The dysfunctional family drama continues ...
"Come on sweetheart, you can do it. Say 'daddy'." Nick said to Olivia as she sat on his lap in the living room. Belle entered the room carrying a tray of appetizers.
"Mama!" Olivia shouted as Belle set the tray down on the coffee table.
"Yes, sweetheart, mommy's busy right now, I'll play with you later." Belle said. She glanced at Nick, looking him up and down. "Is that what you're wearing?" Belle asked him. Nick was wearing a faded pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
"Something wrong with it?" Nick asked.
"We're having company." Belle said.
"I didn't realize there was a dress code." Nick remarked.
"I got the napkins and silverware all set Belle, which dishes did you want to use?" Ruby asked as she entered the room.
"The good china, the one with the blue trim." Belle said.
"Okay." Ruby said, then she glanced at Nick. "Is that what you're wearing?" Ruby asked him.
"Oh, for fuck's sake, it's not like we're entertaining the queen of England." Nick commented as he set Olivia down in her playpen and stood up. "There's nothing wrong with what I'm wearing."
"Daddy, you look like you're about to go shopping at a lumber yard." Ruby said.
"That actually sounds far more entertaining than whatever the hell is going to happen here tonight." Nick said.
"Why don't you go change into that outfit you wore at Robin's opening night last month." Belle suggested.
"Oh, that was the Dior outfit, wasn't it? I helped Belle pick that out, you look really nice in that, daddy." Ruby said.
"And run a comb through your hair Nick, for god's sake." Belle said.
"I wasn't aware that this was a red carpet event. My apologies." Nick snipped, grumbling to himself as he made his way up the stairs. Belle rolled her eyes as he walked away. The doorbell rang, and Olivia started babbling loudly when it did.
"That's probably Graham." Ruby said, and she raced to the door and opened it.
"Where do you want this?" Graham asked. He was carrying a dessert tray.
"I'll take it to the kitchen. Thanks Graham." Belle said, and she took the tray from him. Ruby gave Graham a kiss on the cheek.
"I have to get the table set, why don't you play with Olivia?" Ruby suggested. Olivia was still making noise and bouncing up and down in her playpen.
"Oh, of course, I'd love to play with this beautiful young lady." Graham said. He sat down and picked Olivia up out of the playpen. "You are as chatty as your sister. You ready to try and say my name yet? Can you say Graham?" Graham asked as he bounced the little girl on his lap.
"Gam." Olivia said, and she cooed happily. After several minutes, Nick came back downstairs. Graham looked up at him.
"Mr. Gold, listen to this. Olivia – can you say my name? Can you say Graham?" Graham asked Olivia.
"Gam." Olivia said proudly, just as Ruby entered the room. "Ooby!" Olivia shouted, and she reached her arms out toward Ruby.
"Wonderful." Nick said in a snippy tone as he sat down.
"She hasn't said daddy yet." Ruby said as she took Olivia from Graham.
"Oh. Sorry." Graham said, and he looked up at Gold nervously.
"It's fine. Not much I can do about it. And for the millionth time, didn't I tell you to start calling me Nick? Do I need to poke you with my cane again as a reminder?" Gold asked.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Gold – I mean – Nick." Graham said, his voice stammering. Nick glared at him.
"Daddy – be nice." Ruby said.
"Don't worry, Ruby – for once he'll be the least annoying Irishman in the room." Nick said.
"Well, everything will be all set right on time." Belle said as she entered the room. She glanced at Nick. "Well, that's much better. You look so handsome in purple." Belle leaned over and gave Nick a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Let's just get this entire bloody evening over with." Nick grumbled just as the doorbell rang.
"That must be them. Nick remember – you promised me you'd be on your best behavior." Belle said.
"As long as Jones does the same you'll have no problem from me." Nick told her. Belle walked over to the door and opened it.
"Milah, hello. Please, come in." Belle said. "I'm so glad you decided to come after all."
"Well, it's not every day you get invited to dinner at the home of a famous actress." Milah said as she entered. Killian quietly followed behind her. "Belle, I'd like you to meet my husband, Killian Jones."
"Miss French – it's an honor to meet you. And may I say that, as stunning as you are on film, you are even more lovely in person." Killian said, and he took Belle's hand and kissed it. Belle blushed a bit and smiled.
"Why, thank you." Belle said. Nick stood and watched them, gritting his teeth and gripping his cane tightly.
"Daddy – be nice, he's just being polite." Ruby whispered in Nick's ear.
"I wonder how polite he'd be with a cane shoved down his throat." Nick grumbled under his breath. Nick slowly moved toward Belle and put his arm around her as soon as he got to her side. "Jones." Nick said, and he glared menacingly at Killian.
"Gold." Killian replied. The two men silently stared each other down.
"We are calling a truce for tonight, right? That was part of our agreement." Milah commented.
"I'll hold up my end of the deal. As long as he does." Nick said,
"Same here." Killian said. They continued to stare each other down.
"Alright, let's go in the other room and sit down, shall we?" Belle suggested. She gave Nick's hand a hard squeeze as they walked into the living room. Graham and Ruby were already sitting down. Olivia was sitting on Ruby's lap.
"Well, who is this lovely young lady?" Killian asked, and he sat down next to Ruby.
"This is my little sister, Olivia." Ruby said proudly.
"Well – you're as beautiful as your mother, Olivia." Killian said to the little girl.
"Dackass!" Olivia shouted as she pointed at Killian. Nick was barely able to stifle his laughter.
"She's been spending too much time around you, I see." Milah commented as she looked at Nick.
"As much as I would like to take the credit, I am not responsible for that one." Nick replied. "Although this does confirm my theory that she is an extremely intelligent girl."
"Sorry about that – actually, I should probably go feed her before we have our dinner." Belle said.
"I can do that, Belle. I fed her the last few times Ruby and I watched her, we have this little game we play." Graham told her.
"Oh, would you please? Her food is all ready, it's on the kitchen counter. Thank you." Belle said. Ruby handed Olivia off to Graham and he left the room with her. And awkward silence fell upon the room for several minutes, until Milah finally spoke up.
"These appetizers look delicious, Belle. May I?" Milah asked.
"Of course, please, help yourself." Belle said, and Milah tasted one of them.
"Fantastic." Milah said after she finished eating it. "Who are you using as a caterer this evening? I'll have to recommend them to my friends."
"Actually – I did the cooking myself." Belle told her.
"You? You cook?" Milah asked, stunned.
"Belle is a wonderful cook." Nick said proudly, and he touched her knee with his hand.
"Well, Nick helped a bit too. He made the salad. And Ruby made dessert. But everything else I did." Belle said.
"Well, I'm impressed. I never had much time for that with the kids and all – you must have a fabulous nanny, I know how hectic that can get." Milah said.
"We don't have a nanny." Belle said.
"You don't?" Milah asked.
"Well, we really don't have a need for one. Nick watches Olivia at the shop when I'm not able to, and Ruby and Bae help when they can, and we have some other friends in town that help as well. But I'm home most of the time." Belle said. "We do have a sitter that comes on Tuesdays – Nick teaches that day and that's my busiest day at school, but – other than that, we manage."
"Well – you're quite the little domestic goddess, aren't you?" Milah said in a stinging tone of voice.
"Um – mom, why don't I give you and Killian a tour of the house so that Belle and daddy can finish getting dinner ready?" Ruby suggested.
"Well, I'd love to see the house – if that's alright with you." Milah said as she glanced over at Belle and Nick.
"Of course – make sure Ruby shows you the garden, I planted everything myself." Belle said proudly.
"Of course you did. Come on, Killian – let's take the grand tour." Milah remarked. Killian took Milah's hand and dutifully followed her.
"Can you check on dinner, I need to finish setting the table, I still don't have the glasses out." Belle said, and she started to stand up but Nick grabbed her and pulled her into a kiss. "What was that for?" Belle asked.
"I love you – so much." Nick said. Belle blushed a bit and smirked playfully at him.
"And why is that? Because I'm getting under Milah's skin?" Belle asked.
"And without even trying to. I told you what she was really like. Glad you're finally seeing it." Nick said.
"Well, maybe she feels guilty, did you ever think of that? Maybe she feels just as badly about her past behavior as you do about yours." Belle suggested. "Come on – let's get everything ready for dinner."
"Well, your home is absolutely lovely, Belle." Milah said as she, Killian and Ruby entered the living room. "I especially like the library, you really put a lot of work into the décor of that room, I can tell."
"Actually, Nick did that. He designed it especially for me. It's my favorite room in the house." Belle said, and she walked over to Nick and hugged him tightly. Nick tried to hide his giddiness at the obvious frustration in Milah's facial expression.
"It's OUR favorite room." Nick said, and he gave Belle a kiss on the cheek. The room was awkwardly silent as Milah look around.
"What's taking Bae so long, shouldn't he be here by now?" Milah asked.
"He called about ten minutes ago, they ran into some traffic. They're almost here." Nick said just as the doorbell rang. "Speak of the devil." Nick made his way to the front door and opened it.
"Sorry we're late. Did we miss anything good?" Bae asked Nick privately as he entered the house.
"Just Olivia calling Jones a jackass with no prompting and your mother's head about to explode from envy. It's still early though, plenty of time for more to occur." Nick said. "Where are Emma and Henry?"
"Emma is – quelling a bit of a tantrum." Neal said.
"From who, Henry or herself?" Nick asked.
"Very funny." Emma said, dragging Henry behind her. Bae glanced at Henry, then at Emma.
"Lost this one, huh?" Bae teased.
"You want to argue with him?" Emma asked.
"No thanks, he's as bull-headed as you are, I know how to pick my battles." Bae joked.
"Am I missing something here?" Nick asked.
"Mom bought Henry some fancy new outfits today and I wanted him to wear one, but – he wanted to wear his favorite blue t-shirt. The one Belle bought him when she took him along on errands last month. They argued the whole way here about it." Bae said. "I swear he wears it almost every day, Emma has to practically pry it off of him to wash it."
"So I'm not walking into a crime scene, am I?" Emma asked.
"Not yet." Nick replied as they all made their way into the living room, Henry holding onto Emma's hand.
"Hi Henry. Come here, darling." Milah said, reaching her arms out to Henry, but he ignored her the moment he saw Belle.
"Marty!" Henry shouted as he pulled away from Emma and darted toward Belle.
"Hey, sweetheart. What have you got there?" Belle asked. Henry was holding a stuffed dinosaur toy in his hand.
"Dinosaur! RRRRRRR!" Henry said, and he playfully moved the toy toward Belle.
"Oh, very scary. Where did you get that?" Belle asked as she scooped the little boy up into her arms. Henry shrugged his shoulders.
"Killian and I brought that for him from Ireland." Milah said. Belle immediately noticed the look of disappointment in Milah's eyes when Henry ignored her.
"Henry, why don't you go give your grandma a hug?" Belle suggested.
"Actually, it's Mimi, that's what I prefer he calls me." Milah said. "I just don't think I quite look like a grandmother yet."
"You certainly don't act like one." Nick said under his breath. Belle shot him an angry glare. Henry clung tightly to Belle.
"Henry, you go sit with Mimi, she came a really long way just to see you." Belle said, and she moved toward Milah and tried to hand Henry off to her.
"No! I want Marty!" Henry screamed as Milah took him onto her lap. He starting wiggling and crying. Bae sat down next to Milah.
"Hey – enough with the fussing or we're going right back home." Bae said sternly. Henry pulled away from Milah and climbed onto Bae's lap, burying his face in Bae's chest. "Sorry, mom – he's a little shy at first around strangers. I mean – not that you're a stranger, but – it's only been a week, he doesn't really know you yet."
"It's okay – you were, um – you were quite moody at that age too. Right, Nick?" Milah glanced over at Nick. "Oh, that's right, you wouldn't know, would you?" Nick looked down, a look of both anger and sadness appearing on his face.
"Henry spends a couple days a week with me, and hasn't been doing that this week since you're here so he probably just misses me." Belle said, trying to ease the tension in the room.
"Why isn't he wearing one of the outfits I bought for him today?" Milah asked. "Don't they fit?"
"They fit fine, he just – he's kind of attached to that one t-shirt lately, and it's a big argument to get him to wear anything else." Emma said.
"Why would you even buy him that tacky thing? It looks like something I've seen the street vendors selling." Milah commented.
"I bought it for him." Belle said. "He went on a short shopping trip with me last month and he saw the shirt in a gift shop window and liked it. He was being very well-behaved so I thought I'd get it for him as a reward." An awkward silence came over the room once again.
"Hey – Henry – how would you like to go for a ride on a big ship? Would you like that?" Killian asked as he moved to stand behind Bae.
"Killian is about to finalize the purchase of a cruising yacht. He should have the deed tomorrow." Milah said.
"Don't you have about four boats already back in Ireland?" Bae asked.
"Aye, but this one is special. It's over a hundred years old and has been newly renovated. I've had my eye on her for months, been bidding online and had to stamp out several other competitors to get to her." Killian said.
"It's an absolutely stunning vessel. It's called The Jolly Roger." Milah chimed in.
"The Jolly Roger? Who are you trying to be now, Captain Hook?" Nick asked snidely.
"Well, I'm halfway there thanks to you. My hand is still pretty much useless. Although it is satisfying to see that you did yourself worse." Killian remarked.
"Oh, I can show you worse." Nick said angrily, starting to stand up.
"Hey! Enough with the pissing contest! I won't have any problem with shooting both of you, now knock it off." Emma demanded, standing herself between the two men.
"Why don't we just sit down and have our dinner, alright?" Belle suggested.
"That sounds perfect." Emma said. Everyone started to move toward the dining room except for Nick and Killian, who still were staring one another down, and Emma, who still stood between them. "Go!" Emma demanded, and they reluctantly started to walk out of the room, both eyeing one another warily.
At the dinner table, a pattern formed that rotated between mindless, trivial discussion followed by long, awkward moments of silence. Trying to break the tension, Belle spoke up.
"So – Killian – what do you intend to do with your boat? Are you going to keep it docked here in New York?" Belle asked.
"Actually, no – once we leave here Milah and I are planning to take a little cruise up and down the Atlantic coast for about a week. Then I'm having it towed back to Ireland. It should arrive just in time for the race." Killian said.
"What race?" Bae asked.
"It's a yachting race, I've been wanting to enter for years but – well, I just didn't feel any of my vessels were adequate. But the Jolly Roger – she's a winner. It's a week-long event." Killian said.
"Killian – I thought we were still discussing this, it conflicts with my showing." Milah said.
"Showing? For what?" Ruby asked.
"I, um – I've been taking some painting classes the past year and – well, my teacher, she submitted a few of my paintings to a museum in London and they want me to do a showing." Milah said.
"Mom, why didn't you tell us this? That's great!" Bae said.
"Yeah, I didn't even know you liked painting." Ruby said.
"Actually, I was in art school before I met your father, but – well, living in New York was very expensive and I just couldn't afford it any longer. So I dropped out and went to work as a secretary – always figured I'd save up some money and go back but – well, I guess at some point I just – gave up on that idea." Milah said. "About a year ago I was out shopping and I came across this little art studio and the owner offered classes so – I thought it might be fun to sign up, see if I was still any good."
"She's turned one of our guest rooms into her studio. You should see it, it's a bloody mess – paints and canvases everywhere." Killian remarked.
"Mom, why didn't you tell us? Graham and I have been talking about taking a trip out to Ireland to visit his family, we could time it so that we'll be there." Ruby said.
"It's a very small showing, I figured I'd wait and see how it goes. If it goes well I might get a larger show next time and – well, I planned on telling you then." Milah said.
"Well, I'd love to see some of your work. Do you have pictures?" Belle asked.
"No, I don't. But I can send you some photos once we get home." Milah said.
"I'd like that. And you know what? If your showing goes well, and if you'd like – Nick has some connections in the art world here in New York through his work, maybe he could help you find someone here that would like to give you a showing." Belle suggested. "You could do that, right Nick?" Nick looked up at Belle.
"I could do that, I suppose." Nick said.
"Well, I'll let you know. Thank you." Milah said.
"Ruby, why don't you start serving dessert and I'll start clearing the table." Belle said, and she stood up and started picking up empty plates.
"Let me help with that." Killian said, and he stood up as well.
"Oh, you're a guest here, you don't have to do that." Belle said.
"Oh, but I insist." Killian said.
"Alright." Belle said, and Killian took a few plates and followed Belle into the kitchen.
"You can just set everything in the sink, I'll take care of it later." Belle said. Killian set the dishes in the sink.
"Listen – I would appreciate it if you would – not encourage Milah with this art thing." Killian said to her.
"Why not? It sounds like she's very excited about it." Belle said.
"Yes, well – I'm not. You see, I've been wanting to enter this race for some time, and – well, if the Jolly Roger wins me this round then I can enter her into other competitions – some of which will require months at sea. Milah's little foray into the art world really doesn't coincide well with my plans." Killian said.
"Well, I would think you'd be more supportive of something that she clearly enjoys." Belle said.
"Oh, I've been supportive, just – not when it inconveniences me." Killian said. He moved toward Belle and stood behind her. "I'd make it worth your while, love." he whispered in her ear. Belle immediately pushed him away.
"What do you think you're doing?" Belle asked.
"Oh come on, you really expect me to believe that a pretty young thing like you is happy with your mundane little life of domesticity with that gimp? He must have something really good on you to have gotten you to play the role of his dutiful little wife." Killian grabbed Belle and pulled her close. Belle immediately kneed him in the groin, then slapped him across the face when he looked up.
"Get out." Belle said angrily. Killian grimaced as he tried to pull himself together.
"Feisty one, aren't you. I like that." Killian said.
"If you don't leave right now I will scream, and need I remind you that there are two people out there who are police officers." Belle said.
"You disappoint me, Miss French. And here I thought we could have a little bit of harmless fun." Killian said.
"It's Mrs. Gold. And I'm not interested in anything you have to offer me. Nick was right about you." Belle said. "Now get out." Killian sneered at her as he left the room. Belle leaned against the counter, trying not to cry. A moment later, Bae entered, carrying Henry, who was crying.
"It's okay buddy, we'll get it cleaned off." Bae said.
"What happened?" Belle asked, trying to regain her composure.
"He spilled chocolate on his shirt." Bae said.
"Oh, it'll be alright love, come on, sit down." Belle said, and Bae sat Henry down in a chair. "Let me have your shirt, I'll fix it right up for you." Bae helped Henry take his shirt off and handed it to Belle. "You know, my mum was an expert at getting stains out, taught me all sorts of tricks. You won't even know it had been there, it'll just – disappear."
"Like magic?" Henry asked.
"Yes. Just like magic." Belle said, and she took the shirt over to the sink and began to clean it.
"Thanks." Bae said. "Well, tonight went better than I thought it would. I know my mom can be kind of a pain, so – I appreciate you being nice to her."
"I don't think she's that bad." Belle said.
"She's on her good behavior tonight. So is Jones, which is shocking. Most of the time I can't stand him." Bae said. Belle tried to fight back the tears welling up in her eyes once again. "Hey – you okay?" Bae asked.
"He made a pass at me. Just before you came in here." Belle admitted.
"What?!" Bae shouted, his voice turning angry.
"I pushed him off, but -" Belle began.
"Keep Henry in here." Bae said, and he stormed out of the kitchen and into the living room, where everyone had gathered once again. "You son of a bitch!" Bae shouted, and he lunged for Killian and punched him in the jaw. Killian fell to the floor.
"Bae, what is wrong with you!?" Milah shouted, and she rushed to Killian's side. "Are you alright?" she asked, helping him stand.
"Seriously, what the HELL, Bae!" Emma shouted.
"Why don't you ask Belle. She'll tell you." Bae said.
"What about Belle?" Nick asked.
"This asshole made a move on her." Bae said.
"He what?" Nick said, and he started to move toward Killian. Emma and Graham held him back.
"Killian, wouldn't do that, don't be ridiculous!" Milah insisted.
"It was a misunderstanding." Killian said, holding his hand up against his jaw.
"Really? Let's see if you misunderstand this." Nick said, and he lunged for Killian, pointing his cane at him, but Emma and Graham continued to hold him back.
"Stop. He's not worth it." Emma said.
"I've been wanting to do that for almost ten years, but I never had a good reason to. Until now." Bae said to Killian.
"What's going on here?" Belle asked as she entered the room. Nick pulled away from Emma and Graham's grip and moved to Belle's side.
"Sweetheart, are you alright?" Nick asked.
"I'm fine." Belle said.
"This is all your fault. Telling lies about my husband. Are you jealous, dear? Because you're stuck with that one?" Milah asked.
"I think you're the one who's jealous, Milah. I was just trying to be nice. Don't project your own feelings onto me." Belle said.
"Come on Killian, we're leaving." Milah said, and she ushered him toward the door.
"And don't even think about taking my kid on your filthy ship! Not happening!" Bae shouted as they stormed out the door. Bae looked down at his hand and grimaced in pain.
"I'll get you some ice." Emma said, and she left the room. Everyone stood and looked at one another, and all of them were quiet.
"Anyone want more dessert?" Ruby asked, trying to break the tension.
"I'm gonna take Olivia upstairs and get her ready for bed. I'm sorry about everything – I really am." Belle said, and she walked out of the room.
Belle stood in front of Olivia's crib, having just dressed her in a pair of pajamas. "Hey." she heard Nick whisper from behind.
"Hey." Belle replied. "I'm going to have quite a time getting her settled for the night, I can already tell." Nick wrapped his arms around Belle from behind and kissed her on the cheek.
"Want some help? Not that she listens to me or anything." Nick said.
"Like mother, like daughter, right?" Belle said, her voice trembling a bit. 'I tried to make everything nice, and -"
"I know, sweetheart. You didn't do anything wrong." Nick said, holding her tightly.
"Aren't you going to say 'I told you so'?" Belle asked.
"Not tonight." Nick replied.
"I kind of feel sorry for Milah now." Belle said. "Did you know she was a painter?"
"I knew she did painting before we met, but – I thought it was just a hobby that she gave up. Kind of like my spinning." Nick admitted.
"What did the two of you even talk about when you were together?" Belle asked.
"Truth be told, there wasn't much talking in our relationship. Arguing and fucking – sometimes at the same time – but communication wasn't our forte. I did mention what an arrogant prat I was back then, right?"
Belle turned to face him. "Well, I'm glad you're not that man any longer."
"I never will be again." Nick said, and they melted into a kiss, which was interrupted by Olivia flinging one of her toys at them, then laughing loudly. "Do you have a problem with me kissing your mum?" Gold turned to Olivia and asked. Belle laughed.
"Why do I have a feeling she's not going to appreciate our PDA when she gets older?" Belle said. "Alright young lady – you are just too wired from everything tonight, you need to settle down and go to sleep." Belle tried to get Olivia to lie down in her crib, but she wiggled and fussed the entire time. "Nick, I think both of us being here is distracting her. Why don't you go get ready for bed? I'll get her settled."
"Alright." Nick said, and he gave Belle a kiss on the cheek. He then reached down into Olivia's crib and gave her a kiss as well. "Goodnight, my little angel. Daddy loves you." Nick turned to leave the room and was almost at the door when a quiet voice called out to him.
"Dada." Olivia said, pulling herself up into to a standing position in her crib and holding onto the railing. Belle gasped and then smiled. Nick turned around and walked back toward the crib.
"Did she just say -" Nick began, and Belle nodded her head. Olivia plopped back down into a sitting position, then looked up at Nick and held both of her arms out to him.
"Dada." Olivia said again, and tears welled up in Nick's eyes.
"Oh, sweetheart." Nick said. He leaned his cane against the crib and lifted Olivia into his arms, hugging her tightly. Belle leaned in and hugged both of them. "I think I'll handle getting her to sleep tonight."
"Of course." Belle said, and she gave Nick and Olivia each a soft kiss, then left the room. Nick set Olivia back down in the crib, lying her on her back.
"How about Daddy tells you a story tonight, would you like that? Oh, I've got a good one, I think you'll like it. Once upon a time, there was a spinner who owned a shop. He enjoyed his work and had many good friends, but he was very lonely because he didn't have anyone to love him. And then one day a beautiful princess came into his shop, and the spinner fell in love with her the moment he saw her ….." Nick began. Belle stood in the hall and peeked into the room, quietly listening and smiling.