So here goes Chapter Two. I have been busy trying to find the time to edit. Today I literally rushed home from work just to try and upload something before the weekend.

I have edited this chapter instead of writing a new one...I'm a bit stuck on Chapter Seven at the moment and don't want to stuff anything up by releasing chapters too soon.

I hope you enjoy, please let me know how you are finding the story :)

xx

dietcokeandlime

Disclaimer: I do not own Skins or the characters, but this is my Naomily story xx

Chapter Two

~ Emily ~

As I promised myself yesterday, I woke up early, got ready for work and walked down to the new coffee shop for breakfast. I was glad to see the sun out this morning, but the smell of yesterday's rain was still faintly lingering in the air. When I arrived at the coffee shop, I studied the menu on the chalk board behind the counter and settled on french toast, bacon and poached eggs with a caramel shot coffee (couldn't forget the caramel). I took the table number handed to me and turned around swiftly to find a table, when I almost ran into someone. I looked up only to be met by a set of striking blue eyes. These eyes belonged to none other than…shit…I wish I remembered her name…the blonde from the Carter & Milton Legal meeting.

"Sorry, I should really watch where I am going," I said nervously. Why the hell was I nervous? Pull yourself together Emily, it's just a girl.

"No harm no foul Emily. I'm not much better in the morning without my coffee", smiled the blonde.

Oh my god, she remembered my name, how sweet. I'm sure if I don't pull myself together soon I will start drooling all over her or make a complete dick of myself. I smiled and was just about walk off and find a table when she spoke again, "Sorry, I know this might seem a bit out of the blue, but would you care to sit with me for breakfast?"

I gulped unexpectedly and hoped to dear god I didn't express the stunned feeling I felt internally, "Sure". It wasn't exactly the most convincing reply, so I added a "love to" before I mentally started to slap myself for being such a tit. Jesus Emily why do you have to be so awkward around her? I waited for her to order…look I really need to find out her name before I say something embarrassing. She stepped up to the counter and placed her order; a slice of banana bread, with a large black coffee, double shot.

She pointed out a vacant table near the front window and muttered something about feeling the warmth of the morning sun, before sitting down. I sat opposite her and took a deep breath before I spoke, "look I am sorry, but I don't mean to be rude. I know we only sort of met yesterday but I cannot for the life of me recall your name".

The blonde suppressed a smile and answered graciously, "Naomi, my name is Naomi. And I really don't think we were formally introduced anyway so don't sweat it." She seemed pretty confident in her approach and I felt myself instantly relax at her reply.

Naomi. It suits her I think, beautifully.

I held out my hand, "lovely to meet you Naomi, I'm Emily as you already know."

She extend her arm and grasped my hand in a firm, but warm handshake and that's when I felt it…like an electric shock. Okay more like a subtle tingle, but there was feeling nonetheless. Maybe it was my imagination, but from the mildly stunned look on her face it seemed as though she felt something too. I was brought back to reality when the waitress came over with our coffees, glanced down to our hands still firmly pressed together in a lingering handshake. I regrettably let go and grabbed for my coffee instead, trying not to draw attention to the fact that the handshake was lingering. I took a sip of my coffee and let out a small sigh. It was a good coffee.

~ Naomi ~

Awww that cute little sigh almost melted my heart. I was clearly not thinking when I asked her to join me for breakfast. But those eyes and that voice, that husky voice…it was….just *sigh*

When she almost knocked me off my feet (literally), I caught sight of those friendly chocolate brown eyes and I just felt like it was something I had to do; like I didn't have a say in the matter. Once we had found a table and sat down, I spent the next minute or two, trying to convince myself not to stand up and walk off. Not because of Emily, she seemed nice. It was because I was scared shitless of my own confidence this morning. This was something I definitely didn't do.

I scooped up the thin layer of foam from the top of my coffee with my spoon and figured that I had to say something to break the silence…I was the one who invited her to breakfast after all… We were just sitting there, in silence, waiting for our breakfast and it was really the first thing that popped into my head, "did you know the plastic bit on the end of your shoelace is actually called an aglet?"

The redhead looked surprised for a second and then let out a small chuckle, "you really know how to break the ice don't you?" She paused for a second before continuing, eyes growing wide in what appeared to be embarrassment? Shock maybe? "I didn't mean that this," she said pointing back and forth between us, "was cold, I just meant…umm…oh crap now I'm rambling…"

I didn't mean to cut her off I just thought I'd put her out of her misery, "Look its fine. I know it's a bit awkward having breakfast with a complete stranger, but it thought it would be nice, you know to meet someone new. I thought since we worked in the same building and would be seeing more of each other through work, that it might be nice to familiarise ourselves with one another". At least I'm not the only one feeling the same way here, ponderedthe redhead.

Our breakfast arrived and we continued to chat away about nothing in particular really, just boring stuff like the weather, what we actually did at work and how nice the food was here. When the plates/cups were cleared away, Emily suggested it might be nice to do this again sometime. I agreed and gave her an encouraging smile as we stood up and walked towards the stairs.

Biting back the nerves, I started to twirl my hair in an obvious attempt to stop my voice from shaking, "Thank you for joining me for breakfast, I had a really nice time, even if it was just a quick bite before work."

"No, thank you Naomi. It was very generous of you to offer. I haven't really met too many people since I moved into the city, so it was a nice change really. To actually spend time in someone else's company, I mean."

She seemed quite genuine and friendly, and I felt a slight relief knowing that asking her randomly to join me for breakfast was a good idea in the end.

We parted ways at the stairs and agreed we would see each other round. I took up the left set and Emily the right. I was halfway up the second flight of stairs when I realised we hadn't exchanged numbers or email addresses or anything. A slight coating of disappointment washed over me at the thought, oh well, we did say that we would see each other round. It's not like I couldn't find her if I wanted to, but maybe I'd leave it a day or two before I resorted to that. Stalker Naomi is just plain creepy, even to me. I continued up to the third floor and into the office, with the thought of the lovely time I had with Emily playing in my head. Even if it was only for half an hour, and we didn't really get to know each other during that time, it was a start…

~ Emily ~

It had been Tuesday when Naomi had asked me to share an impromptu breakfast with her, after I almost bowled her over in front of the counter. We hadn't spoken or seen each other since. I must admit it has been a busy few days and I hadn't really had the chance to think about it, not that I didn't want to of course. It's just work was busy and Katie had come over the last few nights to watch TV because theirs had blown up. Like literally blown up blown up; sparks flying, cords smoking, the faint electric sizzle, accompanied by that worrying metallic smell. They were getting a new TV today, thank god, there was a reason I moved out by myself. And I wouldn't see her again until our usual Sunday breakfast. It was Friday, and I had just got back from my lunch break. Living so close to work, I usually just pop home and make myself a sandwich, maybe do a load of washing and then come back to the office.

There was an email from Bentley waiting for me when I got back to my desk, wanting me to deliver the signed consultancy papers to Carter-Milton. There was no point in mailing them, as it was just one floor up. Bentley had taken an early afternoon, so he wasn't in his office when I went to collect the paperwork. I told Claudette I was heading upstairs as requested and would be back shortly. With paperwork in hand, I strolled off to the third floor. When I got to those familiar glass double doors, I was surprised that Robert wasn't the one to greet me, it was Naomi. I felt my heart beat erratically as I opened the door. I'm not sure why exactly...

I was greeted with a warm smile that made my heart flutter, "Oh hey Emily, what brings you to the third floor?"

"Hi Naomi. I just have the signed paperwork for the consultancy package. Is Mr. Milton available?" Professional much?

"Sorry Emily, he's in a meeting for the rest of the afternoon, but I can take that for you," extending her hand out toward me.

I handed her the paperwork and she placed it in Milton's pigeon hole before turning back to me. "So…how's Bentley & Kent treating you these days? Is it as much of a mad house as it has been here the last few days?"

"You too hey? Yeah it's been pretty hectic the last few days. I had been meaning to catch up with you but I didn't you're your number." Nice one Em. Smooth.

"Oh yeah, right. I realised after breakfast that we didn't exchange numbers, hang on a sec," she grabbed a scrap bit of paper and scribbled down her name and number before handing it to me. I briefly glanced at the paper, taking note that she used a little smiley face after her name, before slipping it into the pocket of my blazer.

"Thanks", I hesitated slightly before continuing, "Listen are you busy after work? I usually drop by this little bar on my way home…only on a Friday. It's called Coal, do you know it?" I started to panic a bit. Why did you invite her out? You hardly know her….what if she says no?

"Yeah, that sounds nice actually. I'm pretty sure there is a pint calling my name already! I get off at five…um…we…could meet downstairs and walk together if you like?"

"Sounds like a plan Naomi," oh my god it worked, she said yes! I tried to contain my excitement and just offered a warm smile, I didn't want to scare her off now did I? "Anyway I'd better get back to it. You know it's a long walk to the second floor and if I'm not back soon I think Claudette will either send a search party or get something other than paper stuck in the copier again…! I'll see you at five yeah?" That's more like it Emily, brimming with confidence, it suits you.

Was it the trick of the light or did Naomi's teeth sparkle when she grinned back at me, "sure thing Em, see you downstairs later then." Without another word, I smiled and exited the office. Walking back to the office I grasped the fact that she called me Em. Naomi called me Em…

~ Naomi ~

I glanced over at the clock…5:10pm…shit, I was late to meet Em...shit I mean Emily. Shit I called her Em, before when she dropped by with the paperwork for Milton…shit...stop saying shit Naomi! I didn't even bother mentally slapping myself at that, I whacked my forehead instead. Well fuck then. I was just finishing the last of the copies Kent left me to do and didn't realise the time. I quickly deposited the copies in Kent's pigeon hole, ran back to my desk, grabbed my bag and jacket and hurried down to meet Emily. Just before I got to the bottom of the stairs, I slowed down and caught my breath…gee I don't want to seem too eager now do I? I had only been thinking about the redhead practically none stop since breakfast on Tuesday. I was just excited I had made a new friend, nothing more right? Right Naomi? I was just about to push the door open and I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I pulled out my phone and saw the message was from Mum.

Hi Naomi darling. Just checking in to see how you are. I'll call you tomorrow around noon, your time. Much love, Mum xo

Mum, moved to Cyprus a few years ago, after we went on holiday there. She loved the place so much she didn't want to come back to Bristol, leaving me here by myself. She claims it had nothing to do with meeting a handsome local, nothing at all. Bollocks in my opinion. Her and Kostas had been happy together ever since. We usually speak to each other at least once a week, whether by text, call or email, just to keep up to date with each other's lives. I usually visit her at least every six months and she usually returns to Bristol at Christmas time.

I'm fine Mum, just about to meet up with a friend for a drink. I'll speak to you tomorrow. N

I knew exactly what her reply would be "who is this new friend, is it a boy? You never tell me anything Naomi." Sure enough the reply was instant.

You never told me you had a new friend…who is he and when can I meet him? Mum xo

I ignored the last text from Mum and made a mental note to reply later, redepositing my phone in my pocket I was already fifteen minutes late to meet Emily, I couldn't keep her waiting any longer. I pushed open the door and walked through the foyer out to the front of the building. I looked around for the flaming red hair and couldn't see her anywhere. Maybe she changed her mind and isn't coming. I admit I felt a little hurt at the theory. I waited for another 5 minutes when my phone buzzed again. Gosh Mum, I thought, take a fucking hint. I will talk to you tomorrow, dammit. As much as I love Gina Campbell, she can be a little overbearing, even more so since she doesn't live in the same town, let alone the same country. I was about withdraw my phone and type an angry reply to Mum, when I noticed the text was not from her, but an unknown number. I tapped the message icon.

Hi Naomi, it's Emily. I am so sorry I got a call from my sister and had to drop by home before meeting you. I live really close to work if you want to meet me at my place, otherwise I can meet you at Coal in thirty?

Before I could stop myself, my fingers already started to reply…fuck it, I was curious

It's okay, I just finished work and stepped outside thinking I was the late one :P I can swing by yours and pick you up if you like? N :)

It was at least a minute, maybe even longer before I got a reply. Whilst I was waiting I started to freak out as to what her reply would be. But wasn't she the one who invited me to meet her at her place? To pick her up, I mean. The thought that she suggested to meet her at her place, made me relax a little…just a smidge…heck I was nervous. I don't even know why…

Philadelphia Place. Off Philadelphia Street. 5th Floor, Apartment 547. E

Blimey she was close. That was literally around the corner.

See you in 5. N