Guest/Al/Trinity Dower/R3dN0te/shamika . granberry/Thulas/alex/EP – Nick always has the worse timing. But don't worry! Paige got this
Barb – Thank you! And glad to hear your mac is doing well
Cam/Perl/Mar – Thank you! That really means a lot!
Guest – I know you guys were all waiting for this and I wish I could have put in more sexy times for you guys before Nick steps into the picture…but I didn't. I can tell you there will be one more sexy time before story ends…at least I think it's sexy.
Shadedgrey15 – hahaha "Bye Felicia"…love it!
Thecatfromaliceinwonderland – first off…love the name! And second, thank you so much! I really wish I could have done an extended -, uncut-, special edition -, director's cut version of a steamy scene in this chapter…butt I didn't :-( BUTTT…there will be a pretty hot scene (at least I think it's hot) in the next chapter.
Tommy88/izzawesome – I always appreciate your PM's!
On a side note, the story is coming to an end. I hope I have and will continue doing it justice.
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Grabbing a piece of toast from the dining room table, Paige made her way over to her mother as she deposited a kiss on the top of the middle aged woman's head before taking a seat.
"Morning" Paige excitingly acknowledged as she finally took a bite out of toast. Sitting down, Paige folded her legs beneath her as she looked over her right to read the Wall Street Journal; still displaying a large grin across her lips.
"Well, you seem to be in an amazing mood" the petite woman stated as she gave Paige a plate of eggs and smoked salmon.
Paige couldn't hold hide the beaming smile; she didn't want to. "That's because I am".
"Care to share why?" Paige suddenly heard from behind her as she watched her father take a seat at the head of the table. Placing his New York Times on the side of his breakfast plate, Paige watched as her father's eyes focused solely on her.
The last thing Paige wanted to do in that situation was confess her happiness to her parents; knowing they would both destroy it instantly. Quickly thinking on her feet, the auburn girl responded, "We just closed a $2.5 bn client with the company. Our bonuses should be taking note of that".
"Congratulations! That's amazing Paige" Paige heard her motherly sweetly express as she gave her daughter a hug from behind.
Paige watched as her father continued to stare at her without any recognition. Clearing her throat, Paige continued eating her meal before hearing the intimidating voice once again.
"Does that mean you're going to have a busy week?" the older man asked as he took a sip of his coffee.
"I'm not positive. The two subjects don't really relate" Paige quietly answered.
"Are you working this weekend?" the man continued asking.
Nipping at her curiosity, Paige squinted her eyes and tilted her head before responding. "Not that I'm aware of. Why?"
Taking a large bite of his bagel, Nick placed it down as he rolled up his sleeves. "Good. You have a date at 8pm at Hakkasan"
Nearly chocking over toast, Paige cleared her throat as she looked over to her father to see if he was suddenly hit with a humorous side. Clearly seeing that he wasn't, Paige's eyes widen as she watched him take another bite of his bagel.
"Dad, that's not necessary…I…I can get myself a date" Paige stuttered out confused what was currently happening.
"You have a date at 8pm Saturday at Hakkasan" Mr. McCullers repeated. "I suggest you do your best to impress the woman"
"No" Paige sternly said as she wiped her mouth with her table napkin and stood up. "We're done here"
As Paige made her way toward the door, she came to a complete halt as she heard her father's explanation. "Her name is Sarah Bosch. I believe you know her father".
Paige was frozen solid. All she was able to feel was the heat radiating through her as her heart dropped. Turning around to face her father, she had fear and anger in her eyes. "What did you do?"
Wiping his mouth, Nick placed his napkin down as he stood up. "I took the initiative and tried to help you advance in your career. I thought you would appreciate that". Watching as his daughter was visibly shaking, he continued. "Derek thought it was an excellent idea. He knows you're dedicated to your job and you're a committed worker and daughter to our community"
Tears instantly filled Paige's eyes as she felt her throat constrict. "What did you do?" she tearfully asked again.
"I told your boss you would love to go on a date with his daughter. He absolutely loved the idea" the aggressive man stated. "To think, not only would you get a promotion, but my family would be related to one of the most well-adjusted families out there. I wouldn't have to deal with any shame once again."
Looking into her father's cold eyes, Paige knew in her gut that somehow the man knew; he always knew. Nick always had a sixth sense when it came to any of his children's happiness; it seemed like it was his mission to always destroy it. Paige couldn't hold back the tears falling freely from her eyes; she felt as she was suffocating. Barging out of her parent's house, Paige tripped over the last stair outside; falling on her knees. Her eyes were pooling with water, blurring her vision as she forced herself to breathe. Emily.
Trying to get her footing, Paige staggered up as she strained herself to stand up. Feeling her phone vibrate, she took out her cell to see she received a text.
Paige! I heard your father told you the good news. Sarah is absolutely ecstatic to meet you Saturday. You two will make a beautiful couple. Don't even worry about the restatement. We'll handle it Monday – Bosch
Paige felt as though she was going to pass out right there. How did it now become about her job or her life? Why is he doing this? Emily.
XXXXXXX
Exiting through the rotation doors of her building, Emily witnessed Paige tripping over her own feet just walking up the stairs to her building. Increasing her stride, Emily ran over to Paige to help her up, but instantly felt how much the girl was shaking below her. Placing her fingers below the auburn's girl chin, Emily titled Paige's face; forcing the girl to look at her. Taken aback from how much tears the girl was shedding, Emily grazed her thumb across her cheeks to wipe away some of them. Looking in the deep brown eyes she has loved so much, Emily finally spoke up. "Paige…what happened?"
"My dad" was all Paige was able to muster out.
Forcing Paige to stand up, Emily placed her arms around Paige's waist to give her extra support before leading her toward the seated area. Paige melted before Emily as soon as they sat down. Rubbing the girl's back, Emily tried to sooth her pain without knowing what happened.
After a few minutes of silence, Emily asked again. "Paige, you need to tell me what happened". Feeling the girl take in a deep breath, she watched as Paige sat up on her own.
Taking Emily's hand within her own, Paige took hold of Emily's gaze. "My dad had a word with my boss without my knowledge" Paige began.
"Uhm, your dad does understand this is your job right? This isn't school where he could talk to the principal or have a parent/teacher conference" Emily calmly stated.
Working up all her courage, Paige continued. "He set up a date between me and my boss's daughter". Paige watched as Emily's face dropped; it broke her.
"You're joking right?" Emily sternly responded. When she saw Paige remained silent she took that as her answer. "Paige, no. No!" Emily began as she stood up. "This isn't high school. You can't just date everyone. You can't just hide behind some girl to hide your feelings of another girl!"
"Em" Paige started as she stood up.
"Are you going to see her?" Emily asked sternly as she met Paige's eyes. Watching the girl fidget before her, Emily knew the answer once again.
"Em" Paige started again.
"No" Emily firmly said as she walked away. Taking in a deep breath, Emily closed her eyes as she combed back her hair. "When is it?"
"Saturday at 8pm" Paige answered, disgusted with herself.
"Where?" Emily sternly asked again feeling her insides dip at the details of the date.
"Hakkasan" Paige answered again. She watched as Emily's eyes filled with tears as she held herself.
"Em, nothing is going to happen" Paige tried to say as she walked closer; only watch Emily pull back.
"How can you say that? You know what's going to happen" Emily responded harshly.
"Em, I promise you-" Paige began before watching the girl retrieve again.
"I can't do this right now. I have a meeting" Emily said as she began walking back to her office. "Have fun on your date".
"Emily" Paige screamed out but knew it was no use. If she was in Emily's position, she'd do the same thing and just walk away.
XXXXXXX
Waiting outside the restaurant for about 20 minutes, Paige knew she had to go inside soon despite wanting to wait for Emily; hoping the brunette would text her back. After she tearfully explained the situation a few days ago, the bronze beauty became silent on Paige. Every day was more painful after the next. Paige tried going to her apartment, meeting her after work, even trying to enter her building; but Emily refused to talk to her. The auburn girl was just hoping for one text; any text. A hateful text. A text acknowledging she's still there. But there was nothing.
Taking in a deep breath, Paige entered the restaurant before spotting the teal shirt both girls decided to wear as a way to recognize each other.
"Sarah?" Paige pleasantly greeted as she stood next to the short blonde woman near the bar.
"Paige! Hi!" the shorter woman excitedly greeted. "I didn't think you were going to show. Hence the early drinking" she continued as she tipped her Corona toward the auburn girl.
Feeling immediately guilty, Paige cleared her throat. "I'm so sorry about that. I was a bit intimidated about the situation in all honesty".
"I was actually surprised to hear you actually agreed to the set up" Sarah admitted.
Realizing it was her father's doing, Paige made eye contact with the bartender. "Hey can I have Corona? Thanks" she ordered before taking off her jacket. Turning back to Sarah, Paige sat down. "Well, what can I say? I'm full of surprises"
"Ms. Bosch? Your table is ready" the waitress stated as she approached the girls.
"Do you still want to do dinner?" Sarah asked as she faced Paige.
"Of course" Paige answered with a false smile as she took a sip of her beer.
Following the waitress to their seats, Paige took the initiative as she pulled out Sarah's chair before taking her own seat.
"So Sarah, why did you agree to go on this date with me?" Paige asked as she took the menu from the waitress.
Giving the auburn girl a smirk, Sarah realized Paige didn't remember her. "You don't remember me huh?"
"We met before?" Paige asked as she scrunched her eyebrows. "When?"
"2013. During the speed networking event in Times Square" Sarah revealed with a smile.
Spitting out her beer slightly, Paige began remembering the girl. "Oh my gosh. You were the girl in the bathroom"
Not controlling her laughter, Sarah held up her bottle. "That's me"
"Geez, how's your head?" Paige asked in dread.
"A lot better now. I actually have a matching scar to go with the bruise you gave me" Sarah said feeling her forehead.
"Wow" Paige stated as she widen her eyes. Sitting back again, Paige continued. "I'm so sorry again. I didn't know you were Derek's daughter"
"Would you have hit me differently?" Sarah asked.
"Funny. It was hardly a hit. Who stands behind the bathroom door anyway?" Paige asked with a genuine smile.
"Who shoves the door open as though they have a mission to rip it off its hinges?" Sarah retorted.
"Good evening ladies. My name is Brian and I'll be taking your orders today" a tall burly man asked as he interrupted the girls conversation. "I see you already have your drinks. Would you want to go straight into your orders"
"Sure. I think I'll skip the appetizers and go straight to the entree. I'll have the black truffle roasted duck" Sarah stated as she handed the waiter her menu.
"And I will be skipping the appetizers as well. I'll have the Wok-fry lamb tenderloin" Paige replied with a smirk.
"It will be my pleasure ladies" the waiter responded as he finished writing down their orders before retreating toward the kitchen.
Watching the waiter make his way toward the kitchen with their orders, Paige turned her attention back to Sarah. About to apologize to the woman, she heard Sarah speak up.
"So why did you agree to this?" Sarah bluntly asked.
"What?" Paige asked as she spitted out her Corona for the second time tonight.
With a smile crawling across her lips, Sarah responded. "You don't seem to like the type of woman who needs her family to help find her someone".
Clenching her jaw, Paige's eyebrows rose. "Well that goes both ways".
"Well, I agreed for personal reasons." Sarah confessed as she watched Paige blush. "After running into you a few years ago, I couldn't get you off of my mind". Taking a sip of her Corona, Sarah couldn't help but smile as Paige looked like she was going to sink to the floor. "So since you didn't even realize it was me you were meeting, why did you agree?"
Swallowing hard, Paige caught Sarah's gaze. "Sarah" was all Paige had to say before allowing the girl to read her eyes.
"I see". Sarah said looking down. "You didn't agree". Looking down she continued. "You're taken aren't you?"
"I am" Paige admitted. "And I don't want to let her go".
"So given that you're here, either you father doesn't know, or doesn't approve" Sarah stated. "Which is it?"
"I think he knows" Paige said sadly. Looking back up toward the woman, Paige had to apologize. "I'm sorry. But you're-"
"The boss's daughter" Sarah finished. "I get it"
"I really am sorry" Paige sincerely replied. "If the situation was different, I'm sure I would have loved to go out on a second date with you"
"Don't even worry" Sarah acknowledged with a smile. "I should have known you'd be taken by now". As the food was delivered, Sarah continued. "But since we're here now, how about you have dinner with me as friends?"
"Thank you" Paige replied with a smile. "I would love too. Especially because I've been so nervous all day, I haven't eaten anything"
Letting out a laugh, Sarah picked up her knife and fork. "If I was in your position, I think I would have done the same thing" Sarah admitted. "So why don't you tell me about this girl that gotten you so smitten?"
"Well, her name is Emily. I've known her since high school" Paige began with a beaming smile.
XXXXXXX
Looking up at the vast 7 story building before her, Paige focused her attention on the fire escape located at the right end of the building. Unfortunately for her, it was a good 8 feet from floor to ladder before she could even climb it. Taking in a deep breath, Paige didn't care about any of the obstacles before her. Rubbing her hands together, the auburn girl took one last look at the ladder before running toward the apartment building as she stepped on the wall to give her the footing she needed before pushing off the wall and grabbing the end of the ladder. Pulling herself up, Paige strained a little before finally reaching the top of the first platform. Thrilled she made it, Paige couldn't wipe off the smile on her face.
Paige knew Emily wasn't going to buzz her in, but she needed to see her; she needed to talk to her. Walking up 4 additional flights on the fire escape, Paige clenched her jaw before looking through the window. She knew she might be invading the brunette's privacy, but Paige needed to apologize. She needed Emily to give her another chance…again. Feeling her chest dip as she realized no lights were on, Paige could feel herself tearing up as the realization of the beauty being out on a Friday dawned on her. Biting her lip, Paige looked down at her hands. Tightening her jaw, Paige stood up in defeat but not before noticing a slight movement from the corner of her eyes. Turning to face the sudden shift, Paige looked closer into the brunette's bedroom before she noticed the tip of someone's heading from behind the bed. Emily.
Tapping the window lightly with her nail, Paige didn't see the brunette turn around. Tapping the window with a little more force, the auburn girl took notice as the brunette stilled. Knowing Emily heard her, Paige stopped. "Em, please. Open the window". Feeling her entire body drop at the possibility the brunette had completely given up on her, Paige wasn't going to give up that easily. "Please, Em. Let me explain. Tonight didn't go at all as you think it might have. Please". Paige begged again. Standing up, Paige knew the beauty wasn't going to open the window. Trying to open it herself, Paige was surprised and pissed it actually worked. Anyone could sneak into this place.
Climbing into the girl's bedroom, the sound of sniffling could be heard before Paige turned around to close and lock the window. Placing her jacket on the bed, Paige cautiously made her way to the other side of the bed unsure of the state she was going to see Emily in. When the brunette finally came into view, Paige could physically feel her entire heart ache. Emily was curled in the corner between her bed and lamp table; completed defeated and crying as her eyes were shut. Slowly kneeling down, Paige was about to touch the brunette's knee but suddenly stopped as she heard the beauty speak up.
"Don't" Emily stated sternly. "Just leave Paige".
"Em, nothing happened" Paige said quietly.
"I don't care. You still went" Emily responded heart brokenly.
"I didn't know what to do" Paige quietly admitted. "What was I supposed to do?"
Squeezing herself closer into the corner, Emily wanted to be as far away from the auburn girl as possible but didn't have any strength within her to do so. "You were supposed to fight for me but you didn't" Emily answered as she finally looked into Paige's regretful eyes. "I want you to leave".
"I am fighting now. I am fighting for us." Paige forcefully responded as she gently touched Emily's knee to make her understand. "I want you. I want us".
"Why? Why now? What? Your date wasn't a good enough fuck for you?" Emily angrily said as she shoved Paige's hand aside before standing up.
"Because I love you." Paige determinedly admitted as she stood up as well. Watching the brunette halt in front with her back faced toward her, Paige continued. "I love you. I love your honesty, your sincerity, your passion. I love your bluntness and your self-motivation. I love your studious side and your playful side. I liked you since I first saw you, but I began falling for you as soon as I got to know you. I was a stupid kid…not for having a crush on you but for not fighting for you when I should have. I ran away from you because I was scared. What I felt for you terrified me. I regretted leaving since I said good-bye to you the first time. There is no way in hell I'm going to say it again. I don't care about my job. I don't care what's going to happen. I just want you to stay with me."
Tearfully turning around, Emily froze but couldn't look toward the auburn girl. "When did you know?"
"I've always known." Paige admitted. Walking toward the girl to face her, Paige continued. "I was a complete idiot for freezing when my dad did what he did. It scared me knowing he could take control of my life in an instant. But I realized tonight that I need to stand up and take control of it. I've worked my ass of to be where I am; giving up what I wanted back in high school. I refuse to walk away from you again". Reaching out to wipe a few tears from the brunette's eyes, Paige heard her talk again.
"You seem pretty certain of your choice" Emily stated.
"That's because I am" Paige whispered as she leaned her forehead against Emily. Taking in their proximity, Paige relished in the feel before she continued. "You were wearing this huge black Mets hoodie, with a pair of skinny jeans and you had your hair in this messy bun". Licking her bottom lip, Paige looked deeply into Emily's brown eyes as thought she was going to get lost in them. "It was a Tuesday. We were in the cafeteria just having breakfast when Principal Evans was about to make a speech about the regents schedule. You didn't seem to care about authority at that point, or maybe it was because you were in Midwood for only 3 days. But you came all stealth next to my table and just tapped me on the shoulder. Bending down to avoid getting in trouble, I turned around and for the first time I just got completely lost in your eyes. Then you started screaming at me about the way I treat woman" Paige finished with a smirk.
"Theresa" Emily whispered out.
"You barely knew her, but you had so much passion in defending her. You just came over and asked if I was Paige McCullers. Then proceeded to call me a self-centered dip-shit who will be lonely for the rest of my life" Paige recalled with a laugh. "Then I just watched you walked away in complete aw".
"That was the first…and only time I saw you speechless" Emily said with a smile.
"Because it was the first time I was ever completely dazed by a woman" Paige admitted. "I was just so turned on by you and your feistiness."
Arching her eyebrow, Emily rolled her eyes as she pulled away. "Gee, it must have been true love".
Grabbing the brunette's hand, Paige swiftly pulled her back before grabbing her by the waist. "I was jealous over everyone when it came to you. That's how I knew. It wasn't just about me being physically attracted to you. I was attracted to everything about you. From every smile you gave, and it wasn't just to Bess. But…every touch, every kiss you did give her, I just wanted to knock her out."
"She was your best friend" Emily stated as she stared at her hands which laid on Paige's chest.
"At the time, yeah" Paige admitted. "And yeah I was angry. But you both deserved the best of everything."
"Maybe you just wanted a stable relationship" Emily replied thinking of reasons that would explain Paige's infatuation with her.
"No, it was more than that. I wanted you. I wanted all of you. Every time we won a game, I wanted to run to you. When I found out about basically all my acceptance letters, I wanted to tell you first. I went all your games. Even when I told Hallie I couldn't make it, I was there." Paige continued admitting. "I wanted to take you out, for no reason. Just because it was Tuesday or a Thursday. I wanted everyone to know you were mine" the auburn stated as she gripped onto Emily's hips tighter. "The day we literally bumped into each other in the hallway and you told me about Bess, I wanted kill her. But I was also to blame. The instant I knew something was going on with Bess, I should have put you first."
"It wasn't your fault" Emily replied as she looked into Paige's deep brown eyes.
"No, but I waited too long" Paige answered regretfully.
Wrapping her arms around the auburn girl's neck, Emily needed to ask the question. "Tell me the truth. Are you sure you want to be with me. Despite knowing what your family wants?"
Pulling the brunette toward the large bean bag chair by the window, Paige sat down before pulling Emily on top of her and wrapping her arms securely around her. "Yes. If I admitted it to myself first years ago, we would have years under our belts together. But I don't really know how I would have handled my dad."
"You didn't even know how to handle me" Emily stated.
"I didn't, which I liked. I was head over heels you for you. I knew if I ever spoke to you the way we did in the park that night, I would have confessed everything to you without giving a care in the world about my family" Paige admitted.
"And now?" Emily asked as she felt her body slightly turn to face Paige.
"And now, I don't care. I love you. I choose to be with you than worry about what my family thinks" Paige truthfully answered.
"You can't just ignore your family Paige" Emily stated. "Especially your dad".
"I won't. But I won't ignore you either. I'm going to tell them about us, I'll deal with the consequences after. I won't stay away from or ignore my faith" Paige responded as she nuzzled into Emily's hair. "But I don't care what they have to say when it comes to us" she finished before kissing the top of the brunette's head.
After a few minutes of reveling in the feel of each other, Emily spoke up once again. "So are you going to tell me about your date?"
Letting out a small laugh, Paige nodded. "We both agreed it wasn't a date" Paige began before telling the brunette in detail of the night. Holding the girl closer and closer to her, neither woman wanted to be anywhere else but right there; in the dark, in a bean bag chair, in each other arms.