A/N: Wow! Here we are at the beginning of chapter 7 and this story already has 51 reviews! Thank you all so much for your support! Thank you to those who continue to favorite and follow as well. I guess it's time to see what our ladies are up too. Let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy!


Chapter 7

Like they had hoped both ladies bumped into one another on Monday morning at the food cart. Rachel ordering a coffee while Emily settled on tea. They talked about how they spent Sunday, Rachel grocery shopping and cleaning up around the house while Emily did a little housework and finished her book. She left out the part that she had spent most of the day excited that she might finally have a friend. They made small talk on the elevator and planned to meet up to walk to their cars that evening if they left work at the same time.

Tuesday morning was much the same only this time Rachel was able to convince Emily to order a bagel with her cup of tea. Even though it was only their second morning of meeting before work both were enjoying their time together. Rachel found that with each passing day there was something about the brunette drawing her in. Emily was so warm and kind, and while she was a bit hesitant, even withdrawn at times, Rachel found herself wanting to get to know the person underneath. For Emily she felt more relaxed than she had in a while when in Rachel's presence. Something about the blonde made her feel safe and calm.

Wednesday morning both arrived slightly earlier just to have a little more time with one another. Rachel ordered her coffee and stepped aside for Emily to place hers. "I'll have an English Breakfast Tea and a bagel with cream cheese."

"Ooh, cream cheese!" Rachel teased "Moving up in the world. By next week I'll have you eating a farmhouse breakfast!"

Emily shook her head "I wouldn't go that far." They walked toward the building as she ate "It's just…since I moved here I haven't had much of an appetite but it's slowly coming back."

"I was that way at first too. It's always a little intimidating being in a new place." Little did she know they were both nervous about their new homes for the same reason. In all honesty Rachel was a little surprised she was still living here. When she entered she knew there was a chance she would be here for a while, but at the same time part of her thought they would've eliminated the threat against her. She sighed as they entered the building, with each passing day she was slowly accepting that this was her new reality. It was also one of the reasons she was glad to have met Emily. Knowing this was probably her life from now on it would at least be easier if she had a friend. At the same time she was also realizing what she felt toward Emily was more than friendship, and it scared her. Granted it wasn't love but she did feel an attraction toward her and wanted to get to know her even more. She suddenly realized she had spaced out while Emily was speaking and the brunette was now looking quizzically at her "I'm sorry?"

Emily chuckled at the dazed look on the blonde's face "I wondered where you went. I was asking if you had any plans for this evening."

"No plans, as usual." She grinned.

"I saw an advertisement for an art gallery that's showcasing the work of a young photographer." She then looked down "I know it sounds boring but it just caught my eye and I really didn't want to go alone." she hated to sound so pathetic but she felt so calm and relaxed around Rachel that she thought the blonde might make her more comfortable in a crowd.

"I think it sounds like a great idea." She laughed when Emily gave her a surprised look. "I like art, I mean I'm not too crazy about some of that abstract stuff but I do enjoy it. What time do you want to go?"

They boarded the elevator before Emily continued "It starts at six but I was thinking six-thirty or seven? It would give us time to go home and change." In no time the elevator stopped at Rachel's floor and the blonde moved to exit. "I'll meet you in the lobby this evening and give you the address."

"I'll see you this evening."

That evening as Emily waited outside the Weston Art Gallery she shivered in the cold wind. She had only just arrived but part of her was wishing she had waited in the car a few more minutes. She stuffed her gloved hands into the pockets of her black pea coat and hoped Rachel wouldn't be much longer.

Rachel rushed down the street wishing she had left home sooner. She told Emily she would meet her at six-thirty and it was now six-twenty-five, she hated to be late for anything. It was something her mother had instilled in her as a child, in one of her few 'mothering' moments, and it was reinforced at the academy. "I hope you haven't been waiting long." She said as she stopped next to the brunette.

Emily turned and smiled "Just a couple minutes." She nodded toward the door. "Come on, it's freezing out here."

Once inside they shed their coats and took a moment to admire one another's outfits. Both had been afraid they would overdress for the evening but at the same time they didn't want to underdress either. Emily had settled on a pair of black heels, black slacks with a white blouse and an off white button down sweater. When she saw the sweater in the store not only did it look like it would be warm, but it also reminded her of one her mother had bought on a trip to Ireland for her.

"You look really nice." Rachel said as she took a moment to take in her friend's outfit.

"Thank you." Emily replied as she looked at the blonde. "So do you." Rachel was wearing a maroon top with a deep V-neck and dark gray pants, black boots and a black blazer.

"Thanks. I wasn't sure how dressy or not dressy this would be. It looks okay though?" She felt as if she was dressing for court as she got ready since this was an outfit she would've worn when she had to spend the day in court.

"You look very nice." Emily said before turning and starting into the gallery.

They wandered around the gallery each enjoying a glass of champagne and a few appetizers. The gallery was showcasing photographs of rural Wisconsin life. Both stopped to congratulate the young photographer and congratulate him on his success. As they stepped onto the sidewalk Rachel gasped as the cold air took her breath away.

"Are you okay?"

She nodded "Just still not used to this cold air yet. I can't believe you're handling it so well. I didn't think it got cold in Oklahoma?"

Emily was about to stumble over her words but took a calming breath "I used to go to the Rockies and visit family. It could get really cold there." Rachel nodded and Emily breathed a sigh of relief at how easily her lie was received. "I guess I'll see you in the morning?"

Rachel gave her sad smile "No, I have to be in at seven. I was thinking we could go for a cup of coffee after you get off though."

"I'd like that but that means you'd have to wait around for an hour after you get off."

"I have a few errands to run anyway. I could do that and then we could meet up. What about that coffee shop around the corner from work?"

"Next to the bookstore?" Rachel nodded "Sounds like a plan. Maybe we could have a look through the bookstore too."

"Great. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon then." Rachel said as they went their separate ways.

Rachel was already sitting at a window table in the coffee shop when she saw Emily approach. Both women had been surprised at how much they missed their shared morning. They didn't always get to leave work at the same time but occasionally they did and both liked hearing how the others day had went. Emily especially enjoyed hearing about the antics of some of the kids. "Hey! How was your day?" Rachel asked as Emily took a seat across from her.

"Same old, same old." She chuckled before taking a sip of her coffee "How was your day?"

"Well it was pretty good until lunch. I should know by now if everything goes good in the morning it'll go downhill after lunch." she took a sip of coffee and leaned back in her chair "I put three in timeout for fighting, two girls and a boy." Emily began laughing and Rachel shook her head "Here's the kicker the girls were fighting each other and Matt tried to break it up, mind you the girls are four and he is three, he told them to not fight and they lit into him!" none of the kids involved had been hurt aside from feelings, and a few red marks on each girl.

"Why did he get put in timeout if he tried to break it up?"

"He fought back. I hated to do it but I had too. I mean I don't want to see anyone fighting but I'm glad that kids are willing to stand up for themselves. After it was over I had to explain why fighting isn't how they should solve their problems. Thank goodness I won't have to be the one to explain it to their mothers." She shook her head and chuckled "Poor Ina."

"Well that doesn't sound too bad as far as days go."

"Oh it gets better. After nap time Tanner woke up with an upset stomach and proceeded to vomit everywhere…apparently the fish sticks we had for lunch didn't exactly agree with him. In addition to that Josie woke up with a cold and running a fever so I had to call her Mom to come pick her up."

Emily shook her head "Well, at least he didn't vomit on you."

Rachel held her coffee cup up and nodded "The silver lining."

After talking for a bit they decided to go next door to the bookstore before it closed. It was a small shop, had been there since the 50's according to the sign, and the older woman who ran it stepped from behind the counter to greet them. They wandered up and down the aisles pointing out books they'd read, ones they liked and disliked. Both found a novel that looked interesting and decided to buy and read it together, it would be one more thing they could discuss.

Since Rachel had parked her car close by she offered to give Emily a ride back to where she had parked that morning. It was also another excuse to spend a few more minutes with the brunette. While running her errands that afternoon Rachel had decided that she was going to bite the bullet and ask Emily on a date. She knew she could be making a massive mistake but if she was honest with herself she wanted a date with the brunette. If Emily turned her down she would be upset but she would accept it and hope that they could at least remain friends.

Rachel was a little grateful for the evening traffic meaning it gave her a few more minutes to work up her nerve. Her thought process was broken though when Emily spoke "What time do you have to go in tomorrow?"

"Uh, I go in at eight tomorrow."

Emily turned and smiled "So that means we get have coffee in the morning!" she surprised herself at how excited she was at the thought.

Rachel grinned "I guess so." She grew quiet for a minute trying to gather her nerve to ask the brunette out.

Emily noticed her friend's silence and was becoming concerned "Rachel? Are you okay?"

"Hmm?" then gathering her nerve "I um…I wanted to know…"

"Know what?" she asked kindly.

Rachel looked into those bright blue eyes and lost all nerve "I wanted to know if maybe you would want to do something this weekend? Maybe go shopping or something." 'Chicken.' She said to herself.

"I do love to shop." Emily said with a smile causing Rachel to smile. "How about we plan something tomorrow."

"I'll see you in the morning then."

Friday morning Emily got in line at the food cart and was surprised she hadn't seen Rachel yet, usually the blonde got there just as she did or even before. She ordered her tea and bagel and stepped off to the side to wait. She finally gave up and went inside to warm up and wait to see if Rachel showed up. She had wrote Rachel's number down and put it in her purse in case she found herself in need of help she knew she could rely on her friend. She considered calling her in case she had overslept but decided against it. Knowing she couldn't wait any longer she boarded the elevator and headed to her office.

By lunch Emily's imagination had gotten the best of her and she decided to go down to the daycare and find out why Rachel missed their morning coffee. When she opened the door to the daycare she was greeted by Ina whom she had been introduced to by Rachel one evening on the elevator. "Hello Emily."

"Hi Ina. Is Rachel here?"

The older woman shook her head "No poor thing called in today. She must have picked up a cold from one of the kids." she smiled kindly "One of the hazards of being around kids all day."

Emily chuckled "I guess so."

"Is there something I can do for you?"

"No, I was just wanting to check on her. We've been meeting in the morning for coffee this week and when she didn't show up I was a little worried."

"Well I'm glad she has a friend like you then."

Emily said goodbye then headed back upstairs to finish her day, and already formulating a plan in her mind.

Later that afternoon before leaving for the day Emily pulled the piece of paper from her purse with Rachel's number on it. She picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hello?" came Rachel's voice, hardly sounding like herself.

"Hey, it's Emily. How are you feeling?"

As bad as she felt Rachel couldn't help the smile that crossed her face. "Like I've been hit by a truck."

"I missed talking to you this morning." 'God Emily, could you sound any more pathetic?'

Rachel's smile now turning to a goofy grin at the brunette's admission "I missed talking to you too."

"You were fine last night. What happened?"

"I don't know. I was fine when I went to bed, I sneezed once…then I woke up like this."

"Did you go to the doctor?"

"Nah, I managed to drag myself to the drugstore a few blocks away and picked up some cold medicine and cough syrup. I'll live."

"What's your address?"

"I'm sorry?"

Emily had surprised herself at the question. "What's your address? I'm going to come over."

Rachel sat up still trying to figure out if she had heard correctly "You don't have to do that. I'll be okay. I don't want to chance you getting sick."

"I was out with you last night, besides it's cold season so if I'm going to get sick I'm going to get sick."

"Emily…" Rachel tried to cut her off.

"I'm not trying to be weird, I'm just worried."

Rachel smiled as she heard her own words echoed back at her. "Okay. My address is 1139 Conway Drive."

Emily stopped for a moment as a surprised look came over her face. She had passed Conway Drive, it was less than a mile from her house. "I'll see you in a bit."

Rachel tried to make herself look more presentable but every time she moved it felt as if a sledgehammer was hitting her head and she was a bit dizzy as she stood. She slowly made her way to the door hoping she wasn't about to scare the brunette off.

Emily admired the house as she waited for the door to open. It was a nice little house and it seemed very Rachel. She smiled brightly but her smile faltered as the door opened to reveal a red nose and puffy eyed Rachel. "You poor thing."

"You really didn't have to do this." Rachel said as she stepped back and allowed her friend to come in. She quickly grabbed a tissue from the pocket of her hoodie as she felt another sneeze coming on. She walked over and collapsed on the sofa "I tried to straighten up." she said as she waved her arm indicating the box of tissues, medicine, bottle of water and tissues scattered across the couch and coffee table. Her pillow on one end of the couch and a blanket draped across it.

"Don't worry about it." Emily said as she made her way through to the kitchen with her bags.

Rachel lay there listening to Emily move around in her kitchen and smiled. She hoped that one day Emily could be in her house and not just because she is sick. She was embarrassed that the woman who was her friend, the woman she wanted to take out on a date, had to see her this way but she couldn't deny how happy it made her that it hadn't scared Emily off.

"So I asked where to find the best chicken noodle soup and several people recommended the little Jewish deli around the block from the office." Emily said as she entered the room carrying a steaming bowl of soup. "I got enough that you can have some again later and tomorrow."

"You really didn't have to do this." Rachel said as she sat up and reached out for the bowl.

"What would you like to drink? A cup of tea?"

"I have some apple juice in the refrigerator." Rachel said sheepishly, feeling like she was sounding like a child.

"One apple juice coming up." Emily replied with a smile.

"Will you have some as well?"

"I want to make sure you have enough for tomorrow."

"Please?!"

Rachel's voice sounded so pathetic Emily couldn't help but laugh "Okay, but only because you sound so pitiful." She fixed a bowl for herself and returned with their drinks as well.

They ate in companionable silence as they watched the evening news. It was the kind of quiet evening that neither had experienced in their previous lives. It was only the second time they'd had dinner together but both felt as if they had been doing this forever. Rachel asked how Emily's day had gone and Emily filled her in on the news she had overheard in the halls and elevator that day.

As the clock passed nine both were surprised that it was so late. "I really should be going."

"You don't know how much I've enjoyed this, even though I was sick. I really, really hope you don't get a cold too."

"I can handle a cold." Emily chuckled. She stood next to the door and pulled her coat on. "Now don't forget there's more soup in the fridge. Make sure to get plenty of rest and plenty of fluids."

Rachel shook her head but groaned a bit as it still hurt "Yes Mother."

"Ha. Ha. Don't forget you still owe me a coffee. Actually two if we count the one we missed this morning."

"And as soon as I'm feeling better we're going to have that coffee too."

"No, not as soon as you're feeling better. Not until you're well."

Rachel tried to pull herself from the couch but found it was too much work. "You don't know how much I appreciate this."

"I'm just glad I could help. Besides," then grinning "You would do the same for me."

Rachel smiled "I most certainly would." She rolled over onto her side "Call me when you get home?"

"You know it." seeing the flush on the blonde's face she walked over and placed her right hand on Rachel's forehead "You're burning up, fever must be back."

Rachel felt her face become even hotter at the brunette's touch, whether it was from her fever or Emily's hand she wasn't sure. "I'm gonna take a few ibuprofen and go to bed."

"I'll call when I get home, and I'm going to call and check in on you tomorrow too."

Rachel managed to stay up until Emily called to let her know she had made it safely. She had been surprised and excited to find out they live so close to one another. As she lay in bed she thought about how kind Emily had been, as well as how welcoming it felt to have someone care for her like that. She hated Emily seeing her in the state she was but she also realized that Emily had seen her at her worst and didn't run off. As she began drifting off Rachel made a silent promise to herself 'As soon as I'm better I'm going to ask her out.'

By Monday Rachel was feeling much better but had decided to stay home to avoid passing anything on to one of the children. Deciding she was going to go crazy if she stayed inside any longer she called Emily and asked if she would feel up to meeting after work for their missed coffee. Emily was more than happy to take her up on the offer but was a little concerned about the blonde's cold. After being reassured it was okay she accepted.

As Rachel sat in the coffee shop waiting she grew more nervous with each passing moment. What if Emily turned her down? What if Emily turned her down and no longer wanted to be friends with her? What if they did go out for a while but it ended badly? Rachel shook the thoughts from her mind as she promised herself she would preserve their friendship above all else.

Emily stepped in and shook the cold off as she allowed the warmth of the coffee shop to come over her. She placed her order at the counter then walked over to the window table where Rachel was sitting. "You look much better than you did the other night."

Rachel chuckled "That's not much of a compliment considering I looked like death warmed over for the last few days."

"You didn't look that bad." She chuckled at the withering look Rachel was giving her "Okay you did look that bad, but you really do look like you're feeling better."

They made small talk as they sipped their coffees. Both commented on the Christmas decorations continuing to pop up around the city as well as the fast approaching holiday. When it came time to leave Rachel was practically shaking with nerves. She had caught herself more than once having to run her hands over her jeans to dry them from sweating. As they walked out into the cold evening air Rachel took a deep breath to try and calm herself.

"So will I see you tomorrow?" Emily asked while pulling her gloves on.

"Yeah I'll be there tomorrow."

Emily noticed the blonde was looking at the sidewalk a lot and fidgeting a bit "Are you okay?"

"Uh, yeah, I'm fine."

"You're lying." Emily said with a smile earning her one in return.

Rachel took a deep breath and blew it out "Um…I wanted to ask you." Another breath 'Just say it.' "I wanted to ask, would you like to go out with me?"

Emily stared at the blonde for a moment unsure if she had heard what she thought she heard. While she was surprised at the question she had to admit she wasn't really opposed to the idea. She liked Rachel a lot and anyone could see how attractive she was. She was just concerned about their friendship, Rachel was the first friend she made and was the only friend she had.

Rachel grew more nervous the longer the silence lasted. She knew she shouldn't have asked, that it would backfire. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

"No, it's okay." Emily stumbled slightly over her words. "You just caught me off guard."

"Look I'm really sorry and I understand if you don't want to be around me anymore but I really hope we can stay friends."

"I want us to stay friends, you're the only one I have." She grew quiet for a moment before a small smile began to spread across her face "Okay."

"Okay what?" Rachel was trying not to get her hopes up.

"I'll go out on a date with you." her smile bright now.

"Really?" Rachel's smile matching Emily's "You want to go out on a date, with me?"

Emily laughed "I'd like that very much."

Rachel had gone over in her head what she was going to say a thousand times that day but now that the time was here she forgot all of them. "Okay…well…um, how does Friday night sound?"

"I look forward to it." she could see the nervousness on the blonde's face, and she could feel it coursing through her body as well. Emily couldn't remember the last time she had been this excited about a date, let alone a first date.

Rachel was smiling so widely she was sure her facial muscles would be sore the next morning but in that moment she didn't care. "I can't wait." Now she was suddenly unsure of what to do so she pushed her hands into her coat pockets and nodded toward her car "Well, I guess I should be going."

"Yeah, I should too." She started to walk away but turned and smiled "Call me when you get home?"

Rachel laughed as the tables were turned on her "Absolutely."

"Okay. See you in the morning." Emily turned and began walking to where she had parked her car. She was so thankful she had decided to drive over rather than walk from where she normally parked. It was too cold to have to walk very far. She waved her hand in the air when Rachel called out that she would see her in the morning.

Rachel still couldn't get over the fact that Emily had indeed accepted her request for a date. Now she had the rest of the week to plan it. She suddenly began to panic as she realized that meant she only had three days to plan the perfect first date. Wanting to catch one more glimpse of the brunette she turned and smiled as she watched her retreating form in the glow of the street lights "Friday night!" she shouted with a hint of laughter, and still a bit of shock.

Emily laughed as she turned back to face the blonde "It's a date!"