Last chapter before the tour finally starts - hope you enjoy it and I'm happy about every feedback I get.
It was Friday, half past one in the afternoon and Emma was exhausted. Since nine o'clock in the morning people came and went again, every booth, every single stool at the counter in the diner was taken. Emma hurried from the kitchen to the tables, behind the counter and back to the customers. There was not even the possibility to go to use the facilities.
The doorbell chimed and Neal entered the diner, looking for Emma. "Hey babe", he greeted her and kissed her cheeks when she rushed by him.
"Neal, I'm sorry, but I don't have time for you. As you see, we have a full house", Emma said when she placed two plates with burgers and fries down.
"No problem, actually I just stopped by to cancel our plans. I have to leave in two hours. I have another gig tonight."
Emma turned around shocked. "What? Neal, that was the last chance seeing us before I go on tour. I thought..." She looked at the customers who watched them eagerly. She lowered her voice and pulled him aside. "I thought we wanted to catch up, go to the theatre, eat something at Marco's and enjoy the night together."
She raised her eyebrows disappointed. "Yeah I know, I'm sorry, but I am allowed to play at the Cielo. That may be an one time opportunity."
"Yeah, whatever. I have customers", Emma said and turned to go back to the kitchen.
"Emma, wait", Neal suddenly said and grabbed her wrist, "please do understand, you know that this is a great possibility for me."
"Yes Neal, I do understand that it is a great possibility for you, but it's bad for us."
She yanked herself free and went towards the kitchen. "Oh come on, Ems. That's not fair." Emma shook her head but didn't stop. She was near to tears, angry and disappointed. "Do I at least get a good bye kiss?"
Now Emma turned and looked at him sternly. "I have to work. Text me when you land safely. We can talk later, or tomorrow or whenever you have time for me."
"You are unfair, Ems."
"Am I?", she now got angry, but she decided to stay calm. "Maybe, but I'm hurt. You know I can't leave the diner now and nevertheless you decide to fly to N.Y. earlier so you can perform somewhere."
"It ain't somewhere. Do you know how hard it is to get a job these days?"
"Thanks to you I know that. But you know what, it doesn't matter. Good bye, Neal." Emma walked behind the counter and into the kitchen. She didn't want to face him anymore.
"Everything okay, Emma?", Granny asked and went towards her. Emma shrugged but nodded.
"Can you make sure, Neal left, please?", she asked when her boss opened the door to the diner. Granny nodded, looking around.
"He is gone. What did he do this time?"
"Doesn't matter", she replied and went back out into the diner. Granny looked at her and shook her head.
Two hours later, the diner still was crowded but Ruby was already there to help. Emma noticed that Ruby avoided her completely. Every time she tried to start a conversation, Ruby blocked her. Emma sighed and sat down in one booth for a moment. She put her face into her hands and sighed deeply.
"Rough shift?" Emma looked up, the corner of her mouth shooting up in an instant. Killian pulled her up and into his arms. He held her close, closing his eyes and tightening his grip.
"Shifts over in thirty minutes. I'm afraid you have to wait until you can take her with you", Ruby suddenly said harshly when she passed them.
Killian looked at her irritated and whispered into Emma's ear. "What's up with her?"
Emma shook her head. "I don't know, she acts like that for the last couple of weeks." When Ruby came back, Emma was still in Killian's arms and watched her friend.
Ruby shot them a warning glance, so Emma broke the hug and grabbed her tray. She looked at Killian briefly and went to a table to clear it.
"And hello to you too, Ruby. Everything alright, lass?", Killian asked, watching Ruby and Emma.
"Fine", Ruby growled, "you wanna eat something or just bugging the employees?"
"Ruby!" Emma and Granny said simultaneously. Emma was shocked she looked at Ruby irritated and hurt.
"Ruby, could you help me in the kitchen, please?", Granny asked and held the door to the kitchen.
"Sure", Emma's best friend said and followed her boss. Killian and Emma locked eyes.
"I'm sorry lass, if I've done anything wrong, I better should be the one leaving."
Emma went to him and cupped his cheek tenderly. "You didn't do anything wrong. Will you stay until my shift is over? I am free afterwards, my plans changed two hours ago." She sighed but tried to smile.
"Well, I'm famished, as long as we can eat something, I'm all yours", he answered and smiled at her.
"Good, sit down, I'll bring you something to drink as long as you wait." She pointed over to a booth next to the counter.
"That won't be necessary. Emma you can go. I'm sorry for Ruby's rudeness. I'll see you on Tuesday. Enjoy your weekend." Granny beamed at them, holding Emma's backpack in one hand.
"Uhm, is Ruby okay? Have I done something...", she asked looking at Granny irritated. Granny shook her head.
"She is alright. A bit stressed I think. Now go." The old lady ushered them towards the exit. Emma gave her the apron and tray and took the backpack as well as Killian's hand.
"Okay, see ya on Tuesday. Bye. Tell Ruby to call me."
Granny nodded and waved good bye.
"Does she suspect anything?", Ruby suddenly stepped up behind Granny watching her best friend leave. Granny shook her head and smiled at her sadly. "Good. Let's get back to work."
„The song is great", Emma said smiling. She stood behind Killian, who was sitting at his desk. Killian turned his head also smiling.
„Yeah, do you really like it?"
„Like it? I love it. How did you come up with it?" Emma bent over him to get a closer look at the editing program.
Killian closed his eyes, his senses fogged from her closeness, her scent, her hair tickling his neck and cheek. He cleared his throat. „Well to be honest, it was you who inspired me. I wanted to create something to apologize but there was always something wrong and I wasn't able to finish it. Until two days ago."
Emma turned her head, her face mere inches from his. „What changed? Why were you able to finish it?"
Killian looked into her emerald green eyes, swallowing hard before he answered honestly. „You called. Just hearing your voice inspired me. You always inspire me."
Emma's heart pounded so hard against her chest, she was sure Killian must hear or feel it at this moment. She didn't move, just stared at him speechless. She knew the feeling, he was also the source of her inspiration. Since the day she met him, she produced more music than ever before. „Killian, I…"
Like in slow motion, he closed the gap between them and pressed his lips on hers. Warning bells were ringing in Emma's head, but she still didn't move. She closed her eyes and lifted her hand to cup his cheek when suddenly her phone rang. She sighed and broke the kiss, avoiding Killian's look.
„Hello-o?", she answered the phone annoyed.
„Hey babe, everything alright? You sound a bit stressed."
Emma straightened, the colour drained from her cheeks when she realized who was speaking and what she had done a minute ago. She cleared her throat, stepping away from Killian.
„Uhm, hey, uhm… no, I'm not stressed. Just working."
„Sorry, I didn't want to disturb you. I just wanted to check on you."
„Oh, okay."
Emma rubbed her neck, feeling more than uncomfortable. She didn't tell Killian that she was dating Neal again. He wouldn't understand, eventually talking her out of it.
„Okay, babe, I gotta go. You know... my gig. I call you tomorrow."
„Uhm, no, I'm meeting Killian tomorrow to go through our playlist for the tour. It's better when I call you."
„You meeting the Captain tomorrow? Why can't you just talk to him over phone?"
Emma rolled her eyes annoyed. „You do know I will go on tour with him the next six months, don't you? I will be with him the whole time, so don't get jealous now."
„As if I could forget that", Neal growled angrily.
Emma sighed. „I'll call you tomorrow. Good luck for your gig."
„Okay, Ems. Bye for now." Before Emma was able to respond he hung up.
„You alright, love? You look a bit pale", Killian suddenly appeared behind her, putting his hand on her upper arm. She turned around and looked at him, still holding her cell phone. She nodded, not breaking eye contact. What the hell was she doing? She had to go. Now.
„Killian, I'm sorry, I think I should go."
„Why? Did I do something wrong?" Emma sighed sadly, looking at him from under her long lashes. She kissed his cheek.
„When will you pick me up tomorrow?" Emma asked changing the subject while she walked away from him.
„You wanted me to pick you up at noon, so how about eleven?"
„How about you pick me up in the morning and we'll have breakfast together? I told you my plans changed, so I'm free tomorrow morning." Damn it, Emma, why are you changing plans for him?
„As you wish. Will you tell me who called you?"
„Ahm, I don't think so." The next moment she took her jacket and went out of the door. „Bye Killian, see ya tomorrow."
Killian was left behind dumbfounded. He sat down at his desk again, running a hand through his hair not understanding what happened.
It was shortly after eight when Killian called Emma to be ready in half an hour. Emma put on a new pair of tight washed jeans and a black tank top. She left her hair open like Killian liked it, put hardly any make-up on. Twenty minutes later she went outside and waited for him.
He was punctual as usual although Emma nearly missed him. He revved up the engine and Emma turned her attention to the black Porsche. Her eyes went wide, she stepped closer.
"Whose car is that?", Emma eyed Killian and the car suspiciously.
"Mine?!"
"Since when?", Emma still couldn't believe her eyes. She crossed her arms in front of her chest.
"For the last three years. Will you get into the car or will you just stand out there and watch?", Killian asked annoyed.
Emma rolled her eyes and opened the door carelessly. "Swan! Be gentle." Emma looked at Killian and rolled her eyes again.
"Really? It's just a car, Killian." She plopped herself on the seat and slammed the door closed.
"Out!", he suddenly yelled at her and pointed at the door.
"What?"
"Get out off the car!"
"Killian?" Emma asked, when he bent over her and opened the door again. "What are you doing?"
"I won't allow you being in this car when you don't treat it right."
"Seriously?"
"Aye", he answered sternly.
Emma sighed and looked at him. "I'm sorry", she said although she did not understand his outburst. To proof her honesty, she placed her hand on his. "I didn't know that this car means that much to you. I think I'm not used to care for a… car. I never had one of my own."
He didn't move, only pulled away his hand. Emma sighed and got out off the car. She closed the door gentle and looked at him. Suddenly Killian nodded. He put on his sunglasses and put on his biggest smile.
"Hey beautiful. Wanna take a ride?"
Emma stifled a laughter, she didn't want to make him even angrier although his fake accent was hilarious and also kind of adorable.
"Sure, Captain."
She carefully opened the door and sat down, closing it more gentle than necessary. When she locked eyes with him he bent over and brushed a kiss on her cheek. "Thank you."
Emma smiled at him, she fastened her seatbelt and placed her hand on his on the gearshift again.
He beamed at her and started the engine. With a smooth move he steered into the light traffic.
Emma has never been in a car like that. It felt like having butterflies in her stomach. She smiled and looked out of the window.
Killian looked at her and smiled. He had missed her so much and he loved when he made her smile, when he was the one who was the reason for her happiness. He intertwined their fingers, caressed her knuckles with his thumb. He brought his eyes back on the road and stepped on the gas.
Emma giggled. The feeling in her stomach became more and more intense. It felt like flying, it didn't feel like driving anymore. Every movement was swift, gentle. She didn't hear much of the engine what made the whole experience more irreal.
Suddenly Emma realised that they had left the city. "Where are we going?", she asked concerned.
"Well actually just to to pick up breakfast and then to the studio, but you looked so happy I thought we could take a ride first? Just for an hour or so?!"
"Oh Killian!", Emma squealed excited and squeezed his hand.
Killian was so happy. There was a point in his life he thought he would never drive a car ever again. Now he was in his most precious car with his most precious friend. He felt carefree, happy and relaxed. It even was no problem for him to just drive with his prosthetic hand. Next to her, he trusted in his skills and as relaxed as Emma was, she seemed to trust him too.
Three hours later they stopped in front of a café. When he got out and opened the door for her she fell into his arms. "Thank you for the ride. It was amazing. I… I don't know what to say."
Killian smiled at her. „Whenever you want, we can go again. I nearly forgot how I missed driving the car. That was until you gave me the courage to give it another try."
Emma looked at him speechless. „You mean, you didn't drove that car since…"
„No, I did not touch it since Milah's death. After the accident I thought I would never again place myself behind a wheel, but there was one point I needed to. Nevertheless, I tried to avoid being the driver as much as possible. I bought a cheap car, in which I did not felt too comfortable. It reminded me, that I had to be thankful that I was able to drive again, that I couldn't take it for granted. Until yesterday. I really missed this car. It was one of my most favourites. Thank you, Emma." He placed his arm on her shoulders and kissed her temple while he led her inside of the café.
Ten minutes later they came out again, their hands full with bags filled with food and a coffee tray.
Killian opened the door for her again and sat himself behind the wheel. "Ready?"
Emma nodded happily.
"Shall we find out how fast the lady is going?"
Emma beamed at him and fasten her seatbelt again.
"Let's go, Captain."
They interlaced their fingers again before Killian once more pulled into the light traffic.
Only one more week before the tour started and still a lot of work had to be done, so they decided to work as often together as possible. And neither of them did not enjoy it.
She has never been in a restaurant like that before. There were huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, only male waiters all wearing tailcoats. The young woman at the entrance let them directly to their table, smiling when Neal nodded at her slightly and gave her a bill secretly.
The tables were all covered in white and blue or red tablecloths, a beautiful modern table decoration and a candle placed in the middle of each table.
Neal helped her to sit down, she blushed when he kissed her cheek, telling her for the forth time that evening how beautiful she was. She felt like a princess, her hair up, her purple dress with a low neckline and a black clutch matching her high heels.
She was still looking around, admiring her surroundings when their waiter approached. Neal helped her decide and ordered a bottle of a very expensive sounding wine.
„I am so happy that you are here with me tonight", he suddenly said and took her hand. She looked back at him and smiled. „I am also happy that I could make it. I've missed you so much."
Their waiter came back with the wine and appetizers. They fell into a light conversation bringing each other up to date. They laughed and talked, touched and looked at each other happily until their food arrived.
The food was beyond delicious. Neal's medium rare steak was perfect, he never ate a better one in his whole life. Also his side dishes, the potatoes and the vegetables were delicious. Her seafood plate was also a wonderful composition. The arranging, the taste and the quality, everything worth the high price of a three Michelin star restaurant.
When they finished their dinner, Neal looked around nervously. Finally he plucked up courage and got up, standing right beside her. She looked at him bewildered, irritated and a bit embarrassed.
"Neal? Oh my god what are you...", she started to smiled at him broadly when Neal dropped to one knee in front of her, holding out a velvet box with a diamond ring inside. She was so surprised, she didn't even notice the tears streaming down her face.
"Will you marry me?" his throat was sore, he was nervous and his hands were sweaty. But he knew it was the right thing to do, he knew she would accept. She couldn't refuse, not after seeing the ring he bought.
It was not a simple ring, it was a braided gold and white gold ring with a huge diamond in the middle of it. It was the most expensive object he ever bought, the most expensive object he ever possessed, but nothing was too expensive for her. He would buy her the world if that was possible.
"Yes, yes I do, Neal Cassidy. I will marry you", her smile got even bigger when he slipped the ring on her finger and put the box back in his jacket. He stood up and wrapped his arms around her.
She laughed happily and started to cover his whole face with kisses. Some people around smiled at them or said aww or toasted to them, but neither Neal nor her noticed it. They were absorbed in their own little bubble, kissing and hugging each other like there was no tomorrow.
He put her back to her feet and helped her to sit down. "Shall we order a dessert?"
She nodded happily, still looking at her hand and the ring. She was beyond happy and thought about how she could make it up to him. She smirked when Neal ordered two different desserts which they could share.
"I'm just going to use the bathroom, I'll be back in a minute." Neal stood up and kissed her again before he walked towards the restrooms. After he finished and washed hands he took out his phone. He checked the time and dialled a number.
It rang four times until finally someone answered.
"Hey babe! How are you?"
"Hey! Thanks I'm fine, I'm working at the moment."
"I thought you just have to work on Tuesday and Thursday", he answered and looked into the mirror.
"I'm not working at the diner at the moment, I'm with Killian working on our set list." Neal heard Killian mumble something in the background but wasn't able to understand a word. Emma laughed and said something to Killian, but again Neal was not able to hear what she was saying. Probably she was covering the microphone.
"Oh okay, I won't disturb you any longer. Will you call me tomorrow so we can talk before you leave?"
"Sure, you having another gig tonight?" Neal heard Emma laughing and clenched his teeth.
"No, I am out with Jeff and the gang."
„Oh, say hi to them from me", she laughed again, „okay, I have to go now or Killian will do something stupid. Bye."
„Bye, babe." Neal hung up again and put his phone back in his pocket. He fixed his hair, took a deep breath and went back into the restaurant.
When he reached the table he beamed at his fiancé. He kissed her again before sitting down. The desserts already waiting on their table.
„Everything alright? You look a bit flustered." She tilted her head and took his hand.
„Sorry, I think the tension is falling off now and I start to realize that we are engaged", he squeezed her hand still smiling. „I love you, Tamara."
„I love you too, Neal."