The next morning, while headed to the office, Emma decided to stop once again at Blue Bottle Café in hopes to run into the brunette again but not literary run into her. She just wanted a chance to apologize. Why was she still thinking about this woman? Who knows?
She entered the coffee shop walking slowly as she skimmed her surroundings. Nothing.
She couldn't help feeling a little disappointed. She didn't know why she was so intrigued by this woman but she needed to somehow find her… you know, just to apologize. She settled for ordering a latte and left.
Two days later, another usual day at work. Busy but productive with lots of paperwork and Matt running around throwing jokes at her whilst giving her more paperwork to look over as usual.
Her Cell Phone Rang.
"Hello?" Emma answered tiredly.
"Well geez don't sound so excited while your best friend is calling Em…" Ruby said on the other side of the line sarcastically and without letting Emma respond she continued: "Anyways, sounds like you are having one of those dragged-out, boring days at work which its perfect timing because I am calling to tell you that YOU are coming to dinner and drinks with me tonight."
"Ruby… I-" Emma was interrupted once again.
"No… no excuses Em. You are coming. Please?!" Ruby said stubbornly.
"And what exactly did you have in mind Rubes?" Emma asked inquiringly.
"Well… see Em… there is this restaurant that recently opened on 64th Street by Central Park… I met the owner the other night and he kind of, sort of invited me to come visit and check it out so I-" Ruby explained.
"Ruby… are you trying to drag me along to another one of your man-hunts?" Emma asked rolling her eyes. "And here I thought you were calling because you wanted to spend some quality time with your best friend! Some friend you are…" Emma teased her while letting out a small giggle.
"Now Emma… you know its not like that!... I—I just wanted to check it out and I thought I could count on you to be my wingwoman for the night? I promise not to abandon you half way through dinner this time!" she said mischievously.
"Fine Rubes… I'll go. What time should I meet you and what's the name of the place woman?"
"It's called Boulud Sud on West 64th… dress nicely… and how about 8 o'clock? Ruby asked excitedly.
"See you then Rubes" smiling at the phone she ended the call.
8:05pm. Emma pulled up to the restaurant and immediately notice the line of people waiting outside to get in. She noticed people were dressed elegantly and she thanked God she had actually listened to Ruby for once and wore a nice burgundy, quarter-sleeve, skin-tight dress. The dress stopped a couple of inches above her knees, exposing her beautifully toned legs. She wore her grey Manolo Blahnik pumps accompanied with a small Marc Jacobs grey clutch. Her hair was loose in long waves and her makeup slightly done but not overpowering her natural beauty. She wasn't usually the type to get all dolled up. For her, the simpler the better. But tonight she felt like putting in a little effort since her friend asked.
She stepped out of the cab as the valet opened her door, taking her hand and assisting her step out. She thanked him and gave him a genuine smile. She saw Ruby standing by the entrance looking around for her. She was wearing a black and red dress with a deep V-cut showing a little more cleavage than Emma would ever be comfortable with herself. 'She is definitely man-hunting tonight' Emma thought to herself. She made eye contact and waved a hand as she strolled forward to meet her.
Ruby embraced her with a snug hug, "Hi! You're late!"
"Well its nice to see you too Rubes!... I am only five minutes late… you will live." Emma stated nonchalantly and hugged her hack.
"I'm so glad you came Em! You look amazing by the way!... I have so much to tell you!" Ruby expressed eagerly.
They did not have to wait outside since Ruby had "special" reservations.
As they entered the restaurant, Emma looked around noticing that it was actually more of an upscale lounge than it was a "typical restaurant". There was soft music playing on the background which one could hear over the soft-spoken conversations taking place at every table. The lights were soft reds and dimmed. The aroma definitely implied that it was a Mediterranean style cuisine.
They were seated at a table set for two, greatly decorated with wine glasses, elegant shaped silverware and a red candle light in the middle. They were greeted immediately by their garcon introducing himself and asking what their beverage would be for the night.
Ruby asked for the house wine and Emma followed. They both glanced at the menu trying to decide what they were having. A couple of minutes later the garcon came back with a chilled bottle of the house' delicious Chardonnay. They both proceeded to order as a figure of a man approached their table. He was tall, well fit, dressed in a fine grey suit with a touch of red on his tie over the white shirt. His short dark hair slicked to the side and a well-groomed beard adorning his face. His grey eyes stood out against his caramel skin.
"Good evening Miss Lucas" he said while extending his hand to grab Ruby's and leaned down to press a light kiss to it; Ruby's grin immediately plastering over her face. "Hello James" she greeted with a seductive tone to her voice and Emma quickly realized that this James man was the infamous owner of the restaurant who Ruby had so lightly mentioned earlier. He was the main reason why Ruby had suggested they come here. 'And the man-hunt begins' Emma said to herself slightly shaking her head in realization.
Ruby broke her gaze from James and noticed Emma sitting with a slight ribbing smile, shaking her head ever so lightly that it was almost unnoticeable.
She glared at her, squinting her eyes, and said "E-mma… this is James Prince, owner of the Boulud Sud."
James extended his hand with the same graceful motion he had done so earlier with the intention of kissing the back of Emma's hand but instead was interrupted when Emma grabbed his hand in a firm handshake and said "Emma Swan, nice to meet you Mr. Prince." "Pleasure to meet you Miss Swan…"
"I am so glad you ladies could make it out tonight. Please feel free to ask for whatever you desire…" that last phrase feeling like it was referred to more than just dinner. Emma rolled her eyes, and Ruby just watched him, a seductive look coated her face. "Everything is on the house tonight." He finished just as he was called by one of the staff's members and walked back away to meet some clients at another table.
"So… Mr. Prince huh?" Emma asked Ruby with a smirk placed on her lips.
"YES!... isn't he the most exotic man you've ever seen?!" Ruby shrieked.
Emma rolled her eyes, "So how did you two meet again?"
After listening to Ruby ramble on for what seemed to be forever about James and how the two had met and how she was apparently so fascinated by him, the food finally arrived.
"So…" Emma started in between bites, "…besides your latest manhunting… what else is new Rubes?"
"Manhunting? …You are crazy Emma Swan. I do no such thing! AND plus you can't deny I hit the jackpot with this one?" Ruby exclaimed excitedly while letting out a small laugh.
"Well Rubes… he isn't precisely my particular taste so—I can't partake into such statement" Emma let out mischievously while wiggling her eyebrows.
"Whatever Em, whether you like men or not, you can't deny he is beautiful…" She said nonchalantly, "But to answer your question, besides my manhunt, honestly nothing too interesting has happened. Nana still wants me to take over the restaurant family business regardless of how many times I try to explain to her that such thing is NOT my calling… Work is work, you know. Just a day in the life of a fashionista." she said while taking a bite from her plate. "What about you? Anything new or exciting?" she asked expectantly.
"Not really" Emma said. "You know, just work, work, work…" she took a sip of her wine, "nothing exciting."
"You mean to tell me Emma Swan, that in the week and a half that it's been since we last saw each other NOTHING interesting has happened with your life? Didn't meet anyone…go on a date, GET LAID?" Ruby scolded while Emma's cheek went a little flush at the last part of the question.
"Jeez Rubes! You have such a way with words… but no. I didn't meet anyone or get laid" Emma giggled as she sipped her wine. As she drank, suddenly an image of a scar crawled into her thoughts. She blushed and shook her head to get the vision to go away.
"WHAT was that?!" Ruby looked at her with suspicion squinting her eyes.
"What was what?" Emma attempted to act oblivious to what Ruby was referring to and took a sip of her wine once again.
"Swan, you know exactly what I am talking about!... that look… you were blushing!... what the hell!?... did you have sex with someone!"
"NO! I-I didn't. There is no one Ruby…" Emma said looking down from her gaze nervously; "I was just almost murdered by an evil, angry, fierce, fire spitting goddess of a woman…" she mumbled under her breath.
"What? What the hell are you talking about Em?" Ruby said curiously while laughing at Emma's last statement.
"Don't laugh! I'm serious… this woman looked like she wanted to rip my head off. She was so angry…"
"Angry about what?" Ruby interrupted.
"Well I stopped at Blue's to grab a coffee before work on Monday and I accidentally bumped into her- kinda spilled her hot coffee all over her" Emma said frowning and shrugging at the memory.
Ruby laughed "Typical Emma… always clumsy and running into things."
"Only this 'thing' was probably the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen…" Emma sighed as Ruby continued to laugh harder at Emma's miserable look.
"Oh SHUT UP Rubes!" Emma reached across the table to nudge Ruby on the shoulder.
"Did you at least apologize?"
"No… well yes. Not exactly… I—I tried but she didn't let me." Emma stuttered.
"Oh Emma…" Ruby exhaled in a contemptuous manner.
"I know Rubes… I know I know… -Stubborn woman and her damn lip scar" Emma mumbled.
"Lip scar?" Ruby looked intrigued.
"Don't ask…" Emma replied.
They continued along with their dinner. Chatting, casually talking about anything and everything… Emma laughing at Ruby's stupidities and Ruby scolding Emma about her love life. James would occasionally stop by to check up on them. The music seemed to have slow down a bit as it was now playing soft ballads. Emma could hear people's conversations a little clearer if she really tried. The wine tasted better with every sip. Ruby had drank three glasses by now, a little tipsy as Emma noticed from her body language, and was currently working on her fourth. Emma was still savoring her second glass. The current song ended and in that quiet moment Emma's attention was caught by a deep sensuous laugh that came from a table near by. Sipping her wine, she glanced over Ruby's right shoulder in the direction of the fascinating sound… Suddenly Emma was spitting her wine back into her glass!
"What the hell Em… you ok?"-
Emma was frozen in place, she didn't dare to blink, mouth partially open, watching the stunning-beautiful brunette that sat two tables down from them. Her hair looking just like she remembered, short but full, dark, layered… tucked behind one ear while the other side elegantly graced the woman's face. She was wearing diamond studs, and a thin, small-diamond decorated necklace that dropped smoothly into the profound tantalizing cleavage-cut of the brunette's tight black dress. Her lips were dark, deep red… the most beautifully delicious shade Emma had ever seen. Her lips voluptuous as they beheld the shape of the brunette's enchanting smile.
Emma took in the sight. She was frozen. Couldn't believe her eyes. The woman looked stunning; more so than Emma could remember from the coffee shop.
"Emma… Emma… HELLO- EARTH To Emma!" Ruby said waving a hand in front of Emma's face to call her attention breaking Emma's fixation.
"Huh?... sorry Ruby…" she said, eyes wide open, still looking in the direction of the brunette.
"Are you ok?... What's going on?" Ruby asked oddly.
"Nothing.. It's nothing. I think the wine is getting to me…" she said shrugging and bringing her gaze down to the napkin draped across her lap.
"Emma, you just spit your damn wine from your mouth and look like you've seen a ghost! …Don't tell me its nothing… what is it? Ruby persisted.
"Not a ghost… more like the 'fire spitting goddess woman' BUT DON'T-" Emma couldn't finish her sentence when Ruby had already jerked her head around to look in the direction of the brunette. "—LOOK…" Emma sighed.
Ruby turned back around briskly gawping at Emma, mouth wide open, "Oh—MY- GOD- E-MMA SWAN!"
"What?..." Emma looked awkwardly at her friend.
"SHE- That woman is- gorgeous!" Ruby said stunned…"I see what got you so intrigued now" she did a quick glance back at the brunette and smirked at Emma with one raised eyebrow.
Emma felt herself blushing without being able to control it, so she grabbed the wine glass in an attempt to hide her rosy cheeks and took a gulp of the sweet liquid while glaring at Ruby over the glass.
"I'm not intrigued!" Emma tried to conceal her lie.
"Oh please… I don't believe that for one second!...You so are Swan!... You HAVE to go say hi!" Ruby continued.
"Are you CRAZY Rubes?- No, no way!...she- nop. Not going to happen Rubes." Emma shook her head stubbornly.
"But Em-" her argument was interrupted.
"Ruby NO. But nothing. It's not like I know the woman… she probably doesn't even remember-"
"Exactly!" Ruby grinned interrupting Emma, "if she doesn't remember you, it is the perfect chance for you to approach her with a clean sleet… I would definitely take my chances with a woman like that." She encouraged Emma with a naughty expression in her eyes.
"Lucas, I said no!... there is no way I am going over there" Emma blatantly stated, "… so drop it!"
"I don't get you Emma" Ruby shook her head while glancing over her shoulder once again to look at the brunette; "Here you are telling me how much you hated what happened and how desperately you wished you could've had a chance to apologize to her… and when life throws her at you… you chicken out!" she mocked.
"Would you quit looking over there? You are making it so obvious!... and I am not chickening out of anything BECAUSE there is nothing to 'chicken' out off" Emma specified.
"Go talk to her Emma Swan!" Ruby insisted.
"And say what exactly Rubes? 'Hey I'm Emma, I don't know if you recall but I'm the clumsy woman that ruined your Monday with bathing you in coffee." Emma stated, a little louder than she had meant as the music dropped in the back ground for the end of the song playing. She slumped a little in her seat in hopes that no one had heard that. "She would probably have me beheaded right there and then." Emma said with humor in her voice.
"Gosh… you wimp!" Ruby mumbled. "Oh well… it's your lost."
Emma shrugged… Letting her eyes wonder in the direction of the brunette once again, but this time her eyes were met by warm chocolate eyes, staring in her direction, who all of the sudden went wide from what Emma though to be a sign of recognition and quickly looked away.
"Oh crap!" Emma blushed looking down at her plate.
"What?" Ruby asked half way turning in the direction of the brunette as Emma rapidly stretched her arm out and grabbed Ruby's arm to stop her from doing so.
"Stop! Don't look… she caught me staring Rubes!" a flushed Emma indicated.
Ruby burst out laughing, partly because she found her friend's expression hilarious, partly because of her tipsiness. "Well you might as well go over there now…" Ruby pointed.
"Ruby… I'm not—I-I can't!... I am pretty sure she recognized me!" Emma repeated nervously.
"Go get your apology over-with Swan. You know it's going to eat you inside if you don't do so. Knowing you and your righteous ways… stop being stupid and go! Ruby insisted.
"…" After a moment of consideration.
"FINE…" Emma rolled her eyes and said through gritted teeth. She grabbed on to the little spur of courage she found within her at that very moment, stood up slowly from her chair and started making her way to the brunette.