.

Then suddenly the moment, their eyes met, she was stunned by the way he looked her. He was shocked, surprised and oddly happy.

"Oh my god, Rachel? Rachel Greene?" he said excitedly as they both stood up.

She looked at the man in front of her. He was wearing a dark grey suit and was holding a brief case. He had short scruffy hair but from the amount of gel he had used, it was not scruffy at all. He was smiling very widely because he recognised her but this made Rachel feel a little unease.

"Yes that's me… I'm sorry and you are?" she said while still trying to put a name to the face.

"Ross! Ross Geller, I'm Monica Geller's brother?" he tried to confirm.

"You were best friend with my sister" he added.

"Oh my! Yes! Monica, Ross yes! Of course, how could I forget!" she said happily. However, Ross was slightly disappointed she did not recognised him from the moment their eyes met. Yet, it had been years since she had any contact with her old best friend and her brother.

"Can't believe I would meet you in a place like this!" he said as his eyes wandered around shortly to see if he was distracting anyone around them.

"So how are you and Monica? God I haven't seen her in years!"

"I'm good thank you! She's well, really well. She's head chef at Alessandro's!"

"No way! Oh I'm so happy for her. She always was such a magnificent cook" she said excitedly.

"Hey here's a thought. If you're not busy, would you like to go see her at Alessandro's?" he asked excitedly.

"Oh that would be lovely because in fact, I was on my way for lunch"

"Perfect, well then let's check out these books first" he said with a smile.

"Yes, that would be wise."

Before taking any further steps into the restaurant, Alessandro, Rachel quickly checked her watch for the time. Consciously taking a note when she had to head off, Ross interrupted her train of thoughts.

"Are you sure you don't need any help with the bag of books?" he asked politely as he reached out to open the restaurant door.

"No no, I can handle it, thank you" she said nicely.

"Okay, here we are" he said excitedly.

The waiter greeted them cheerfully as they both entered the restaurant. Rachel wandered her eyes around the room and duly noted how beautiful restaurant was. It was relatively classy but had a very sweet and wonderful atmosphere. She speculated what the food would taste like, but without any doubts it must be amazing considering the elegantness of the restaurant.

"Table for two please, and if you can, would you be able to grab Chef Geller, I'm her brother Ross Geller. Tell her I want her to meet an important customer" he said to the waiter.

"Right away Sir, I'll just take you to your table first" the waiter said.

Once at the table, Ross swiftly pulled out the chair for Rachel. Rachel said her thanks and took her seat. As they both got comfortable and took a look at the menu, Monica Geller and the waiter was making their way to their table.

"Monica!" Ross exclaimed happily as he sees her approaching to the table.

"Hey, what's up? Who's the important customer you wanted me to see?" she asked confused as she they exchanged a kiss on the cheek.

Rachel stood up and turned around with a huge smile on her face. Monica froze instantly as soon as she recognised the face of the woman in front of her. Ross stood aside as he watches the two old best friends reunite.

"Surprise!" Rachel yelled.

"Oh my god! Rachel? Rachel Greene is that you?!" Monica exclaimed with shock.

"Uh-huh! Oh wow Monica, you look incredible! Stunning to be exact" Rachel reached out her arms to pull Monica into a sweet and big hug. Monica blushed as she happily returned the hug but still could not believe it was her, her old best friend who she has not seen for years since they left for college.

"You live here in the city? Last time I heard you were getting married!" Monica said. Rachel grabbed her hand and lead her to the table to take a seat.

As soon as Ross heard about marriage, he's face dropped. He took the empty seat quietly and thought to himself. Rachel? Married? No, it can't be. He watched and listened closely for Rachel's reply.

"Oh, no I left Barry a long time ago! I moved into the city and right now you're looking at a fashion/costume designer and stylist" Rachel said proudly. Ross's face changed instantly and he felt more relaxed.

"Really? That's incredible! Oh there's so much to catch up on. I don't finish till late, but can we please catch up for coffee?" Monica said hopingly.

"Yes, I would love that Monica! I would love for us to get in touch again. I apologize for not getting in contact with you any sooner, I never thought about it until now" Rachel said sadly as she lowered her eyes in shame.

"Oh that's ok, me either! But hey, how did you meet Ross?" Monica raised an enquiring eyebrow as she asked the question.

"Oh, you wouldn't guess but I bumped into her at the library, just as I was at the palaeontology section heading out" Ross interrupted.

"The library? What were you doing there?" Monica laughed.

"I was borrowing some books for the production I'm currently working on. It's for a movie. I'm creating some of the costumes for the main leads" Rachel said with a huge smile.

"No way Rachel! That's so cool! God I wish I could stay and talk but I'm on duty. So grab my number from Ross and we'll catch up soon ok? And today's lunch is on me" Monica said cheerfully.

"Oh no, you can't do that" Rachel declined.

"No please, I insist. We'll talk soon. Ross give her my number" Monica said and leaned in to give Rachel a kiss on the cheek and left to head back into the kitchen.

"I will" he said as Monica walked away.

Ross eyes wandered back to Rachel who was smiling to herself. She was glowing and it made him feel complete.

"So how was that huh?" Ross asked Rachel.

"Amazing. God I'm so happy I got to see her. She looks amazing from the last time I saw her… I mean she was really… you know big" Rachel swallowed and felt an unease feeling down her spine as she said that.

"Oh no, it's okay. Yeah I know. She sacrificed a lot to look how she is now" he said.

"I can't wait to see her again, there's so much to talk about. Thank you Ross" she said heartedly.

"Oh" he blushed.

"You're absolutely welcome" he said shyly.

"So… now what's for lunch?" she said excitedly as she looked down at the menu.

Ross quietly gazed at her. She was just how he remembered her from the last time he saw her. Beautiful and breathtaking. He never thought he would ever see her again, not like this and especially at a library. This could be destiny he said to himself. And if it was, he surely was not going to let her get away so easily. He was determined. He was not going to lose her like he did the last time. Even if it wasn't destiny, there must be a reason for them to meet again…